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Kazuko Uramatsu jumps out of bed at 5 am, hustles to catch the morning train, transfers to a waiting scooter, zooms off to her office, catches her breath, straightens her tie and smiles. It’s time to teach over Tokyo.  At 42, Kazuko is one of four female flight instructors in all of Japan. In a culture where the woman is traditionally seen as housekeeper, mother, and maid, Kazuko is cut from a different kimono.  She loves flying and adores independence. But how does a woman in Japan survive and thrive in an occupation almost totally reserved for men?  Flying snagged her heart Kazuko has been able to break from the pack because she knows what she wants in life. Her need for freedom speaks louder than her need to conform. While many women in Japan are held down to traditional positions of raising a family and staying at home, Kazuko chose a less traditional route. Her fire was lit when a college friend invited Kazuko to come to a club meeting on the quad. There on the grass, in the campus court, sat a gleaming, white Schweitzer glider. To promote membership, the club displayed the glider to encourage students to join. Kazuko made a life changing decision on the spot. She had to fly. Kazuko hits turbulence  But as soon as she threw herself into aviation, a not-so-subtle roadblock popped up. Although Kazuko had the support and encouragement from her father, someone else thought flying was a very bad idea.  At the time, Kazuko was dating a Japanese doctor. Unfortunately, the idea of flying did not sit well with him. He floored Kazuko one day with an ultimatum, “If you become a pilot, we cannot marry.”  Kazuko reeled. She didn’t want to quit flying. She couldn’t quit! For the first time in her life, she tasted ultimate freedom. The message was clear. She had to choose between rings, or wings.  The doctor got dumped.  While some people let marriage, cultural expectations, economics, lack of social skills, or bad breaks, direct their lives, some refuse to accept any limitation. As for Kazuko, she is now happily married to a man who loves her, and her vocation. The chains are broken. You’re in charge…So take it! Here’s the flight lesson: You are going to have people chirping in your ear – relatives, friends, lovers, co-workers, and strangers, all telling you how to run the show. Well intentioned as they may be, keep one thing in mind – It’s your show. No one else knows the production better than you. And no one is more concerned with a successful outcome than you.  So, at first sign of a naysayer, kindly excuse yourself. Tune them out, or steer them away from your dream. You don’t need that negative buzz in your brain. To be a peak performer, find people who encourage and support you. If anyone tries to bring you down, you now know what to tell them…  “Sayonara!”

In 1983, Mike McNeill ran into an “unreasonable customer.” As a captain on a a de Havilland Dash-7 aircraft, Mike was to make a routine flight from Killeen, Texas to Dallas. A 45-minute hop. Shortly after the airplane leveled off, a passenger came up into the cockpit and suggested a new destination: Cuba. When McNeill turned around and saw an Uzi machine gun leveled at his head, he knew he would need more than just flying skills to keep things cool. At the trigger was a young Iranian man, Hussein Kholya, who, like a cobra out of its basket, was agitated and unpredictable. Use your weapon! Mike knew the four-engine de Havilland did not have enough fuel to make it to Cuba, yet he had to be careful in rejecting Hussein’s request out of hand. Therefore, McNeill and the co-pilot began to unwrap a subtle counteroffer. Their friendship – a type of “weapon” the hijacker simply didn’t see coming. The two pilots began to slowly change the climate in the cockpit. Being careful not to patronize the young man, they worked to befriend, and empathize with him. They brought out pictures of the family. They talked, and treated the hijacker as a regular guy. Even joking with him at times. This was the last thing Hussein had expected. At one point the co-pilot, Frank Flores, told the hijacker, he had a college class that night. They discussed how he would be marked down missing it. Straight faced, he asked Kholya if he could write him an excuse. Hussein proceeded to write the note. “Please excuse Frank from class because of his hijacking,” it said. What the crew was accomplishing, was nothing short of brilliant. They gave the hijacker something every human being craves: a sense of importance and respect, sprinkled with a pinch of humor. Something every relationship, marriage, personal connection or business interaction could benefit from. The seriousness of the situation consequently continued to lighten, and the hijacker’s demands softened. He made a concession: forget Cuba. Mexico would do. Mike obliged him. They turned the aircraft toward Laredo. By this time, the relationship (and attendant humor) began to ramp up. On the approach, Flores went so far as to “warn” Kholya of the impending landing. “After this guy lands, he said, you’ll need a chiropractor.” The machine-gun wielding highjacker, was now actually beginning to enjoy the light banter and camaraderie. Meanwhile, the Mexican equivalent of the FBI were notified and positioning themselves at the airport. After McNeill landed, the three men talked. And talked some more. Hours passed. It took time and patience, but Hussein Kholya was finally persuaded to lay down his Uzi and transition to the Mexican authorities.  How were McNeill and his copilot able to calmly handle such a potentially explosive situation? In a word, they were prepared. They had gone to work prepped to deal with numerous variables: turbulence, changing weather, mechanical malfunctions, even disgruntled customers. And deal with it all in a calm, cool, manner. When the challenge presented itself, mental preparedness worked to their advantage. Prepare to get jacked Hardly a day goes by, where you do not have to deal with some type of problem that demands your immediate attention. Whether it’s a work-related conflict or personal dilemma, your ability to manage that difficulty will have a profound effect on your journey through life. The problem is, you never know when or where trouble will hit. Let’s revisit Mike McNeill’s problem for a moment. One thing was in his favor. Mike didn’t have a fanatical terrorist on his hands. Instead, he simply had some kook who wanted to cruise to Cuba. The fact that he had an Uzi as a boarding pass, made things more interesting. If you were in McNeill’s position, what would you do? How would you respond? Would you fight? Draw out your Smith & Wesson, and start shooting? Would you refuse the demand? Or simply comply and fly…until you ran out of fuel? These are tough questions, each with potentially fatal consequences. But believe it or not, you are hijacked all the time. For example, a loyal customer may take you hostage as he or she threatens to cancel an account. Your spouse could suddenly demand a large amount of cash – to pay bills. Your teenager may hold you an emotional hostage, until you meet his demand for passage to Mexico – during Spring Break. Each of these scenarios is a potential hijacking. And the way you communicate with your “hijacker” will determine the outcome, whether it be with a customer, co-worker, friend, foe, or fanatic. So how do you deal with the proverbial tough guy who threatens your tranquillity? By applying some McNeill magic to the mix. Lead your “customer” to resolution Let’s consider an easy-to-remember, four-step process. This “flight lesson” will go a long way to defuse tensions, resolve problems, and keep you on a passionate and positive track. Try it the next time you meet an unreasonable customer who threatens to hijack your day. 1) Listen calmly. Listening can defuse a lot of energy and anger from someone who is irate. As they talk with you, breathe deep, relax, and simply listen. Do nothing to agitate them. Above all else, don’t become angry, irritated or patronizing. Like a busted steam pipe, let the pressure vent. Hussein was initially very agitated. The crew didn’t push or panic. They simply listened. 2) Empathize. Walk a mile in their moccasins. Try to find out how they feel. Refrain from harsh or immediate judgments. Ask yourself not only what they want, but why they want it. Determine their needs, no matter how crazy they may appear. 3) Assess the situation. Agree with them initially so as to buy time and think. What are your options? What are their options? How could you best negotiate and turn this into a win-win situation? If their rationale is totally whacked out, agree with them anyway. Let them see you as

In May 2001, I wrote an article for Plane & Pilot magazine, entitled Never too Old to Fly. A quarter century ago. Old stuff, right? In fact, just the opposite. Back then, interviewing people like Ralph Charles (the oldest pilot on the planet at 101), and Evelyn Johnson, an active instrument flight instructor and Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), well into her 90’s, was a game changer for me. These people were hot. They loved life and were beyond passionate. I wanted to know more. What’s the common denominator? Since then, I’ve interviewed pilots and non-pilots alike to uncover the common denominator behind their zest for life and seemingly ageless demeanor. A recurring theme has consistently emerged: these individuals simply discovered and pursued activities that brought them genuine joy. Few, if any, ever found themselves trapped in jobs they despised, grinding out an existence day after day in roles they abhorred. Instead, they maintained a positive outlook and, whenever possible, embraced an active lifestyle that kept them resilient and vibrant. Girlfriends and speeding at 103 Case in point: While interviewing Ralph Charles at his ranch in Somerset, Ohio, I asked him point blank, if he thought he might be too old to fly at 101 years old. He snorted back, “Hell no!” Then proceeded to show me some of his semi-aerobatic flying maneuvers later that afternoon. The guy simply didn’t let his age, dictate the game. In fact, a couple years later, at the age of 103, he was nailed for speeding, while taking his girlfriend, “Toots” home for the evening! (the actual telephone conversation can be heard at, Tillison.com -> Videos). The secret to finding passion More recently, I had the distinct privilege of meeting up with the last surviving P-51 fighter ace of WWII. Bud Anderson was a “gentlemen’s fighter.” One of the nicest, easy-going guys in two shoes. However, as Chuck Yeager would say, “In an airplane…the guy was a mongoose.” But during the interview Bud said something that struck me. As we talked about jobs, life-goals, and flying in general, he spilled the beans.  After a moment of reflection, he simply said emphatically, “If you get a job you like to do… you can accel.” Therein lies the kicker that’s killing people. Many people in fact, don’t like what they’re doing. With no real purpose or passion, they’re mentally, spiritually, and all too often, physically, dropping dead. It doesn’t have to be this way, if you have the guts seek the passion path. Beating the money trap A few years back, I had an attorney as a flight student. His law firm was thriving. Yet one day he approached me with a surprising confession: “I’m done with law. I’m just not happy with the work.” He proceeded to tell me he wanted to change occupations and pursue his flight instructor rating. At the time, my jaw dropped knowing the extreme plunge in income he would experience. But I now understand. Time is fleeting and there’s nothing in the world more important that to live your life with the freedom to chase your passion, not your pension. If you have to take a pay cut, sell the truck, or walk from the dead-end job, do it. The most devastating and irreversible outcome at life’s end is regret.  Like Steve Jobs so adroitly said in his speech to the Stanford graduates, “You’ve got to find what you love. Don’t settle.” Do this, to set yourself free So here’s my “flight lesson” to you. Find your fire. No matter what. Don’t settle. Do the search. If you feel that you’re in an inescapable rut, you must “escape” n as if your life depends on it. Because it does. So how do you proceed? Here’s your immediate action plan. It’ll take 15 minutes of your time, so buck, up and prepare to invest 15 big ones…like right now. First off, grab a pen and paper. Set a timer. Take exactly ten minutes and “go bold.” That is, write down every personal and career possibility you can imagine, without judgment or concern for practicality. Let your ideas flow freely. Write fast, and with abandon. When the timer sounds, give yourself five more minutes to review your list and identify the one idea that surprisingly seems most attainable. The one that stands out above the rest. You’ll most likely be amazed with the revelation that previously eluded you. Your life is too precious to spend unfulfilled. Keep in mind, your journey to find your passion is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. A necessity for a life well-lived. So, embrace the search.  Don’t let any fear hold you back. Just take that first step. Adventure awaits—seize it and don’t look back. Your ”fire” will light the way.  

United Airlines Flight 232 is cruising at 37,000 feet, when the crew is jolted by an explosion from the back of the plane. The number two engine has just blown apart, sending shrapnel into the fuselage, and totally disabling all three of the aircraft’s hydraulic systems.  The crew now have no means of controlling pitch nor bank. They have no flaps to slow the jet down for final approach. And even if they do get the airplane down on the ground, they have no brakes to stop them.  “This can’t happen…but I think it just did” The crew is now piloting a 300,000-pound DC-10, without the luxury of being able to control it. The odds of losing all hydraulic power simultaneously are a billion to one. And, as Captain Al Haynes would tell me later in an interview, his initial thought was, “It can’t happen. You’ve been told over and over again, it can’t happen, but it didn’t take us very long to realize, I think it just did.” Sooner or later, most of us have to deal with the dire. Something so egregious and hopeless, that we feel completely out of control. Layoff, bankruptcy, divorce, death, or serious illness, can all leave us feeling hopeless. But the way you respond to the situation can make the difference between winning or losing it all. Indeed, one of the objectives of introducing you to the people in this book, is to learn and benefit from their winning (and sometimes losing) experiences.  The United predicament was chosen because the situation is about as crazy as it gets. The fate of everyone on board appears doomed, and by all indications, there is nothing the crew can do to change the outcome. But sometimes, contrary to indications or probability, you have to buck the odds. To insist that somewhere, somehow, a solution exists.  Prepare to “get pushed” Keep in mind you’re going to face situations in your life, where you will be pushed beyond your perceived capabilities. Where everything will appear hopeless, out of control, and so screwed up, you’ll want to pack it in and quit. However, that is precisely the time you must hunker down, hold on, and fight. In other words, don’t give up. Life has an odd way of taking us right up to the edge of the cliff, and just as we are pushed off, we get wings. Think of it this way – each time you’re pushed off that so-called cliff, you log, “flight time.” You may have to flap like hell, but sooner or later you discover you can fly above the chaos.  With that thought in mind, let’s briefly return to Flight 232 to gain some insight. With the dilemma that faces them, the crew certainly needs some extraordinary results.  If “The Book” says it’s impossible – stop reading The situation is much more serious than most modern-day flight system failures. The reason is simple. McDonnell Douglas, the manufacturer of the DC-10, considered the loss of all hydraulics so remote, that nothing was written in the manual to resolve the issue.  For a better understanding of the situation, let’s look at the blow-by-blow account of Flight 232.  Soon after the catastrophic engine failure, the tri-jet begins an uncontrolled descent. With no pitch control, the aircraft enters a series of phugoid oscillations – a roller coaster-like behavior of climbs and dives that gives the airplane a nearly uncontrollable flight characteristic.   The enormity of the crisis now becomes obvious, as the jet begins to have a mind of its own. Three separate times, the DC-10 nearly goes over on its back. With no hydraulics, an inverted roll will be an automatic death sentence for the lumbering jet. When ‘packing it in,’ simply isn’ an option Although the aircraft is now dangling on the ragged edge of uncontrolled flight, something remarkable begins to transpire in the cockpit. An incredible display of teamwork and raw determination are coming together. The cockpit becomes a beehive of ideas. “What if we try this? Do you think this will help?” The aircraft continues a series of right-hand oscillating spirals. An air traffic controller tracking the flight begs for some good news. “Can you guys hold altitude?” “Negative,” comes the reply.     More ideas. More experimentation. Denny Fitch, an off-duty instructor pilot, asks one of the flight attendants if he can give a hand. Haynes accepts. Haynes directs the instructor pilot to control the throttles so as to free up the captain and co-pilot to work the control wheel. Through a system of trial and error, the crew work their magic.  Al Haynes, Bill Records, DJ Dvorak, and Denny Fitch, feverishly but delicately baby the big jet to behave. As they continue to corkscrew to the right, the crew finally makes a breakthrough. By jockeying the power on the two remaining engines, they gain some directional control over the airplane. Still, the nearest airport is Sioux City, Iowa, some 75 miles away, and as Haynes admitted to me, “We had absolutely no idea how we were going to get there.”  Forty-five minutes later, the crew miraculously lines up with Runway 22 at Sioux City. Although the 6600-foot runway length is hopelessly short for a DC-10, it’s their only option. The crew knows, at best, they’re going to blow through the end of the runway and skid into a cornfield. The worst, isn’t contemplated.  Replace panic with humor As the tower controller gives the customary “cleared to land” permission, Captain Haynes gives us a snapshot of his relative calm, when he banters back, “You don’t want to be particular and make it a (specific) runway, huh?” With the aircraft now at the runway threshold and mere seconds from touchdown, the DC-10 is cursed with another phugoid oscillation. As the jet begins an uncontrollable nose down pitch, the ground proximity recorder blasts the warning, “Pull up, pull up.” A split second later, the plane begins to roll to the right. A crew member begins to

It was a push. Taking a private airplane into South America at a time when drug cartels nearly controlled some countries and kingpins like Pablo Escobar reined supreme. However, our three-month goodwill expedition by private airplane seem to be graced with serendipity, good luck, and great people. In country after country, our “Espiritu de las Americas” (Spirit of the Americas) tour provoked good vibes. Flat broke but inspired The trip was inspired by a breathtaking photograph. I saw on the cover of a flying magazine back in 1976. The picture was an aerial photo of Tikal, the lost city of the Maya, deep in the Yucatán jungle of Guatemala. Although my partner and I were just out of college, flat broke, and living in a closet-size apartment, we felt compelled to make this, Indiana Jones-like journey to Tikal. All told, the trip eventually morphed into a 13,000-mile trip, into the deeper reaches of the Amazon. At first glance, the whole idea seemed ludicrous. A private airplane expedition would cost tens of thousands of dollars. We barely had money to pay rent, let alone buzz around jungle archives in a rented Cessna. Therefore we had to save, budget, and bargain, to pull off the expedition. We guaranteed the owner of the Cessna Cardinal, at least 100 hours of flight, if he’d provide a wholesale rental rate. Aviation fuel in South America averaged 58 cent per gallon. We often slept under the wing, and ate with the locals. Not including the airplane, we budgeted six bucks a day for the entire expedition. Commandante kindness? Everywhere we went, we were greeted with open arms and graciousness. Medellin, Colombia was no exception. After we landed, we met the airport comandante and his staff. Even though we were just two young college kids. They served as coffee and treated as like a couple of big shots. It was great. Our Spanish was rough, but it didn’t matter. These guys were cool. The comandante’s eyes twinkled, “Tiene drogas?”   “Ha-haaa, si, si, of course,” I said, not quite understanding the question. The room suddenly became icy. No one was smiling anymore. God, what did I say? What changed the mood so quickly? What did the comandante say? After interminable silence, his assistant spit out the words again, “Tienen drogas en el avion?” Stupidity sucks I now understood the situation. I had been asked if we were bringing drugs into Colombia, which I gleefully responded, “Ha-haaa, yes, of course.” This silly yet informal statement carried some ugly consequences. Under Colombian drug seizure laws, the aircraft could become an expensive gift to the government – or a sneaky comandante. Was it a trap? A gringo setup? I felt sick to my stomach. More silence. More stares. The comandante then did something quite unexpected. He laughed. The comandante knew my Spanish was lacking and wanted to make a memorable impression. He succeeded. Although my language deficiency almost got us thrown into a Colombian cooler, the lesson was clear. Practice your Spanish, senior!

In 1968, our high school football team played Calaveras High, located in the mountain town of San Andreas, CA. The school boasted some big guys, and a championship record to boot.  At the time, I was a fairly underweight, 120-pound defensive end. Mr. Turner was our coach.  Calaveras decided to run a sweep around my end. A husky half-back was coming right at me, full speed. Unfortunately I got in the way. Our head-on collision nearly killed me. We both just laid there a couple of seconds. From your pain, you’ll gain Then something magical happened. From across the field, in front of God and the grandstands, Mr. Turner cups his hands and screams out, “Tillison, best defensive end in the league!”  At that moment, Turner could walk on water. I reveled in the moment. What an incredibly, unvarnished statement of recognition. I stood up, a different person. That fleeting display of positive reinforcement happened more than 50 years ago, yet it remains with me to this day.  Recognition: There’s no higher ROI   Now think of that for a moment. The time and energy expended by Turner…about 4 seconds. The length of its effectiveness, 50 years, and counting.  Here’s the subtle but powerful take-home point: A pat on the back, a scribbled note of thanks, a smile and a thumbs up, all take practically zero time and energy. Yet it’s astounding how seldom sincere appreciation, in whatever form, is dished out. This is exactly what makes the process so powerful. Nobody does it! Our recommendation? Do it.  Find someone to recognize. Invest a full 4-seconds in an unvarnished, no-nonsense, all-out, “call-out.” Be bold and generous in your praise. But be prepared. That moment may well be burned into the person’s psyche for at least a year…or maybe even, 50!