Being called Cactus, and earning the respect of a captain...

In class, we were practicing holds. I have holding patterns down to a science...I am still making rookie mistakes, but I am detecting where my problems are. A compass rose is your best friend. Then, the instructor, seeing me in full work regalia, called me "Cactus" referencing the callsign my employer uses for air traffic control. So, from here on out, call me "Cactus"!

At work, during the last half hour of my shift, instead of getting voluntary time off for class, I had to board a flight. Lately, this has become a challenge...moving down to one agent boarding a flight, all the pressure of boarding is also put on one agent, rather than two...well, that's more for my Airport Chronicles blog. You can see more there, when I have time (AC is the neglected one).

Boarding the flight to Philadelphia, the captain was quite professional. I greeted the pilots working the flight, and after getting a few minor kinks with the flight (Philly will always be Philly), we were buttoning everything up for the flight.

"Fuel slip?"
"Got it."
"Got everything else you need?"
"Yep!"

"See this?" I said, pointing at my ERAU lanyard.
"I want to sit there one of these days!" I said, pointing at the right seat.
His face lit up, and said "I'll be waiting for you!" We shook hands in affirmation towards my blossoming career, and we got everything set, and ready to go.

Taking flight is the only way to live.

And in a few years, I will be putting on my three thin silver stripes, and sporting my chrome wings on the breast of my black leather jacket. I'll be flying jets for a living...the dream.

Keep flying, my friends.

Folded Wings: Jack Henderson, and James Breazeal

I have seen their red Bonanza at the east end of Hangar Row at Owen Gassaway Field (LNA, Lantana), my current home airport. I was unaware of their story.

A tragic accident occurred this past Wednesday with the same Bonanza and the two gentlemen aforementioned. On takeoff, the newly installed engine on the red Bonanza failed due to currently unknown reasons. Henderson tried to turn back towards the airport, but was banked so steeply at such a low altitude, he possibly couldn't recover.

The Lantana Airport Family mourns your loss. Our thoughts are with the Henderson and Breazeal families.

The NTSB is currently investigating the accident.