Preparing for Takeoff
It has been more than a month since I last went through TSA security, stepped on an airplane, took an Uber or stayed in a hotel. In that time I’ve enjoyed spending some time at home, my feet firmly on the ground (except during the recent ice storm, during which my feet were a bit less firmly on the ground). It was strange looking up at the sky and seeing airplanes above me for so many days.
When the Alaska Airlines Max 9 flight incident occurred, I realized that I should spend less time admiring airplanes and instead making sure I don’t get hit by flying door panels. It is a bit surreal to see planes and airports that I’ve spent so much time on and at in the past year in the news. At first it was the collision at Haneda airport in Japan between the Bombardier turboprop and the Japan Airlines A350. I have flown into and out of Haneda, and I have been on a similar Bombardier aircraft many times. Then it was the Max 9 flight out of Portland, both an airport I’ve flown into and out of countless times and an airplane type I’ve really enjoyed flying on.
It goes without saying that both incidents were bad. The Max 9 flight hits closer to home, as I fly domestically a lot and this is the airplane taking over from the venerable 737-900 (an aircraft I generally don’t like to fly on) that is so common in U.S. fleets. I understand the risks of driving to the airport are much greater than the risks of flying, but it still makes me wonder about an airplane where so much of the focus of Boeing has been on stock prices and satisfying investors. Just prior to the Alaska Airlines Max 9 flight, other Max series jets needed additional inspections for a loose bolt in the rudder. And before that Boeing asked the FAA for an exemption to a safety rule on the deicing system. All these issues have occurred this year – and I’m writing this in mid-January.
Shortly after the Alaska Airlines flight, I booked a trip that is scheduled to fly the Max 9 from Denver to Miami. I’m glad I have a seat near the front of the plane.
I have also been taking time to prepare for another year of travel. This has meant stocking up on some essentials, doing maintenance projects around my apartment and taking time to rest, relax and exercise. I had time to think about my trips and understand how I can travel more effectively. Most importantly, for the first time in a year, I put away my suitcases and disassembled my travel kits for a few weeks. It felt strange not having a destination to go, and seeing my colleagues only via Zoom for so long. Travel brings us together for shared experiences and helps us understand and explore the world.
This year I am most looking forward to continuing this journey, to increasing my understanding of the needs of my industry and how we can use technology to address key challenges. For my company, I do best when I’m out on the road, meeting people, learning, growing and connecting. Here is to a happy 2024!
