Sitting Reserve...

Reserve: The task of sitting by the phone, ready to take the plane when scheduling calls. But sitting reserve does not necessarily mean I sit. Yesterday was one such day. In fact, I flew through my daughter's yard with pruners, a pick, a lawn mower, and weed wacker. We had a lot of work to do in a very short amount of time.

I think we did a weeks worth of work in eight hours. Check out the before and after jungle photos. 

This is how it started: 

The After Photos:

Amazing what you find under the weeds and Ivy. 

Sometimes Scheduling doesn't call and I get a lot of work done. Drop by tomorrow and see what I did after the day in the yard... (Besides read 147 emails... and thanked everyone for their comments on the Planes post!)

Enjoy the Journey!

XO Karlene

Planes: The Movie

“When you combine imagination with passion, 

the unbelievable becomes a reality.”

Coming Soon... 

To a Theater Near You!

 

 

"The Best Family Movie of 2013"

Dane Cook

My life is a perfect mix of Aviation, Family, and Entertainment. Not only have I recently been writing novels and studying film, but I see on average 4 movies a month. I have six grandchildren (number seven coming soon) and have been flying for 35 years. Family and Aviation are my life, with a wind shift toward the entertainment industry. So you can imagine the excitement I felt when I learned that Disney created a movie that connects all my worlds, and invited me to be one of the first to view it.

 

 

Last week I had the great honor of visiting the DisneyToon Studios for the screening of the Disney movie Planes. I also met the talented individuals who created this fantastic movie, and learned how they made it—no easy task. But a passion of love. Four years in the making and research that took them around the world from Fargo to India and beyond, Oshkosh to the Reno Air Races... and everywhere in between. They left no details flapping in the wind.

Gabriel Iglesias

What makes this movie so good?

In addition to extensive research…

 

The creators filled the screen with passion!

Cedric the Entertainer

Anyone who has ever flown a plane will connect with the characters in this movie. Granted they are animated ... and airplanes. But when they take to the sky you are right there with them. You feel their passion for flight, as they carry you back to the good ole days. And for those who have not flown, this movie will transport your heart and soul into the sky ... where dreams are made. How could this movie be anything but inspirational when the entire team loves aviation, and they put their hearts and souls into making it! 

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Klay Hall, the director grew up with a Navy dad and said, "I'm passionate about everything aviation." When he spoke of his movie, the smile never faded and the stories flew. I think he said something about having fairy dust on himself, and never wanted to wake up. 

The screenplay author, Jeffery M. Howard, is an aviation buff, too. He was born on Hamilton Air Force Base, CA. Touched by jets from birth. I suspect both these gentlemen might have aviation fuel in their blood. 

I’m not sure if I met one person who did not love airplanes, and felt a connection to the sky and this project.

Roger Craig Smith

Planes is also the most aviation technically correct movie I have seen in a long time—if ever. How did Disney to do it right? 

 

They consulted an International 747-400 Airline Captain to be an advisor. Sean has been flying since he was 16-years-old, and has over 40 years of experience, including F16 and F4 fighter jets. We're keeping his identity secret to keep his full-time job in tact. But a great guy flying one of my favorite planes.

 

Jason McKinley, a pioneer in the world of aviation and flight animation sat on the team as their flight supervisor. He played a key role in designing sets to fit the flying scenes, and believes that this is his best work in animation that he's accomplished to date. And that speaks volumes with his success.

Carlos Alazraqui

The talent of the artists Art Hernandez, Thomas Leavitt, and Ryan Carlson speak for itself in their artwork. Dan Abraham’s work as the Head of Story… well, what can I say? These are some of the most talented artists around. Their drawings and the sets are fabulous.

 

They even taught us how to draw Dusty.

The Disney Plane team created a world based on reality, with an aviation theme. They pulled the architecture from around the globe, and embedded it with aviation surprises. This is one movie you will watch many times and appreciate the million little details painted in plane sight, behind the scenes.

One of the nicest things about the movie is that there are no scary parts for the little ones. Five of my grandchildren are three and under, and sometimes the shows, even cartoons, can be a bit frightening for the little guys. And for the big guys… you will be too busy laughing.

John Cleese

You do not need a child to enjoy this film. The humor trickled throughout will keep you grinning, and thoroughly entertained. 

 

The movie Planes is uplifting, and inspirational. You find yourself routing for the planes with the children. There is an underlying theme that leaves you hopeful,  with a lesson we all want our children to learn. There is nothing you cannot do, if follow your heart and dreams.

Priyanka Chopra

They strategically selected voices for the planes. Nothing was random. Can you say Goose and Iceman? Val Kilmer and Anthony Edwards are Bravo and Echo. All characters fit the planes' personalities, and the countries of origin. Did I tell you this movie connects the world?

Val Kilmer and Anthony Edwards

The DisneyToon Team has created the best family movie that I have ever seen. I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone... young and old. So all you pilots out there, if you don’t have children, or grandchildren, and are intimidated to go alone—borrow a kid. You won't be disappointed.

For everyone else... you do not need to be a pilot to love it. 

 

It's Disney!

Planes is a movie for the entire family. 

Brad Garrett

OH... And the Video Games are Awesome!

(Nintendo and Wii)

 

I had the chance to play and the kids will have a blast.

Please leave a comment and Thank the Film Makers of Planes, and DisneyToon Studio, for their hard work and dedication to entertaining the world. And for allowing me to share this experience with you. They are breathing life back into the world of aviation. August 9th cannot get here soon enough.

Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene

ARC: Friday's Fabulous Flyers

Friday's Fabulous Flyers 

are flying in the Air Race Classic! 

So many women so little time. Yes... the race is but two weeks away, and we have flyers to shout about. Today... meet more of the teams. All write-ups are compliments of Air Race Classic. Remember to sign up for the BBQ or Banquet on the weekend Prior by clicking HERE. I'll be there on Saturday. Hope to see you too!

Claudette DeCourley and Mary McMahon

Claudette DeCourley and Mary McMahon

San Diego, CA – Claudette

Claudette is a flight instructor with single-engine land, instrument instructor and tailwheel credentials. She has 2,750 hours in the air, teaches six days a week and is a volunteer pilot for LightHawk. “The air race,” she said, “symbolizes the achievements of women who pushed limits and followed dreams. I desire to participate in sustaining and promoting the legacy of female air racers, adding my name to the roster. I relish the adventure and what better challenge than the race to test my mettle.”

Before becoming a Chief Flight Instructor (CFI), DeCourley worked in the fields of psychology, education, real estate, science, and marine recreation. When not flying, she enjoys ballroom dancing, bridge, tennis, hiking, diving, sailing, the beach and being outdoors. “In the blue or on the blue,” she said, “I am happy.”

Claudette is a member of the San Diego chapter of the Ninety-Nines, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Lady Taildraggers, Plus One Flyers Club and National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI).

Temecula, CA Mary McMahon

Mary is an Instrument-Rated Private pilot with 435 hours in her logbook. A former engineer in medical device manufacturing, she worked as a consultant before retiring in 2011 to spend more time in the air. “Every few years, I find the need to shake things up or challenge myself to do something adventurous and a little scary,” she said. “I've always admired the ladies who have flown in this race.” Now, Mary is one of them!

McMahon also enjoys golfing and cooking. She lived briefly in Ireland after she retired and took the opportunity to fly the beautiful, green terrain. Mary is a member of the Coyote Country chapter of the Ninety-Nines, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).

Tookie Hensley and Pamela Bird

Tookie Hensley and Pamela Bird

Mohave Valley, AZ – Tookie Hensley

Tookie Hensley is back for her 21st Air Race Classic. She is an Instrument-rated Commercial pilot with single and multi-engine land certificate, as well as instrument flight instructor, ground instructor and tailwheel credentials, with 1,500 hours logged. A Chief Flight Instructor (CFI) since 1985 and owner of a flight school since 1990, Tookie is a member of the Rio Colorado 99s and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).

The ARC carries on the long tradition of women’s air racing that dates back to 1929. Air racing became popular in the 1920’s, but women pilots were forbidden to race against the men in that era, so the ladies started their own. This year’s ARC will have forty-seven teams and over one hundred female pilots compete for the championship title.

Hensley races “to introduce my friends and students to a wonderful experience. I was my co- pilot’s examiner, so now I want to have her take part in the fun of the ARC.” One year, she said, she could not keep track of her co-pilot on the ground – but navigating in the air worked out fine.

Tookie’s husband, Don, is also a pilot. Her joys in life, other than flying, are, “grandkids (five), great-grandkids (13) and, of course, racing!”

Amy Warbalow and Katrina Kugler

Amy Warbalow and Katrina Kugler

Grand Forks, ND – Amy Warbalow

Amy is an Instrument-Rated Commercial pilot with single and multi-engine certificates and 280 hours in the air. A student at the University of North Dakota (UND), Amy comes from a family of aviators and grew up flying with her dad. She hopes to join the family business after graduation, get a job with a regional airline and then bump up to the majors.


The ARC carries on the long tradition of women’s air racing that dates back to 1929. Air racing became popular in the 1920’s, but women pilots were forbidden to race against the men in that era, so the ladies started their own. This year’s ARC will have forty-seven teams and over one hundred female pilots compete for the championship title.


Warbalow is racing because she feels it will help her be a better pilot. “I am excited to be a part of the first UND team to compete in this race,” she said, “and hope Katrina and I can start this as a tradition for other UND females.” When she’s not flying, Amy enjoys running, swimming and playing hockey. She is a member of the UND chapter of Women in Aviation International (WIA).

Grand Forks, ND - Katrina Kugler

Katrina holds a Commercial certificate with single and multi-engine and instrument flight instructor credentials, an instrument rating and 756 hours logged. She is a flight instructor and flight supervisor at the University of North Dakota (UND), where she majored in flight education.

“I have flown many, long cross-countries in my personal flying,” she said, “but they have always been for fun and never for perfection. I will enjoy flying this year to learn what racing is all about and to create a path for future UND teams.”

Aviation is all in the family for Katrina – she started flying at fifteen because of her father, and her husband, Andrew, is also a pilot. Katrina and Andrew like to take road trips with their cocker Spaniel, Honey, fly remote-controlled airplanes and enjoy the outdoors when the North Dakota winter allows it. Kugler also enjoys watching baseball and hockey. She is a member of the UND chapter of Women in Aviation International and Alpha Ace.

JoAnne Alcorn and K. Kaye Tucker

JoAnne Alcorn and K. Kaye Tucker

Winter Haven, FL – JoAnne Alcorn

JoAnne Alcorn returns for her sixth Air Race Classic. She is an Instrument-Rated Commercial pilot with 1,506 hours logged. She is rated for single-engine land and sea, multi-engine land, advanced and instrument ground instructor and tailwheel certifications. She is a member of the South Florida chapter of the Ninety-Nines, Women in Aviation International (WIA) and an ARC director. 

When asked why she races, Jo explained, “I often fly long cross-countries, but there is nothing comparable to the challenge of the ARC. The adventure of new places and new flight conditions is exciting and fun. The camaraderie with like-minded women is wonderful. These are

friendships for life. It's great to meet up along the race route with other racers and hear their hilarious stories.”

Since retiring as an IT manager in 2001, Jo has worked with her husband, Steve, in aircraft sales and services as president of Bachman Aviation, Winter Haven, Florida. They have been documented in AOPA Pilot magazine which featured an amazing flight in a J3 Cub.

Besides flying, Jo loves to do research on her family tree. Flying allows her to explore family homesteads and meet distant cousins. She loves to travel, read and cook – pecan pie is her specialty.

The Villages, FL – Pilot, K. Kaye Tucker

This year will be K. Kaye Tucker’s first year to compete in the ARC. She is a Private pilot with 943 hours in her logbook. Tucker is flying the race because she wanted the experience and fun of meeting new female pilots. “This year was especially interesting to me because most of my flying experience has been east of the Mississippi,” she said.

Kaye is a retired City of Bloomington Minnesota employee. She also owned a computerized embroidery business. Her interests include sewing, especially custom embroidery, knitting – and anything aviation-related.

Tucker is a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Ninety-Nines, Women Pilots, Women in Aviation International (WIA), G.I.F.T. Academy (Girls In Flight Training), Young Eagles EAA Volunteer Pilot, Pilots ‘N’ Paws and The Villages Aviation Club.

Debi Dreyfuss and Linda Knowles

Debi Dreyfuss and Linda Knowles

Potomac, MD – Debi Dreyfuss

Debbie Dreyfuss returns to the ARC for the fourth time. With 1,420 hours under her belt, Debbie is an instrument-rated Commercial pilot and has single-engine land and sea, multi-engine land, flight instructor and tailwheel credentials. She is a member of the Washington DC chapters of the Ninety-Nines and Women in Aviation International (WIA).

Debbie had wanted to fly since the age of six when her uncle took her for a ride in his Cessna 172. “I race for fun, camaraderie and the competition,” she said. “Team DC3 had our fastest time yet in the 2012 race, placing 12th, with a handicap three knots higher than 2011. We are looking forward to ‘Lucky 13’!”

On leg seven of last year’s race, “Our team was poised to take advantage of the terrific tailwind from South Dakota to Ashland to Sault Ste Marie, but teammate Carol became ill from the heat and bumps in the back seat so we had to stop,” Dreyfuss said. “Because of the wait, we missed the thunderstorm, got the tailwind and won the leg – all by accident!”

Founder and owner of Designs Unlimited Architectural Graphics/Commercial Signage for twenty years, Debbie sold the business in 1998 then had a second career selling advertising until she retired in 2007.

She funds the "Debi Dreyfuss Dare to be Different" Award for local Ninety-Nines chapters, owns a Texas taildragger, a newer Cessna 182 and a fractional interest in an Avanti Piaggio 180. Debi is currently teaching her grandson to fly.

Her team, Team DC3, has raised over $6000 for aviation education awards. Through the Washington DC Chapter of the International Ninety-Nines, they fund training for women who want to follow their dreams of flying career, a field where only six percent are female.


Good Luck Ladies! 

I'm looking forward to meeting you all in two weeks. And for Amy and Katrina, I'm looking forward to flying with you one day.

Please leave the racers your best wishes, and feel free to ask them any questions. I know they will appreciate the support. 

About The Air Race Classic...  

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene 

Remember... Today is another exciting day in the Most Memorable Flight Adventure. Check out Dan Pimentel's post. He goes live today!

Most Memorable Flight Schedule:

June 4, 2013 Flight to Success - Karlene Petitt 

June 5, 2013  Adventures of Cap’n Aux - Eric Auxier

June 6, 2013 House of Rapp - Ron Rapp

June 7, 2013 Airplanista - Dan Pimentel

June 8, 2013 Smart Flight Training - Andrew Hartley

June 9, 2013 iFLYblog - Brent Owens

Your Replacement

T.H.ursdays With Tom Hill 

I have spent my entire career being the best darn aviator I could possibly be. Every step of the way, whether it was a new training program or an everyday flight, I tried to put my best foot forward. It was in my nature to try to be as good as I could possibly be. Early in my career, I was singularly focused on this commitment. I would choose the right training program. I would shoot for the special missions. I would volunteer for anything that was unique. If there was a task to be done, especially if flying was involved--no matter how mundane--I was first in line to volunteer. That was how I rolled and it clearly served me very well. Then, a few years before I retired from the USAF something dawned on me. If I spend all my time making myself better, where is my replacement coming from? Who is going to take my place? I had to do my part.

Yellowstone National Park

Of course, conceptually I know there is a never ending cycle of new trainees taking the place of those who leave service. One leaves, another more or less takes his place. I'll call this process a "continuity of replacement." Of course, I know how it works. What didn't dawn on me was my role in the informal training that takes place outside of formal courses. You see, there is so much to learn from simple experience outside of courses. I believe you become a much better aviator from first hand practical experiences than you do from formal training. I believe the real learning happens after you graduate from your initial formal courses. The real learning happens through the application of all you've learned. My epiphany was, "Who is mentoring my replacement?"

Along with that realization was this thought: If I was always the guy picked to do the most difficult and complex aviation tasks, when would the other younger guys learn what I learned? If I soaked up all the opportunities, when would the youngsters get their opportunities? I was good at these complex/special missions because I had good sense and tremendous experience. If the younger guys with good sense couldn't get the experience, how could we expect the continuity of replacement process to work? It couldn't. Which leads me to now.

Nowadays, I make a conscious effort to pass on the "good deals" to the younger guys. I try to task my younger crewmates with solving problems as much as possible, versus me doing it. Most of the time this means I have to teach these young aviators how to do what I'm tasking them to do. Sure, it would be less effort on my part if I simply did it on my own without the teaching session. In fact, it might be done better and with more reliability. But, if I solved all the problems and never empowered anyone else to get stuff done, how could I expect anyone to take the reins when it's time for me to hang it up?

Of course, I mean this metaphysically. I will not be training my direct replacement. I can only contribute to the "system" at large by teaching and tasking young'uns as much as possible. By contributing to the system, I'm hoping it is that much better in the end.

I've taken this a bit further by chastising other old-heads when they "get it done" on their own instead of making the effort to teach - and then depend upon - our young'uns. I know this idea takes more effort. I know it won't be as good as if we had done the things ourselves. But, if we never teach anyone else, then how can we expect anyone to step in when us old guys aren't available?

If you are an experienced aviator, you have lessons to teach our community's newest members. If you don't have young'uns around, there are plenty of other opportunities. Contributing to those with less experience is a primary motivation for me to write for Karlene's blog. Through the magic of the internet, I have an opportunity to make this contribution. I figure I have a community responsibility to pass on some of the experience and lessons I've learned over the last 30 years. After all, an old fart helped me out early in my career. I should do the same.

Cheers
Tom

www.tom-hill.biz

Thank you Tom! This post speaks volumes!

Please take a moment share with us what you are doing to train your replacement. Imagine if everyone passed something forward what the future will bring.

Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene

 Remember... Today is another exciting day in the Most Memorable Flight Adventure. Check out Ron Rapp in his House of Rap.

Most Memorable Flight Schedule:

June 4, 2013 Flight to Success - Karlene Petitt 

June 5, 2013  Adventures of Cap’n Aux - Eric Auxier

June 6, 2013 House of Rapp - Ron Rapp

June 7, 2013 Airplanista - Dan Pimentel

June 8, 2013 Smart Flight Training - Andrew Hartley

June 9, 2013 iFLYblog - Brent Owens

Crew Resource Managment Event

Presentations for Pilots

Hosted by Angel Flight West

You're Invited: To Single Pilot Resource Management Seminar

Date: June 13

Where: Seattle Museum of Flight, Boeing Field

Speaker:  Johnny Summers, FAA Designated Pilot Examiner & Alaska Airlines Pilot

Time:  5-7 p.m.

"Crew Resource Management (CRM) was born of the need to reduce airline accidents. In 1979 at a NASA workshop, they found the primary cause of aviation accidents was human error. Since then the techniques have been refined and incorporated into every airline training program as well as many other industries. The techniques learned through the maturation of CRM are not limited to multi-crew aircraft. Much of the training is scalable to the general aviation community. This integration is termed Single-pilot Resource Management (SRM) and is still in its infancy. We will look at the current status of SRM and then open the discussion for ideas of continued improvement and growth."

There is no admission charge to this event.
Light refreshments will be served. 

Enjoy the museum as guests of Angel Flights West

RSVP appreciated to: janetc@angelflightwest.org or at
www.angelflightwest.org through the event link on the home page.

I will be sitting reserve... and we never know where I will be. But if scheduling doesn't call... I will be at this great event. I hope to see you there too!

Enjoy the journey!
XOX Karlene 

Remember... Today is another exciting day in the Most Memorable Flight Adventure. Check out Cap'n Aux today!

Most Memorable Flight Schedule:

June 4, 2013 Flight to Success - Karlene Petitt 

June 5, 2013  Adventures of Cap’n Aux - Eric Auxier

June 6, 2013 House of Rapp - Ron Rapp

June 7, 2013 Airplanista - Dan Pimentel

June 8, 2013 Smart Flight Training - Andrew Hartley

June 9, 2013 iFLYblog - Brent Owens

Most Memorable Flight

An exciting week of 

Blogging In Formation has just begun.

This week—

The most memorable flight. 

With so many flights logged into my brain, I wondered which I should share…Flying thoroughbreds in a 747, on my way to Rio while listening to Jimmy Buffet? My first landing in a Braniff 727 as a commercial/Instrument rated pilot? Landing in Saudi Arabia after flying 12 hours, single crew without an autopilot? Each flight I take is spectacular in some way. But there is one that has imprinted a video in my mind, and every so often the movie plays.

 Memories are stored with emotion—and triggers bring them back to life. A song, a scent, or place. Today's memory was triggered by an incredible book I recently finished, which has yet to be released—Mark L. Berry’s Memoir. But with any luck it will be on the market soon. A little snippet of what carried me back to JKF on July 17, 1996.

"The sky was that deep shade of blue you only see at dusk during summer, in the moments just before the sun finally sets. The ocean, having absorbed radiation, heat, and light all day, set up a low shimmer above the steadily rolling waves as the atmosphere tried to reclaim what the sun had tirelessly delivered while passing overhead. The sea and sky seemed to be shaking a thousand hands along that stretched horizon. The distant colored sails of leisure boats jibed and tacked—small irregular triangles bending and pulling their water-skimming vessels. And above the were departing aircraft... A recent departure from JFK International airport joins the procession...unaware that anything was about to go fatally wrong."

Mark L. Berry

 

The fact is, there were a line of up 747 double-deckers that night, and I was in one of them flying with Tower Air, as a first officer. July 17th 1996 was the night TWA 800 exploded. When something of this magnitude happens, people are touched in a variety of ways. This is the night that I remember. Not only the explosion, but the events that transpired before that horrific moment and the many hours that followed with need to tell my family, "I am alive."

 

We were all delayed, an hour that night. My crew had performed all procedures, and we were waiting for bags to be loaded, and passengers to board. And three sequential, but significant, events occurred before our flight. They stick in my mind to this day, as they were all connected in some small way.

First: My captain had told me that many of the pilots were upset with him because he had been flying high time. Every month, anything he could get… he took. He explained he hated being selfish, but he had a plan to retire early. He had to think of his family. He needed to amass the money. He would work hard for ten to fifteen years, and then retire.

I asked, “Which is it… ten, or fifteen?”

He looked at me quizzically and said, “Whatever it takes.”

 

Then I explained to him the fallacy of his plan. With a moving goal like that, each year would roll into the next, and tomorrow would never come. There would always be that next paycheck, one more extra flight, and an excuse that would come with why he needed to go for more. His flying was like an addiction. That he would give up his life and seeing his kids grow up, for the dollar. And what if he were hit by a car tomorrow? It would have been for nothing. I told him that it was important to plan for his future, but it was also important to not sacrifice today, for what might happen in the future. We never know how long we have until it’s too late. And that was when we were interrupted with event number two.

 

Second: The lead flight attendant came to the flight deck and told us that we had a passenger who was very a nervous flyer. He was worrying everyone else. The captain asked her to bring him to the flight deck. When he arrived, Captain Daly explained to this man how safe the plane was—duplicate systems with redundancy. How safe flying in general was. He then had the lead move him as far forward as possible, to lessen the effect of turbulence.

After he left the cockpit I said, “You know, when it’s your time to go, it’s your time. Unless it’s the guy in 5B, then I guess you go with him.” Ha. Ha. We all laughed, and then event three occurred.

 

Third: The lead flight attendant returned to the flight deck and said there was a first class passenger that was complaining because he did not have a meal. I asked why they didn’t board him a meal. Answer—he was supposed to be on TWA 800 and missed the flight. They had already closed their doors. I offered to give him my crew meal. She said, “We have food for him. He wants a ‘First Class’ meal.” Hmmm. Shouldn’t he be happy just to be on our plane? 

You see both TWA and Tower had scheduled flights to Paris that night, in the exact same plane, departing 15 minutes apart. But the little tidbit that may have gone unknown, was that Tower had been flying TWA 747 flights for about a month prior to that, as TWA had overestimated the timing of bringing this magnificent bird onto their fleet, and they were behind schedule. Weeks prior to this flight, I had piloted a TWA flight from JFK to SFO.

We sat in the long line awaiting departure, and then were cleared for takeoff. The captain pressed the thrust levers forward and we barreled down the runway soon to be airborne. The Tower cleared us to contact departure, and I had just looked down to change the radio when the flight engineer said, “What was that? There aren’t any cells out here, are there?”

We played with the radar to see what storm had emitted lightening in our clear skies. It wasn’t until we were crossing the ocean and listening to the chatter on 123.45, did we learn what had happened.

 

Silence prevailed in our flight deck most of the night. Occasionally I would say, “I can’t believe that happened.” I fought tears, sometimes unsuccessfully. I had wanted to go back and tell that man who complained about his meal, that he was lucky to be alive. But I didn’t. He would either figure it out upon landing, or not. But the hours drug on in silence.

That plane could have been mine. We could have been in line with that missile… missing it by minutes. If it was boost pumps, we had them on our plane too. Did my family know that I was alive? The TV would have been on, as it was dinnertime in Seattle and I was out of town.

My three daughters ages, 11, 12, and 13 were at home with my husband. They knew that I had been flying TWA flights, and was headed to Paris. As suspected the news broke on all channels with the report of a TWA 747 bound for Paris that had just exploded. My husband said that was his worst night of his life.

Captain Mark L. Berry lost his fiancée and many good friends on that night… TWA was his airline. It took awhile to get a phone line out in Paris, But I was able to give my family that good news call. A call that many never received.

Aviation is the safest it has ever been, but there will always be a reminder that fate happens in strange ways. We as pilots can only do what we can for safety. But when the unexpected happens, such as TWA-800… it becomes as senseless and painful as 9/11. There is no reason. And as much as we want to blame someone, there will be times that we are unable to. And yet must find a way to go on, we owe it to those who are unable.

But those memories of lives lost, and the events we experience will continue to play in our minds each time we see that sunrise, or smell jet fuel, or depart Kennedy.

Please take this week to enjoy my fellow Blogging In Formation pilots. Below is the schedule and a link their blogs. You get a full week of the most memorable.

But before you go…

Please share your most memorable flight.
(as a passenger counts too.)

Most Memorable Flight Schedule:

June 4, 2013 Flight to Success - Karlene Petitt 

June 5, 2013  Adventures of Cap’n Aux - Eric Auxier

June 6, 2013 House of Rapp - Ron Rapp

June 7, 2013 Airplanista - Dan Pimentel

June 8, 2013 Smart Flight Training - Andrew Hartley

June 9, 2013 iFLYblog - Brent Owens

For a taste of Mark's memoir, here is his photo and 34 companion-song page. He's taken up writing music to help heal the pain. Click HERE for more.

Remember to enjoy the journey~
XO Karlene

Meet The Racers BBQ

"Life is all about the Journey...

But remember to stop along the way

and dine with a lady pilot."

The AIR RACE CLASSIC is only 2 weeks away, and the excitement mounts. Today the question is: Chicken or Beef... or BBQ?

We have been meeting the Air Race Classic racers for the previous few months on Flight To Success... now you have the opportunity to meet them in person.

You're Invited....

WHAT:       Meet-the-Racers Barbecue
WHEN:      Saturday, June 15 at 6:00
WHERE:   Pasco. 3025 Rickenbacker Lane, Pasco, WA
                          (South end of airport)
PRICE:       $30

If you can't make it Saturday night, the Take-Off Banquet is Sunday, June 16 at the Kennewick Red Lion, 1101 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick, WA. Cost is $50.

Marjy must have payment for barbecue and/or dinner choice by June 10.  Dinner choices for Sunday are Tillamook Cheddar Chive Chicken, Rosemary & Cracked Pepper Prime Rib, or vegetarian. There will also be a dinner speaker.

A registration form for guests can be downloaded from the ARC website by clicking HERE. 

Volunteers who wish to help should go to the website and click on the VOLUNTEER tab.

Questions can be sent to Marjy at:   

MarjyL@charter.net

I will be starting my 10-day road trip with the first stop ~ Pasco Washington, on June 15th, to meet the ladies and join them for dinner at the airport. I hope you can can join us, too. I would love to see you there. Fly in. Eat. Meet lady pilots. Have fun.

Enjoy the Journey! 

XO Karlene   

Will you make it to Pasco?