When is it time to pull the pin?

[X Driver]

Interesting post DR. When my wife first read it she thought it could have been written by me. I also have 42 years in the industry and am planning on hanging up the David Clarkes next spring, for most of the same reasons you mention. I must say by and large aviation for me has been a great way to earn a living. Good luck in your retirement. TM

[Driving Rain]

X Driver, Good luck to you also. Please tell your wife I'm a Bose Headset man myself. That way she can tell us apart in the internet.

[Pilotwife]

LOL Driving Rain! Bose vs David Clarks!! The never ending debate!
Congratulations on your retirement! As my X Driver said, he will be
doing the same thing soon, although I'm sure we will never be far from
an airport. It has been quite a ride, and though I've often told Terry
he should write a book, and I have read most of the aviation stories he has bought
for his library...sooner or later there should be something written by the wife
of some of these 'old guys'!! There has got to be some good stories about
following these flyboys around, the places we've lived, people we've met. We
are now watching our son and family follow almost exactly in our footsteps, so it
must have made an impression on him as a kid.
Enjoy life to the fullest now!

Louise

[Probes Down]

Congrats Skipper! You'll be missed around the base. I am glad I had a chance to fly with you, I learned a ton about fighting fires from you, plus more interesting facts about random topics than I could handle...lol If you ever find yourself missing the job just think about checking into the Winston after a long day of flying..

Just so you know things are good here in YQK, Blue alerts and its nice out for a change.

Take care.....

Gilligan

[Driving Rain]

Well I made it to my last day. Thanks all for the kind salutations. I would never have gotten as far as I have without great friends and a lot of luck.
I would like to leave you all with a little spiritual... an obscure oldie but a goodie from the Beach Boys. The lyrics are a reflection of what it takes to make it in life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdrN89Vxu6I
Turn your speakers up and so long.
DR

[beaverbob]

Congratulations on making it to retirement. Like you, I also have 42 years in flying.
So, from one to the other, Here's to you.
Bob

[cdnpilot77]

Do I address you as Driving Sir or Mr. Rain or??? Either way, you seem to have had a career that many of us can only dream about and the fact that you are still with us 42 years later suggests of the quality of pilot and person that you are. Congratulations on being able to step away on your own terms and I wish you all the best in your post career pursuits.

CP77