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Jumpseat: Getting the Airline Job

At 6 years old, Les Abend boarded a Lockheed Electra bound for New York City with my mother. The captain gave him this certificate, which entitled him to an interview 20 years from that date. ­He showed up 20 years later with the certificate in hand. Ultimately he was hired 18 months after the date on the certificate. Courtesy Les Abend
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

Even after almost 32 years with my airline, I am not one to reminisce. That being said, I sometimes reflect on life events by referencing my career at a particular snapshot in time. For instance, when I contemplate the age of the adviser that ably manages my finances, I realize he probably wet his first diaper around the time I walked in the door of my airline as an employee.

Les Abend

Les Abend is a retired, 34-year veteran of American Airlines, attempting to readjust his passion for flying airplanes in the lower flight levels—without the assistance of a copilot.

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