Originally Posted by
80ktsClamp
He was a minority hired when it was extremely difficult to do so. He's been a line check airman, international chief pilot, lead line check pilot, interviewed pilots, and ended up number 1 on the seniority list for 8 years- all this while never gaining a reputation of someone chasing those positions to stroke an ego- instead he established a reputation of humility and servitude to others. He's just that good of a guy and everyone that has known him recognizes that. That is literally the ultimate airline career and what we should all strive to be. Congratulations are in order on many levels for a truly noteworthy career.
I'm not saying he didn't have a noteworthy career worth commending. I've never met the guy, but he sounds like a standup dude.
My point is that there are many many like him out there and this is the first thread like this I've ever seen for an individual. What makes him stand out from all the others with truly noteworthy careers is that he spent 8 years at the top thanks to Age 65.
The only thing that shows is that if you win a lucky roll of the dice in the twlight of your career, and continue to hold onto that captain seat you should've had to give up much sooner, you can get a news article written about you.
There are a lot of great people out there. He sounds like one of them. But he isn't one of a kind. I haven't seen anyone commending those who got stuck at regionals, slaving away trying to support themselves (and their families) while being worked to death, because people like Captain Flanigan didn't retire.