Letters to the Editor

RETIREMENT FLIGHT

On January 9, 1999, Captain Joseph H. Noble flew his retirement trip on a Boeing 767 from Frankfurt, Germany to Philadelphia. A very happy ending to a truly remarkable airline career that began 38 years ago at Lake Central Airways. I was delighted to be in his company along with Captain Jerry Basco (Regional Director Flying -PHL) who performed first officer duties on this flight.

In his honor, I hosted a party at our hotel in Wiesbaden. This gathering made it possible for his family and friends—some of whom who had traveled from different parts of the world—as well as crewmembers from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to get acquainted. Thanks to the invaluable support and creativity of our friends Jacqueline Sigee, Connie Salter and Shanon Skipton, I believe everyone enjoyed the welcoming party.

Later that night the guests walked to his favorite restaurant for the real party. The presence of almost 50 family members and friends, the food, and the wine that was special ordered from another region of Germany were all part of an unforgettable evening. After the dinner, the guests took turns proposing toasts and sharing many fine memories of him. I was standing in the corner of the room thinking "only a nobleman is able to amass such respect and admiration." With his wife and son at his side, Joe finally addressed the guests in an emotional speech. He ended his remarks by graciously thanking everyone for their kind words and contribution, and then quietly sat down.

On the flight back of Philadelphia, passengers and crew joined Captain Noble to celebrate his birthday. Jeanne Young and Shirly Carr, who coordinated this birthday party with other flight attendants, had ordered two cakes and Jan Saunders arranged for a special delivery of Joe’s favorite meal. However, the cakes were not big enough, because I did not get any!

In Philadelphia, Joe was greeted by the rest of his family and friends. It was the toughest part of the trip. Amidst the tears and smiles, I thanked his mother and his wife for sharing Joe with us for all those years. "He is all yours now, please take care of him," I said. I saluted him and left.

Well, Joe, your legacy as a true gentleman and great aviator will be in our hearts and minds forever. It was indeed an honor to be in your company on this and other trips. On behalf of all of your friends, I wish you many happy retirement years. May God bless you with a healthy and prosperous retirement.

Majid Afkhami (PHL)
B-767-I

OPEN LETTER

Dear President Gangwal:

I am a pilot who has been working here at US Airways since 1988. I have one question for you and I challenge you to answer it. What are your plans for US Airways? Are they any different than your predecessors? When I came to work here, we had a predominant East Coast market. That’s what we have now. We had limited international flights with 12 little B-767-200’s, that’s what we have now. We had a predominant West Coast presence that’s gone, old news. Are we increasing our West Coast presence? No. Or any new markets? A few. Did we advertise much 10 years ago? No. Do we advertise much now? No. Did we have a plan for the future 10 years ago? No. Do we have one now? Who knows? Mr. Gangwal, what do you want US Airways to be? Another United or Continental. Do you want to see "Turbo Growth;" Real "Turbo Growth." Look over there, that’s what they are doing. Do you want to be a Major Player, WE DO, all 50+ thousand of us. Let’s hear you really say it. Let’s see you really do it. If you ask me, nothing much has changed here except the paint again. And I think you are selling us down the road, to United or American or both. I hope I’m wrong! From where I’m sitting, I can see a lot. I have a nice view, and not much has changed.

Tony Pietromonaco (PIT)
B-737-3/400