Wednesday Wellness with Dr. Karlene

Due to technical difficulties with Dr. Larry burning his candle at both ends we'll see him back here next week! For those of you, like myself, who do this same candle burning technique... we all understand.

But not to worry... Wednesday Wellness is alive with Dr. Karlene

And
Dr. Larry will return next week.

Dr. Karlene... Ph.D. in life.

Actually, a little bit of information about myself and health. I started my Ph.D. in Holistic nutrition with plans of becoming a Doctor of Natural Health. Unfortunately this turned out not to be a good time to embrace such an undertaking ... NWA was filing bankruptcy, two daughters in college with the third getting ready to go, and we were in the process of selling our home... I put that degree on hold and ended up earning a Ph.D. in Life instead. But I've never stopped studying and learning about good health via the natural way.

Wake Up Squad

Yesterday I set my alarm for 5:30 and awoke to be part of Round Table discussion on shift work and the ramifications that crazy sleep schedules has our health. WakeupSquad.com is a new site discussing sleep issues. You can click to the link above and Sign up for a free Shift Work Disorder (SWD) Self-Assessment Tool that you can share with your doctor. The Wake-up Squad will also send you some helpful information about SWD. Not until I joined this discussion did I realize that pilots are shift workers. Not only pilots, but authors and students are shift workers too!

Pilots:

International flying has a unique dilemma all its own. We lose days of sleep every month. For those of us who need "more" days in your life, this becomes a challenge. I was assigned an 11-day trip for next month. From the time I depart to the day I return I will be in a hotel "7" nights. The last day, I'll be able to sleep in my own bed. However, that still leaves me sleeping 8 out of 11 days. I'm losing "3" nights of sleep! How can that be? It's a reality.

This is a dilemma of the airline industry. How do we fix it? Since de-regulation it's infeasible for the airlines to schedule flights with crew fatigue in mind. They make an effort by teaching us how to nap on the planes during our required crew rest. But how many of you can nap 4 hours after you've awoken for your day in a noisy environment?

Writers:

Sleep problems are not uncommon to writers either. I have many writer friends who are working a regular job, and/or raising a family. Their writing time occurs during the middle of the night when their family sleeps or they're not working their real jobs.


Students:

What about students who stay up all night to cram for an exam or study flying on the side while their life is going on full speed ahead face sleep issues? Normally you have youth on your side, but the impact is the same.

Flying, Writing, Driving, Living... Drunk?

Studies show that being awake for 17 hours is equivalent to a .05% alcohol level. I wonder what the equivalence is for being awake 34 hours. Does anyone know?

Last week Dr. Larry addressed SLEEP issues with medical interventions. I wrote a few things that work for me in Flying Drunk and now the Wake Up Squad is on the team.

Sleep is a challenge to everyone and the Wake Up Squad is on it.

• Please leave me a message with what the Wake Up Squad can do for you! I'll pass the information on during our next meeting.
  
• If you have the sleep thing mastered, we would love to hear from you.
  
• If you have any ideas on how the airline industry can solve their unique dilemma, please share them here.

We all know that we need sleep. We all make excuses of why tomorrow we'll get it. The real question is how do we make ourselves sleep when we have so many balls in the air and we fear they will fall if we take time to get that must needed rest. Knowing is one thing. Doing another. I am as guilty as everyone.

There will be more to come on this serious issue.

For now... check out a great shift work video by clicking Here They forgot to mention all our careers... but we are part of the 24/7 workforce.

Now... on the lighter side... the photo above is what I'm considering of putting on my book, Flight For Control. What do you think?


Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Why I became a Pilot

I received an email from my new Twitter friend, Alex Wood, who had some great questions. I suppose it’s my turn to be interviewed.

Alex asks…

How come you became a pilot?

Inspiration struck when I was 9-years-old, and was playing a board game called careers. Actually, it was more stubbornness, than inspiration. The career options of this game were: Stewardess, Librarian, Teacher, Nurse, or Model. At the time I didn't have a desire to become a model but as life would have it, I got to fly some Victoria Secret Models with Captain Dave.

My friends all wanted to become stewardesses, and they all landed on the spot to achieve that dream...During the board game at least. One of my friends actually did end up becoming a Flight Attendant for Northwest Airlines. But that's not the point. Or is it?

Back to the story I call my life. I couldn’t get so lucky and missed the stewardess dream spot. I said, “I don’t want to be a stewardess, I’m going to be the pilot!” My girlfriend responded, “You can’t be a pilot. My dad’s a pilot, and girls can’t do that.” We had a little argument and I took that challenge to the next level. I had a career plan, and all because I was told I couldn't.

Six years later I took my introductory flight, and the moment I took to the sky I thought, ‘Wow! They’re going to pay me to do this?’ I was hooked. I loved it. I felt a sense of freedom in the sky. Quiet. Calm. Controlled. Peaceful. I belonged. The rest is history.

What courses did you take?

In college I earned a business degree. Then later I earned a M.H.S. with a counseling emphasis, and a M.B.A. with a marketing emphasis. This is one of the most common questions I get... “What should I take in school?” I say, "take what you love."

Airlines just want to see the degree. I say—give yourself a backup plan for an alternate career. You never know if the flying job will end prematurely. Besides, if you study something you love you’ll do better in school because you'll have a passion for your subject.

What was your biggest flying challenge?

Wow, this is a tough one. I think the biggest flying challenge of the past was having a family, and flying—Trying to "do it all" creates a tough and exhausting life. Today the biggest challenge is staying proficient while on reserve. Then there is the other side of that equation—Being away from home for 16 days in a row is also a challenge.

No matter what you do in life there will always be challenges. Your goal is to face those challenges head on and use them to make you stronger. Find a dream and fly toward it. You may shift your course along the way, and that's okay. Nothing in life stays the same, not even your dreams. Today it's a Cessna, tomorrow its the space shuttle. Or something may happen in life beyond your control. Then one day you may be writing about it all. Having a passion for something you love will keep you motivated and flying strong in the right direction if and when the wind shifts.

Why did you become a Pilot...Author... Teacher... Flight Attendant... Model...?
Why do you do what you do?

Alex is sixteen years old and would love "pilot followers" to connect with him on Twitter. You can find him @CenterAviation

Thanks for the great questions Alex.

~Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Monday Motivation: Time to Believe!

"At some point, you have

to believe that you are good
enough at what you do
- in order to achieve it."

~ by Eleesha,
Author of - The Soul Whisperer

There comes a time when you must believe, to achieve!

We cannot think ourselves into becoming pilots, or believe we’re great authors and therefore we are. There is a ton of hard work involved. But there comes a point in time when you’ve been taught, read, learned, studied, and practiced, that you need to believe you are good enough in order to achieve your dreams.

It’s time to believe in you!

It doesn’t matter what you’re doing… having the confidence to do it will take you to the next level. Believe you can, and you will. If you live in doubt, fear, and lack confidence, you won’t fulfill those dreams because you’ll never put yourself out there to know that you can do it.

The only thing stopping you is you!

For those of us type-A personalities…always trying to do for our kids, our students, our spouses, or friends… there is a point we need to sit on our hands, and allow them to do for themselves. At some point we need to believe in them. Believe that they are good enough, and when we do— when we allow them to believe they can—they will shine. One of the greatest gifts you can give anyone is to believe in them. Give yourself that gift too.

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Friday Fabulous Flyer

Ray Wallace

Captain Ray Wallace

Scheduling called the day after my thirteen-day trip and assigned me another trip, this time to Osaka. It was hard not to smile when I saw that Ray Wallace was the captain. It took some coaxing and pleading, but he finally allowed me to interview him to be my Friday Flyer. He is by far the most humble person I’ve yet to meet, and keeps his life private.

Ray lives a quiet life, low on the radar, and enjoys the anonymity. But how could he not be a Friday Flyer?

This is a special month for him, as he will be turning sixty-years-old on the 29^th, and he is retiring. For every pilot who retires, my number moves up one. But Ray is one Captain I hate to see go, number or not.

He joined the Air Force Academy in 1969 and learned to fly a T-41—A fancy name for a Cessna 172. Following graduation he spent 6 ½ years on active duty flying and instructing in a Lockheed C-141.

When he left the military he was hired by United Airlines and three weeks later, while still in training, he was furloughed. He then went back to flying the C-141 in the USAF reserves, and two years later was hired by Air Florida as a 727 F/O. He was furloughed a year later. Ray’s first son was born four months after the United furlough, and his second son was born shortly after Ray was hired by Air Florida. Two babies on the ground, and no job, Ray went full time into the reserves. Then in 1983 Northwest Airlines called, and his airline career began.

Ray flew the Boeing 727 as a Second Officer for one year, the Boeing 747 Second Officer for six years, and another seven years as a First Officer on Boeing 747– all in Seattle. In 1997 he upgraded to a Boeing 747 Captain, the same year I was hired at Northwest. As a captain, he was based in Minneapolis and then got back to Seattle for two months before the base closed, then Honolulu until that based closed. And finally in Anchorage, until they closed that base and parked the whales. His total time on the 747 is 27 years and somewhere between 13,500 to 14,000 hours.

The final year of his career has been with Delta on the A330. Ray started class about a month behind me and I’ve been fortunate to fly with him twice now. The first trip was a six-day trip over the Fourth of July.

People have often asked what we do enroute. Well, the flight from Osaka to Seattle Ray allowed me to interview him—A once in a lifetime interview.

Karlene: “How do you feel about retiring, and what will you miss the most?”

Ray: “It’s time. 36 years, and of course I’ll miss certain flying experiences, and most of the people I flew with.”

Karlene: “Based on that line, I know you’ve flown with some great people. So, tell us... who was your favorite first officer?” Hesitation. Pause. He’s thinking… Does he get the answer right?

Ray: “I’m looking at her.”

Karlene: “Good answer! And we now know that you’re a smart man too.” Yes, Ray has a great sense of humor. “All joking aside, one of the most common questions I get from readers is the difference between Boeing and Airbus. Can you tell me the greatest differences you’ve seen?

Ray: “The biggest differences I have seen have been generational. The C-141 was actually a generation before the 747. At first we had no INS. We had navigators that used celestial sextants. We shot stars and navigated with dead reckoning. We had an early Loran and a Doppler radar that worked on the C124 at 24,000 feet, but we’re were flying at 37,000 and 39,000 feet and it didn’t work real well unless the ocean was rough.”

Karlene: “That’s quite a difference in technology from then to now. So you’re flying one of the most modern airplanes now. How do you feel about where the industry is going with the automation?”

Ray: “New technology is neat, helpful, and useful in most cases has made it safer. Unfortunately I see a de-emphasis on flying skills and too much reliance on the technology. But on the positive side, the benefits and added capabilities increase safety.”

Karlene: “Speaking of increased safety, how do you feel about standard operating procedures? I know this is quite the topic of discussion in our industry, and I’ve got many general aviation pilots interested in this concept.”

Ray: “Clear standard operating procedures are a definite step up in safety. It allows mistakes and operational deviations to be caught much earlier in the game. It makes it much easier for new crews to function well together on first encounters.”

Karlene: “Not only the technology change, but you recently changed airlines. You spent your entire airline career, until recently, with Northwest Airlines. During that time you’ve seen a ton of change—both good and bad. What do you miss most about NWA?

Ray: “Corporate change is always difficult, but I miss the operational philosophy of Northwest.”

Karlene: “You’ve had quite the career Ray. Would you recommend this job to others today?”

Ray: “Yes. If you really love flying.”

Karlene: “Are you glad you chose this path for yourself?”

Ray: “Yes. I love to fly, and I don’t think I’d like a Monday through Friday 8-5 job. I get blocks of time on and off, which has both advantages and disadvantages. But I get to work with an extremely good group of people. Professionals that are both competent and care a great deal about the quality of job they do.”

Karlene: “I know what you mean about the people. So, what would you recommend to our future aviators?”

Ray: “Never stop learning. You can always learn from the great pilots you work with, and the not so great.”

Karlene: “I, too, think that learning is a life long key to success. So what additional advice would you give to our future commercial pilots?”

Ray: “Maintain the highest standard of knowledge and proficiency operating your aircraft in conservative manner with a large margins for error. Neither the company or the passengers pay me to take chances with their lives.” And then there is a pause…

“Trust but Verify.”

Karlene: “What do you mean by trust but verify?”

Ray: “You have to trust the people you work with and the airplanes you fly. But verify they’re living up to your trust.”

Karlene: “Excellent advice for everyone!”

Ray, we will all miss you very much. I wish you the happiest retirement—the next adventure to your life is about to takeoff. And if you buy a little plane, make sure you come to Renton and join us in our fly-it-forward events.

Enjoy the Journey! It goes by way too fast sometimes.

XOX Karlene

Flying Into the Future!

Aviation excitement in the Pacific Northwest on Saturday September 17th!

Skagit Regional Airport...

It's Family Day
and

You're Invited!

Skagit Airport Support Association, SASA, at KBVS Burlington Washington is inviting you to a day of aviation fun, games, and adventure.

Airplane Rides!

Ground School Lessons!

Seattle Museum of Flight Flying Gizmo Show!

Games, Music, Remote Controlled Planes and Much More!

Don't miss the
Whidbey NAS, Search and Rescue Demonstration too!

I'm told the Search and Rescue Demonstration will begin around high noon. A definite must see during this day of awesome.

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Wednesday Wellness... and Sleep!

Dr. Larry

"Off the Record Q & A with a Local A.M.E."

The question this week comes from a young man who’s experienced years of insomnia, both intermittent and continuous. He cites various reasons from pre-test anxiety in school to temperature variations to being a light sleeper. He would like to pursue a career as a pilot or air traffic controller and is worried he won't be able to make the grade without relying on sleeping aids. He has trouble both falling asleep and staying asleep and he's taken various products to help sleep, including over-the-counter products and prescriptions like Rozerem. His question is, what can he do to help himself sleep better without violating FAA regulations for sleep medications?

Karlene, as you know, sleep is one of the most challenging daily routines pilots deal with. The FAA also recognizes sleep quality and quantity as major aviation issues and a frequent cause of pilot error. For this reason, sleep apnea, or breath holding while asleep, has become an area of focus for the FAA as well.

Copious amounts of literature have been written regarding sleep making it almost impossible to provide a brief answer to this young man's question. It's a multifaceted problem and it’s not unusual to spend an hour discussing just one patient's sleep issues. A fifteen minute appointment might work if we jump right to prescribing medication along with referencing some behavioral changes.

What then are the options for pilots? Basically, there are two: medications (including all OTC products) and behavioral modifications. The latter is more challenging, tougher to undertake and longer to see success, and can present cost related issues. The former (medication) is typically easier, gets quicker results and can be relatively cheap. However, medications have limitations for flying and can become ineffective. Either path can be successful according to numerous studies.

A few prescription sleeping pills are compatible with flying. Newer products like Ambien, Sonata and Lunesta “may be” ok if not used more than once or twice a week and not within 12 hours of flying. Older meds such as trazadone, doxepin or amitriptyline are disqualifying in and of themselves so they are not ok under any circumstances. Rozerem, a newer insomnia agent, works on melatonin receptors in a different way than OTC melatonin. Typically, melatonin works best for sleep shift disorders and I haven’t been impressed with its efficacy in helping people stay asleep.

OTC products are not regulated by the FAA. Pilots however, have a responsibility to avoid something which causes drowsiness prior to flying. Tylenol PM or any of the “PM” medications usually contain diphenhydramine, or Benadryl, and as a sedating anti-histamine, its ability to make people drowsy and cause cognitive dysfunction is well established.

A medication free option to consider is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT. It’s a form of talk therapy equally effective to medications for chronic insomnia. CBTforinsomnia.com was created to provide this intervention at a very reasonable cost ($35). It takes work which fits the old adage: the hardest work often produces the best results.

These thoughts are the tip of the iceberg. The best individual success will come from working with a provider specializing in sleep disorders and the FAA will not look negatively on this type of work. They welcome pilots who are trying to better themselves.

Once last comment. Some people believe if an AME states a medication is ok, then the FAA will back it up. This is absolutely false! An AME cannot override the FAA. We are designated by the FAA and they have final say over everything we do while acting on their behalf.

To your good health,

Dr. Larry

Dr Larry,

Thank you for the great information.

For those of you who know me, you know that I'm adamantly against sleep aids. With that said, do I use them? Absolutely...on the rare occasion. It beats the alternative. However, I've got some great "how to" sleep tips without drugs. If you're interested please read a previous post by clicking: DRUNK WITH FATIGUE.

Do any of you have how to sleep tips? We would love to hear them!

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Dr. Larry Greenblatt
www.cmadoc.com
"Concierge healthcare that's all about you! "
Care Medical Associates, PLLC
1407 116th Ave. NE, Suite 102
Bellevue, WA 98004
425.637.0636

Osaka... Home of Jun!

For one who talks about the journey so often, today the destination made my day!

But first let me tell you a bit about the challenges of having 200 plus passengers in a confined area for 10 hours or more. Throw in fatigue, alcohol, and emotions… there will always be something going on. But sometimes it’s what and when we least expect...

Mt. Fuji

How many times can the lavatory fire detection go off in a flight? If it’s a flight attendant spraying hairspray—probably once. If it’s a group of disrespectful 21-year-olds bucking the system it could be two or three times, or more. From the flight deck we only see the lavatory fire warning. The flight attendants know the exact location.

How does the lavatory fire system work? The A330 has smoke detectors in the lavatories, which pick up particles in the air. Any particles. But when it’s smoke count on a $2000 fine and a police escort.

The arrival into Kansai International airport was gorgeous. The ominous sky was paved with layers of clouds. The temperature 31degrees centigrade/ 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind calm, and the runway long.

Did you know the Osaka runway is built on a manufactured landfill, and is sinking? And faster than expected. So true… click here to read more.

The Awaji Daikannon is a great image of Buddha, and sits on Awaji Island. They are trying to figure out how to tear it down. Privately built, the owner died seven years ago and there is no one to maintain it. There is also no one willing to put up the funds to tear him down. So there Buddha sits, monitoring our approaches into Runway 24L.

Now to the best part of the day…

One of my favorite people, whom I met on twitter—a future pilot, student, and all around wonderful young man—Jun, came to the airport and waited for my arrival. Unfortunately we were late exiting the terminal due to a bit of detainment resulting from the not so fun in the lav shenanigans across the ocean.

The flight attendants had been sitting on the bus waiting for the flight crew and the lead flight attendant for about 30 minutes, and the drive was an hour long. I wish I could have stayed and visited more with Jun. Five minutes is not enough time.

I’m honored Jun took his time to come all the way to the airport to say hello. He is beyond an exceptional young man. On the way to the hotel, the crew and I discussed what a wonderful young man he is, and how those boys on the plane could learn from his example.

Jun also brought me a gift of Japanese snacks. I'm still amazed he traveled so far to meet me, for such a short time. Thank you Jun!! He also told me some great news, that he will be attending Flight Safety in Florida soon to begin his journey to becoming a pilot. He is also going to come visit me in Seattle, too.

Our flight coming in from the "viewing spot" at Kansai, from Jun

What a day. It started at 0600, and it’s 0300 in my homeland. I'm overdue for a nap. So many things made today special, and I’m so lucky to be living the dream.

Jun, a special thanks to you for your visit! I am so sorry it was so short. But I will make it up to you! And thank you for the snacks. Delicious!! Come and visit me in Seattle, I am looking forward to you meeting my family!

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene