Talkeetnaairtaxi
FRIEND
Iliamna Alaska
I have never met a safer pilot than Blake and was excited when Blake started flying with us. The clients that have gone on the bush flying safaris with him always come back to the lodge wide eyed & talking about the incredible things they saw. Every pilot that is with him on a flight tells me they admire his skill & knowledge.
Sad News
“Jerry I am hanging up my spurs and you need to find another beaver pilot for next season”
He said no problems with my health or medical it is just time after 40 years to slow down and enjoy my family.
This news was hard to swallow and a flood of emotions surged through me. I said that I will respect your decision but will miss you, then we both got choked up and had to end the call with the agreement that we would talk again soon. Realizing that I would not be working with Blake next summer made me extremely sad. Eventually it hit me that this was not a time for sadness.
Blake has had a successful 40-year career as an Alaskan bush pilot flying off airport in the harshest conditions that Alaska can dish out. He was the one making the decision for him to retire. That is the best thing that a pilot can hope for, a long successful career and that we are the one that decides when it is time to retire.
Time to Rejoice
A Blessing for all
Jerry Jacques
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