Zor’s Epic Retirement Flight скачать в хорошем качестве

Zor’s Epic Retirement Flight

EPIC. What an amazing way for Captain Steve Zoerlein, to end a 38-year career with American Airlines. Prepare for a long description, but so much went into making this day amazing, that it is really quite a feat that the whole trip turned out so perfectly! If you have 12 minutes, come along on his final flight to London! Captain Zor had already picked out his crewmembers (pilots & flight attendants) to be his “Dream Team” for his final flight to Rome in July and gave them months to plan their summer schedules. However in February, he found out some news that changed those plans where his final flight would need to be within the next month. Unfortunately, schedules were already made for the rest of the month, but that didn’t stop everyone from rallying. In the winter, London is the only International (787) destination out of Chicago. He called the Captain of this flight, explained his situation, and was able to trip-trade with him. The other First Officer, called and did the same. His favorite Flight Attendants from the last 30 years had to beg, borrow, and steal (not literally) to get a coveted slot on the flight to be part of his “Dream Team.”  His daughter, new to the 787, submitted a request to the AA Training Department, and they approved it, securing her the Co-Pilot seat! She finally achieved her lifelong dream of flying with her dad at American Airlines!! The next couple weeks were crazy preparing. Designing printing his “career stats” card, retirement banner with all the planes he has flown, posters, and photos printed. Decorations were purchased and the sendoff party plan was shared with friends & family. The Flight Attendants brought decorations, stick-on mustaches, Team Zor silicones wristbands, leis for the crew and family/friends, AA message cards, and mini American flags. They made dinner reservations in London, decorated the plane, wrote a custom song, and made it just so very special. On the day of departure, there was cake and an amazing sendoff at the gate. Dozens of friends came to the airport to see him off. It was really a testament to see the mark he left on so many people. As he walked down the jetbridge, he was in awe to see photos of him on the wall as a timeline starting in 1979 showing different phases of his flying career. Onboard, the "career stats" cards were at each seat so passengers could learn all about him. 33,000+ hours. 1500+ oceanic crossings. He has flown so many of AA’s airplanes into so many international destinations. Even with all the festivities going on, the flight departed early. A water cannon salute is a tradition marking a significant event where fire trucks shoot up an arch of water for an aircraft to taxi under. An authorization to operate a drone was secured and some amazing shots were captured with the sunset in the background. Airport Operations personnel were able to get some up-close footage of the 787 in action! Once in London, he took his family out exploring the sights; Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Red Phone Booths, etc! They met up with the rest of the crew at The Greyhound Pub. They were joined by flight attendants on the Seattle and Dallas flights who trip-traded so they could be there to celebrate. He had wine glasses engraved with “Zor’s Dream Team” and their name for each person. Thanks to the musical talents of flight attendant Katy, the lyrics of “Sweet Caroline” were rewritten and “Steve Zoerlein” was performed by The Team Zor Singers. The lyrics were hilarious, touching, and just perfect, all at the same time. After the performance, favorite memories and funny stories were shared. It was quite the party! Riding the crew bus back to the airport the next morning, the crew busted out sharpies and the signed the back of his white uniform shirt. Once airborne, the passengers signed a poster and filled out AA message cards offering best wishes in retirement. The most emotional part was before starting the top of descent, the Flight Attendant called him out to do one final walkthrough the cabin. Cue the music over the PA system. As soon as he entered each cabin, he was greeted by cheers and hundreds of American flags waving and cheering. Passengers shook his hands and took photos. He greased the landing back in Chicago; minimal thrust reserves and brakes so there was no jerk forward while slowing down. It was literally the perfect landing. Passengers cheered in the back. As he taxied in, O’Hare Air Traffic Control gave him one final transmission congratulating him on his retirement. After he thanked the passengers deplaning, the whole crew and family/friends onboard shared a special moment. There were so many touching moments, so much laughter, and so many memories. Being with American Airlines for 38 years, he is leaving a huge legacy, Thank everyone for making this flight possible, given the fact that we only a few weeks to actually plan for it. Congratulations Captain Zor!