Comments on: Thirty Years On

By: Kris Koehnen

Kris Koehnen — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 11:02:01 +0000

Patrick – thank you for this trip down memory lane! I have exactly the same memories and feelings about my years at Mesaba – I could’ve written this story… I flew the Metroliner (lawn dart) and Dash 8, but somehow avoided any furloughs or bankruptcies in my 35 year career. I love the part about comments by the passengers. Being a woman pilot, I had to listen to lots of sexist comments and actually had a couple of Metro passengers try to get off the airplane. One even wondered why the flight attendant sat in the cockpit talking to the pilot during the entire flight. It never bothered me because I had the best job in the world. I am feeling very nostalgic as I’m retiring from my cargo airline in 2 weeks. Although I look forward to keeping my feet on the ground, I still feel lucky to have had such an interesting, rewarding career. And thank you for all of your writing throughout the years!

By: Mondo Aviazione

Mondo Aviazione — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 19:54:01 +0000

All this history is absolutely Amazing!
Thanks for sharing with us this wonderful experience.
I think each one fall in love with the Aviation world may find interesting ideas and ispiration by this one.
Thank you very much.Please Take a look about my Aviation Blog Site https://www.mondoaviazione.com
I really appreciate your feedback.
Best Regards for your new articles.

By: CAMERON W BECK

CAMERON W BECK — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 14:09:33 +0000

Patrick:

Fascinating. You show how passion can overcome…ANYTHING.

Besides a great personal account, you give a good glimpse into the airline industry. “Multi-year” furloughs? Did they pay you anything in that time?

Your description of the aircraft is similarly vivid and the indignities forced on the pilot in the “puddle jumpers”. But then the wonderful feeling of moving up through the pantheon of planes. Or the dismay of down: that Eastern 727 pilot.

I’m not sure what state-of-the-air airliner(s) you fly now, but I bet there’s times during a long flight when exactly nothing is going on and you can muse on your rise through the ranks to–literally–the stratosphere. All worth it.

The other element in your posts is your great interest in the world, and not just that of the airlines. You show what I mentioned at the beginning here, what always makes things interesting: passion.

Thank you! -cb

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 02:34:14 +0000

It’s hard to believe but a few years later, I was flying a Be-99 (C model) for a whole lot LESS money for a bottom feeder that should’ve changed its name to CATFISH

By: RJM

RJM — Sat, 16 Jan 2021 20:09:42 +0000

I was #663, BOS based, and flew with you several times. You were a very competent pilot and a great guy. NE was my second of three “airlines”. Still have my hat, two sets of wings some random daily weather and pilot reports (due at days end), three monthly crew scheduling printouts, some splotchy color photos.
It was a magical time as it was fun to fly into so many cool places – especially the Canadian Maritime region.
Those Metro III planes were… like test pilot school on a daily basis. However, they prepared us well for whatever else may be ahead in aviation (or ANYTHING outside of aviation)
Best to you!

By: Jeff Latten

Jeff Latten — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 15:55:23 +0000

Hello, Captain Patrick. I’ve been a fan of yours and have read your articles longer than I can remember, (go back to the modem days!) and I sincerely complement your writing style….a lot better than many professional scribes. The essay about ‘Into The Sea’ with the skinny goth redhead just cracked me up each time I re-read it. Who of us hasn’t done something death-defying to impress a potential new squeeze?

So I have a simple question: what’s the biggest kite you’ve ever flown? Job-related or otherwise? And what was your experience with it?

Thanks for a lot of entertaining writing on one of my favorite subjects.

By: Len Drasin

Len Drasin — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 18:38:52 +0000

Wonderful story, Patrick. Makes me feel for you. Been following you, since I read your book, years ago. It even motivates me to order the 2nd edition. Keep it up.? Len

By: Marc Friedman

Marc Friedman — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 19:04:47 +0000

Great story and brings back memories of the NW Airlink “fleet” at MSP flown by Mesaba. The Saab 340 was like a Cadillac when they got them!

By: KenP

KenP — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 03:30:07 +0000

I used to fly between Denver and Casper Wy, in the mid 70’s on a Metroliner. We called it the flying sardine can. I can’t remember the name of the airline, but they had a cooler full of beer just behind the pilots. We were invited to help ourselves anytime during the flight. With afternoon thunderstorms and turbulence there was a lot of beer consumed on board. However, there was no toilet, so it was always a dilemma on how much to drink and when to stop. On landing, some could not wait until they got to the terminal, especially if there was a long walk along the tarmac!

By: Franklyn Dunne

Franklyn Dunne — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 10:53:49 +0000

The story of your beginnings as a pilot demonstrates your love of your occupation. Keep it up!