USAIR TALES # 18 KLGA - KDCA Focus on the Cities...

It was that time again... With January comes hub evaluation time, and this time I decided to go through all four focus cities with the VP of Focus Cities, Dan Milsop. We of course started in PIT, since we are both PIT pilots, and went through Philly on a surprise visit (which had Aaron scrambling for an excuse as to why his Hub Manager Zach was not in the office), then on to Boston to see how Sean Duffy was doing with his new position as Station Manager.

By the time the weekend was done, we were satisfied that Boston was in good hands, and flew off to visit Jeremy in New York, La Guardia.

All was not rosy in La Guardia when we got there as a recent ditching had me in front of the press giving explanations as to why this happened... but I ended up commending the brave pilot who kept over 150 souls alive in what could have been a most dire situation.



As my crew clambored aboard for our leg to DC, I could not help but feel a small sense of satisfaction that all the training we spend oodles of money on, for our pilots, was in fact very much WORTH it! Our CFO can rest easy at the next board meeting.

"Hey Drew" Tiffany interrupted, "There's going to be a limo waiting at Reagan for us... if we hurry we may actually make it in time for this thing."

I am gonna do the best I can Tiff... just get us boarded in record time, Dan and I will take care of the rest... right Dan?

"You bet Drew... we're known as the ontime kings... As long as there are no birds out today" Dan replied.

I rolled my eyes... then took a cursory glance outside... just to make sure.



True to her word, Tiff had us boarded and we pushed back a minute ahead of schedule. Luckily for us, this hour of the morning there was not much departing LGA, so we could afford to hustle to the runway, passing the PSA plane waiting for its next dispatch out west. Next stop, runway 4...

"Oh Drew... I have the latest numbers for the Focus City battle... Looks like PIT is pulling far enough ahead that we are gonna win this."

Outstanding Dan! Remind me when we get back home to talk to Joe Espino about getting some more blood in LGA and BOS... I am sure Jeremy and Sean will appreciate it.

"Oh I can guarantee it... they're both doing pretty well though!"

Yeah I know... I have a lot of faith in those two.



As we made our way down taxiway alpha, I could not help but think what an important day this was for our country...

Aside from us travelling to Washington this morning, we were going to witness the inauguration of a new President, as Dan managed to pull some strings (with Will and Mike's help) to get us front row seats to the grand event...

All we had to do was get there on time...



I glanced out the port side window to see United creeping up on us....

OH NO... you better back off there buddy, we are on a mission today!

Dan chuckled to himself as he continued taxiing us to our runway.

"Hey Drew, I been meaning to ask you, have you thought anymore about that grand hub battle?"

Yeah... I have no issues with it... Last I checked the board was ok as well, so let's set it up for March... When we meet with Mike and company in DC, I will finalize it tonight.

"Excellent... Mind if I coordinate it?"

I thought you would never ask Dan hahaha.



As we rounded the bend to taxiway bravo, a Saab 340 was moseying along.

Must have been a new pilot... he seemed a little uncertain that he was on the right taxiway.

This would not be good if he does not hurry up.

Just then Tiffany opened the door...

"What's the holdup Drew?"

I pointed out front...

"Well tell him to MOVE!! I am not missing this for some probationary first officer!"

We can't just tell him to move Tiff... and why are you in here anyway? Hahaha... Go sit down!

"Meanie!" She retorted, sticking out her tongue at me and closing the door.



Yard by yard... Inch by inch... we slowly made our way past the American Airlines hangar, as the new guy apparently checked his GPS to make sure he was at the right airport... or something.

It WOULD figure... every time I am in a rush to get somewhere, that is when we run into delays...

"Murphy's Law, Drew..." Dan explained.

Yeah well I am none too fond of Murphy, and Murphy better move his damn plane before I run him over.

Dan laughed.



At long last we found ourselves behind Cactus 4773, waiting for him to get clearance and get the hell out of our way. I could tell he sounded a little nervous on the com, but I am sure Jeremy paired him with a good first officer who would get the butterflies out of his stomach in due time.

After all, our new pilots are our greatest resource... even if right now he is my source of delay...

Where's the horn on this thing?

"Hahaha, you are starting to sound like a New York cabbie Boss. Hahahaha."

I opened up my side window, leaned my head out and shouted... I'm trying to FLY here, move your ass buddy!!!

As Dan was cracking up, I closed the window...

NOW I sound like a New York cabbie.



Runway 4.

Dan ran through the checklist as I got clearance from La Guardia tower, and we lined up for takeoff.

As a precaution, I took one more look around the runway... nope... no geese.

Just American rolling off the runway to the gate...

It was time to go.



Ok Mr Milsop, spool her up...

"Copy that Boss."

Dan got us to V1 speed and we tore off down the runway...

One thing I hate about La Guardia is how short the runways are. By the time we had gear off the asphalt it looked to me like we were just out of runway space!

Luckily this was only a 35 minute hop, so we opted to load much less fuel than we normally would, and we would only be climbing to FL220 anyway...



"Gear coming up Drew."

Thanks Dan, I'll get the flaps.

With that, once again Steeler Air, good old N733UW was airborne... on a date with destiny.

As we went out over the runway centerline, I grabbed my camera.

Take over a sec Dan, lemme see if I can get some good pictures of the Big Apple. Every time I come here I keep forgetting.

"No problem... We're almost to our first waypoint now."

No sooner he said it, the tower called for us to contact LGA departure.



In such a busy airspace it is very important to pay close attention when the tower calls you... Three major airports within a few miles of each other can make for some very interesting traffic conditions to the pilot unaware.

I had every confidence in Dan's ability to guide us through the traffic.

"Cactus 2169, turn left heading 230, climb to altitude 12000" the tower called.

Dan dutifully said back our orders, and began the bank that would take us past Manhattan.



PERFECT!!! This will make an awesome picture of New York for my scrapbook!

"Always glad to help Boss... "

I smiled.

"You ever think of becoming a professional aviation photographer when your flying days are done?"

What?? Flying days? Done? NEVER!

"Hahaha, just kidding. I know you will be flying till the doctor has to wheel your butt out of the cockpit."

Oh you know it! But I figure I got this Nikon that Tiff gave me for Christmas, may as well use it right?

Dan nodded.



As we passed by Central Park, I kept snapping pictures... Truly breathtaking. Even in the grip of winter there is a certain charm to New York city... It's no wonder it is the most recognized city in the world.

I was indeed glad that USAVA had a presence here... not to mention the awesome pilots stationed in this small hub.

I made a mental note to send Jeremy a thank you letter for all he did in 2008, and reward him with a pay increase.

It is good to have young folks rise to the occasion to be managers, and actually turn around what was once an impediment, to an active participant in the overall airline.

Yep... I would definitely have to talk to Joe about getting more pilots stationed here.



We passed by ground zero and I gave a salute to those who died that day...

It always seems out of tragedy, great things happen. Say what you want about New York, but I know firsthand how resilient its people are... and in spite of the negative press about New Yorkers being rude, when our plane went down in the Hudson below us, it was the quick thinking of New Yorkers that saved the day, and all those lives from a watery grave.

I would definitely be visiting here more often.

"Climbing to FL220, Cactus 2169" Dan replied to the tower.

Time flies when you are having fun.



I made adjustments to the autopilot, then stared at Lolo's picture some more.

My girl... growing up faster than I can handle...

By now she was back in school to finish out the winter semester, and I am sure I would be hearing from her once i get back home to Pittsburgh.

I made her a promise that I would stay more in contact with her, and ALWAYS read her emails first.

She also made me a promise that no more boyfriends till she was at least a senior in high school...

We'll see how long that lasts... I swear Jess lets her get away with murder down there in FL.



FL220... and with it, we kicked this puppy into cruise mode and sat back a little.

Tiffany knocked and let herself in.

We have service on board Tiff?

"No Drew... you know that... I wanna know what time it is... Are we gonna make it in time?"

Oh lawd... Yes Tiff... we will make the inauguration in time... I PROMISE YOU!

"You promise, pinky swear..." She said as she held out her left hand.

Yes Tiff... we will make it.

"Cross your heart and hope to die, stick a needle in your eye?"

Get outa here hahaha.

She gave me a peck on the cheek as Dan was rolling with laughter.



"I swear Drew, Tiffany is a hoot."

Yeah... and to think... she lives with me. You have no idea what goes on in our house. This is nothing. You should see her when she's in rare form.

"Oh I imagine!"

I'm glad she stuck by me though...

"Yeah it's good to have people by your side Boss."

I agree, and good people on staff...

You know Dan, I see you going places... Something tells me you'll have my job someday.

"Nah..."

Well you never know... I have an eye for talent.



By the way, nice job on this month's magazine.

"Thanks Drew."

You sure you wanna give up the position of editor? You've breathed so much life into it.

"Yeah, it's time to move on... Don't worry I have someone good in mind to replace me."

Well I cannot wait to see if they live up to your standards.

"Oh he will..." Dan winked, "He will..."

We were interrupted by New York center vectoring us to initial approach fix.



I checked my watch...

Yup, on time...

DC in the last month or so has been one strict airspace... All general aviation traffic routed away from the area, and even commercial traffic such as ours has to follow insane guidelines on approach and departure...

It suddenly occurred to me that we may actually be the last aircraft allowed to land for the next few hours. They are certainly not going to have too many planes taking off on runway 1 with the Capitol and all of our country's heads of state right there.

I made the initial announcement to the cabin that we were beginning our descent.



Descending to altitude 8000...

Like clockwork, we followed orders and slowed down enough to make a fairly rapid descent downwind and waaaaay to the east of Washington.

ACARS spit out a piece of paper which Dan read to me...

Apparently Tony Pitt had confirmed that the limo was ready, and Mike, Will, Steve, Ryan and Josh had already arrived and were waiting for us to get there.

Joe gave his regards as he was having a family crisis and could not make it. Apparently our CFO, Michael Merali was already at the Capitol, hobnobbing with members of congress.

He always gets to socialize with the movers and shakers...

I envy him.



As we passed by Patuxent, I noticed the sharp decrease in air traffic... Looks like the ground stop was getting ready to start.

Not even a Cessna below us.

"We may want to give it a little more juice... Something tells me if we don't hustle we will be landing at Dulles."

I agree Dan... kick her up a few notches... but keep her under 250 knots... closing on altitude 11000.

Dan nudged the throttles forward.



"There's DC Boss... and yeah looks like nothing's gonna be flying there for a while."

Hmm, I better confirm we are ok to come in.

I got on the com and confirmed with DCA ATC that we were still going to be able to land.

According to my watch we had about 29 minutes before the airspace shut down... but from the looks of it the FAA may have stepped things up a little.

After a few minutes, I got word back that we would be allowed to land, but anyone who was awaiting our arrival before they took off would be sitting there a LONG time till President elect Obama was done taking the oath of office.

I guess being CEO does have some perks...



Gear down Mr Milsop...

"Gear down and locked Drew."

Thanks... Flaps to full...

"Flaps to full. I got localizer fix."

Good I was starting to get worried maybe they turned that off...

Granted we were a little premature with lowering our gear, after all we were not even on our final approach, but I was taking no chances. I wanted us down and in that limo in 15 minutes tops.



As the glideslope football started moving down, I dropped our speed finally to settle in at 150 knots.

I blew a kiss to Lolo, and announced to the cabin that we were landing.

"I got this one Drew... " Dan offered.

Sure thing Dan, just bring her down nice and easy... I am sure Josh is watching from inside the lounge.

"Just watch me..."

I released my hold on the sidestick as Dan took over.



From my vantage point I could see a SEA of people from the capitol all the way down past the washington monument...

AMAZING! There had to be at least over 2 million people there!

No time to search for Waldo now, we gotta land this thing...



We approached at a somewhat leisurely speed, as Dan glided us in on a perfect lineup. Not much wind today... I could tell it was cold though.

As we passed the threshold I could not help but feel sorry for those poor saps at the end of the runway. DCA tower had just informed them that they were to power down and wait as the groundstop was going into effect as of now. All those flights would be AT LEAST an hour or so late!!!



A little right of the centerline, but I would let that slide for now...

Tony had already contacted us via ACARS to tell us he arranged for us to be at gate 24... No where close to the regular US Air gates, but close enough to make for a hop, skip and jump to the limo.

I took over taxi duties to give Dan some time to grab his formal Captain's jacket, and he took the liberty of taking mine out of our coat closet for me as well.

We were going to need to hustle, so Wanzetta and George were going to be left behind on this one.

I promised I would make it up to them by booking them both in posh suites for the night. I figured we would be here for a few days anyway before heading back to KPIT to ferry the Steelers to Tampa for the Superbowl.



We made our way past mounds of snow and onto the taxiway... watching with glee as Air Canada powered down at the end of runway 1, and all the other planes followed suit.

Better you than us suckers...

I'm off to watch the making of a president.

In record time I had us at the gate.



It was everything I thought it would be.

Tiffany had changed into her formal gown before we left, and as I walked into the terminal, our upper level staff was dressed to the nines! Everyone looked like a worthy representation of US Airways Virtual Airline, as we all made our way to the limo, then escorted through traffic by DC police to the Capitol...

I stood tall and proud, even as Will was chuckling silently. He did not vote for this guy, so he says.

Be that as it may, we all stood at attention as our nation inaugurated its 44th president.

... And it was a moving experience...

Suddenly, I felt very proud to be an American.