I realized how much I love this job when I walked my final time out to Runway 18 to help wave off departures from the 2015 Airventure fly-in at Oshkosh. In an abundance of caution, there were more air traffic controllers scheduled to work than was necessary for today. Just in case of bad weather or a late closure, we are all prepared to work hard this very last day. As it happened, the weather this morning was perfect, so a bulk of the visitors who flew in for this year’s show had already departed prior to the 1 p.m. airshow.
When presented with the opportunity to skip my last hour or two of work, a fierce pride welled up in me and an urgent hunger for “one more round” of airplanes filled my spirit. I could not stand to walk away from this, my last year of Oshkosh, without seeing just a FEW more airplanes. I simply could NOT walk off the airport grounds without one more sip at the elixir that I only find here.
Slip the surly bonds of earth, indeed.
My heart flew with them this afternoon. The Cessna Caravan on floats, bound for a lake landing somewhere and a new adventure. The Maule, flying back east. A Piper Cherokee, when asked, said he was bound for Uplands, CA, (CCB) an 18 hour flight, he said. A Kodiak, winging his way back home.
I aver to you that the sight of a dozen airplanes off the end of the runway, all clawing for cooler air while homeward-bound, is one of my many cherished, indelible images I keep from this gift of employment.
I say I am honored (but MANY people say that about their work), I say I am humbled (but often people say that right before they brag), I say I am lucky, blessed, gifted (but those words, too, are over-used).
I tell you I am changed.
Yes, Elphaba, for the better. I have been changed for good.
I willingly ceded the microphone to those who hadn’t gotten a chance this week. I happily walked out to the runway so others could ride with the equipment. I have never risen higher than plain old controller here at this show, but I returned to my roots as “last air traffic controller” next to the runway with a purity of spirit that we rarely get to feel anymore in our job.
One hour. That is all they needed us for. I am certain they could have managed without me and my other team member running another set of orange batons. I am also certain I could not have managed to walk away without one last, hour-long grin at all the families in airplanes leaving the earth.
I commit to five more months (retirement beckons 12/31/15) of focused air traffic control service back at my home facility – Wichita ATCT. I will stay sharp and teach the next generation of workers and provide the best, cheeriest, most professional air traffic controlling I know how. But all that is epilogue to my career as a controller.
Today – I end a chapter. The kind where a reader gently sets the book down and simply absorbs the new reality that has come into being after a story well told.
Thank YOU, Oshkosh… Thank YOU.
Barry Holtz
Mar 04, 2016 @ 02:12:41
I’ve not missed the Show in 30 years. I wish I could thank you all in person. You people are the “Ultimate Controllers”. Thank-you Very Much!
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kenlocke
Mar 04, 2016 @ 04:00:33
Barry – 30 years!! Amazing; you’re welcome. And thank YOU.
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Rick Polete
Mar 04, 2016 @ 04:38:51
Ken – I never even knew you had this blog! Kudos for sharing.
I am honored to have met you and worked with you all those years at OSH – you are a class act, my friend!
p.s. – good luck in retirement, I’m enjoying mine! 😉
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kenlocke
Mar 04, 2016 @ 04:41:47
Thank you, Rick. And especially for bailing me out that day in the tower with all those RV’s on base. I am having a blast in retirement, too. Thanks for checking in!
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Robert Brian Collins
Mar 08, 2016 @ 14:12:55
I don’t know if you’re the controller who greeted me flying into Oshkosh in 15 but, if not, I have found that he is an example of all the controllers I’ve dealt with there. So “thank you” for everything you do.
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kenlocke
Mar 08, 2016 @ 15:04:06
Robert, I LOVE that video! That is not me talking, but I agree with you – these controllers are an amazing bunch of humble workers. Thank you for your kind words!!
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Rob Wickman
Mar 10, 2016 @ 02:39:16
Grew up in Oshkosh and learned to fly there. I go back every year, now with the CAF and FIFI and Diamond Lil. Best experience on earth, bar none!
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kenlocke
Mar 10, 2016 @ 03:04:45
You are lucky! And I totally agree about the experiences. THANKS for reading.
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