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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.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Subject Matter Experts Wanted!

GA Instructors.... Want to get Involved?


Jim Hartman is an 
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University 
Doctoral Candidate 
who needs your help! 

Jim has worked in the aviation industry for 17 years. His first job was working at the United States Air Force Armstrong Research Laboratory on the F-16 Flight Simulator Training program as a Human Factors Engineer. 

He has also worked for the United States Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, the City of Phoenix Aviation Department in airside/landside operations, Lockheed Martin Technology Services in military simulator training, the Fulton School of Engineering Aviation Programs as a faculty member teaching graduate safety and undergraduate aviation meteorology courses, the Federal Aviation Administration in the Air Traffic Organization (Operations Quality Control) as well as the Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Weather Office at Washington DC Headquarters as the National Ceiling and Visibility Program Manager. 

He is nearing completion of his doctorate degree in Aviation Human Factors/Aviation Safety Management Systems through Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach Campus, and needs four subject matter experts to assist.


The Research


"I am conducting exploratory research for my dissertation on General Aviation inadvertent instrument meteorological condition contextual factors." Jim Hartman


Jim tells me there is a 95% fatality rate associated with GA accidents attributed to inadvertent flight from VFR into IMC. Therefore he decided to use subject matter experts (SMEs) to analyze 85 GA accidents attributed to this transition. 

The key to this research is to gain the pilot perspective. The question was, who is an SME for this type of research? 

Initially Jim was looking to get ATP pilots-- those airline types. But the truth is, while ATPs may be experts at many things, we are dispatched IFR and this type of transition does not impact our operations for many reasons. 

The experts for this type of research would be long term Instructors who have been doing this for years, and understand the challenges and reasons that pilots find themselves flying from VFR into IMC conditions. 

Highly Experienced 
GA Pilot Instructors
Who want to get involved
Please contact Jim Hartman at

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Brain Pick

"Uber did it with cars. Airbnb did with homes. But the most valuable and under-utilized asset people own is their knowledge. Brain Pick lets you earn side-cash simply by sharing what you know."


"Introducing a new way 
to give and receive 
professional advice"

Jack Cooper

 
"Can I pick your brain over coffee? Everyone has both been asked this question and asked it of others, but we’re all so busy these days—with scarcely enough time to get everything done on our calendars as it is—it’s hard to find the time. What if there was an easier way to give and receive professional advice, and a seamless way to pay and be compensated for it? After all, how many times have we half-jokingly said “send me the bill” after we pick someone's brain at Starbucks? We set out to make picking someone’s brain easier by using paid video calls to connect people looking for professional advice to people offering it. With professionals available from hundreds of different industries, you can find someone to answer your questions on just about any topic—from Aviation to Art, Fitness to Finance, Music to Marketing, Leadership to Languages, Software to Skydiving. "


Receiving Advice

"Picking someone’s brain is fast and easy. Once you find a professional who you think can help answer your questions, simply request a video call with them, propose a time, and add a quick note explaining what you’d like to discuss. Once you’ve both agreed on when to connect, you only pay for their actual time on the video call, based on their posted billing rate. For example, if a professional's billing rate is $2/min and your call lasts for 20 mins, you will be charged $40, plus a small credit card processing fee. You never pay for wait or buffering time, and the first two minutes of the call are always free, so you have ample time for introductions, small talk, and to further determine if the professional can help you. In this same spirit of fairness, after the free two-minute window expires, a minimum 15-minute charge applies, which helps the professional manage their schedule, and ensures they are adequately compensated for their time."

Giving Advice 

"Any professional can give advice on Brain Pick. You might already make a living as an advisor or consultant. You might already have a full-time job, you might be retired, or perhaps you just know a lot about a particular industry, topic or skill. Regardless of your profession, you can earn additional income on-the-side giving advice in your free time. To get started earning money offering your advice on Brain Pick, you simply set up your account, add your banking information, and choose the billing rate (eg. $10/min) you’d like to charge other Brain Pickers. 

You can also offer free advice to people. Once your profile is live, people that are interested in picking your brain will request a video call with you directly in the app—you can accept, decline, or propose a different time. Once you join a video call, you can chat for as long as you both like—the first two minutes of the call are always free, which gives you both time to further determine if there’s a fit. In the same spirit of fairness, after the free two-minute window expires, a minimum charge of 15 minutes applies, so you’re always adequately compensated for your time. 

After a call is complete, your customer is automatically charged for your time on the video call (eg. if your billing rate is $10/min and you chat for 20 minutes, your gross earnings are $200). We then directly deposit your net earnings (there’s approximately a 15%-17% service and processing fee) into your bank account, which typically takes 7-10 business days. You can accept as many calls as you’d like, at your convenience and on your schedule; during the day, at night, on the weekends, during the morning commute or a coffee break, or even while chilling on the couch or walking the dog.

At the end of the day, we wanted to create a more personal way for people to get answers and advice about whatever interests them, and a more convenient way for professionals to share their expertise and experience—and earn extra money for doing it. We all have valuable knowledge to share, and right now there's someone, somewhere, looking to connect with them. There hasn't been an easy way to do it. Until Now."

When I asked Jack how he came up with this idea, he said...

"So we came up with the idea for Brain Pick after receiving many requests on LinkedIn from people who wanted to pick our brains about the industries we worked in—usually asking to meet at Starbucks. We agreed a few times, but usually had to decline these requests. We hated saying no—as we always want to help people out—but we were simply too busy. And taking an hour or two meant missing work or shifting a paying client appointment. Then one day, after coming back from meeting someone at Starbucks for a couple hours, my wife joked, “You should be charging people!” And then the lightbulb went off."


For more information about Brain Pick 

Enjoy the journey!
XO Karlene 

Friday, August 23, 2019

Gryphon Shafer

Friday's Fabulous Flyer! 

Gryphon Shafer

"Greetings. I'm Gryphon Shafer, a private pilot who lives and works in Washington State. With my family, I fly a variety of small aircraft to all corners of the State and everywhere in between in a constant search for interesting and fun things to do.

Hanging out in pilots' lounges, both in the real world and the far more bizarre virtual world of online social networks, I've frequently overheard and participated in conversations about where to go, what to see, and what to do. This is especially prevalent in groups of pilots who only recently earned their wings. "I was thinking I'd fly south, maybe to X or Y or Z airport. But I'm not sure what I'd do when I get there. What's there to do?"


I wrote my book as a guidebook for private aviators in Washington State, or folks visiting the State. My hope is to provide readers with useful hints and suggestions about places to go and things to do while there. There's an amazing world out there to explore. As pilots, we get to explore more of it and from a very special point of view. The greatest regrets come from what we don't do. There's nothing quite so depressing as an unused airplane.

Each summer, our family of 4 loads up way too much luggage and sets off on a flying adventure. Each morning, after I've been appropriately obsessive about understanding the weather, we open up a sectional, look at airports an hour or two away, and pick a destination. We stay in hotels and B&Bs, we eat out a lot, and we experience the special features of each town we find ourselves in.


The first year we did this, we found ourselves one morning on our way westward to from Kalispell to Coeur d'Alene. The sky was an unbroken blue, the air as smooth as glass. We were fairly high up, crossing over the Rockies on our way back to Idaho. And we heard giggling. Our two children in the back were making faces at each other, giggling unceasingly for over an hour. And so the trip was forever called GiggleFest.

Each year since, we've flown a new edition of GiggleFest. It has given our children an unparalleled opportunity to see things from a new and special point of view. The time we've spent together as a family is invaluable.


A Pilot's Guide to Washington

Never before in the history of aviation has such a book as this been crafted, mostly because people had better things to do. Fortunately for pilots living in or visiting Washington State, the author had nothing better to do. And thus, *A Pilot's Guide to Washington* was born.

Each "riveting" chapter is filled full with exciting details of airports in Washington State and the restaurants, things to do, and overnight accommodations within walking distance of your tiedown. Every "thrilling" airport entry is rated (based on the author's prejudices) and includes information about courtesy cars and whether the place is worthy of a family day-trip.


Many pilots talk about the mythical $100 hamburger, something almost as famous as the FAA-certified 50-foot obstacle located at the end of nearly all hypothetical runways. But what happens when the excitement of the $100 hamburger no longer motivates you to fly?

Ocean Shores WA

This book is a guidebook for private aviators in Washington State, or folks visiting the State. Washington State is among the most beautiful and diverse states in the Union. There are flat and dry deserts, stunning basalt formations, towering mountains, rolling grass hills, thick rain forests, island archipelagos, and lakes and rivers and straits and sounds. Well, one sound. And we have roughly a billion airports to visit. (I'm exaggerating slightly.) It would be shame to be a pilot living in or visiting Washington State and not deeply partake of the richness of this opportunity.

Grays Harbor WA

With this book in hand, no pilot will ever need ask, "What's there to do at Blah Blah Airport?" (No pilot should ever ask this question anyway because as far as I know there's no such place as Blah Blah Airport. However, if indeed there is a Blah Blah Airport, the naming committee should get gold metals, because that would be totally awesome.)"

GET YOUR COPY TODAY!


Twitter: @GryphonShafer
LinkedIn: GryphonShafer

Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene 

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

First Solo!

The Amazing Charles Jacob Young 
Takes to the Sky! 

 

"On August 11th at 1620 PDT, on his 16th Birthday (actually we cheated by about 4.5 hours since he wasn’t born until 2100), Charles Jacob Young, did alone, and completely unassisted, safely defy gravity in our trusty Cessna 172, N94CA and solo with 3 takeoffs and 3 landings (no bounces) at Seattle’s Boeing Field."


"This now makes 3 out of 3 of the Young household that are pilots. His mother and I are beyond thrilled (and I didn't know she could hold her breath that long while he went around the pattern). That 172 felt like a fighter on takeoff without Dad in the right seat, as sure was quiet too without someone talking the whole time! Too bad that same plane floated half way down the runway on landing!"


First approach to landing! 
It will be cool for him in the future to look at these pictures as he Captains one of those 787s


"First landing. Right in front of the Boeing Flight Test center where his mom and dad met over 25 years ago - leading to this day, That airplane that leapt into the air on takeoff sure seems to float forever on landing!"





Losing his shirttail 






"He will take his car drivers license test next week - 
you have to have your priorities."


His father says, "I would really appreciate if you could relate to him what your first solo meant to you. This is a very special group of people he is joining." 

Congratulations Charles!!
I'm looking forward to flying with you!

(8 years ... you can do it!) 

Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene 

Monday, August 12, 2019

Death by Airplane

Honor their Memory!

Join Eastern Airlines Kitchen Talk Radio tonight to hear stories of deaths in aircraft, of famous people. Many people know friends or relatives who have lost their life in an aircraft. Tonight our friends at Eastern will discuss famous people and open the lines up for you to share your stories too. 


Episode 426
Monday
August 12, 2019
7 pm EST

Call in: 

at 7:00 P. M. EDT 

or listen in by clicking the hyperlink:
www.blogtalkradio.com/capteddie.


Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene 



Thursday, August 8, 2019

Aviation Safety

Safe Landings Act

"Congressman DeSaulnier and Captain “Sully” Sullenberger to Unveil Legislation to Prevent Air Travel Incidents and Accidents like Recent Air Canada Incident at SFO Walnut Creek, CA"


"Today at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and Captain “Sully” Sullenberger will unveil the Safe Landings Act, comprehensive legislation inspired by the recent rise of near-misses at airports across the country—including at SFO—and the two deadly Boeing 737 Max jet crashes. 

The bill would address major gaps in aviation safety, including those that contributed to these events. The event is open to the press and photographers." 


Live Streaming of 
"Safe Landings Act" 
Press Conference "HERE"


A huge thanks to 
Captain Sullenberger and 
Congressman DeSaulnier
for being progressive about 
Aviation Safety! 

Enjoy the journey!
XO Karlene 

Tuesday, August 6, 2019

Flight For Truth

From Justice to Truth!

The series continues!

The last couple years have been a bit busy earning a PhD, checking out on the B777, remodeling a house, and writing legal briefs. However last week I made a commitment to get the next novel complete. Which was going to be Flight for Justice. However, justice will have to wait. The story of my life. Flight For Truth will come first. 




Flight For Truth 
Is coming soon...

I don't have a cover idea yet, but I am taking suggestions. I do have an incredible reader who is editing on the fly with me. I write a chapter a day and send it to Trimbi. She edits and sends back. Thank you Trimbi! 

I'm writing this novel in 100 days!

I recently attended a conference and someone made a 100 day writing goal, because "It was impossible to write a book in 100 days." Then I said, "I am writing a book in 100 days, because all you have to do is write a chapter a day."

The stories are exciting. The action is ratcheting up. The truth is in the fiction. Literally. And the reason I am writing Flight For Truth before Flight For Justice-- the novel would be too huge if I tried to write it as one story. Flight For Truth will determine if Darby returns to the job she loves. Flight For Justice will make her whole. Or will it? 

While I'm writing the next novel... 
please catch up on the series. 


The First Novel... 



Imagine writing a novel, Flight For Control, with the theme of mental health embedded within the world of aviation. And then two months after your novel is released a Jet Blue captain is locked out of the flight deck by his first officer, after he suffers from a mental breakdown. What if he hadn't been locked out? And then four years later a Germanwings first officer successfully locks the captain out of the fight deck and flies his plane into the mountains. Read more here...

 The Second Novel...

 

Imagine writing a novel and Asiana crashes in San Francisco, and you have a scene that mirrors that event. And then your pilots are flying an A330 to Singapore as a storm builds, they get caught ... and two years later Air Asia takes the same route and flies into that storm but crashes. Fiction that mirrors truth.  Read more here... 

The Third Novel...


Imagine being an author working on your PhD at the same time you are an airline pilot. What if all those worlds merged into one exciting adventure, where truth was scarier than fiction and the lines between your worlds blurred? You would write the novel Flight For Survival.
Read more here...


The Fourth Novel... 


It's insane how airlines are cutting training at the expense of safety. Insanity extends to the FAA, where industry issues of automation dependency, lack of hand flying skills, confusion, and lack of understanding stem back to 1996, yet these issues are more prevalent than ever. Imagine what happens to the person challenging the system...

 All books can be purchased, 
with autographs, on this blog!

And....

Available on Amazon: 

and
and
Amazon Comments are so much appreciated!!! 

Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene 




Monday, August 5, 2019

Wanderlust

Last week I returned from work and headed toward the Canadian border with a friend. We were not running from anything, but headed toward an adventure. 

The destination: Wanderlust at Whistler BC. 


"Wanderlust's mission is to help you find your true north — to cultivate your best self."


In search of true north we enjoyed morning of yoga, music meditation and a day with Cheryl Strayed discussing life.


I also have some new reading material! 



Clarity, Truth, Courage and Power.

There are amazing people in the world sharing universal truths. Our journey can either be paralyzed by the past or inspired by the future. Courage is not being fearless, but facing your fear. 

Cheryl Strayed was an amazing speaker and I had an incredible couple days with my friend Laurel. 


When I returned home I had incredible news,
and then spent the day with friends 
playing on the lake!




Enjoy the journey!
XO Karlene