Abbey Road

You’ve probably heard that there’s a worldwide shortage of pilots, despite the current lousy economy in the world. I might just have a solution because every so often I’m lucky enough to connect with a learned colleague from some exotic location. Today we have one from Frank Froman, a St. Louis psychologist (OK, exotic is in the eyes of the beholder!), a man with a secret dream, but a man who also knows how to solve a problem when he’s confronted with it. It’s men like Frank that just might hold some of the solutions the airlines are seeking … maybe!

“It was quite an adventure, American Airlines Flight 2020A from St. Louis to New York,” Frank wrote us recently. “I think the cabin announcement went something like this…

Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to flight 2020A flying today from St. Louis to New York’s airport, whichever one we can get into. We hope this is a comfortable trip for you.

And do we have a pilot on board? No? Ouch.

Anyone who has ever flown a 737 here maybe?

No? How about anyone with dual engine experience?

Mmmm. Anyone with single engine and instrument flying experience?

No?

How about a visual-only pilot?

OK, how about a private pilot who learns quickly?”

Silence … “Anyone then who learned something about flying but never quite got to the pilot license level?”

That’s when I stood up.

“Come this way, the flight attendant told me. “I sat in the captain’s chair. Here’s an airplane manual and checklist. We’re getting pushed out of the gate now, so just follow the instructions. This plane is highly automated and nearly flies itself.”

It seemed only reasonable to assist in these tight eco-times.

Frank Froman