From the Flight Deck: Back home...

Flight plan

To wish you were up there...then to achieve it...trumps everything...

Captain Douglas E Morris

......My flight plan....

My blog is to inspire and motivate those who have a love for aviation. I will attempt to virtually open the flight deck door and allow a peek behind the scenes. And please help make this blog interactive by sending in comments. Don't be shy! :)))))

If for any reason you have an issue found within, send an email and I will rectify it. [email protected]

Again, this blog is for aviation enthusiasts so welcome aboard!!!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Back home...

Contemplating shutting down the blog..

Today we made it back home via Montreal...again. We were punted yesterday on the direct flight to Toronto by a senior captain and his party of five. Seats opened a couple of hours later for the Montreal flight. Two "really nice" seats and two "not so nice" seats. I was actually going to give my daughter or son the "J" seat. Then it donned on me, I just bought them a weeks vacation at an all exclusive resort..so you know where they went. :)

Because we missed the last flight to Toronto, it was off to a hotel. But because we stopped in Montreal, the flight this morning attracted an airport improvement fee of $28 times five. %$!@#&*

Things went pretty well on the trip besides Diesel Daughter walking on a nail and then when we were packing her brand new Blackberry cell phone (which just replaced another) went missing. Hmmmmmm? Never did find it.

But Captain Doug also pulled a "bone head" move by sitting in the water with his digital camera in his pocket. Yup, fried the puppy. Luckily I was able to recuperate the pics.

Every year, I keep saying I will never travel the busiest time (March break) on passes.
Glad to be home, now it's time to go to work early tomorrow on a four day mission to get some rest.

Due to personal matters I was on the verge of keeping the blog in a holding pattern. A couple of people, including the "boss," said it's not necessary, but just ease off on things.

So I will try to wane my addiction....

22 comments:

: Daniel Asuncion said...; Doug!

That's great news...
____________________

A pleasant irony that the B actually encouraged you to keep blogging. The blog, in addition to being good reading, does serve a useful purpose. By revealing the behind the scenes stuff, it vividly reinforces how competent AIR CANADA is. This, in turn, helps alleviate the anxiety that some feel when they have to be a passenger at 30,000 ft.
____________

P.S.

Do you get any royalties for the use of your image, in that advertisement?; March 20, 2011 10:07 PM
: Daniel said...; Glad your back ! :); March 20, 2011 10:41 PM
: Anonymous said...; Welcome back. Thanks for keeping blog running.

Great photo with the super moon. Hope the moon didn't shake things up too much. :); March 21, 2011 12:09 PM
: getjets said...; So welcome home Captain Doug,so where's your tan lines.....lol, so glad your staying!!!!!!!!!!. whats even better......your not afraid to talk about the silly things we humans do, (like the camera in the pocket)...you would need a "mainframe" to calculate the stupid things I've done.. it's very refreshing!!I think It's the ability to not fear looking stupid and weak, that in truth, makes us look very strong...

now get back to work...ha ha
hope daughter's foot is better...; March 21, 2011 2:24 PM
: getjets said...; Captain...I gotta tell ya...never would have thought the "supermoon" could be upstaged, but then again...I wear glasses...ha ha
misstwa ^j^; March 21, 2011 4:10 PM
: Ken said...; Captain Doug, as a somewhat nervous flyer, I couldn`t have said it any better than Daniel. I loved your book and really enjoy your blog. Hope you can find the right balance to keep it going. All the best.

KB; March 21, 2011 6:58 PM
: From the Flight Deck said...; Daniel. I concur...a pleasant irony.

I guess I called her bluff by saying I was going to shut it down. She knows I enjoy what I do but I do realize it got a little addicting.

Again...much goes on behind the stage curtain than what happens on stage. :)

Glad you liked the "free" advertisement. :); March 21, 2011 8:42 PM
: From the Flight Deck said...; Hi Anon. Sometimes a little shaking up is what the doctor ordered. :); March 21, 2011 8:43 PM
: From the Flight Deck said...; Getjets. No, I'm not afraid to admit to my mistakes but I must add much discretion. :)

Regarding the "super moon" ...thanks for giving me the heads up. Lots of people sure believe its persuasive powers and I'm starting to think on those lines as well.

Captain Doug in cold St.John's, Newfoundland.

P.S That white stuff on the ground sure isn't white sand. :(; March 21, 2011 8:48 PM
: From the Flight Deck said...; Ken. Sure do appreciate your feedback. It's what helps keep me going. :); March 21, 2011 8:49 PM
: getjets said...; lets see..there's the super moon, full moon,half moon, new moon, blue moon, harvest moon,persuasive and also when she gives us all that "smirk" that looks like sweetest of smiles... of course ......for me she is the "lovely moon", which has kept me company many a sleepless nights...and
today..the first day of spring...so Captain, not to worry.. i see a warming trend...; March 22, 2011 12:53 AM
: Nadia said...; Bonjour Doug,

What's prouve me that this beautiful man on the beach is you?

Almost everybody can wear an Air Canada cap ;)

Only a front speedo picture can reveal the truth:) (joke)

Welcome back captain

Nadia; March 23, 2011 3:13 PM
: Anonymous said...; Nadia!!!! You're back! :) :) :)

...and you're still the same!!

Hooray! Ha ha ha ha...

Ya, Captain Doug, how do we really know it's you? *giggle*; March 23, 2011 5:15 PM
: From the Flight Deck said...; Bonjour Nadia!

You made a good point. I could have put my hat on any guy at the beach. :))))))

But just for you, I modified my post with a link to Facebook. I only wanted to copy one picture but it looks like you will see a few.

I will remove the link soon.

Doug; March 23, 2011 6:20 PM
: From the Flight Deck said...; Nadia (Bonjour encore)

I decided to remove the link and post one pic from afar.

Hope it proves that it is my hat!; March 23, 2011 6:37 PM
: Anonymous said...; *giggle*

Are you satisfied now, Nadia?; March 23, 2011 6:45 PM
: Nadia said...; Hi,

Ok Doug now I believe you that satisfied me.

I've always think it was only in the movies where I can find a pilot with a body shape like that:)

*giggle*

Sometime I have wrong impression of reality.

Bonne journée

Nadia; March 24, 2011 11:57 AM
: getjets said...; AAAAAAAAAAAhem!!!; March 24, 2011 3:18 PM
: From the Flight Deck said...; Bonjour Nadia.

I like your saying...."sometimes I have the wrong impression of reality."

In fact, I really like it!

I made sure the picture was taken from a distance, that way I would not scare you with "close ups." :)))))

Thanks for the comments! I always appreciate your kindness from "la belle province du Québec."; March 24, 2011 9:10 PM
: From the Flight Deck said...; Getjets. You are changing avatars like I change pictures.

Nice ones though. :); March 24, 2011 9:12 PM
: Nadia said...; Doug,

it takes me more to be afraid ;)

Nadia; March 25, 2011 2:12 PM
: From the Flight Deck said...; Nadia. I could post more but I may scare away people since my readers are 98% male. :)

Plus I am not sure if your hubby would like the pics. :)))))); March 25, 2011 2:22 PM

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)

Have an aviation question? Email me!

[email protected]

The Latest "Readbacks"

Thanks for the comments!!!

On Cloud Nine

So where did this euphoric, blissful expression “on cloud nine” originate from?

A commonly heard explanation is it originated from a cloud chart made up of ten clouds. Cloud nine denotes the fluffy cumulonimbus type considered so attractive and leaves one feeling on top of the world…floating.

Meteorologists call it a cumulonimbus or Cb for short. It’s Latin for cumulo (accumulated/billowy) and nimbus meaning rain.

Maybe someone out there can further enlighten the rest of us. Stay tuned when I discuss the weather lore….”cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey.” No it's not dirty.......

I thought if I wrote a weather book it would be loaded with weather trivia so I'm just amassing a few.

Cloud Nine

It forms from an abundance of moisture, a lifting agent and air far from stable.

It ascend to heights only airliners dream of flying.

Passengers see it as a “white, puffy, billowy” cloud that’s serene and silent from inside the cabin.

Pilots look at it as one of the nastiest phenomena they will ever contend with.

It’s a cloud of many guises.

They are destructive, loud, with strobe blinding lightning.

For me, I’ll keep away from that big puffy cloud and give it lots of respect.

Captain D

Feedback

Received Friday the 13th.... :)

I have been following your From the Flight Deck blog ever since I discovered it. I absolutely love it! I find myself checking it every couple of days hoping for more to read! I also just finished reading your amazing book. I love the insights, humour, interesting stories, and the countless interesting facts about the aircraft. The book really opened my eyes with how many different departments are involved with a flight - from maintence to flight dispatch, it's unbelievable. You have truly opened the door of the flight deck for everyone!

Even more recent feedback:

Hi Doug,

I just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying your book. Even my wife is reading it!

My in-laws were sitting at a table next to you in a Williams Coffee shop (I think on Dundas Street in Mississauga) a few weeks ago, and someone was getting you to autograph your book. They noticed it was about flying, and since I am a pilot (private) they decided to find the book and bought me a copy.

................... (edited)

Anyway, I’m going through your blog now …well done!

Recent Feedback.....

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.

Airbus A319

As you know I write the caption for the first page of the ALTITUDE section in enRoute.

This is what made the cut...

Airbus A319. The Nose Wheel turns the aircraft on the ground and, unlike the main gear, has no brakes. The silver portion is called the oleo (AKA, shock absorber)

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!)

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 !

Artsy fartsy

Artsy Fartsy Section

Here is something for you Barbara Jean.....

Much water under the bridge has passed... so everything is different

But it doesn't mean anything has changed.....

Captain Doug April 9th, 2011

Choices! You can’t live with them and you

can’t live without them. :))))

Captain D

From Up Here

Everything looks perfect….the intent from the one above.

Yet many senses are deprived.

The sound of hustle and bustle and the din below...muted.

Smells don’t ascend to flight level… so the flowers emblazoning a backyard go unnoticed.

Our sense of touch….worthless.

The smell of spices, the underground doings of a city or a frigid February wind does not exist.

The sounds of toilets flushing, a ferocious dog's bark, the scent and heat of romance ...oblivious.

Yet, a town of insignificance on foot looks pristine from up here.

Things seem to stop.

Death is put on hold, the awakening baby’s cry is unheard and misdoings are just thoughts.

Political boundaries go unnoticed. Religion is just a concept and hatred is erased.

But that’s from up here...aloft from reality…

Captain D

There's no thrill in easy sailing
when the skies are clear and blue.
There's no joy in merely doing
things which anyone can do.

But there is some satisfaction
that is mighty sweet to take,
when you reach a destination
that you thought you'd never make.

...Spirella