From the Flight Deck: To my youngest fan and up....Merry Christmas!!!

Flight Plan

My flight plan....to encourage, mentor, guide those pining for the sky. I'm also here to virtually open the flight deck door for those who want to take a peek at the many aspects of aviation.....enjoy!

...and welcome aboard!...

LATEST READBACKS.......

Friday, December 24, 2010

To my youngest fan and up....Merry Christmas!!!

Sent in by Adam the Winnipeger

Photo and email sent in by his Dad - Christer

(Actually we met recently and I exchanged a couple of books for his classical music CDs - a dedicated and talented musician).

Hi Doug,

Just wanted to let you know my son .... has recently discovered your book lying on my desk, and it's become one of his favorites (the pictures anyway- he can't really read much else yet!). He also loves seeing the photos and hearing about the stories on your blog- he's very enthusiastic about anything aviation-related- sometimes to the point of driving my wife nuts, pining for a girl:). He now often talks of "Captain Doug" to most anyone he meets, including the cashiers at Target or the grocery store. He even asked an old woman sitting at the chiropractor's office the other day if she knew Captain Doug, and proceeded to tell her of how he flies cool Air Canada planes lol! At three years old he's probably your youngest fan or blog follower:). He's also been asking to fly "Captain Doug's 320" in Microsoft Flight Simulator. You can count on another viewer as soon as your TV segments get produced and aired....

This morning I came down to find him reading your book (with his imaginary text) to one of his model places- this time an AC 777-300 I picked up on board. He now refers to it as "Captain Doug's plane"- maybe it is an omen that you will soon be upgraded to a 777 and skip the 767 altogether:):). I snapped a few quick shots and thought I'd shoot them your way- he was happy when I told him we'd send them to you.

Another young inquisitive boy, age 4, made it to this month's edition of enRoute magazine. He asked, "what are those small 'sticks' on the wings?" (Static wicks). I made sure enRoute sent his mom two copies of the magazine. You are never too young (or old) to be inquisitive and dream.

On that note, I hope Santa is good to everyone out there!!!

Captain Doug

13 comments:

: shahrukh said...; Merry Christmas Capt. Found your book under the tree :) courtesy of my wife. Wish me happy readings.; December 25, 2010 10:38 AM
: From the Flight Deck said...; Shahrukh....What a gift! That's quite a wife you have! lol

Yes, enjoy the read!

Captain Doug; December 25, 2010 11:03 AM
: Adam aka "The Winnipeger" said...; Merry Christmas Captain Doug!
Thanks for including my picture in your post!

Thanks,
All the best,
The Winnipeger
Adam; December 25, 2010 11:51 AM
: From the Flight Deck said...; Not a problem Adam.
Off to my brother's to take on even more calories!
I'm looking forward to going back to work tomorrow to get away from all this food. :)

Doug; December 25, 2010 12:13 PM
: Giulia said...; Merry Christmas, Captain Doug. :); December 25, 2010 1:01 PM
: From the Flight Deck said...; Thank you Giulia. Hope your trip is going well.

In hindsight, I wish I headed south as well.

There's always next year!

Enjoy!

Captain Doug; December 25, 2010 2:59 PM
: Daniel said...; Merry Christmas ! :); December 25, 2010 3:39 PM
: From the Flight Deck said...; Daniel. Merry Christmas as well and say hi to your Dad!; December 25, 2010 3:45 PM
: From the Flight Deck said...; Daniel. Just noticed your new "avatar." Nice!; December 25, 2010 3:47 PM
: Daniel said...; Hehe, he says hi back and clear skys ahead ! :P

Thanks ! Its a screenshot that I took while landing in YHZ. A320 power ! :D I have quite a few of them.; December 25, 2010 3:52 PM
: Christer said...; Merry Christmas Doug, and thanks for the post! My son had a big smile on his face when he saw it and sends his greetings as well. Hope you had a good one, and safe travels tomorrow.

Christer; December 25, 2010 8:16 PM
: From the Flight Deck said...; Thanks Christer and you're welcome! I'm off to SAN. Captain Doug; December 26, 2010 6:13 AM
: CAT III APPROACH said...; Adam reveals Santa's secret!!! That's how he does it!
Nice pic...love it!

HOHOHO

CAT III Approach; December 26, 2010 8:33 AM

Here are a few websites to buy my book:

1. Amazon.ca

2. Amazon.com

3. Aviation World

4. Barnes and Noble

5. Wings Magazine (Bookstore)

6. Amazon.co.uk

7. Amazon.co.jp (Japan)

Or if you want a signed copy, email to get my address to send a cheque. I charge $25 Canadian (taxes and delivery included) anywhere in North America. Outside of North America? Let's talk.

[email protected]

Have an aviation question? Email me!

Credits and Disclaimer

I would like to thank Brian Losisto (Air Canada's photographer) for always allowing me to post his pictures. (The above thrust lever pic is his). Then there is Kelly Paterson from Calgary and plane spotter "Erik" from Germany. Of course, I have lots myself.

On that note, if you feel a photo(s) may be in appropriate or the content I post a bit dubious by all means send me an email. I will ratify it! That's all I ask!

[email protected]

Recent feedback from a relatively new follower

...The basic tone of your blog suggests a fellow that not only loves his job, but also takes it very seriously...

You have an important message to share, my friend. You have both the experience and the necessary gifts to do so. When WE watch the hit statistics on your blog, WE recognize that you have an awesome following. I know why. The typos do not matter, beyond you need to maintain the ‘professional hat.’ Since you are so public about your affiliation, it always reflects on AC as well...

For about the nth time, I do enjoy reading your blog posts. I understand most of the details, but nearly always learn something new. Some of the things that set your blog apart from so many others are your (usually) excellent writing. (One can tell when you are rushed or have not proof-read . You are willing to confront potential safety issues and offer reasonable solutions, yet while avoiding serious confrontation and mostly by being nice and polite in every encounter. (Hey, being ‘nice’ is a natural gift for some. In my profession, a lot of it is learned skill. No matter the origin, it is an effective tool in nearly every encounter. It works!)

From Australia

This email came all the way from Australia today (Jan.14th)

Doug
Just like to a small moment of your time to thank you for the great blog. I'm a student pilot completing my training here in Perth, Western Australia. A great inspiration to keep going. Thank you and take care.

Feedback

First off, I'm a fan! I've been following your blog for a couple months now and I think you have an amazing talent for writing. Your posts are always captivating and I learn something new almost every time!

My favourite is when you talk about weather patterns and when you give us an inside look on the inner workings of Air Canada operations.

Your posts are all so interesting that I decided to get your book earlier this summer. I went to two different Chapters and a Renault Bray stores here in Montreal but no luck( sold out?). I ended up ordering it on Amazon. Your book was, as expected, very well written and very informative. You managed to make it interesting for aviators and non-aviators alike. I am a pilot too,so reading your book and your blog, I can often relate to stories about sacrifice early in your career, the anguish of getting laid off, having to make career decisions in uncertain times etc etc ...

I also must mention how respectful of a person you seem to be. Your post about "things they don't teach you in flight school" last week was a good reflection of that. I dont remember ever reading something negative about any of your coworkers on your blog. You must be an absolute pleasure to fly with.

I was an FO on a Dash 8 for Air Labrador before they ceased operating last year. We might have flown the same planes? (FXON GLON GAAN are ex AirNova or Air Ontario I think). Before that I was first officer on TwinOtter based in Goose Bay. Good times ... My goal is to get hired with AC! I still have a few hours a build before being eligible thought I think, I'm only up to 2800hours. But if the timing is right in a year or two I really hope to get on!

Meanwhile I'll be reading your posts ;)

Keep up the good work !