USAIR TALES # 19 KPIT - KTPA Lonely at the top...

I still could not believe it...

The Rooney family had specifically requested USAVA fly the Steelers down to Tampa for Superbowl XLIII! Not only that, they insisted that I be the captain of the flight. An honor to be sure, as I have gotten to know the team owners over the last couple of seasons, and was impressed with their manner and the way they ran the team I love.



With a few days yet till the main event, it would be my pleasure to not only escort the Steelers to the scene of our climactic game, but to also accompany Will and the Rooneys on a mini-islandhopping adventure before the big game.

I have to admit... I have been under a lot of pressure lately with everything from the airline, to family life, to even occasional disagreements with Tiff about our living conditions...

This break would be worth it... finally some time to think.



As I sat doing my preflight, who should waltz through the door but none other than my Chief Operations Officer, Mike Moro!

"Morning Drew!"

Mike! What are you doing here?

"Hahaha nice to see you too. I'm right seating for you... that is, if you don't mind?"

MIND? Hell I would love it! Bout time we shared a cockpit. Grab yer seat!

"I will in a moment. Figure I'll start this off right and do our walkaround for us."

With that he winked, and walked out to the jetway.

As he went around the aircraft, I could hear Tiff and the others bringing our VIP passengers on board.



Wow... the entire Steelers team and staff... I started to feel butterflies in my stomach.

Tiff popped in with company in tow...

"Drew, I'd like you to meet Mr Troy Polamalu, and Mr Ben Roethlisberger." she beamed.

I hastily stood up and shook each of their hands.

It is a pleasure to have you both on board. I hope you will enjoy the flight to Tampa.

"The pleasure is ours Mr Bolton", began the soft spoken Troy, "We heard you are the best pilot for the trip, so I am sure we will enjoy it!"

Ben gave me the thumbs up as Tiff escorted them to their seats.



A few minutes later we fired up N733UW and began our taxi to runway 28C. Mike seemed ecstatic to be on this flight, so I had him do our taxi run, while I got my paperwork done really quick... Paperwork... never ending in this job. Sign off on this for Joe in fleet... sign off on these term warnings for Joe Espino in HR... sheesh it never ends it seems.

As we moseyed on down ACARS spit out a message for me from Will. Looks like he had just boarded our opposition in Cardinal Air and was going to be heading out in a moment. I expect we will beat him there... perhaps an omen...

How's she handling Mike?

"Like a dream there Bossman. Now I see why you got a line a mile long to right seat in this baby, hahaha."

You should have seen when I had Chris Minor on board... I thought he was going to pee his pants with excitement.

Mike laughed as he slowed us down near the hold short line.



I called for our clearance and not surprisingly, they ushered us onto the runway with all due haste.

I think everyone in this town is drunk with the desire for a "six pack"... and since my job was to take the team to our opportunity to make NFL history, I had an immense sense of satisfaction as Mike and I did our final takeoff check, and Tiff announced to the cabin that we were good to go.

You wanna do the honors Mike?

"Your plane Boss, I would not deprive you..."

Ok we'll flip a coin... I call heads.

I fished out a coin and flipped it quickly... tails.

Mike beamed and placed his hands on the throttles.



Airborne... and a picture perfect takeoff that could only be expected from the Miniboss of the airline.

Damn Mike, keep flying like that and you're gonna put me out of a job.

"Hahahaha, nah Drew... I leave the best part for you... the landing."

Mike, have you been strutbusting?

"No no! hahaha, Hell with the workload I have I am lucky I have time to FLY!"

Yeah I hear you there.

He was right, it was definitely lonely at the top... I had so much to do... sometimes it seemed like TOO much to do. I was eternally grateful that Miniboss shared the load with me. I could not help but think... the winds of change were going to be blowing soon.



As we made our turn southward, I made my call to the tower and got our clearance to 12,000 feet.

"So Drew, I gotta tell you congrats."

I knew what he meant... for the second time in a row KPIT won the battle of the focus cities that Dan orchestrated.

Thanks Mike... I wish I could take more credit on the win, but that honor goes to Kevin. He has been a godsend in the station, and has really motivated ALL our pilots to fly and to win. I only hope his motivation rubs off on our passengers here.

"I dunno... the numbers coming out of Vegas indicate the Cards may have the edge."

You know what, I don't wanna hear that... how many times I gotta say it. NEVER underestimate the black and gold haha!

"Yeah yeah... I know..."



I picked up the horn...

Attention all passengers... apparently my copilot seems to think that we do not have the gumption to pull off a six pack... if you could please, can you please tell him WHO is going to win the Superbowl?"

In a second the entire cabin erupted in a shout of "STEELERS!!!!!!!"

Mike blushed as I grinned at him...

Need I say more?

"Ok Boss... you win!"

Why thank you!



I had Tiff start the movie, which... oddly enough consisted of clips of the past 5 Superbowl wins for the Steelers...

I am sure that is just what they wanted to see.

Heck if I was a football player I would rather watch anything but football.

Not sure what brainiac came up with that one, but at least the boys were not complaining... I hope it put them in the right frame of mind.

As we adjusted to our ascent to cruise, Tiff knocked then let herself in.

"I'm gonna kill him Drew!"

Huh? Kill who?

"That... Big Ben!"

Why?

"He SLAPPED my ASS!"

Mike and I did our best to stifle our laughter. We both knew how she hated that sort of thing, but I could not afford her decking our star quarterback before the big game.



Ok Tiff go back and tell him I said keep his hands to himself, and I'll throw in some extra drinks for him.

She looked at me funny.

"Oooook then. But I swear to God Drew, if he does it again... YOU will have to suit up and play with them, cause he is gonna be in the E.R."

Just go easy on the kid Tiff... he has a big day ahead of him.

She made the sign of throat slitting as she closed the door behind her.

"It never ends, does it Drew?" Mike chimed in.

Nope... You should see her at home.

"How's that working out anyway?"

I sighed...

Not as well as I would have hoped... Not to mention Jess has been calling me day and night since she moved in, under the guise of wanting to talk to Tiff... Lord knows what they are telling each other.

Mike shook his head.



I deftly changed the subject.

Mike, I wanna ask you something...

"Sure Boss, you got my undivided attention."

Did you ever think there comes a time when you are not sure what direction to take?

"Hell all the time!"

No, but I mean... you ever think maybe you have come to a crossroads and you are waiting to see what happens next?

"Umm Drew... just spit it out please."

Ok....

Mike, I am planning on resigning as CEO.

...

dead silence for the next five minutes.

I could hear him clear his throat as I called to Indy tower our position.

"Drew... are you sure about this? The airline has thrived with you at the helm! I mean you have seen the numbers, we have new pilots coming in daily, and hubs posting numbers I have not seen since I started here... Hell this past month alone we did over 4000 pilot hours! That's unheard of!!"

I know Mike, believe me I know... but I got a lot on my plate to deal with... way more than I think I can handle and still do USAVA the proper justice it deserves.

"Well how about we talk about it later. Give you time to think about it."

That's just the problem Mike... I do not have time to think anymore.



More silence...

"Well does anyone else know your plans?"

Not yet. I plan on announcing it at the next staff meeting, then I will make an airline wide announcement at the end of February.

"I gotta say Drew, I am kinda shocked here."

Well maybe the shock will soften once you know that I want YOU to take the big seat.

"Wow... well, I am honored... Are you sure?"

Never been more sure my friend. In case you have not noticed, you have been running the airline for the last month anyway.

Besides... I need a break. I gotta see what can be done with my family... with Tiff... with everything.

That was the quietest I had ever seen Mr Moro.

I left him to think on it, as I made slight adjustments to our course and checked our clock.



As we approached Georgia, Tiff once again knocked on the door.

Come in Tiff.

Behind her was Troy again.

Well hello Mr Polamalu, how can I help you.

"I have a huuuge favor to ask of you Mr Bolton. Do you think it is possible if I could fly the plane for a couple minutes, not long, just long enough to get an idea of what it feels like?"

I looked at Mike, and he looked at me...

Sure... I need to take a whizz anyway. Hop in the big boy chair.

I motioned to my seat and the Steeler safety sat down, grinning at Mike, Tiffany and I as he put his hand on the sidestick.

I figured we were on autopilot anyway, so he can't do anything to take us off course... and the adrenalin rush he was probably feeling would be enough for him.

I went into the bathroom with Tiff in tow.



"Drew, they're gonna talk if they see us in here together."

I chuckled. Then let em.

I got something to tell you...

"What?"

I am going to resign the CEO position.

"WHAT??" she began, "Drew you can't, you have kept this airline together through incredible adversity, the airline would not even be around had you not stepped up when you did!"

I have to Tiff... I just have too much on my mind and I cannot give the airline what it needs anymore.

I gave her a tender kiss.

I need a break Tiff....... from... everything....

As she stared at me with the most perplexed look I slid past her and opened the door.



I relieved a very grateful Mr Polamalu of his flight duties and sat back down...

After receiving several handshakes and grins.

I could hear him in the back relaying to his teammates how he actually FLEW an airplane.

I was glad to have made his day...

I found it kind of ironic that this would be superbowl 43, and number 43 got to fly Steeler Air to the big game. It seemed very poetic.

Mike was still somewhat in shock about my news... but his mood was definitely elevated when I told him he was my choice to replace me.

With Florida out the window, I began my checklist for approach.



"Drew we are at transition" Mike began.

Thanks Mike, I replied as I adjusted our barometer setting to the local pressure.

"So... what next Boss?"

Well we land of course...

"You know what I mean."

I did...

Well, do you have someone in mind for your Miniboss? I would love to see a smooth transition by the time March comes around. The pilots are going to be gearing up for the grand battle of the hubs, so the less of an impact my resignation is the better.

"Well now that you mention it... Steve Bumpus has always been there for me. I could think of no better person honestly."

Ok well we will make it concrete then at the next staff meeting.

Hang on Mike, I gotta make a call to Will real quick.

I picked up the airphone, and dialed in the company channel. I got Blaine, Will's copilot, so I asked if his boss was around, already knowing the answer.



By time I finished relaying to Will the news that he and I were going to go party with the Rooneys in the islands, and that I had on board the demise of his beloved Cardinals, I could not help but think I should have probably told him about my decision...

Oh well, we would have time on the island hopping trip. I did not have to fly so I intended to drink.

Of course Will and I placed a friendly wager on whose team would take home the Lombardi. I told him the same thing I tell everyone... never underestimate the black and gold.

I placed the airphone down and cast my attention back to the flight at hand, as Mike brought us around for a final approach to runway 36L.

I did not have to meet Will till later tonight for the first leg of our trip to the Caribbean, so I figured I had plenty of time to talk with Tiffany about my dissatisfaction with our living situation.

But first...we had to get the black and gold down to sunny Tampa.



We made our turnaround and dropped altitude in preparation to come in.

"Drew, I want you to know... it has been an honor and a privilege to serve underneath you as Miniboss. You have done more for this airline in the last 6 months than anyone ever thought possible. I have some big shoes to fill indeed."

I raised my hand.

Stop Mike. You have done just as great a job if not more so. People respect you. People count on you for the day to day running of the airline. The shoes are not so big if you are already my shoe size man. You will do FINE!

His smile reassured me that I had the right man for the job.

Ok now as my old copilot Barney would say, let's stop with the mushy stuff and get back to work.

Checklist Mr Moro.



We descended to 2600 feet and I blew a kiss to Lolo's picture, as is my ritual. She would be here Sunday when the Steelers play, sitting in the VIP box with her dad, her mom, and all these people she has never met.

I had to invite Jess too... it was only fair. Besides which... I needed to talk to her. The Superbowl seemed as good a time as any.

Sometimes I hate my mind. It is always whirring with a thousand thoughts, all of which ending with... is this the right thing to do?

I could not lie to myself... I had a blast being CEO... and I had so many memorable moments, and also a few disappointments, but in the end, I know that I have done everything I had on my airline checklist to do. It was time...

Time to let someone new take the airline to new directions. I have fulfilled my bargain. The airline would at least remember me for it I hoped.



Gear down Mr Moro...

"Gear down and locked Drew."

Looks like we are gonna beat Will there. Do me a favor if you could please... Can you call the tower and request the shortest distance to the curb... I think that should be Delta's terminal. That way we can get our boys off and running, and we can have the ground crew move Steeler Air to the hangar.

"You planning on making it look like Will beat you to Tampa? He's not gonna like that!"

Hahaha. He and I have plenty of time to make amends. Anything I can do to help the Steelers draw first blood. Getting there first is a good start.



With clearance to runway 36L given, we set about landing the big bird and our precious cargo.

I made my announcement to all that we were coming in, and nodded to Mike that I was taking over the landing cycle.

Flaps were at full, and everything was a go...

I brought Steeler Air in gently... actually a little slower than usual.

I was taking NO chances with these boys on board.

The threshold approached and as I heard the chime of the Inner Marker warning, I thought about where to go from here...

Once my resignation was complete, I would still fly for KPIT, and still remain on the board of directors, but I am going to need a leave of absence I think to sort it all through, and deal with the other issues that I have ignored for so long.



RIGHT on the centerline, with -200 feet per minute... give or take a few feet.

I was proud of myself, and it was reaffirmed by the cheers from the Steelers in the back.

I announced to the cabin:

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Tampa... where the temperature is a balmy 75 degrees under sunny skies, and the perfect week to get some Cardinal hot wings barbecued to perfection on Sunday. if you could boys, do me a favor, come home with a Lombardi! I'll be waiting for you once the deed is done and will be honored to fly you all home.

More cheers.

Good to know I have not lost my touch.

I turned on the ground music... the steeler fight song... "Here we go".

The noise in the cabin was tremendous as they all sang along.



I only wished the other aircraft around us could hear it.

We confirmed our request to borrow one of Delta's gates, and the Tampa ground control obliged.

I figured while we were here I could probably convince their crew to make sure we were in tip top shape for the trip back.

Apparently the Rooneys' private plane had arrived before us and they were already making their way to the lounge to await my arrival. By time Will got there we should all be ready to board Cardinal Air for the trip to Santo Domingo.

From the sounds of it, looks like the Rooneys were going to delay that anyway and have us all leave the next morning.

Oh well, more time to soak up the sun for me.



I pulled us in to gate 71 and we put on the brakes to more thunderous applause.

Tiff made her announcement as I shook Mike's hand and promised him that once he got to the islands we would have it all worked out.

He had to run back to CLT in a few to talk to Josh about a few things, so I expected we would see him tomorrow in St Kitts.

It was then that I hit on a brilliant idea.

Frank Keitz was in town, so I wondered if he could perform a little "checkride" for me...

I got on the phone to him and asked him to take Steeler Air up for a spin with some of the standby crew and make an entrance after Will had landed.

Will would never know until he saw me at the gate after deplaning haha.



I shook the hands of our VIP guests as they all deplaned, and after the pomp and circumstance was over I headed to the lounge to go over the plan with Frank, and meet up with the Rooneys to discuss the trip.

Sure enough, by sunset, Will had arrived... just in time to see Steeler Air on final approach.

He was needless to say shocked to see me at the gate before the plane had even touched down.

Surprised Will?

"What the hell? Drew you almost gave me a heart attack here!"

Hahahaha. Sorry man. We been here a few hours now. Figured I would make a grand entrance for you.

I glanced at the Cardinals team making their way to the shuttle, and motioned to Will... I hate to say it buddy... they ain't ready.

"Just watch..." he replied and winked at me.

...

The next day, Tiffany decided to go shopping. She was not too pleased with what I had told her the night before about things not working out, so in an attempt to keep the peace, I gave her my macy's card, and she decided she needed to spend as much of my money as she could.

NO matter... by time she got her first charge rung up, we were on the plane and off to the islands.
I settled in the back with the Rooneys and proceeded to down a few Bombay Sapphire and Tonics.

By mid afternoon, we were on a King Air bound for more hopping.



As we left, Will took us on the scenic route around the area, showing off his finesse with props, and giving all passengers on board, including myself a view to die for. Shortly after takeoff, I decided to go back for a lil to talk with the Rooneys.

As I sat back there with the Rooneys, they talked about the failed Steeler Airlines project that they had had last year, and wondered if I would be interested in lending a hand to help revive it.

I was still not so certain... small unknown airline... Maybe if the Steelers actually WON the Superbowl, I would consider it.

Either way... it seemed like a good option to explore post resignation.

I told them I would get back to them on it though.



I decided to head back to my First Officer seat, and help Will out with this leg.

My mind was definitely clearer today...

I actually felt a little happier... except for this nagging in my head.

Must be the alcohol from last nite and this morning.

It was then that Will began.

"Drew, I gotta tell you about what Blaine asked me on the way down here last night."

Sure thing... What's up?

He told me how his first officer was asking him many questions about the future of the head of the airline... almost as if he was psychically reading into my mood and discussions of yesterday.

I took a deep breath...

Looked outside a second, then looked back at Will.

Well Will... funny you should mention that.

I have decided, that on February 28,2009, I am officially resigning my position as Chief Executive Officer of US Airways Virtual Airline.

The look on Will's face... was priceless.




Epilogue:

Well the rest as they say is history.

The Steelers did in fact win the Superbowl over the Cardinals. True to my word I ferried the champions back to Pittsburgh to a heroes' welcome. Will ponied up the dough... a man of his word himself, and I made him a promise that we would meet in Vegas to spend it on drinks come March.

A week later I made my announcement to the Board of Directors, and with their blessing got Mike Moro elected as the new CEO, with Steve Bumpus as his COO. I even managed to get Josh a break as the new East Ops VP. I filled the staff in a week later and decided that the entire airline would know the news at the end of the month, once everything was in place for the big switchover. The results of which you are reading now.

In the interim, Tiff had decided she wanted to take a leave of absence and head back to Florida, and no sooner she left, my doorbell rang.



There they were...

Jess... and Lolo.

As if I had not seen them in forever... I wrapped my arms around them both...

... for what seemed like...

...forever.





The End?