Fin 403 in support of U2's 2009 album, No Line on the Horizon. Note the name of the
FBO (Million Air)
The closest I came to having "rock star" status happened a few months ago where an avid passenger who follows my enRoute column and bought my book, wanted me to sign his hat. I never had such a request while deplaning. While signing his hat, the F/O joked, "you're just like a rock star!"
Recently I flew with an F/O who finished an eight day pairing flying the band U2 which included a three day pit stop in Cancun, Mexico. She said they were fantastic people, had a few "sociables" by the pool with them and attended a free concert. Sweet. Air Canada has also flown around the Rolling Stones during their tour and have flown Federal politicians during their politicking.
My last layover had me in the nation's capital where the F/O and I visited the War Museum. Speaking of celebrity status, if you are ex-military, (my F/O flew the F-18) you get in free with up to three guests. That made our day plus an Irish pub had my favourite beer for happy hour prices. I also had an offer to go flying from an YOW follower, "I'd be happy to show you Ottawa from 2200' behind a 4 cylinder Lycoming.... "Even though there's a lot of "hot air" emanating from this city, it's filled with lots of sights and great people. I also had a request to give a talk to a grade six class from yet another follower ( I dislike the term "follower" but that's how the blog lists you). Maybe next time Cyber G :)
Our charter division, JETZ, has been scoring lots of teams (get it?) with the Toronto Blue Jays being the last team to sign up. We A320 pilots can bid to fly theses charters but most of the flying goes into "open flying" or is assigned to supervisors or pilots on reserve. There tends to be a lot of sitting around so many pilots avoid them based on productivity.
Here's the other end of celebrity flying, when the celebrity is a pilot themselves. Some of the more well known celebrities with pilot licenses are John Travolta, Harrison Ford, Tom Cruise and Davis Lee Roth. Unfortunately, we also know of celebrities like JFK junior and John Denver who "flew west."
One follower (there's that word again) sent me this interesting link about Iron Maiden's lead signer, Bruce Dickinson.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzwAxZ6rad8&feature=related
18 comments:
Well, I am back to LAX this afternoon, and also next week again, and I'm in J today, so will keep my eyes peeled for known faces! Chances are good on the LAX runs.
Another celebrity pilot - the Prince of Holland flies part time as a First Officer on the Fokker 70/100 for KLM Cityhopper.
Doug,
Ever read the book "Fate is the Hunter" by Ernest K. Gann. If not I recommend it.
Hi Doug Morris? i am 12 and i am in a flight school. i love your book From The Flight Deck..... want to fly a A340 too... it is a great arcraft!!
Whywhyzed. Yes, there's a high probability with you sitting in J class of that happening. The only glitch is, you'll have to be up on your Hollywood gossip, actors, etc.
Unfortunately, that's not my forte. Enjoy LAX and thanks for flying Air Canada, particularly J class. They say "J" bookings are up. Looks like I'll get that raise. :)
Hi Carlton. I guess lots of celebrities have a passion for aviation. The son of Indira Gandhi was an airline pilot for Indian Airlines before he went into politics.
Andrew. A few people mentioned the book to me, but that's as far as it went. I must start dropping the hints for Father's day. I'm a firm believer of Fate. Seems like the topic indirectly comes up when I query my F/Os on their career progression. Lots of interesting stories.
Anon. Welcome aboard. Twelve years old and in flight school. You're serious! It's funny, you'll be getting your pilot license before you get your car license. I taught air cadets many years ago and they too experienced this uniqueness. Sounds like your driven so if flying an Airbus 340 is your dream, then go for it!
I started when I was 16. My mother bought me an intro flight for my birthday.
Captain Doug
Doug,
I didn't know that Mr. Cruise had been re-classified as a celeb - since when?
Does he need a "booster" seat to see over the top of the coaming?
Best wishes.. ;)
I rarely get ot see sights like this, i live 40 miles from JFK yet i never plane spot there. The only aircrafts i see are some regional jets coming into KHPN Westchester County Airport. Great pictures, would die to ride in one of those.
Rsfjustin. Thanks for the post. I'll be flying overhead JFK tomorrow enroute to Nassau, Bahamas and back. Captain Doug
Anon. I flew with a pilot that taught Tom Cruise some flying lessons. He said it was kind of neat having a sandwich during a break in some small airport during the wee hours with Tom Cruise.
Captain Doug
Doug:
With some of our route structure, and First Class still on the big ones - just updated and not before time - we get a good deal of celebs on the New York and LA runs especially.
I no longer do LA as that is the preserve of the jumbos - but on the JFK run a few months back Victoria Beckham was on board.
Also have had George Clooney and Paul McCartney lately. Both of those are real gents and very very nice people treating everyone with respect. Mrs. Beckham - maybe just a bad day, who knows.
But the worst - :( Susan Boyle who was not so much "I had a dream" but "I'm a nightmare"...
Standby for beer in 2 weeks - it's finally gonna happen!!
Cheers, Ian
Doesn't Maverick own and fly a rather nice Mustang?
Also seem to recall Morgan Freeman got into so trouble with the FAA?
Ian. Our bidding for the month of June closes in an hour. Too bad I don't know your exact date for the great Canadian summit meeting.
You're saying meek looking Susan Boyle gave B.A a run for their money?
At our LHR hotel, Paul McCartney is spotted on a regular basis. I've walked by his house a few times but unlike you, he doesn't want to offer a beer. :)
Looking forward to the rendezvous. I'll make sure a NOTAM is issued. :)
Chris. I don't know about Tom Cruise but I know John Travolta has quite a repertoire of airplane toys. Morgan Freeman in trouble with the FAA?
What about?
Yeah, I heard ole' Tom has P-51 Mustang parked somewhere...Must be nice!!!
And, Travolta is always seen in his uniform in that big jet of his. . .
Only problem I have is my girlfriend doesn't like either one--my response is, they fly airplanes, so what's not to like here...
Lakotahope. I'm with you, I guess we should cut, Cruise and Travolta, some slack because they are pilots. :)
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