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
- See more at:
http://karlenepetitt.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/aeroplane-geeks-world-wide.html#sthash.P0iClHa8.dpuf
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