I was basically a product of the Jet Age. Apart from the propeller aircraft I’ve flown for pilot training and general aviation, my first UAL aircraft was a B-727. Before that the largest airplane I flew was a Cessna 182. It was in the late 60’s when the airlines were facing a severe pilot shortage. United Airlines would test general aviation pilots and if they qualified would allow them time to get their commercial license and instrument ratings before sending them to United’s pilot school. I was in the right place at the right time. My career spanned 33 years; spending 10 years as a Flight Engineer, 11-½ years as a Copilot and the remainder as a Captain. As my wife said when I retired “it was a great ride! ”
Seats Flown: Captain, Copilot, Flight Engineer
Seats Flown: Captain, Copilot
This is the only A/C I felt I was ONE with. It felt like I could picture in my mind what I wanted it to do and the A/C would do it
Seats Flown: Flight Engineer
In my minds eye the stretched DC-8 is the most beautiful and graceful A/C of the jet age. Watching it take off and making a gentle turn is almost mesmerizing.
Seats Flown: Captain, Copilot
Great A/C - Fly's like a Piper Cub.
Seats Flown: Captain
I retired in style, spending my last 3 years based in Hawaii flying the B-747.
B-737-100
B-727-100
DC-8-20
DC-10-15
B-747-200
