After 62 years flying airplanes, over 50 of 'em putting beans and tortillas on the table I may have hit the end of the line.
Tomorrow could be my last time to strap a Sim or airplane to my ass. Because of COVID-19 and my age I have been allowed leave with full pay and benefits. I do not know how long it will last but I can not imagine more than a couple of months tops. Then there is the coming recession/depression. Bottom line, when I walk out the door tomorrow around midnight I expect it will be end of a great run. One that allowed a dumb West Texas farm boy to eat, drink, and see some of the best places in the world, as well as a few not so great ones, on someone else's dime.
The changes to the airplanes, avionics, and airspace system over those years have been unbelievable. I saw the last of the four leg range system for navigation using needle ball and airspeed to fly in instrument conditions to today's glass cockpit that can fly from Houston to London with just the push of a few buttons.
It has been a hell of a ride, I'm glad I didn't miss it.
ken
/raises glass
ReplyDeleteSlainte Ken.
And maybe it's the last time someone pays you to fly, but nobody said you have to stay grounded forever. This thing will have an enddate and there are folks round even here on this side who keep flying into their 70s and 80s.
Mark,
DeleteYou are correct many folks fly into their 80's but there was a reason I stopped flying the line and went back to instructing. The skills start to go. It is kinda like skiing, at one time I was a ski bum but once I had to grow up and not do it as often the mind would look at a run and say "a piece of cake" but the body would tell me I was out of my mind. The skills are gone.
ken
Hear Hear
ReplyDeleteI always wanted to retire while I was still having fun, with a good command team. That is why I did it when I did. Did not wanted to be forced out for medical or simply too old, wanted go out on a high note. NO regrets, you wont neither. Not too worry your love ones would be worry you are bored and will keep you occupied so much you wont know how you found time to work before :-)
Its all good. Time to stop, smell the rose (wood) and enjoy life.
Welcome to retirement my friend
Bob, retired since 2013
Funny I play that song too when I was retiring :-)
ReplyDeleteBob
Bob,
DeleteI may be a little out over my tips. There is a chance I will go back to work for a few months. It all depends on the company and the virus. I had planned on retiring some time around January 20th (after the election) and I would like to stick to that schedule but if needed now it will work. I will feel just a little less safe until Trump is removed from office. Problem is It may be out of my hands.
ken
Congrats Ken, sometimes a nudge by outside forces are a blessing in disguise. Be safe on the last ride of this chapter...
ReplyDeleteChris,
DeleteI've enjoyed each stage of life, never really wanting to go back and with no regrets. I expect retirement will be the same.
ken
New name is the "Self Isolating Willburys"
ReplyDeleteCongrats!
Steve,
DeleteThanks.
ken
It is sad so many of that group are now gone. I know there will be others as talented but...
Deleteken
Wow! What a run..and what time to have been in the field. I hope you take time to write down some of your experiences. Best wishes.
ReplyDeletePaul,
ReplyDeleteYes it has been. I doubt the next 50 years will see those kind of changes. The airplanes haven't changed much since the late 60's early 70's. The new ones do not go any faster or higher. About all that has changed is they can go farther and tend to be bigger. Avionics is where all the change has happened and that is pretty mature at this time.
There is an old joke, even before the last few generations of avionics, It goes something like the perfect flight crew is a pilot and a dog. The pilot so there is someone to blame if something goes wrong. The dog to bite the pilot if he/she touches anything.
ken
Don't worry, there is a new life starting right now and you will enjoy it if you dare to live it. Imagine all that sharpening (I know you love it) and woodworking ahead!
ReplyDeleteCheers and be safe!
Lionel, ending his first week working full time from home and enjoying it very much!
Lionel,
ReplyDeleteYep, I intend to sharpen a few cutters and make some chairs along with workbenches. BTW, I have not posted anything about it yet, waiting for the chair to show up, but I bought the chair C.S. built during his last class. Cherry and looks great in the photos.
Working from home has to be better than putting on the monkey suit, driving to an office, and watching a clock for 8 or so hours. Good on you.
ken
Good time for retirement.
ReplyDeleteYou will not have to avoid drones.
Sylvian,
DeleteI agree. There is a time for everything and my everything has passed.
ken