A Hummer and Zurich

Les Abend

Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Larry, an experienced captain, undergoes intensive international operating experience (OE) on a 767 to Zurich, familiarizing himself with new aircraft systems, international flight procedures, and an unfamiliar airport environment.
The flight presents various operational challenges, including troubleshooting a SELCAL malfunction, managing time pressure during pre-flight, and navigating a humorous incident with a passenger's oversized remote control Hummer.
Despite the pressures and deteriorating weather, Larry successfully executes a demanding CAT III approach for his first European landing, demonstrating his methodical approach and nearing completion of his qualification as an international widebody captain.

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Larry had a relaxed demeanor when he introduced himself in JFK Operations. He had been a Super 80 captain based in Boston for quite some time. Now he was transitioning to the 767/757. I was his check airman for the international qualification portion of his Operating Experience (OE). He had already completed the domestic portion of his OE.

We would be flying to Zurich. I chose the trip because it was a good representation of European operations, notwithstanding the fact that it was time for a change. Paris had been on my schedule more often than not. In addition, it was early November. Soon, the temperature would make a Zurich layover less desirable.