Monday Motivation: As it Should Be

"Life is a test, and sometimes we have to do a retake."

 

Bidding:

There was a bid for an equipment change, and I actually rebid to fly the 747-400 out of Detroit. 23 years and 8 airlines to get home, then I bid out. Go figure. There were numerous reasons to do such, but...

I FAILED BIDDING. 

I was questioning my decision during the final hour, and as it turned out I bid incorrectly. I could have had it, but didn't get it. Life is a test. I'll have to retake this one. For now... I'm staying on the A330.

The Journey:

I am having a great trip so far. Back in Amsterdam. The first time around I got to have a wonderful visit with An. Then had a fun adventure of testing four fine different dining establishments in Portland. I'm flying with a great Captain and each leg we've had a really fun and talented third pilot to join us.

First leg into AMS I got the landing and kicked off the Auto-thrust and Auto-pilot as planned, and all went well. The A330 really is just an airplane. Then I had a takeoff out of AMS. Hopefully tomorrow there will be another landing into Minneapolis. 

I'm not getting much writing done... but I am learning some interesting things about my airplane, gathering plot points for my novel, and laughing a lot. Now... Time to nap. 

Has Life Tested you Lately?  

Don't worry. If you fail, maybe you can do a retake, too.

Enjoy the Journey! 

XOX Karlene

Emily Biss

Friday's Fabulous Flyer

 

Home in a 737 engine

Emily grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. and on the coast of Maine. But after spending most of her adult life in the Pacific Time Zone, she moved to Washington 5 years ago for her current job with Boeing. 

What does she do with Boeing? 

Emily is a Test Pilot. Specifically a "Production Captain" on the 737 but she’s in the process of making all of us jealous because she’s getting her 787 "Production Captain" qualification.

While she earned her pilot's license when she was 19 years ago, Emily has been flying as her sole source of income for approximately 11 years.

 The "Blue Robin," the trusty Cessna 170 she flies out of KPAE.

Karlene: I find it fascinating when pilots first find their passion. What is your first memory of wanting to fly?

Emily: I have been fascinated by all things air and space from a very early age. Apparently, I begged my parents for a ride in a Tiger Moth at an airshow when I was 6. I have no memory of this but I guess the bug bit early. My uncle was a pilot in the USAF and a POW in the Vietnam War.

With American Airlines pilot, Deborah Hecker, 

On the delivery flight of "3GS" in November 2010.

Karlene: We all face challenges at time. What was your greatest struggle, and what inspired you to keep going?

Emily: Greatest struggle...hmmmm...no "great struggle" relating to flying comes to mind. However, after I graduated from college I biked across country with a friend of mine from high school. We started in OR and finished in DE. In MT we started to *really* get on each other's nerves, to the point of jeopardizing our trip. (Not to mention the physically grueling days.) However, we both decided the goal was bigger than our issues and talked them through. We were successful and completed our 4200 mile trip in 81 days. 

Captain Kathi Durst and First Officer Jenny Betty 

The delivery flight of American Airlines 737 "3GS" November 2010

"I got to sit in the back and drink champagne. What a treat!"

What does this Boeing Test Pilot do on “her” time off ?

She’s participating in the Washington Trails Association's 9th annual Hike-a-Thon.

Karlene: How long have you been hiking?

Emily:  Since childhood, but became more serious about it in college and as an adult. I love being outdoors and hiking is such a peaceful and exhilarating way to interact with nature.

Karlene: Will you tell us what does it feel like to be on top of a mountain or walking through the woods?

Emily: It is an amazing feeling to summit a mountain. Two years ago I hiked to the rim of Mount St. Helens and last weekend I climbed Coldwater Peak. I haven't summited that many mountains but plan to keep it up. How exhilarating.

Karlene: Exhilarating is a great word. Is there any correlation between hiking, and flying, learning to, stamina, struggles, and obstacles?

Emily: One of the things that is so neat about hiking is to be on the ground in areas that I fly over every day at 41,000'. As you can imagine, it is a completely different perspective but there is nothing quite like experiencing it. Even Mt. Rainier seems like a pimple when you are at FL410. Certainly not when looking at it from the trail at 7,000. Summiting Rainier is certainly one of my long-term goals. And when you're cruising around at FL410 summiting that 7000' peak sure doesn't seem like much. 

 

Emily "Ilia" Biss and Steve "Captain Kirk" Payne 

2012 inaugural Hike-a-Thon hike; Harry's Ridge, 

Coldwater Peak, and South Coldwater Trail

Karlene: Tell me a little more about the hike-a-thon.

Emily: I have been hiking up a storm this year as a participant in the Mountaineer's Conditioning Hiking Series. As a result, I have become acquainted with many of the exquisite trails in Western Washington and the importance of maintaining them. I am participating in Washington Trails Association's 9th annual Hike-a-Thon to raise funds for their efforts to protect and maintain our cherished hiking trails and wild lands.

 The rim of Mount St. Helens (in a cloud!) September 2010 

I have pledged to hike as much as possible during the month of August as my alter ego "Ilia" along with my team "Captain Kirk and the Redshirts." My personal goal is to hike at least 50 miles and raise $750.00. The funds raised get put to work immediately to support WTA's efforts to protect and maintain our cherished hiking trails and wild lands, and to operate one of the largest trail maintenance programs in the country, with 2,500 volunteers putting in 105,000 trail maintenance hours annually. 

Emily is an inspiration to all of us reaching for our dreams. Whether she’s climbing into a plane or on top of a mountain, she is living life to the fullest. I hope that you can share this post with your friends, and support or encourage others to support this adventure. She’s already exceeded her goal, but every little bit helps the trails. Please click HERE to learn more how you can help Emily sustain our natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

It's been a great journey and more to come. Emily, I hope to hike with you one day. 

For me... I'm in Amsterdam. A great crossing, and it's time for a quick nap. 

Enjoy the Journey!

XO Karlene

Flight For Safety in progress: Plot points in the making across the ocean.

Power of Boeing 787

Dreamliner

 

Ever wonder why you feel overdone after flying for any length of time at altitude? A picture tells a thousand words the difference a couple thousand feet of Pressure Altitude can make. 

The balloon on the right is the cabin pressure altitude your body experiences during a flight in a normal jet at 8000 ft.  On the left is what you'll experience flying in the 787.

A 2000 foot cabin, makes all the difference between fatigue, bloating, and dehydration... or not. Which would you rather be: A wilted flower, bloated like a balloon, or a delicate comfortable flower? The choice is yours. 

Fly Boeing 787

Airbus... you have work to do. 

I want to be a delicate flower upon arrival!

MORNING UPDATE! 

Okay... here's the deal. I did not commute on a 787 to Portland for the first leg of my journey. The adventure was that of another kind:

It all started with jumpseating with way too much stuff.

 

I tried to get out of the house, but due to life I allowed three flights to go to Portland without me.  But I made it in time for the 3 p.m. to find it was delayed until 4:05 p.m. But... the 4. p.m. is going at 4. So, I go to the 4 p.m. to get the jumpseat. In the commuting world we take the first flight we can. 

Yes... two flights to Portland at the same time.  3 minutes before departure... I'm on! A Horizon pilot helps me carry the special box down the stairs. He's commuting too. But then...

It turns out that they double booked a seat. The Horizon pilot bumps up to the flight deck, I bump out of the flight deck, onto the ramp and back up to the waiting area. The agent was wonderful! Not only did we use the elevator, but she said, "I will get you on the next flight." 

Oh.. but it turns out the 3 p.m. has not left yet, and I get on that flight, and we depart at 4.50. And we actually beat 2057 out of the gate, which was technically supposed to be the next flight. Above is a typical standby list. Sometimes it can be pages long with no seats assigned.

Thankfully life turned out the way it did. I had the great fortune to sit beside Dennis the Menace. Well worth the trip! You meet the greatest people on the road. 

Dinner came late by the time I reached my hotel in the form of room services. A late night bath with a great book. And the doors in the hallway began their morning ritual way too early. Today might be a great time for first break. I'm ready.

Oh... why added post? I could not get on the internet last night, and 787 was scheduled to go. Such is life on the road. 

More to come....

XO Karlene

Flight For Safety, I may not have written yesterday, but I got the best line for Darby from Dennis. It sounded exactly like something she would say.

Day Before The Flight...

Or day after as the case may be.
The life of a pilot...Squeezing every moment out of an hour. 

Last week I said good by to NATCO...Northwest Airlines Training Center... which was more than likely my last training event in MSP.  Since they are moving South.

I came home for one day and needed to paint the side of my house prior to my generator being put in while I was in Texas. Yes, I am afraid of heights... and pilot shouldn't be on ladders... but I got it done!

 

While I was doing that, Dick was on the other side of the house ripping the deck out and rebuilding with TREX. 

A few months ago, I turned part of my deck into an office. The grey area is the office addition that I've yet to paint. The new deck, and the kitchen (which is just to the right) will extend over the existing deck. We're also going up with high ceilings. 

I painted, then the next day flew to Austin to babysit Mr. Carter for a few days. He's growing up so fast! And a little doll. Getting into everything, even cupboards.

Commuting Gods were in our favor and we got home last night. Today was a busy day because tomorrow I head out on the ten day adventure, and there was so much to do!

To start the day, I took my granddaughter Kohyn to get her first pedicure. Of course we had to get pink toes. Then we dined at Red Robin.

A few errands and I was back home starting the evening project... Emptying all the cupboards and drawers in my kitchen, because while I'm out flying, it will be ripped apart. So here is what it use to look like. And in a few months, we'll have the new kitchen. 

There just wasn't enough room in my little kitchen for my growing family. So it's time to expand. 

I like to do the fun things during a remodel, so... in this kitchen, the painting, floor tiles, and counters were all my doing. The new kitchen... more of the same, but I'm building a fire place too! 

Today is the beginning of my ten day trip. And rumor has it I am flying with one of the nicest A330 captains. And... I get to see my friend An in Amsterdam. What could be better? 

Life is busy. More to come on the road... 

SEA/PDX/AMS/PDX/AMS/MSP/CDG/MSP/SEA one day home and then SEA/AMS/LCA  

What are you doing that's fun this summer? 

It's all part of the journey. Enjoy!

XO Karlene

What would you Do?

Last week a future Aviator, Alex Wood, researched the Royal Air Force: RAF and decided that would be his path to his flying career. Unfortunately, he had disappointing news: 

Despite his dual citizenship, he said,  "I am ineligible to join the RAF, unless I study for, at least, 3 years in the UK. That would be university. However, I don't think I would go to a university in the UK self-sponsored. It's too expensive."

 

But... he's not giving up. Here are his options as he brainstorms:

First:

Go to the UK, study at the University, get my degree without flight training, apply for the RAF, and if I get selected, then I could do my flight training at the base.

Second:

Go to the UK, study at the University, get my degree with flight training, stay there. Payment? There is a possibility of self-sponsoring, but also with loans.

Third:

Go to the UK, study at the University, get my degree without flight training, come back to Brazil, make flight hours, stay in the country and apply for a job for a Brazilian Airline.

Fourth:

Get my degree there, come to Brazil, do my flight training, then go back to the UK. However, this would take too much time to convert my license.

Side notes:

• I think that maybe Alex's heart is pulling him to the UK. 
• He has an Aunt in the UK that he could live with during school. 

What would you do? 

I was troubleshooting an important decision for myself, the other day. My girlfriend said, "You know what you want to do. What I say isn't going to change your mind." She's right, to a point. I think the more viewpoints we have, they help us decided. That's the great power of brainstorming... when someone comes up with an idea you hadn't thought of. 

Alex is open for suggestions. What advice would you give to him?

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Flight For Safety 88,973 words

Monday Motivation: Acknowleding Fear

"Let me look upon my
fear as something that
I need to confront - not
something that I must
shy away from."

Eleesha, Author of Soul Whisperer

By investigating airline accidents we've come to learn that someone in the flight deck always knew there was a problem, but didn't speak loudly or assertively enough. With AF447 we had a pilot who was extremely uncomfortable with the environment, and he wasn't assertive enough to tell the captain, "I think you should stay until we pass this storm." The question is why?

I have spoken of this book before, and feel it important enough to suggest again... The Gift of Fear.

We all have this gift, and that's exactly what it is... a gift. Our intuition and our bodies know when something isn't right before our minds do, but our minds deny and rationalize the messages away. This book could was written from the perspective of personal attacks on the ground. 

But I think we should all take the concept into the flight deck. I contend we know when something is wrong. It's our duties to have the confidence to speak out, and tell someone. Even if it means hitting them over the head with a purple flashlight. 

Don't shy away from fear, learn to understand it. Learn when to confront it. Confronting it doesn't mean ignoring it. It also doesn't mean chasing the man with a gun. But it does mean speaking out, and being assertive in the flight deck. It means listening to that voice gnawing at you. 

Confronting fear means:
Identify. Understand. Respond accordingly.
It could save your life and your passengers as well.

We are all super busy, trying to cram everything into our already over-packed days. This is when mistakes will be made. Accidents will happen. Our defenses will be down. Use this message to remember to slow down long enough to listen to your intuition.

Travel plans changed a bit, and I'm not home yet. But if the non-reving Gods are on my side, I will be home sometime tonight.

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Flight For Safety first draft: 87, 504 words 

Brooke Magalei

Friday's Fabulous Flyer...

 

Brooke Magalei is a flight student at Embry-Riddle in Prescott. Born in northern California, at the age of two her family moved back to her parents’ homeland of Hawaii. She learned the history of her culture and what it means to have the Aloha spirit within.

Her first memorable flight was for a family trip to Disneyland, and it was the flight that inspired her to dream of aviation.

Like many of us, Brooke didn’t always want to be a pilot. In her early years, she wanted to be a surgeon, fascinated by the workings of the body. Stories of superheroes inspired her to save lives as a hero herself, and she knew that being a doctor would make that dream come true. Superman, her favorite hero, helped her realize that a dream of flight could also be a way to save lives by carrying people to their destinations safely.

A recent solo student, Brooke dedicated her first instructor-less flight to her family. Her biggest dream is to fly the SR-71 Blackbird and the P-51 Mustang. She loves the Blackbird because it is “a beauty to look at” and because it was the fastest- and highest-flying manned aircraft throughout its career. If you’re going to dream, dream big.

“A piece of advice to you new student pilots is to make many friends that are in the same field as you that will influence you for the better. Friends that you feel would help you when you need it. Also, don’t ever compare yourself to other students that started the same time. Everyone works at his or her own pace, and in the end you all end up with the same result. It is never a race.”

After graduation, Brooke plans to return to her home of Hawaii and utilize connections with a small airline in order to build hours until she can move on to a company like Southwest. She would also like to fly for the Air Force and travel the world with her loved ones.

Every pilot has a unique story to tell. Some people take the fast track; some take the scenic route. Some discover flying as kids, while others experience the joy of flight later in life. Brooke, you have the drive, passion, and determination to accomplish anything. Who knows? Maybe someday we can fly Mustangs together.

Blue skies and tailwinds!

Christine H.

Christine, Thank You for sharing this fabulous flyer!  Brooke, excellent advice...those friendships will carry you far. I wish everyone a wonderful weekend!

Enjoy the Journey! 

XOX Karlene