Sky Bound Memories: A Boeing 777 Pilot Reunion
The recent Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 pilot reunion held at Contango in the Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, on 26th April 2024 was an unforgettable experience. Sixty former aviators, with whom I once shared the skies, gathered for the cherished occasion.
For me, the event was a precious opportunity to rekindle connections, especially considering my departure from the fleet almost two decades ago. Attending filled me with joy, allowing me to stay connected with the pilots I had flown with. It became a time of reminiscence, sharing stories of our shared past that had faded with time.
I found immense joy in reconnecting with some pilots I had trained on the Fokker F27 Friendship in the 1980s and have thereon progressed to commanding great aircraft like the Boeing 777, 787, Airbus A330, A350, and A380.
Each encounter sparked memories, such as one at Frankfurt airport where a drunken exhibitionist deliberately flashed his manhood to one of our flight stewardesses. Then there was the story of our longest-ever 1000-mile diversion from Perth to Adelaide due to bad weather, when a passenger’s very understanding response surprised us all.
Subsequently, we had an episode where we had to dump 80 tons of fuel off the Baltic Sea after we had a pressurization issue on our flight from Stockholm to Kuala Lumpur causing a lot of delays going back home.
There was a further incident that involved an airport manager’s frustration at Shanghai Airport when we chose not to take off due to strong cross winds in the approaching typhoon. His unhappiness turned to embarrassment when the Taipei control tower declared the airfield closed shortly after.
I chuckled at the memory of a fellow pilot teasing me about being referred to as his father during a trip to Seattle for our flight simulator check. Our laughter over how young he looked then in this incident, still echoes in my mind.
The reunion provided great opportunities to exchange many other stories but the most memorable moment came before the event when I reconciled with a fellow pilot after a misunderstanding twenty years ago. It brought me immense happiness and closure.
Coinciding with World Pilots’ Day, the reunion was a witness to the enduring bonds formed through shared experiences in the cockpit. Thanks to Captain Ram Singh and his organising team for bringing us together.
More than just a gathering, the pilot reunion strengthened our camaraderie, leaving an indelible mark on those who traverse the skies.
Happy Belated World Pilots’ Day 2024 to all my fellow aviators, whether they made it to the reunion or not!
Watch a short YouTube video on the B777 Pilot Reunion