Cockpit Chronicles: Frank's final flight

Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.

Hi Kent, I am vacationing in San Blas, Nayarit, Mexico with my wife and somehow ended up on a site with your video of Frank's last flight. I really enjoyed watching it and wondered if you were the artist involved. I remember watching the video you gave me 5 years ago of one of your first Paris trips, so I wasn't too surprised when I saw your name after the credits, great job!

How is the flying in Boston and how is your career shaping up? As I recall you had a young one when we went through 777 training together. I bet you are glad you took that trip (to Narita?) on the 777 when you had the chance. Hope you get to fly it again soon. As a Captain!

I retired in Feb '05 and haven't regretted the decision to go early. We moved to NM in '06 and have a nice life there which includes a month in Mexico to escape some of winters chill. I often think about the friends I left behind in Boston and your video gave me a chance to relive some of the camaraderie, Thanks again.

Rick Keller

2-15-2010 @ 1:22PM

Kent Wien said...

Great to hear from you, Rick!

I wish I could have been on your flight to capture it as well. Fortunately I wasn't on the 777 long enough to get spoiled too much. But I'd love to fly it again someday.

Maybe you could give Frank a few tips on retired life!?

2-17-2010 @ 9:46PM

Roger Nilsen said...

To Captain Frank from another retired American Airlines Captain ( via Air California). I sure wish I could have shared one of my water canon salutes. I was told by the LAX flight office because of my arrival time of my last flight was going to be a bit after sunset at SNA no arch of water could happen. Instead on the first day of a three trip it would take place on taxi out at SNA. This did happen. Three days later final flight into SNA gear down, landing flaps, check list compete and contact the tower. American flight cleared to land 19 Right be advised after landing make a right turn off the runway. Well the gates are to the left. Yes another group of fire trucks was sending a big arch of water above my plane. Number two.
Enjoyed your video and story.

Add your comments

Your comments:

Remember me

E-Mail me when someone replies to this comment

Please keep your comments relevant to this blog entry. Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments.

When you enter your name and email address, you'll be sent a link to confirm your comment, and a password. To leave another comment, just use that password.

To create a live link, simply type the URL (including http://) or email address and we will make it a live link for you. You can put up to 3 URLs in your comments. Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br /> tags.