jb747's last operational flight

[Welsh-Kiwi]

@jb747 I saw a YouTube video of a Lufthansa Captain flying his last flight. During the climb he dipped the wings left and right to say goodbye to the airport for the final time - will you be doing something similar? Is it a retiring pilot tradition to do that?

 

[jb747]

What is the chance those flights will stick?

They're what I asked for......extremely high.

 

[jb747]

@jb747 I saw a YouTube video of a Lufthansa Captain flying his last flight. During the climb he dipped the wings left and right to say goodbye to the airport for the final time - will you be doing something similar? Is it a retiring pilot tradition to do that?

I don't know what traditions there are, as I've never retired before. But, I expect to do my flights as I've always done them. I would prefer to be remembered as professional, rather than flamboyant. Which is probably boring, but....

 

[jb747]

I thought I read somewhere that you didn't want a big fuss made on your last flight. Then you invite AFF riff raf, brave man!!. Good luck JB

I would have to admit that part of me was a tad reluctant. But my wife pointed out that a lot of people have invested a lot of their own time in our threads, and their interest deserved a response. She's much better at this social stuff than I am....!

 

[flyer89]

Given it’s your final flights will you be ‘sharing’ the sectors as you normally would?

 

[ayebee]

@jb747 I saw a YouTube video of a Lufthansa Captain flying his last flight. During the climb he dipped the wings left and right to say goodbye to the airport for the final time - will you be doing something similar? Is it a retiring pilot tradition to do that?

I saw that video as well. Captain Raps on Pilot Eye channel

 

[Hvr]

And will your wife be travelling on your final flight?

 

[moa999]

Are any of your family planning on joining you on the final sectors?


As long as the celebration is popping champagne bottles and not popping oxygen bottles.

 

[jb747]

Given it’s your final flights will you be ‘sharing’ the sectors as you normally would?

Perhaps not. Probably 1 out of 4, instead of the normal 1 for 1.

 

[jb747]

And will your wife be travelling on your final flight?

Sadly no. Too soon after an op. She will come down to meet me though.

 

[Melburnian1]

Sadly no. Too soon after an op. She will come down to meet me though.

You may have stated this before (pardon if it's a repeat) but what (if any) gift do flight crew receive on their retirement from Australian airlines like QF? A gold pen? Fitbit rather than a gold wristwatch? Or no official recognition?

 

[jb747]

As far as I know, they just stop paying you, and you don't have to answer the phone. The sort of mementos you mention aren't really relevant in these days of Apple watches, and keyboards.

I've got a drawer full of prizes, and awards. Most are still in their envelopes or boxes.

 

[Must...Fly!]

Wont be on board but wanted to wish you a smooth flight in Jan and a happy, long and well earned retirement, JB.

 

[OATEK]

I've got a drawer full of prizes, and awards. Most are still in their envelopes or boxes.

My grandfather had drawers like that full of gifts & memorabilia, and we loved exploring the contents.

 

[SeatBackForward]

All the best @jb747 and congrats on such an amazing career. But I also want to thank you for the time and effort you have spent sharing your knowledge for us mere passengers on this forum. AFF is a very special place with your presence on here.

So, will retirement mean more AFF posts? or less?

 

[Flying Fox]

Shame you won't be able to 'buzz the tower' in the A380 like in Top Gun

 

[JohnK]

All the best @jb747 in your retirement. We met once and you're just as lovely in person.

I would love to be on that final flight but I have to deliver the grandparents in SYD a present that long weekend.

 

[Archphoto]

All the best @jb747 for your retirement. I have enjoyed your posts immensely over the years - always informative and enlightening. Wish I could be on your final flight, sadly work timings won't allow for it.

Best wishes for the future.

 

[amaroo]

Enjoy the flight - have really enjoyed your participation on this site. We're very lucky to have you!! With the luck of a coin toss, we may very well be on one of those flights.

Have a fabulous retirement.

 

[kermatu]

Congratulations and all the best for the final flights, as well as future travels as a passenger on whichever airline you choose.

I certainly hope you continue to offer your expertise and opinions on AFF for many years to come.