Foil: 14 Panel: Retired United Pilots Association Column: 1 Line: 17

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Ms. Susan Von Nordenflycht

Arvid von Nordenflycht *6 Jul 1940
Captain 747-400 Ret. Aug 1, 2000. - 36 .1 years.
Cockpit Retirement Article
Thirty-six years ago seems like yesterday when United sent me an invitation to DENTK to start great career. The excitement of my first ride in a DC-6 under the watchful eyes of an old crusty captain, the anticipation of the first few landings I was to perform had me totally in knots, and the first few trips navigating thunderstorm alley are all impressions that have stayed with me for my entire career. Now I am the crusty old captain and still trying for that perfect flight.
It has been quite an adventure for a kid who had his first airplane ride flight in a JU-52 as a one year old...not much to remember from that but the mighty DC-3 as a nine year old was the start of an airline flying career. The bush-pilots in northern Finland added to my fast expanding aeronautical knowledge but it was not until the arrival in the a New World in this case Vancouver BC, that I finally got actual flying. The ink had barely dried on my newly issued certificate, but my mentors had done well and the rest is now history. DC-6 and Convair 340’s followed soon by my favorite airliner the 727. Flew it 10 years as F/O and 10 as Captain. Yes, the B-747-400 is a magnificent machine, smooth, quiet, wide ranging! And a pussycat to fly but I enjoyed the fun in the 727.
Now that I am about to open another chapter of life upon retirement from our favorite airline, I'll go back and review the earlier times in General Aviation. The
Possibilities and opportunities seem endless. And just think of all the dates I can now make and keep! It will be different but it will be great.
As a parting thought I wish you all, my fellow pilots who are carrying on, to enjoy your career as I did mine. Stay on the magenta line but don't forget to have fun!