Les Abend

2 days ago | flyingmag.com | Les Abend

Cockpit conversations at cruise altitude run the gamut from flying stories to career aspirations to family life. Very rarely do discussions with colleagues make mention of great-grandchildren. Considering the possibility that legislation may be reintroduced to lift the ceiling on mandatory airline pilot retirement age, that topic of cockpit conversation may not be uncommon. Why?

1 month ago | flyingmag.com | Les Abend

With a hesitant gait, I walked over to the counter where the crew sign-in sheet was located. It was to be my first unsupervised trip as a flight engineer. Perhaps noticing a hint of nerves, Chuck, the ops agent, introduced himself with a friendly smile and handshake. “Welcome, new guy!” he said with an unmistakable New York accent. After our brief conversation, I couldn’t help but notice a large sheet cake laying on top of a cafeteria-style table.

2 months ago | flyingmag.com | Les Abend

Check airman Dick Azzarito shook my hand with a firm grip. Both of us were grinning. After being employed by my dream airline for only five and a half years, I had just completed captain’s IOE (Initial Operating Experience) on the B-727. Although I did my best to appear nonchalant, a glance at the four stripes on my sleeve probably forced an expression that betrayed my subdued elation. At the ripe old age of 33, this was a culmination of the years climbing the flying employment ladder.

2 months ago | flipboard.com | Les Abend

NowAs a blizzard brings snow and high winds to the Midwest and Great Lakes on Wednesday, airlines are allowing some travelers to rebook their flights without incurring a change fee. Key Facts So far, only one of the “big four” U.S. airlines—American, United, Delta and Southwest—is issuing travel waivers …

Jan 31, 2025 | flyingmag.com | Les Abend

My wife and I contemplated a quick flying getaway but couldn’t decide on a destination. The dilemma was solved when a friend graciously offered a weekend in a high-rise condo located near our old stomping grounds in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was an hour-and-a-half flight that would test my decision-making acumen more than the typical trans-Atlantic trips of my professional career. No professional copilot. No dispatch. If you're not already a subscriber, what are you waiting for?