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"We are the protagonists of our stories called life, and there is no limit to how high we can fly."


PHD. MBA. MHS. Type rated on A350, A330, B777, B747-400, B747-200, B757, B767, B737, B727. International Airline Pilot / Author / Speaker. Dedicated to giving the gift of wings to anyone following their dreams. Supporting Aviation Safety through training, writing, and inspiration. Fighting for Aviation Safety and Airline Employee Advocacy. Safety Culture and SMS change agent.

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Privatizing ATC

Could Destroy an Industry... 

Is this really what we want to do?

Central Terminal at Sea-Tac Airport. Photo: Port of Seattle image by Don Wilson, borrowed from Aviation Today.

Join the discussion this week on Privatization of an Industry. To learn more on the subject, read: 


How will this impact General Aviation? How will the impact on GA impact commercial Aviation? What will happen to safety? The snowball is about to roll down hill at a rapid pace unless we do something. 

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Fight for Right!
XO Karlene 

Monday, May 29, 2017

Memorial Day 2017

Honoring our Fallen Heroes. 

"They gave up two lives...
The lives they were living, 
and the lives they had yet to live."

We must always remember.



If you have a memorial day story you would like to share, join the Eastern Airlines Show tonight. 

"I know you will enjoy the music and hope you can contribute to the show in your own words a favorite story on the occasion we honor our fallen heroes. Have a wonderful holiday with your family and friends." Neal and Dorothy - Producers.

Join your Eastern Airlines Crew 
on the EAL Radio Show 
Episode 320 

Monday May 29, 2017

7 pm EDT


Call 213-816-1611 

Where you can either listen or talk.
Or log on to listen at
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/capteddie


 Captain Neal Holland  ♦ Jim Hart 
*Captain Steve Thompson *Chuck Allbright Linda Fuller
*Captain George Jehn*Dorothy Gagnon*Don Gagnon
Will be your hosts!

Enjoy the Journey!
XOX Karlene

Friday, May 26, 2017

Sharing the Gift of Flight

Through his podcasts...

Nicolas Jackson

Friday's Fabulous Flyer!

"My love affair for aviation started in my first decade when I got a ride in a GA aircraft from my home airport in Chico, CA (KCIC) to Vacaville, CA (KVCB). It was a unique experience for someone in their first decade. Looking on at The Sutter Buttes, Sacramento River and miles and miles of orchards and farms below with a whole new perspective. As soon as I got home, I started pretending to be a pilot on my bunk bed.



Eventually, though, the bunk bed wasn’t enough. My flight simulation addiction started when I convinced my parents to buy me Sierra Pro 99. When that got old, I got Flight Sim 98 (it was cheap) followed by FS 2000, FS 2002, FS 2004 and FSX. I was self taught so I learned by trial and error. With a big emphasis on error.



My introduction to commercial aviation came in the form of a Southwest 737 flight from Sacramento (KSMF) to Ontario, California (KONT).The flight was only an hour or so but it was enough! How was it possible to be zipping through the air at over 500 miles an hour? I was introduced to the 747-400 in early 2001 when I went from LA (KLAX) to Melbourne, Victoria (YMML) on Qantas. 


I had no idea at the time how much that pushed the 747’s range. After that flight, I spent many a days on Flight Simulator 2000 using heading select and altitude hold in an effort to duplicate that epic flight. I don’t think I was ever successful.

In high school my passion for all things transportation overshadowed all the normal things. But, I never considered being a pilot. It was never in the cards from a financial perspective. Instead, I opted to study Game Design. Hoping to get a job making flight simulator at Microsoft's Aces studios in Redmond, Washington. 



Nicnacjak Podcast

I did well in college. But, the majority of my time was spent advancing my knowledge of flight simulator. It started with learning VATSIM (multiplayer online ATC) in 2005. And, before I knew it I was a pro. I ended up using The PMDG 737NG and 747-400 for FS 2004. At long last completing that 744 flight to Melbourne the right way with VNAV, LNAV and naps! 

Towards the end of college, as I started trying to get a job with Microsoft, I started attending flight sim conventions, listening to aviation podcasts, making podcasts and thinking about flight school. The killer combo of flight school, a job at Microsoft, and a Beech Bonanza A36 never did come together. Microsoft closed Aces Studios and shut down the flight sim franchise in January of 2008. A little over a year after obtaining my Bachelors of Arts in Multimedia with an emphasis in game design.



The last decade has been hard in many ways. But, at some point, I started using FSX and continued with my podcasting efforts. Now things are finally starting to turn around. I started a flight sim podcast that has morphed into a more generic aviation podcast. Karlene was actually the first person that agreed to do an interview with me back in October of 2015. FSRideAlong is in Itunes and GoogelPlay and seems to be growing strong as I improve my podcasting skills, continue to play flight simulator and meet more people in aviation.


These days, I am slowly transitioning to X Plane 11 and I am still using FSX to fly PMDG’s Boeing aircraft all over the world. Lately, I’ve started working with people like Karlene to set them up with their own desktop simulators. I am also thinking about going back to school to do something that will merge my interests in aviation and technology and earn a bit of income!"


Flight Hours: 5
Sim Flight Hours: Too many to count
Planes Flown: Piper Tomahawk, Cessna 152, Cessna 172

Sim Planes Flown: 
Piper Tomahawk, Cessna 152, Cessna 172, 
A320, Boeing 737, 747, 757, 767, 777, Beech Bonanza

Website: nicnacjak.wordpress.com
Twitter: @nicnacjak 

Why Nicolas isn't flying for a career...
Click Here to Read More...

Enjoy the Journey
XO Karlene 


Wednesday, May 24, 2017

One Crazy and Dangerous

Airplane Landing


"A young British pilot flying a small turboprop aircraft in the wild jungles and mountains of Indonesia lands on an airstrip that most pilots would not dare. It took an indigenous tribe 14 years of construction to build this runway."

A MUST SEE




Enjoy The Journey!
XOX Karlene

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

World Endurance Record

Is An Inspiration In Flight!



For More Information Contact: 

Joe Burlas
Aviation Specialist
Veteran, USA

Monday, May 22, 2017

What Is FAA Hiding from the Public?


 And Why?

Every Monday the Eastern Airlines Crew hosts a live broadcast announcing "Breaking News" and then opens a discussion with an interesting aviation conversation. If you want to keep apprised of what is happening in the industry, this is the place to be. Then discussion continues to a topic of fascination.

This Monday will be about: 

What is the FAA hiding and why? 


Take a moment to read something interesting. A picture is worth a thousand words. Check this out on: Aviation Impact Reform, May 16, 2017 posting.  You will see the extent of what happens. But why? We would love listeners to join this talk, and share with your stories. The microphone opens up at the end of the talk for your comments and questions and they are appreciated.

Join your Eastern Airlines Crew 
on the EAL Radio Show 
Episode 319 

Monday May 22, 2017

7 pm EDT


I have an fascinating story that is in alignment with this topic, and I hope to make the show. However, this week I'll be babysitting, so my presence will be determined by the kiddo's schedule. If I make it, you'll hear how real life events work into my novels as plot points, and one in particular is in alignment with this topic and going into my next novel, Flight For Justice. 


Call 213-816-1611 

Where you can either listen or talk.
Or log on to listen at
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/capteddie


 Captain Neal Holland  ♦ Jim Hart 
*Captain Steve Thompson *Chuck Allbright Linda Fuller
*Captain George Jehn*Dorothy Gagnon*Don Gagnon
Will be your hosts!

Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene 

Friday, May 19, 2017

Mike MacNaughton

Friday's Fabulous Flyer!

Mike MacNaughton


As I have often said, Pilots are Plane Crazy. But there is nothing crazy about the love of aviation or those people who give their love to a great cause.  The Hope 100 all began because a Dad gave everything to his son to reach his dreams. Sadly, before his son could take Dad for a flight, his dad lost his battle with cancer. But this story is not about Joe Burlas today. This story is about his friend, Mike, who is donating his time, and love of aviation, to help break a world record in honor of Mr. Burlas! 

"Inspiration With a Purpose"

Mike's Story: 

"I was born on January 6th 1992 in Chicago, IL. I have one sister, Carolyn, who is nearly 2 years younger than me, so we grew up close. I lived in Roscoe Village, Chicago, near Wrigley Field until the age of six. My parents wanted my sister and me to have a better education so in 1998 we moved to New Lenox. I remember the first night we moved in, Carolyn and I were so excited to have a big backyard we spent the first night sleeping in a tent in the middle of the yard. 



I had a pretty typical upbringing. School, soccer, and friends. I had a happy, adventurous childhood. From as far back as I can remember I have always had a fascination with planes and aviation. From paper airplane kits, to designing a flying machine out of Legos; airplanes were always a constant variable in my life. 



I remember one time when I was about 6 years old, I found myself designing and building a makeshift aircraft out of things around the house. I nailed 3 pieces of 2x4 together: fuselage, wings, and a tail. I decided it needed a paintjob as well, so I brought it down to our newly finished basement for a quick spray-paint. A short 15 minutes later the blue and green camouflage pattern not only adorned my wooden model, but also the brand-new carpet. Though my father was furious, my passion and interest in airplanes continued. 



Following my passion for aviation, I joined my High School’s AFJROTC program freshman year. I enjoyed it immensely and found my niche with the program’s drill team. Sophomore year I also discovered the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and shortly after I truly discovered my passion for flight when CAP took a trip to the Johnson Flight Academy in Mattoon, IL. There were three slots that were available for a 7-day program: Gliders, Hot Air Balloons, and Powered Flight. Though I was a brand new to the program I was able to snag a spot with the Powered Flight group. I will never forget my first time in the little Cessna 172. The first time I pushed the throttle all the way forward, pulled up on the yolk, and left the earth is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. That week I logged my first 12 hours of flight. 



After high school, my love for flying lead me to enroll into Lewis University’s flight program. After getting my private pilot’s license, I found myself very interested with the mechanics of flight and with my Private Pilot’s license in hand, I made the decision to switch my major from flight to aircraft maintenance.

At first I was disappointed with not being able to fly on a regular basis but once I dove into the maintenance curriculum I found a real love for working on aircraft that I never realized I had. After my first semester in the program, I knew that fixing airplanes is something I can see myself doing for the rest of my life.




Towards the end of my time at Lewis University, I had a near death motorcycle accident. I was following my girlfriend into Chicago when suddenly I hit a mud flap laying on the road, lost control of my bike, and hit a telephone pole. I ended up getting airlifted to Loyola hospital’s ICU Level 1 Trauma Unit. 


I had internal bleeding, a shredded spleen, broken radius and ulna, 3 broken ribs, a severe concussion, a punctured lung, bruised heart, and lacerations covering my body. This definitely put a halt to my last semester of college but my professors were gracious enough to freeze my transcripts until I was back on my feet. 



In 2016, I finally graduated with a Bachelors in Science for Aviation Maintenance Management. Shortly after graduation I took a job working for Skywest Airlines out of O’Hare International Airport. I absolutely love my job. Whether it’s working on the line or working at the hanger, each day offers different issues that I find always challenge me to become a better mechanic. 



The past year and a half, I have also found myself working as the Maintenance Lead with The Hope 100. I was brought to this exceptional group when I was asked to attend an urgent meeting by Joe Burlas, a fraternity brother of mine in the International Aviation Fraternity Alpha Eta Rho. He understood my passion for aviation, specifically aviation maintenance, and approached me with a challenge to come up with modifications to an aircraft that would allow him and Kazimierz Dyduch to fly for 100 days without touching the ground. 



I look forward to building this machine of endurance with our large group of maintenance volunteers and it’s our aim to grab people’s attention and inspire the next wave of airmen. I’m also excited to bring attention to the incredible leaps forward that the Abramson Center is making in cancer research. In the future, I hope to work with Southwest Airlines, and possibly Boeing."


Click on The Hope 100 to learn more

Enjoy the Journey!
XOX Karlene

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Flight Is a Gift

That Many Take For Granted ...

Until it's gone

"Flying is my life but I am biploar so simming is as close as I can get. Without the sim and my connection to the simulation community I don't know where I would be."

My Friend Nicolas Jackson is an amazing individual, who loves flight. But these days all his flying is in a simulator. For him, the ability to depart in his jumbo jet, and fly through the night is what often keeps him going, even if he never leaves home. He is also is also the host of the Nicnacjak Podcast Network, and we have had multiple chats. Most recently we spoke for two hours... the link will be at the end of this post. But first, I want to tell you a little about Nicolas. 


He grew up loving planes and flight and his early years found him flying on his bunkbed. He is also computer savvy, and educated. However, the reality is, that Nicolas has a problem keeping him from flying aircraft...

Nicolas has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder



Mental illness is nothing to joke about, to mock, or to treat as if it were a substance abuse problem. For those who have a mental illness, it controls their life. Sometimes, it takes their life. 

The reality is, some airlines are using mental illness as a retaliatory tactic to remove pilots who report safety. These airlines also group mental health into a substance abuse category, that will leave the pilot on the street without a paycheck or insurance. 

I have done a great deal of research over the previous year and a half concerning this issue, and I wrote the novel, Flight For Sanity, that brings this issue to light.  But the truth is scarier than fiction. 


Also, I think Nicolas is in love with Darby... but I jokingly said to get in line. Everyone loves Darby. If you read the books, you'll know why. He has read and loves them all. But, I think the next novel will hit home for him, more so than the Sanity book. 

He's also helping me plot the next novel, and you can hear all about that in our discussion. But more than that, Nicolas is helping me to set up a simulator. He would help you too. That's what kind of a person he is... he gives more than he takes, and life has taken a great deal from him. It's taken his ability to fly a real airplane. 

Help Make a Dream Come True

There are many people asking for money on go-fund me. This time, I recommended Nicolas do this, to help him go to Flight Sim Con.  I would love to pay for the entire trip for him, but he understands my current challenges. Nicolas loves flight so much, and he is also helping Darby set up her flight simulator to keep her flying while her airline plays games with her. 

Please help me, help Nicolas 
keep his dreams of flight alive. 
Sending Nicolas to Flight Sim Con 
will help him grow is podcast. 

To Send Nicolas on his trip

My thought is, grab a cup of Jetstream coffee, in your jeststream mug and sit back and listen to this interview where we talk in depth about all the novels, and what poor Darby has gotten into this time, and where she is headed next. Actually, we talk about everything...  

Interview.


Follow Nicolas on Twitter: @nicnacjak
Follow him on Facebook
and email him at:


And please Donate something 
to make a young man's dream come true:



Enjoy the Journey!
XOX Karlene