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Gear Up: An Airplane Hanger-on

"I bought this coat out of necessity on a trip long ago. Now, it’s one with the plane." Dick Karl
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The article reflects on an old sport coat that has been hanging in the pilot's airplane for over 15 years, purchased hastily for an unforeseen formal event.
  • Despite its humble origins and frequent abuse in various weather conditions, the coat proved remarkably durable and versatile, often substituting for more formal attire or providing warmth.
  • Over time, the coat absorbed the unique aromas of the airplane and became a cherished symbol of the pilot's extensive travels, witnessing family milestones and countless flights.
  • As the pilot contemplates selling his faithful airplane and reflects on his age, he resolves to keep the coat, recognizing its deep sentimental value as an enduring companion and a repository of a lifetime of flying memories.
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This old coat has been hanging in the back of our airplane for more years than I can reliably estimate. It has greeted me on countless occasions as I ascended the airstair of the Cheyenne on the way to the cockpit. It hangs just to the right, in the aft cargo area, waiting. Waiting for what, exactly, I can’t quite remember.

Dick Karl

Dick Karl is a cancer surgeon who appreciates the beauty and science involved in both surgery and flying. Dick’s monthly Gear Up celebrates the human side of flying. He writes about his enthusiasm for both the machines and the people who fly and maintain them.

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