Thanks. By the way I would have died to be able to sit across from Bob Hoover at dinner! I have seen him fly the Shrike a few times at Reno over the years, and was in his presence at the NBAA convention a few years ago but never had the opportunity to meet him personally. From what I have observed from afar a true gentleman and one of the most if not THE most accomplished pilots ever, and very unassuming.

Now, I did meet Chuck Yeager briefly, who certainly has his fair share of aviation accomplishments...but I can’t say he was quite as gentlemanly as Hoover, nor was he unassuming! 😀

I recently returned to UAL after being away for about 17.2 years as a double furloughee+ML+LOA guy. While I was away I worked as a civilian test pilot and an aerospace engineer for a large manufacturer, plus part-timing in the AF Reserve. Quite content with the part-time flying, and having a desk job as an engineer knowing I'm home every day and having time off on all holidays without going through monthly bidding. I also was divorced and wanted to be a dad to my kids. I made $140K last year (been retired from the AF)

The reason I came back (and it was a very recent decision) is that my kids will be leaving the nest soon and I started thinking of what I wanted to do for myself. Traveling is high on my list, so I wanted pass riding privileges. And the $$ is better. I also kept my seniority. Honestly, if I didn't get to keep my seniority, I would not have returned. Going to any other airline was also not an option for me for QOL.