So after 15 years in the left seat of the MD-80, the time has come for a change.
My final trip was a 3 day affair with stops in Columbus, Mexico City, and Baltimore.
Day one began with a leg to Columbus, back to DFW, and then on to Mexico City. The descent to Columbus took us right over downtown Cincinnati and a very muddy Ohio River.
Clear skies prevailed over Columbus also.
Arrival at MEX was just past midnight and included a non-precision approach to runway 5L. Their ILS was out of service so we had to fly a VOR approach. No problem though....we made it OK.
The next day we saw this Mexican 727 passing by. The Federales fly some pretty old equipment down there. Sorry about the nose being cut off.....the First Officer took the photo!
So back to DFW and then on to Baltimore for the night.
One leg back to DFW the next morning and that was it. No more MD-80 time will be going in the logbook. 11,000 hours in the left seat and almost 3000 hours in the right seat and I still can't make a decent landing! Well, maybe once in a while....
So what's my next plane at AA?
This streamlined beauty?
Or maybe this three engined trans oceanic luxury liner? It even has curtains!
How about this deluxe wide body cruiser?
Nope. None of those.
All good choices I'm sure, but the 767 will have to suffice for now.
Training starts next week so the blogging will be taking a back seat for a while until school is over with.
Here's a few more photos from my time spent on the line.
So the sun has set on the MD-80. 
But more adventures await on the 767.
It should be fun!
Thanks for reading.
For a look at some more of my photos, please aviate over to Plane & Simple.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Time For A Change
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11 comments:
Congratulations!
Best of luck at training and in the left seat of your new aircraft.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with a young aspiring aviator.
-Joel
Hi Joel,
Thanks for the kind words. Keep those hopes alive. I know how addictive the flying bug is!!
Len
Luck man. Enjoy the 76! Such a wonderful airplane and one of my favorites.
Cheers!
Ryan
It's amazing you can fly planes and take great photos! I don't know many pilots who can be creative too. Congrats on your new command! Pity you had to pass up the schnozz. You'd be the talk of the town everywhere you flew...
Congrats len, sounds like a great change.
All the best,
Mike
Have fun in the new ride Len. Should be a nice change. Hope training isn't too painful. Look forward to hearing how it goes.
Darren
Len are you in training with another pilot named Paul? He was a former coworker of mine in the corporate world that recently returned to AA and was assigned the 75/76.
Darren
Darren,
My partner is a guy that was furloughed from TWA, then went to Trans Meridian, American Eagle, and now back here. He doesn't go by Paul!
Most of the guys that have just been recalled are a little nervous right now. The rumor going around here is that AA is about to announce a bunch of pilot furloughs again. It's a crazy industry!!
How about you guys? Are you going to be working for HP soon or staying put for awhile?
Len
Hi Len,
just found your Blog Today and was reading all of your entries. Congratulations to move forward to the 76, it is one of my most favourite Aircraft.
Just one Question:
I read, that you were flying in the 76 as a FO for 5 Years, so do you have the whole type rating again, or just a refresh course?
greetings from Austria, Europe
Alex
Hi Alex,
Thank you for the nice comments. I did receive a type rating when I was a 767 FO but because it has been so long since I flew it, I have to take the entire course all over again.
So far so good....I only have one week left!!
Len
Len,
Its interesting around the company right now. The good news is I am friends with the assistant Chief Pilot at HP. He and I went to SJSU together and flew Hornets in the MC together. They operate all GV as we do except they have five of the things. We only have 2. Just sold the GIV which is why Paul D. is now back at AA in training on the same aircraft you are in training for. I think all will be okay ofter the merger. I'll keep you posted.
Just went out and back to SJC on a pop up trip tonight. 6 hours of flying with a 30 minute turn at Atlantic Aviation. I nodded to our 727 friend . She looked lonely.
Time for bed.
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