My Job

When I meet someone new and they learn I work at for an airline, they typically ask what I do.  I reply, “I’m an aircraft router.” Then they get a puzzled look on their face and ask if I work in the tower or if I am an air traffic controller?  At this point, I give them the abbreviated version of my job.  I assign flights to airplanes in order to get them to maintenance bases to get scheduled work done, I make sure we have the proper planes assigned for certain destinations, and I work to keep the operation going whenever a ship breaks.  Most people seem satisfied by this response.  For those who have the time and want to know more, I am happy to tell them what I do.

Therefore, I would like to share a little more detail about my job.  Aircraft routers are charged with three primary duties.   First, we use and manipulate the schedule in order to bring airplanes into the proper maintenance bases for work to be completed.  Second, we ensure the proper aircraft is assigned for certain restrictive flights and/or destinations.  Third, we work to minimize customer impact during flight irregularities. 

Just like our cars, airplanes need regular maintenance.  Depending on the item, the intervals between check-ups count down by days, hours, or cycles (a take-off and landing equals 1 cycle).  We use the schedule for the fleet we work and assign flights in order have planes arrive in a maintenance station for an over night visit where the work can be accomplished.  In some cases, work can be completed during the day but more often than not, it is done at night. 

However, not all work can be completed in all stations.  For instance, some work may require a hanger and not all stations have a hanger.  In the winter, lube jobs must be done in cities that won’t freeze.  Engine washes can only be completed in a few stations.  Therefore, it is imperative we properly route our planes so work can be completed in the right place and in time.  Similar to limitations for where work can be accomplished, there are some restrictions for aircraft flying to some cities.

When we fly a 757 to Quito, Ecuador, we need one with Dual HF radios and GPS.  There are some Caribbean destinations that benefit with better flight plans when the plane has either winglets, HF or both.  We operate A320s with two different engine types.  When flying A320s into cities with high temperatures during the summer, Delta wants to minimize any possible customer impact by operating A320 aircraft with the more powerful engines.  If the A320s with the other engines are used, luggage, freight, or even customers may not be boarded due to lower take-off weight requirements. 

If you fly often enough, you probably have experienced a delay at departure or even after push-back.  Often, the flight departs after a short wait.  However, there are times when the aircraft cannot operate safely and a new plane is needed.  When we first learn of such a delay, my coworkers and I proactively look over our fleet to see if there is a plane that can be used instead.  If the change can be done before the original plane can be repaired, we switch the flight to a new airplane.  Also, there are occasions when the tower will call us to see if we can swap planes due to one that is holding out waiting for its gate to open.  We realize we are a customer oriented business and work to minimize any negative customer impact. 

In conclusion, when you think of aircraft routers, remember that it is our job to ensure airplanes get to the proper maintenance bases in time for work to be completed.  Also, we assign the proper ship for the destination.  Finally, we do all possible to minimize any negative customer impact during irregular operations. 

Driving Memories

I was talking with some coworkers about driving.  I couldn’t help but remember my dad teaching my brother, sister and I to drive a stick shift.  Dad owned a pick up that had “3 on the tree.”  For those who don’t know, it was a 3 speed and the shifter was on the steering column. 

 

It was hard to drive.  Dad said that we would eventually get the hang of it.  He mentioned that, like his old days, we could one day start driving, light a cigarette, and drink a coke all at the same time.  He also said if we could learn to drive that, we could drive anything.  He was right.  I remember when I was starting to get the hang of it, but was NOT comfortable yet, a friend of mine got a new Ford Escort.  It was a 4 or 5 speed.  He let me drive it once.  Wow, what a difference!  It was so easy. 

 

Now I’m reminded of something else from older cars.  Why did they move the high beams switch from a button on the floor to something on the steering column? 

Things I've Learned

I'm told these are quotes from Andy Rooney.  I feel they are too good not to share   *I've learned* *...... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.* *I've learned* *...... That when you're in love, it shows.* *I've learned* *...... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.* *I've learned* *...... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.* *I've learned* *...... That being kind is more important than being right.* *I've learned* *...... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.* *I've learned* *...... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.* *I've learned* *...... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with..* *I've learned* *...... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand. *   *I've learned* *...... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.* *I've learned* *...... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.* *I've learned* *...... That money doesn't buy class.* *I've learned* *...... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.* *I've learned* *..... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.* *I've learned* *...... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.* *I 've learned* *...... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.* *I've learned* *...... That love, not time, heals all wounds.* *I've learned* *...... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.* *I've learned* *..... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.* *I've learned* *........That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.* *I've learned* *..... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.* *I've learned* *...... That opportunities are never lost, someone will take the ones you miss.* *I've learned* *...... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.* *I've learned* *...... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.* *I've learned* *...... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.* *I've learned* *...... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.*  *I've learned* *...... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.*

*I've learned* *...... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.*

Easy to be Hard

How can people be so heartless
How can people be so cruel
Easy to be hard, easy to be cold

How can people have no feelings
How can they ignore their friends
Easy to be proud, easy to say no

Especially people who care about strangers
Who care about evil and social injustice
Do you only care about bleeding crowd
How about a needing friend, I need a friend

How can people be so heartless
You know I'm hung up on you
Easy to be proud, easy to say no

Especially people who care about strangers
Who care about evil and social injustice
Do you only care about bleeding crowd
How about a needing friend, we all need a friend

How can people be so heartless
How can people be so cruel
Easy to be proud, easy to say no
Easy to be cold, easy to say no
Come, on, easy to give in, easy to say no
Easy to be cold, easy to say no
Much too easy to say no

Three Dog Night

I never knew the words to this song. Interesting point

Just a Thought (Actually a Warning)

My first blogging experience was fun.  I was able to learn about other people from different parts of the world which is something I like very much.  I was able to express myself and I got some positive feedback. Not everything was positive. 


Suddenly the blog I used, JournalSpace shut down.  The content for all users was lost.  I am happy that most of my content was backed up.  I am the family historian and I viewed it and this blog as a way for me to document my life and thoughts.  Hopefully, 100 years or more from now, someone who wants to know who I am will be able to due to my efforts now. 


My point is that if you value the content you share on Blogspot, back it up or you may be sorry you didn’t. 

One Life

Full of vim and vigor
An aged life filled with light
A purpose, a hope and

love for all within her reach

The message comes

No time left
It is time to go home and die


One life

We have one life
Did you hear me?
You have one life

Wake up from your bleary daze
Potential is wasted in front of the TV

We pack on pounds with nothing to do
While the world wants all around us

 

Well Now, That is Different

I was off for a few days hiking/camping with my brother in the Appalachians.  I just checked visitors on my blog.  Imagine my surprise to find not one person over the last week is from the USA.  Overwhelmingly, the most visitors were from Russia.  So I guess Russians are my biggest fans. 

Or maybe they are spying on me.