I thought about what Merali hold told me earlier. I told Tom it was a pecker-slapping, but in reality he just told me that I need to clean out my Cactus Ops office and I’m heading up to the COO spot. Wow, COO of our VA! It’s been quite the run.
We land in Philly (Earl was anything but happy to see the Cactus Crew in Cardinal Air this soon) a few minutes ahead of schedule. This time Earl was monitoring ACARS and actually had lunch waiting on our arrival. The girls and I had cheesesteaks from Pat’s and Tom had an Italian hoagie. Earl also hooked me up with some Taylor’s on dry ice and 2 boxes of TastyKakes (1 Krumpet and 1 Peanut Butter Kakes)…he wants me to get fat I think!
“Thanks brutha, you know my weaknesses!”
“Yeah, I know your med record is gonna get flagged at your next physical, too” Earl replied. “I know you’re looking for Mike, he’s in the lounge. I kept 2 baggage handlers on watch for the last hour, he’s in there.”
I made my way to the Philly Crew lounge, running into some familiar faces along the way, like Joe E., Chris N., and of coarse Zach.
I walked into the lounge and Mike tossed me a cold Ultra. “Congrats, Boss! Just heard you’re moving up in the world!”
“Man, word travels fast in this VA!” I cracked my brew, took a nice drink, and asked “have you heard that I’ve been burning fuel all over this country chasing you down? Or that I flew out here to slam you for steeling Drew’s bird…or to tell you that you’re the new Cactus Boss?”
Mike stopped mid drink and looked at me and replied, “I know you don’t mean Cactus Boss as in Phoenix, so I’m guessing as in YOUR job, West ops, right?”
“Yep. Congrats to you!” we toasted and then I added, “and you need to knock off this plane slash NFL thing you’re up to.”
“I was gonna quit after tagging Eagle Air, wasn’t going to touch Cardinal Air…we both know there’s no point in that one”.
“Hey, now wait a second, don’t be surprised when the redbirds are deep into the playoffs this year! Speaking of which, Earl tells me that Cardinal Air is here, just came out of C check, I’m going to run the functionals and then ferry her home”. Little did I know the season the Cardinals would have, nor that I would soon become the 4th CEO of USAVA.
“Well, there’s no more beer here, but you’re more than welcome to visit the Poconos tonight, I’ve got plenty at home!” Mike said.
“Can the crew come along? I’m sure Syndy and Candy would love to meet Mrs. Moro”, I asked.
“Actually, you know I just remembered Will, I’m out of beer”.
“That’s what I thought, off to the Marriott then. See you in Phoenix, gotta clean YOUR desk out for you.”
I was walking the beer off by catching a sunset on the PHL ramp (I know not exactly a Rockwell opportunity, but if you love spotting, any tarmac will do).
I ended up near the poop-chute, the large garbage disposal-like apparatus that sits about 6’ bellow a drive-over metal grated platform. On the platform was one of our lav trucks, getting ready to dump blue-water, no doubt. I watched as the two rampies come around to the drain plug. It looked as if the younger of the two was in training. The older “veteran” was pointing here and there as if he was barking orders on what to do. The rookie opened the plug and out came that wonderful blue tinted soup. I stepped over to the fence at a smoking area and lit up a cig, watching Laurel and Hardy in action. The elder (Hardy) was yelling at the rookie (Laurel) to flip the switch. The switch is like a garbage disposal, simply gurgles up the mixture and down the drain it goes.
“Don’t let it get above that line or it will be a mess! Turn the damned thing on! Aren’t ‘cha listnin’ to me? Turn it on now!”, Hardy yelled. What happened next was a site I’ve only seen once before on the PHX ramp back when I tossed bags for AWA, before getting that urge to be a virtual pilot. The mixture of chopped up TP, blue water, and well…brown rain shot up in the air like Old Faithful, and back down like a toxic poop rain right on Laurel.
My cig hung on my lip as I mumbled, “That, didn’t just happen”.
“Time to get this bird home, Tom. Let’s run her high power turns and get this functional done so we can get out of here”, I said to my right-seater outside the Maintenance Hangar at PHL.
After a successful checkout of our 319, Tom taxied us back to the Hangar as I completed the post check paperwork. As we passed the “poop chute”, I laughed to myself. Tom asked, “What are you laughing about, Boss?”
“Nothing, I’ll have to show you something, to finalize your quals”, I replied.
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My time as CEO was as short as it was sweet. Right at this time, I started having some health issues and some work issues and I just couldn’t juggle everything, well, I couldn’t organize myself. I ended up resigning as CEO and turning the keys over to the best VA Management tandem I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Whenever I hear the compliments thrown at Drew and Mike, I take great pride in knowing that I had a heavy hand in orchestrating that!
However, I couldn’t stay away…in a move that earned me the nickname of “Boomerang”, I soon found myself back in the HQ building in my 8th different Staff position. Scheduling Director…had some progress here, but another short lived role. Again, health issues came into play and grounded me temporarily. Before I knew it, the Boomerang came back around and I soon found myself in my 9th position as Personnel Manager. HR is one of the most important jobs here at USAVA and one of the most demanding. I loved it! But, as we all know…that was about to change…
“Hey Will, I’m going to miss flying with this crew”, Tom said as he took the right seat for the last time in my flight deck. Soon I hear a knock at the door, I turn to unlock and open, Syndy comes in with Jane and Candy.
“I can’t believe this is our last flight together guys” she said sadly.
I had just accepted the Phoenix HM job, and going back to my starting place, full circle as this was my first Staff job with USAVA. This would require me to leave Vegas, this time the crew isn’t coming with me. Syndy is a Vegas gal and her side job at Pure Platinum pays her well. Something about dancing and performing naked serves her well. Jane is getting married soon and is moving to Boston and Candy is joining Mike Moro’s crew. As for Tom, he’s getting his own crew and bird out of Reagan.
“I think we’ll be ok. It’s been an interesting run guys and I know we’ll be fine. Drew and Mike have really solidified this Jell-o bowl now and we’ve got great folks where they should be and are bringing in top talent everyday. I saw that when I was going through applications everyday”, I said.
Everyone took their stations and we made ready to head to San Diego. Mike pulled some strings and got me 50 yard line Club seats at Qualcomm to see the Colts play the Bolts. I decided it would be better to sacrifice the Cardinal game in the company box to take my die-hard Colts-fan Wife to the San Diego game. I got on the intercom to Jane who was working First Class and asked, “Is my Wife onboard, I heard her flight from John Wayne was running late.”
“Yeah, she’s in 1A, wearing her Manning jersey and talking trash to an LT fan”, she replied.
“OK, we’re all set. Tom, it’s all yours, take us to San Dogg. I’m gonna go see the Wife in a few and then I saw that Aaron was pass-riding, I’d like to go say ‘hey”.
Overtime, playoffs, bad officiating, lo-vis weather…what a day to watch football and fly to PHX! “This one is mine Tom, you know I’m a lo-vis junkie!”
Drew met me in PHX late that evening. “Sorry about the Colts game, but no worries, Black and Gold will take care of business. Tell Erica she can come with my group to the game, just can’t promise a First Class ride.”, Drew said as he slapped a voucher on his palm. I knew I was going to hear about this, but didn’t think it would go anywhere near Drew’s level. I had bumped a paying F/C customer so my Wife could ride F/C. I gave a voucher for 3 R/Ts anywhere in the USAVA network in First-no restrictions.
“Let’s talk about this, after I buy you a congrats beer on your new job and your Cards”.
“I need a new F/O Drew. I know you just went through this when Barney left, any insight? Any candidates?”, I asked.
“You’re on your own my friend, you’re back in Ops now, figure it out, that’s what you do and why we pay you…to figure shit out, and fly virtual airplanes…and charge the company, which is still running red mind you, money for your personal expenses.” He paused for a few, and the calmly said, “Look no further than your own back yard Will. You know as well as anyone that there is a lot of new talent here in Phoenix. I overheard a few new stickmen talking about Tom’s opening. Just be easy on these guys, you’ll find your diamond.”
“As long as it isn’t a Boeing guy who can’t fly a mushy Airbus” I grumbled followed with a smile.
As we entered the lounge, Drew saw someone who caught his eye and said, “Come here, let me introduce you to someone, this is First Officer Blaine Thompson. Blaine, this is..”
Blaine stood up, a big corn-fed gent, standing a good 2 inches over my 6’1” frame. He reached out for my hand and gave me the vice-grip shake. “The Boomerang!” cutting Drew off. “It’s a pleasure Captain Sanson! I’m Blaine.”
“I’m going to grab us some brews Will, and then I need to go do some work…you know CEO stuff”, Drew said as he left us at the table. Chris and Collin came by on a rare appearance this far West, but DCA crew is always welcome at the Cactus Club. I always go out of my to make the crews from other bases feel welcome here, sure we compete, but in the end I live E.L.I.T.E. and believe we’re all in this together.
Blaine and I chatted for a bit and I learned he was recently attached to the 4th Airlift Squadron out of McChord AFB in Washington. He spent the last 5 years in the left seat of a C-17, mostly running between Germany and Afghanistan and Iraq. He had some stories to tell and I instantly liked him, now to get him out of CLT.
The phone woke me up at 5:30am, “Hello?”
“Hey Will, did I wake you?” asked Anthony.
“No, I’m on Aussie time, mate…of coarse you did! What’s up, miss me already?”
“No, not really. Ryan has made you a memory here.” We both laughed. Not because it was all that funny, but it was the truth. One of the busiest Crewman at USAVA (RL and Virtual) came out to KLAS and rocked the house.
“I’m calling because of your ex-crewmates”, he said in a frustrated way.
“What did they do now?”, I cautiously asked.
“Where do I start? Jane quit. She pass-rode to Boston and then quit.
Then Candy has been running around teeing off on senior FAs, dropping Mike’s name around as if it were a blank check. Then, oh and this is the kicker…”
“Syndy…” I interrupted already knowing this would be the worst.
“Yeah, she was running late to her dance show I guess and decided that she’d just stay in uniform…her USAVA uniform. Well, a member of the press was there tailing some politician and decided he would resist temptation and cause us the negative press and instead called me”, Anthony stated.
“Well, she IS your problem now…I don’t know what to tell you. I gotta get ready to run. I’m off to Charlotte today”.
I arrived at Sky Harbor two hours ahead of time, mostly because I am a Captain without a crew. I headed straight for Dispatch after a quick stop for some coffee. After hooking up the brew with some cream and sugar, I turned around to see a pilot with a Carolina blue jersey on with shoulder boards attached! As soon as he was sure it was me, he let out an unmistakable trademark, “Git ‘er done, Willie!”.
“Hey Josh, brave man wearing that Delhomme jersey here! What brings you out here?” I asked.
“I had to bring Panther Air out for scheduled maintenance, CLT and PIT are on backlog and your guys here said they could turn her around in 4 days. Kinda feels sacrilegious bringing her out here during the playoff game, who knows what I’ll get when I get back.”
“I’ll assure you she’s in good hands. I’ll call Diane and make sure she keeps the tech crew in line. Just hope your kitties lose…for your plane’s cosmetic sake. You said when you get back, not staying around?”, I asked.
“Nah, gotta get back for the game!” Josh smiled with a mischievous grin.
“Well, I am heading there this morning, but need to get a crew, so you’re more than welcome to ride, but I have to tell you, we’re taking some of the local news crews and some team personnel and staff, that jersey may draw some attention”, I told him.
“I know, but I won’t be in the cabin, I’m your right seat Willie! Git ‘er dunnnn! I’m gonna fly in Cardinal Air!”
“Hmmmm, OK then, let’s do this! I could use you to navigate the potholes in Charlotte. I guess we’ll just pick up a line crew, I’m off to Dispatch, coming?”
We got things set up and prepared for departure. Josh did draw a lot of attention and a few complaints as he stood at the door and greeted the boarding passengers, most who were going to Charlotte for one particular purpose. Drew may get a written complaint from a lady who lives in Mesa, who was visibly upset and made the statement that a Phoenix-based airline shouldn’t allow such blasphemy! I agreed with her and upgraded her to the only open F/C seat. I noticed Peter and Sean were pass riders, I told them to feel free to come up after we’re up.
“I’m actually glad you’re here Josh, I wanted to ask you a favor”, I said to Josh after we hit cruise.
“What’s up?”
“I need an F/O”
“Well, I’m honored, but I don’t fly that way friend”
I laughed, and then said, “As fun as that would be, I was thinking of a 3-striper you got in C-town. Blaine Thompson to be exact, and before you answer, remember I have Panther Air locked up in Phoenix”.
“Blaine, Blaine, Blaine…hmmm, big tall guy?” he asked.
“Yep, that’s him. What do you say?”
“Can I land Cardinal Air?” he asked.
“Wow, I just pulled her out of maintenance not too long ago, you drive a tough bargain, but I need a good F/O…Deal” I replied.
It was a cold clear day as we set up our approach into Charlotte. As Josh lined us up, I started to pick at his driving. “You’re hot, you’re above glide, you’re gonna bounce us!”
We’re ready to drop gear and I gave the usual undescript glance at the indicator, never once thinking that they wouldn’t light up good. Then the warning comes. “Uh-oh, we don’t have an indicator on the Mains Josh”.
“Cycle them again and I’ll call it in, we’ll go around and ask for a visual and prepare to kiss our bottoms goodbye!”
I cycled the gears, no joy. Tower confirmed that we had no gear. I pull the emergency landing checklist and we get to work, Josh was on the horn with CLT Tech Ops. I called Sean and Peter up, made the announcement to the passengers and Peter tried to raise Mike or Drew on company channel while Josh and I went through the checklist. Sean is a new pilot with USAVA but he was getting his feet wet today and earning his stripes. Now if I can only get him out West, but I know PIT pilots are a proud bunch and have only been able to get Moro to abandon PIT for PHX in the past.
Josh had us in a fuel burn pattern when he said, “Will” (he never calls me Will- it’s always Willie, so I know he’s got his game face on), “try that damned gear again”.
I did and we got positive indicator. “No way!” I exclaimed. “We got gear! Let’s ask them to confirm”.
As we lined up, I turned to Josh and said, “I know I don’t have to remind you that we have a sensitive gear, please…please take it easy on my airplane. I mean, damn, the gear doesn’t want to come down knowing you were landing!” I joked, seriously…joked.
Ahhh, I think Josh’s strutbusting is more myth than truth. He brought us in nice and smooth to a loud applaud by the passengers. “Oh my God,” I said aloud.
“What now?” Josh asked loudly, as he turned us off the runway.
“I forgot to announce to the pax that the gear came down…they’re probably applauding the smoothest belly landing ever!”
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