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"We are the protagonists of our stories called life, and there is no limit to how high we can fly."


PHD. MBA. MHS. Type rated on A350, A330, B777, B747-400, B747-200, B757, B767, B737, B727. International Airline Pilot / Author / Speaker. Dedicated to giving the gift of wings to anyone following their dreams. Supporting Aviation Safety through training, writing, and inspiration. Fighting for Aviation Safety and Airline Employee Advocacy. Safety Culture and SMS change agent.

Friday, July 25, 2014

Aeroplane Geeks World Wide!

"There's an aeroplane geek in us all"

"That was the title of an email sent to me by a friend. Attached was a photo taken from the window seat of an aircraft. It was sent because my friend appreciated my interest in aerospace. I never tire of watching aeroplanes or anything about them.

I am not a pilot, (well not a fully qualified one) but I do love aviation. But what is it that brings people together when the topic is flying? People that may not have much in common are suddenly bonded together with their interest in aeroplanes (and rockets I might a). Well, I think it’s that amazing feeling of being in the air, of flying like a bird, soaring and watching this world from above. It can be almost a spiritual experience for some.

 Pieter Johnson

Strapped in to a modern airliner is not dissimilar to sitting in a bus. It's a metal tube and is often filled with people who do not know each other and whose sole aim is to get from one place to another. What bonds us is when the wheels leave the earth and whether it's 10 feet or 30,000 feet, the view out of the window and our own perspective on the world changes.

We see it differently. We see planet earth and our impact upon it. For some this awe inspiring view brings strength through goals and achievements such as wanting to a pilot and do this more often. For most of us though, it allows us to continue to be amazed that the tube we are sitting in is actually suspended in the air, racing along at 500mph.

I indulge my interest through work on my aviation and aerospace podcasts. Since 2010 I have had the privilege of meeting many people in the aerospace and aviation industries. This makes me a very fortunate individual. My first 'big interview' was with Karelen Pettit. In the 45 minutes we talked, I discovered what an amazing career she had manifested; and learned of the stories and experiences along the way.


If you ever get the chance to listen to Karlene then do so, she is both an ambassador for the industry as well as a darn good story teller. I also learned much from that discussion apart from her being a lovely person of course. It dawned on me that the mysticism around the sector is something created by me to admire those I thought had something I could never achieve. Karlene helped me see that her journey is one we could all take if we chose to. If we want to achieve something in the sector, then go out and do it.

Four years later I have interviewed over 150 people in the industry. From astronauts, pilots, engineers and leaders, to those who have survived the pain and distress of disaster. Author Earl Moorhouse a survivor of the first Boeing 747 crash, remains still one of the greatest interviews I have been lucky enough to deliver. What an amazing man.


"My programme is called: Xtended"
 
Its an audio programme you download from our website (or through iTunes). Produced out of the UK, we bring international aviation and aerospace news, stories and debate to the listener. We love our Top 10 lists as they get great debates going. Its hard work but enjoyable and gives me my aviation fix. We hope you can get some of your through the show. If you like hearing great interviews and aviation discussion, give us a try, I do not think you will be disappointed. It's free, what else could you ask for.

Remember there's an aeroplane geek in us all. Let us help you to enjoy your journey through the skies, wherever it's taking you."

Pieter Johnson
Presenter and Producer
Pieter.Johnson@XTPMedia,co.uk

Pieter also sent me a couple links where you can listen to our interviews. He's an amazing man and fun to chat with. You have to admit the second link has a pretty catchy title.



In addition, he added a link to an interview with Earl Moorhouse, the survivor of the first B747 crash.
Teamwork and Flight 540  You won't want to miss this one. 

Enjoy the journey!!
XO Karlene

1 comment:

  1. Hi Pieter,

    I know how difficult it is to express through words what it feels like to have aviation in our blood.

    I am e-mailing you this evening. Perhaps it will catch your interest.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for your comment! If your comment doesn't appear immediately, it will after I land. Enjoy the journey!