With the coronavirus requiring most of us to telework, self-quarantine or otherwise "shelter in place" in our homes, Eagles are no doubt feeling isolated and disconnected. We were made to soar, but now we're held captive within the "four walls" we used to love.
How are you coping with the coronavirus crisis? What diversions or hobbies are helping you get through this crazy time of social distancing and community shut-downs? Do you have enough toilet paper?
Eagles working for the airlines, airports, security and in medical fields are now frontline workers in the battle against the virus. It's a "brave new world" for all of us.
Share your experience by filling out this online form. We'll post them below, and also include a selection in the spring digital edition of Lift, your alumni magazine, set to publish in May.
Thankfully I’m still flying the A330 for Saudia and doing repatriation & cargo flights from the the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia.
As president of SAFEsky, Inc., I responded to the COVID19 pandemic by providing fingerprinting services to essential workers, following the CDC recommended safety guidelines. Initially, all three SAFEsky fingerprinting locations were closed when local cities initiated the stay at home request. However, the phones kept ringing.
I received calls from nurses, doctors and first responders, many who were coming out of retirement, and wanted to help at their local hospital, but they needed a background check.
I also realized that the aviation industry would be changed forever when the skies reopen fully and reached out to a fiend with biometric experience. We found a product that would help ensure the safety of airline, airport and business partner staff using temperature detection cameras at checkpoints or entrances. DFACTS, Dynamic Facial Access Control And Temperature System, can detect a fever with thermographic handheld or mounted cameras with an accuracy of +/- .05 degrees Celcius and can be installed at security checkpoints, airport/FBO entrances, cargo and catering facilities.
I continue to serve on the Board of Directors for the Greater Miami Aviation Association (GMAA), which provides scholarship funds for South Florida college students seeking a career in aviation. Our scholarship fund, like all charities today, will be seeking ways to raise funds with social distancing in mind so that we can help students who are probably facing a greater financial need this year.
Living on base affords the luxury of bidding Reserve on purpose, and since I am on a domestic-only cargo airplane, not much has changed. Added segments to cover extra freight has meant a bit more flying, but mostly I am getting a LOT of time at home with my family.
When I do fly, I spend extra time wiping down the cockpit and avoid being within 6 feet of anyone other than the guy I share a cockpit with. The worst part of this whole thing for our family has been multiple cancelled trips and vacations.
Considering that I'm an author, it's business as usual — I've been working at home for 20 years. I'm currently working on another Great Lakes shipwreck book, but my 25th book is stuck at the printer waiting for the lockdown to be lifted. Meanwhile, my second novel is at the proofreader, who is, thankfully, working from home too.
I'm also working on my third novel and have just opened a new YouTube channel with shipwreck videos.
Of course my wife, Teresa Anderson (’88), is working at home and has moved all of her stuff up on the third floor where my office is located. She says it quieter here... because the kids are home too. This is our view from our workstations... it's so hard to take... not.
Checking out on the B747-400ERF. What is it like to do IOE during COVID times? Masks, gloves, cleaning wipes, PPE. In China, all trips are turnaround/double crewed. This includes food, potable water and even the "blue" water.
Nobody leaves the upper deck. Passport opened to picture page and in a zip bag. We are in and out in two hours. Before, I used to cough to cover up my farts in public. These days, I fart to cover my coughs!
I’ve used some of my newfound time at home to revisit old hobbies. Plastic models were always fun but never turned out this good when I was a kid.
Sushi restaurant chain owner, to shipbroker, to now Realtor in southern Spain. My company is called We Sell Homes In Paradise and currently it’s ironic as what’s going on in Spain is not paradise at all. It will be again, of that I am sure.
The weather in southern Spain matches Florida, the scenery is breathtaking, and the Spanish culture is so inclusive and full of warmth. Problem is we can´t get out to enjoy it!
Right now we have been locked in for more than a week and this has been extended to the middle of April. I am based in Sotogrande, southern Spain with my wife and 4 kids trying to work from home. It´s very hard, and I think this photo sums it up.
I don't see the current social phenomenon having much impact on professional pilots and operators who either fly their own aircraft, work in private aviation (quite robust in many areas) or of course in various military and paramilitary applications. The freight logistics sector is also robust, as are helicopter missions.
As far as the broader passenger market, it is being impacted in a number of fascinating ways. In that regard, and others, I'm just finishing up an academic law article, entitled A Comparative Law, Economics and Technology Perspective on Aviation Energy and Carbon Policy, which you can see in the Spring 2020 edition of DePaul University's Issues in Aviation Law and Policy coming out in late May this year.
I am a partner at Slant 3D. Slant 3D is a high-volume production 3D Printing service. We have redirected our 3D printing farms to help medical personnel and have been manufacturing 1,000 3D-printed face shields per day in order to address the protective equipment supply shortages felt during the COVID-19 epidemic.
I got me a new career!
Texas has wonderful weather this year. Ironically, we're all getting plenty of time to enjoy it since we're not in traffic or offices or theaters or restaurants, etc.
My wife and I actually walked 2 miles each way to buy groceries for dinner tonight. Could have driven, but what's the hurry?
This spring, our goal was to do a lot of work on our front and back yards. No excuses now! In the meantime, we're working on preserving and growing our business, while helping others and being kind whenever we have the chance. Go Eagles!
As pilots, the best place to ensure the correct social distancing is at the airport in your own hangar. The only other better place is at altitude!
It’s only been three weeks! Everyone is acting like it’s been years!
Today is the first day that I work remotely from home. It gives me a special moment when my son is disrupting me sometimes in spite of being away from him. Our goal is to be isolated outside to stop spreading COVID-19. Stay inside and safe!
We flew from Washington to Montana... for toilet paper. And a passenger!
I just took this picture off my deck. These are crazy times we are in.