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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.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Top Secret Stuff

One more day... and I'm off to work again. Friday morning ... DH to Detroit, pick up my flight bag, and off to Atlanta. I will be spending the 4th of July in Amsterdam.

Today I played with my granddaughter. Tonight I wrote my Scribe Sisters post... Tension in the Bedroom. http://tinyurl.com/2blwlun and now, I am sharing a top secret view of what the flight deck of the A380 looks like enroute. ;) 



Whose airline is this anyway?

Happy Flying!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

The Good Old Days...


When "Aviation was dangerous and sex was safe... technology wouldn't cut the caper... pilots flew hard, worked hard and played hard..."
And heroes emerged! 

Captain Eric Moody

"Good evening ladies and gentleman. This is your Captain speaking. We have a small problem. All four engines have stopped. We are all doing our damndest to get them going again. I trust you are not in too much distress." 

 Captain Eric Moody
(center)

0200 this morning I had the grand opportunity to interview Captain Eric Moody, with my FlightPodcast team: Adam, Marty and Ken . We'll be coming live soon!
http://www.flight.org/blog/2010/06/15/introducing-flightpodcast-com/


Click on this link http://flightpodcast.com// and subscribe, to receive notification when our first episode is available for download.

Join us to hear what this spectacular man and authentic aviator has to say to the experience of his lifetime. June 24, 1982, Captain Eric Moody's plane flew through an ash cloud and all four engines flamed out. The challenges that followed were many, but the reason they survived was due to his innate skills as an aviator, personality of a leader, and good sense. 

Eric's humor, modesty and view on CRM is surprising, entertaining and will make you laugh. His story is nothing short of amazing.

Happy Flying!
~Karlene

Monday, June 28, 2010

An Airline With a Sense of Humor

A low-cost South-African Airline...
That doesn't take itself too seriously!

"Kulula "

"It's good to be the big cheese!"

"Anyone can now do a walkaround"
   
"My seat...and job description"


Sunday, June 27, 2010

Where in the World is Pilot Petitt?

Detroit, New York, Chicago and Home!


Wednesday: Arrival from Amsterdam…32 hours awake and I finally slept… 12 hours at the Westin, Detroit Airport Hotel! Yes, I slept 12 hours! If you’ve never slept at a Westin… you don’t know what you’re missing. Thunderstorms... What thunderstorms?

Thursday: A 35 minute rush to check in for a full flight… but they found me a seat, and I was headed East to New York for dinner with my friend Heather.


Heather McCorkle spent four days in New York at the NY Pitch and Shop. You can find Heather on her personal blog: http://www.heathermccorkle.blogspot.com/ or at http:///www.scribesisters.blogspot.comExciting news coming on the success of her novels! Aspiring writers need to contact and follow Heather. She is an inspiration to all!

Heather

Friday: A short night sleep and I was off to Chicago for my baby daughter’s bachelorette party!
I got to meet her mother-in-law and sister-in-law to be, Kathy and Kate. Great people! We ate, drank, shopped, and neglected sleep for 2 days!

Krysta, Allison, Kathy, Karlene and Kate!
Sunday: My flight home, compliments of Southwest Airlines, was nothing short of inspirational. 39 WWII Vets returning home after a quick tour to Washington... and they all wanted to meet me! Ahhh... I was honored. Pictures, laughter, stories, and autographs... a fun flight.


Now... bedtime! Four days home and I’m off again.

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

~ Karlene

Friday, June 25, 2010

Ryan Lock: Fridays Fabulos Flyer

The final week of my ‘adopt a pilot,’ and I find myself returning full circle to Ryan Lock. Ryan is the young man who inspired this blog. He is a dynamic individual, a lover of aviation, and can be found at the Delta Connection Academy owned by Delta Airlines. 


Did you know that per the Department of Homeland Security/Department of State, a professional pilot is not a person with ‘extraordinary abilities’ or an ‘individual with a profession’… Obviously they haven't met Ryan.

Ryan’s challenge… a work Visa.
Ryan’s dream… to remain in the U.S. and fly. 
When I asked Ryan…

"What would help you more than anything in your career right now?”
Assuming I answered this question in approximately 8 months from now, at which time I will be a Certified Flight Instructor -the "thing" that would help me more than anything in my career would be to FLY. Simple as that.

I am currently an appropriately rated pilot... soon to have a certified flight instructor (CFI, CFII & MEI) rating. However, it's finding ‘hours’ that is crucial to a new pilot after graduation. I am a firm believer that a pilot gains his/her ultimate goal through experience of teaching/flying with others.

My destiny is to become a commercial airline pilot, and we all know that airlines look for those pilots with the four digit figures in their log books. Currently I have approximately 160 hours, not a lot, however, my current certificates enable me to be hired instantly by a Regional carrier here in the US (if they were hiring), except for one thing is blocking my way… a work visa.

Yes, in this current economical crisis it isn't healthy to hire nationals from outside of ones own Country; however, professional pilots in my situation are crying out to be hired here in the US, agreeing to pay the required taxes and contribute accordingly. Not short of $80,000 to become hiring applicable at a Regional airline in the US, yet a professional pilot isn't deemed a person with "extraordinary abilities" or an "individual with a profession", as per US Department of Homeland Security/Department of State work visa applications. I am from the UK, we have a great relationship with the US, but contrary to this, we British citizens are one of the least likely foreign candidates to gain legal work status here in the US.

So, I will work for Delta Connection Academy upon graduating as a flight instructor until my current F-1 Visa runs out in March 2013, at which time my options are wide open -do I go back to Europe and convert to JAA, or do I try find legal status here in the US to remain in the industry?

My first option would be to stay here in the US, but without a ‘sponsorship,’ despite how I will be above qualified as a professional pilot and the proud graduate of  a join honors degree in Aviation Technology & Management, then back to the UK/Europe I will be sent. Don't get me wrong, pilots are paid better in Europe and fly newer and bigger aircraft when starting out; however, I feel loyal to this country and the company at which I have trained and feel it's only best to remain here and progress further.

I don't have a preference, I don't have demands -I have dignity, commitment and dedication to provide to the best of my abilities the profession at which I have ALWAYS been enthusiastic about since early childhood.
Are you willing to re-locate for a job?
Of course, relocating has ZERO impact on my life; I would just be grateful for any opportunity even if it's at the other side of the world/country.
What would be your ideal position?
 Goal wise: A long-haul commercial airline pilot.
Right now: Hour building -Flight Instructing. 
What specifically do you need keep you in the US to continue to pursue your dreams?
Specifically a ‘sponsor.’ This could be an individual or a company/business that are willing to submit paperwork -with my help, to the US government to enable me to legally work under the skillful profession at which I have been trained. 
***

If anyone is willing to sponsor this outstanding pilot and an incredible young man,...contact Ryan Lock at mail@ryanlock.comand visit him on his personal blog: http://www.ryanlock.com
Read more about Ryan on Friday Flyer:http://tinyurl.com/y388cf8

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Pilot Language... It's not Greek!


A very short layover and another departure out of Amsterdam. But today, I was the DHing crewmember. 


And as promised... the key to demystifying pilot language.

DH:  Deadhead  (DHing: Deadheading)
  • The act of giving up our seat with a view to be the food and movie critic in Business Class…. For me a great time to catch up on my reading and writing. 
  • Nice duty at full pay.
  • The art of moving a pilot from one city to the next, to pick up somebody else’s trip.
  • The ability to avoid Detroit if at all possible.
 PM: Pilot Monitoring
  • Pilot doing all the work while the other pilot does the takeoff and landing.
 PF:  Pilot Flying
  • Pilot having all the fun… while the other pilot works the radios.
 Junior FO: Me!
  • The person who will do the walk around in the rain, hail and snow.
 Walk Around:
  • Exterior preflight, sometimes known as ‘kicking the tires.’ This procedure is done differently by women. We no longer kick tires… we touch them to see how they’re feeling. ;)
 Reserve: 
  • The act of working on my novel, exercising, reading, sleeping and waiting for the phone call to fly.                                                  
DTW: Detroit
  • A four and a half hour flight from Seattle, 3 time zones, and my home away from home until December!
MSP: Minneapolis
  • The resting place of NWA, and the new Delta north training center.
ACC: Accra Ghana
  • West Africa, home of malaria and lockdown in the hotel.
FCO: Rome
  • Fountains, romance and red wine.
AMS: Amsterdam
  • Canals, museums, and anything goes.
ATH: Athens
  • Ancient ruins filled with inspiration and magic. 
SEA: Seattle
  • There is no place like home! 

Monday, June 21, 2010

Life on Reserve

Funny thing happened on my way out the door to sit reserve in Detroit. Scheduling called and told me that I was already assigned a trip...but out of Minneapolis. They also told me that I could "deviate" and go directly into Minneapolis...on my own.  I wouldn't have to go through Detroit.
Sounds great to me!

After an hour of figuring out a plan, with a backup plan to get to Minneapolis, and canceling my previous listing to Detroit, and the Detroit hotel, I began calling hotels in MSP. Holiday Inn by the airport, $110! The woman at the front desk said to call my company and if they would send a fax, I could pay the discounted rate.

I called scheduling to tell them that I was officially deviating, but I was outside the 24 hour window, and promised to call when I landed in MSP. Scheduling sent me to crew accommodations and great news! Delta will let us use hotel rooms that have been previously blocked for crew but were not going to be used. I was in luck... a Flight Attendant was rescheduled and I could have her room, for free!

Last of the Red Tails SEA

Once at the airport, I learned that my flight was full. I had not booked this jump seat, as I gambled that I could get first class. Stars were aligned and 4B was my destiny.  A first class meal, a great conversation with a doctor from the Mayo clinic whose father was retired military and wrote a couple books... Fighting to Leave and Cleared Hot by R.E. Stoffey, and I rewrote 2 chapters of my novel.
Excellent flight, despite the weather delays.

Arriving at the Holiday Inn the adventure began. With late arrivals and misconnected passengers, the hotel was filling up, and they could not find the fax with my name on it. I called crew accommodations, who had no idea that I was promised a room and put me on hold to talk to scheduling, who also had no record that I was in MSP. Deep in the explanation phase, a woman behind the counter yelled, "Karlene hang up that phone! What do you think you're doing?"

Karen! My friend who had been working at the Holiday Inn since the 80's when I taught for Guyana, who had taken care of me during my new hire days with NWA was still here!  She had the fax with my name on it, and I told crew accommodations... "never mind." We caught up on life and Karen put me on the concierge's floor in a great room.

A late night of revisions and I awoke remembering to call scheduling and tell them I was deviating. Ted said that I was already taken care of, so I rolled over and went back to sleep. When I finally got up, and turned my phone on, there was a call from the Chief Pilot's office asking me to "please call."

There is a saying that if you can retire without having the Chief Pilot know your name, you've had a great career. Well, I'm having a different kind of career and pretty much my name is on the wall of every Chief Pilot's office. I might have to drop in and put a face with my name.  Apparently, while I was in MSP getting a room, I had not officially told them I was deviating, since I was supposed to call when I landed.

Officially miscommunication, and all is well. In 4 hours I will be on my way to Amsterdam.

Have a great day!

~ Karlene

Friday, June 18, 2010

Zyola T Mix: Friday’s Fabulous Flyer

Zyola is not only a Private Pilot but she is a single mother with heart of gold, and the strength and determination to beat all odds. Her friend says she is “chronically positive."


Zyola served our country in the Army from 1989-1991, and then moved to the mainland to pursue her education with a double major in Astrophysics & Electrical Engineering at Colorado State University. But due to extremely unfortunate circumstances she had to leave the program early, and returned to Hawaii.

Nothing could knock Zyola down. She jumped back into school, and soon earned an associates degree in Electrical & Computer Technology from Heald in Honolulu, and then transferred to University of Hawaii to continue her major. She fell in love, got married and unfortunately was encouraged to quit her education once she became a wife. For six years she held an excellent job with BAE as an Electro-Mechanical/Optical design/drafter, for 14 years she supported her husband, before and during their marriage. Love and commitment are powerful that way.


Despite objections on the home front, Zyola was working on her instrument rating and life was good. But with faith and trust in the man she loved, she quit her job, stopped her flight training, and followed her heart and her husband’s ‘dream’ … this time to Portland for his career. Unfortunately his job was a ruse, and Zyola not only continued to be the bread winner, but also became pregnant.

The months that followed were nothing short of a nightmare… an abusive relationship, sleeping on the floor pregnant, a premature baby, and a mother’s fight for her daughter’s survival. Releasing all her assets… she bought full custody of her baby girl. Zyola was free to leave, and returned to Colorado to her nearest family on the mainland, and has spent the last year rebuilding a safe, stable and happy home for her daughter to thrive in.


Zyola says, “I tried to reconnect with my aviation soul via Twitter with amazing results. I was asked to join a podcast as the 'girl power' crew member and even got the chance to fly again. Right seat, but it reminded me how much I NEED to be in the sky.”

With her feet on the ground and her heart in the sky, her dream has always been towards her flying career and she has 115 hours of flight time to date.


Zyola plans to get back in the sky as pilot in command, and to return to Colorado State University to complete the degree she started over 18 years ago. She is also looking for a job with Boeing or Jeppesen, or perhaps Raytheon or Lockheed Martin. She tells me the challenge is great in Colorado because, “they have a strong crop of former military with active top secret clearances to choose from.” Zyola is not giving up. She says, “It'll happen but I'd like it to happen sooner.”

Zyola’s dream: “To be back home in Hawaii doing puddle jumps between my islands, in my own plane, with commercial, commuter, mercy & complimentary passengers.” Her ‘ultimate’ dream: “To be a Shuttle Pilot. I guess I'll have to shoot for a civilian space line pilot, now.”

Zyola’s pride and joy is her two year old “AMAZING” daughter. Who apparently takes after mom and loves airplanes. However, she has told her mother that she wants to fly helicopters. Kids… go figure. She’ll have to learn that helicopters don’t fly… they just beat the air into submission.

Zyola, Zyola, Zyola.... how can I resist starting each sentence with such a beautiful name, attached to a strong and determined woman? If anyone can offer her lead to a job, advice on her career, or inspiration… I know she would love to hear from you.

Check out Zyola’s Blog http://supovadea.viviti.com/
Also on Skype (Supovadea) and Twitter (Supovadea)

Zyola, put that past behind you and look toward your future with optimism as you pursue your dreams. You have conquered obstacles that not many would have survived. I believe we get what we need in this life... to create the person we will become. Your experiences will serve you well. You have received a PhD in life… use it wisely, good things will come.

Happy Flying! Karlene

Monday, June 14, 2010

Atlanta to Rome


Short but sweet....

A great landing into Amsterdam, a short nap and we explored the city and ate fries at the Manneken Pis.



Cordials in the tasting room of a distillery build in 1679!



Rested in a shoe... walking through Amsterdam is exhausting! So are flying three crossings in a week!


And soda on the canal followed by dinner at a Thai restaurant with a shamrock on the door.
Only in Amsterdam!


Wake up call has arrived, and my checkride is today. Hopefully another normal. And then I run to my commuter flight and head on home to Seattle.
Wish me luck... a tight connect.

Enjoy the Journey!

~ Karlene



Saturday, June 12, 2010

A fun time in Rome

Rome consisted of an evening out at Botticelli’s and the captain made a toast with all the flight attendants to my perfect landing. Nice. Moments of pride soon to be humbled with the jinxing from my captain.

Crew at Botticelli's

This has been a great TOE trip. Many learning experiences along the way.
And Rome was incredible!



Fontana Di Trevi



Tree Muse

Pantheon

Pantheon, Inside looking up

Pantheon on the inside... each wall is different, marble, and spectacular

Spanish Steps



A beautiful City and an Excellent Layover!

Enjoy the Journey!

~ Karlene

Friday, June 11, 2010

Julia Bury: Friday's Fabulous Flyer


Today is an extra special day for Julia…her last day of High School! 
Congratulations Julia! 
With graduation tomorrow, she is not only closing one door but she is flying through the next, as she pursues her flying career.
 Julia in an A320
Julia will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the fall for Aerospace Engineering and Flight Training, with a plan to become an airline pilot.  Her ultimate goal is to fly for JetBlue on the A320… but maybe after she’s done with her schooling, she’ll want to join me flying the A330 with Delta. Despite where she goes, I know Julia will be a success and find the career of her choice, and that any airline that employs her will be very fortunate.
Julia’s life is a dream, and she is an inspiration to many. She first became interested in flying when she traveled to California to compete in a Jr. Olympics track meet.
What initially captivated this young lady was the speed and ability to travel quickly across the country in less than a day. She was fascinated by the mechanics of how everything came together to get that airplane off the ground…  ground crew operations, pilots flying, ATC’s direction, and the flight attendants responsibilities.

 
Julia in a 172
And then she took her first flight in a Piper Warrior.  She says, “It was definitely one the most amazing experiences I have ever had.  I could not get the smile off of my face, and my mother has said that I have never looked happier.  I could not believe it when the instructor had me takeoff the airplane and fly on different vector headings.  It was an experience I will never forget, and it certainly confirmed my interest in flying and dreams to someday fly for a living.”
Julia loves flying and the aviation industry for many reasons: “Seeing the world from the vantage point of an airplane, having the ability to travel to new and interesting locations in relatively short amount of time, taking the challenges of flying through turbulence, bad weather, and wind, and the physics and mathematics behind flying the aircraft… I find it breathtaking to see a sunrise from an airplane, or see a passing jet from the window of a commercial aircraft.  Being able to see every city and town from a plane is very exciting to me, and is an incredible way to see the world.”
There is no stopping her. Julia says, “I also cannot get enough of the sound of a jet engine, the smell of jet fuel, or the sight of airplane lights lining up on final into an airport at night.” I’m thinking only a real pilot can appreciate the smell of jet fuel.
Neither of her parents or close relatives had ever flown an airplane, and her desire to fly had surprised everyone.   However, her parents are very supportive of her goals, and they have helped her immensely in her dreams. A message to Mom and Dad, “I am grateful for this, and feel fortunate that I have parents who will assist me in my pursuit of flight training in conjunction with an aerospace engineering degree.”
 Julie and Julia
She has also been lucky to have found an airline captain for Jet Blue, Julie, as a mentor.  Julie has helped Julia a great deal in her pursuit of flying, and they have been talking for almost a year now. Julie has shared a great deal with Julia as to the life of a pilot, the details of the job, and stories of the amazing places a pilot travels and many other aspects of this wonderful career.
“I have enjoyed talking with someone who is as interested and excited about aviation and flying as I am… I feel very fortunate to have found my pilot mentor, and to have the opportunity to speak with other airline pilots, such as Bob, a captain for Pinnacle flying the CRJ.  Hopefully someday I will be lucky enough to fly with them and learn from them even more.”
 Thank you pilot mentors!
Greatest Challenge:
“My greatest challenges involving flying will be obtaining an initial job in this field.  I am hopeful that my education and training at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will help me to achieve my goals, along with the support of my family and pilot mentors.”
“I am very hopeful and excited at the possibility to someday fly for an airline and have a job I completely enjoy and love.  Since that day in which I took my first flight at the controls in the cockpit, I could not imagine myself doing anything else but fly for a career.  I will do whatever it takes to one day fly for a major airline.”
Julia, the challenges may be many, but you will conquer them all. I hope you keep me posted on your progress… and one day, I hope to fly with you too!  You are an inspiration to other young women who have a need to fly… make us all proud! 
~Karlene
I am in Rome now... and what happens in Rome... will be shared tomorrow.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Athens… New York: A LOE?

The trip started with a late arrival of our airplane. We waited at the gate patiently. Once onboard, mechanics were busy in the flight deck, so we wandered outside for our walk-around demonstration. Yes…it was an airplane and I believe that my thousands of 747 exterior preflights will come in handy. The Princess sure is pretty (photos to come)

Our departure included a 30 minute delay. Maintenance had MEL’d the flight attendant rest area, meaning…they couldn’t use it. So they blocked seats for them, which would interfere with their normal rest sequence, they weren’t happy. Fueling complete, performance data received… there was so much to do in so little time, the pressure was on and we were pressing our release time…if we weren’t off within 5 minutes, we would lose our clearance!

We made it to the runway and I performed my first departure. She felt good on rotation, like a real airplane.


During a normal flight, one pilot is the ‘Pilot Flying’ and the other is the ‘Pilot Monitoring’ throughout the entire flight. However, during my OE I not only get to be the pilot flying on departure and landing, but also the pilot monitoring during the enroute phase. Pilot monitoring does all the work enroute.

We climbed out, and were enroute on what we thought would be a ‘normal’ flight, and then the excitement began.

All other flights were experiencing turbulence, and we needed and wanted to climb higher. However, there was another plane in front of us, at our desired altitude, blocking our plan. We were behind on our fuel, down a couple thousand pounds right at the start. Not to worry… we just needed to monitor the trend…we had plenty of gas.


Unfortunately when we received our oceanic clearance, they not only gave us a lower altitude than requested, they gave us a reroute. Reroute was not the problem…just a good exercise for me, but we needed our altitude, and we needed it bad… not only for our fuel burn but for our passenger comfort. With a little negotiation we managed to get FL360, but with yet another reroute.

Just as we were approaching our Oceanic Entry Point, one of the flight attendants called up front to tell us that a woman was on her second bottle of oxygen and she was having difficulty breathing, but now was resting fine. We needed more information to determine if we should continue over the ocean or not. With her status in hand, we called dispatch to update them on our patient who apparently had asthma, and was also suffering stress from a recent break-in at which time she was held at knife point… and to provide them with our new routing.

Side note… every time we were on the radios with dispatch, or ATC, the flight attendants would call adding to the confusion. Murphy’s law. And it continued the entire flight.

22 feet of paper soon came spewing out of the printer with our new flight plan and fuel burns. And just went we thought it was done… more came.

Every flight ahead was reporting light chop over the ocean, but we were stable at FL360. Captain and I finally took a two hour break, four hours out of New York. During which time we experienced light to moderate turbulence. When I returned to the flight deck, we were at FL400. The Airbus A330 service ceiling is FL410.

Climbing back into the seat, the action began. Approaching our Oceanic Exit Point, ATC was broadcasting Moderate turbulence all sectors, all altitudes, with FL330 being the best. We requested and descended to 330 and found a smoother ride. During which time we discovered that a doctor had been called. But this time, for a sick infant. The woman who couldn’t breathe was doing okay, but connecting to San Francisco. The captain called dispatch to update them, and request paramedics meet the flight to determine if she were okay to continue her travels.


Approaching New York, the runway was dry, winds were blowing, and they were landing with VOR approaches to 13L and 22L. No ILS! We had two augmented pilots, and the pilot in the cockpit who has been on the airplane for four years, said, “I have never flown a non-precision in this plane.”

13L had a 10,000 foot runway, and 22L was 8400 feet. We were planning 13L… until we noticed they were landing on a closed runway. Requesting a second ATIS…they updated and corrected their mistake, 13L was not closed, but the VASI was out of service. Note…this approach and runway is the exact approach and runway in the prologue of my novel, the outcome wasn’t good.

I programmed the Canarsie 13L approach, at which time we entered the clouds and our icing warning came on. Engine heat selected, I briefed the approach. And then ATC changed us to 22L, we programmed that approach, and briefed. Moments later they told us to expect the ILS to 22L. More changes, programming and briefing.


An 8400 foot wet runway for anyone is a challenge. For my first landing… lets just say I was at my max at the end of this 11 hour flight. Short, wet runway, and we needed medium autobrakes. The captain warned me that medium autobrakes would grab hard, and the tendency would be to pull the nose down and slam it onto the runway. Comforting thought. He also said that most people have a tendency to go high the last two hundred feet…unforgiving on a short runway.

Final approach, wipers on so I can see, autopilot disconnected, and I continue. I land and we taxi off, hold short of an active runway. We have a 20 minute wait while someone is in our gate. As we pull in, the police drive up to the plane with lights flashing. Apparently a police escort is procedure when paramedics are called. I had envisioned some strong young guys waiting at the gate to meet with our passenger. My vision was not the reality, and excitement in the cabin was our disembarking entertainment.


After we got off the plane, one of the flight attendants told me that I got a sitting ovation. Apparently they liked my landing. We’re all good for one now and then… I guess I got mine out of the way early.

Tomorrow… off to Rome!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Nonstop: JFK/Athens


“Get use to it... you’re back to work,” my captain said, a little over 21 hours ago in New York. It was a hurry up and wait sort of day while we attempted to solve a booking problem at the gate, logbook confusion in the flight deck, and an hour taxi for departure. Welcome to New York! Thanks to the outstanding teamwork the departure was a success.

Taxing JFK

Good bye New York and Hello Athens!

Today the captain flew the plane, and all that stuff we did for 11 hours enroute… Just like in Vegas, “What happens in the cockpit stays in the cockpit.” At least for tonight…top secret stuff tomorrow.

Man Made of Stacked Pieces of Glass

The day was warm, the sun bright and my flight crew, I, and three of our flight attendants decided to take to the streets. Forsaking sleep, our feet, and perhaps our sanity… we pressed on and walked to Acropolis!

Hadrian's Arch

Tonight pictures will have to speak louder than words… I have been awake for too long and my words are lost.

Acropolis

Sann, Karlene and David ... Parthenon

Temple of Olympian Zeus
Erechtheum: Temple on North side of Acropolis

Roman Bath

A bath is where I am headed. Tomorrow is my leg back to New York, and I will be flying the remainder of the trip...the best thing about OE is I get all the legs. Have a wonderful day!

Enjoy the Journey!

~ Karlene