anybody else witnessed the harmonica-playing pilot?
Jun 16, 11, 2:27 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: BOS
Programs: UA 2P, DL, FL A+ Elite, AA
Posts: 349
anybody else witnessed the harmonica-playing pilot?
Has anyone else had the pleasure of being on a flight piloted by the jovial, harmonica-playing Captain Michael D. "Mad Dog" Watson?
I was on his flight a few months ago and have been meaning to post about it. After boarding he surprised all the PAX by launching into some impassioned harmonica music over the PA system. He continued to intersperse the pre-flight announcements with melodies on the harmonica.
We also got a good-bye song after the landing. Everybody applauded enthusiastically after the performance. It made my day and put everybody on that morning flight in a good mood. ^
I also found a relatively recent article in which he's mentioned and you can listen to him play:
http://marketplace.publicradio.org/d...-from-airtran/
I was on his flight a few months ago and have been meaning to post about it. After boarding he surprised all the PAX by launching into some impassioned harmonica music over the PA system. He continued to intersperse the pre-flight announcements with melodies on the harmonica.
We also got a good-bye song after the landing. Everybody applauded enthusiastically after the performance. It made my day and put everybody on that morning flight in a good mood. ^
I also found a relatively recent article in which he's mentioned and you can listen to him play:
http://marketplace.publicradio.org/d...-from-airtran/
Last edited by sheremetyevo; Jun 16, 11 at 2:36 pm
Jun 16, 11, 2:32 pm
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: BOS
Programs: UA 2P, DL, FL A+ Elite, AA
Posts: 349
Perhaps he's the same guy that used to work at AA and NW/DL?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...ing-pilot.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/us-ai...nition-fa.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...ing-pilot.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/us-ai...nition-fa.html
Jun 16, 11, 9:27 pm
#3
Join Date: Oct 2010
Programs: My opinions are my own and not that of my employer(s)
Posts: 1,411
Probably Michael D. Watson aka "Mad Dog" Watson. When he says between he and his co-pilot they have XX years combined flying that's something to respect.
Very professional guy and it's just something different for the passengers. Pre-flight along with Bad to the Bone I've heard a couple of times.
But I've heard there is another pilot that also does the same but haven't witnessed it.
Very professional guy and it's just something different for the passengers. Pre-flight along with Bad to the Bone I've heard a couple of times.
But I've heard there is another pilot that also does the same but haven't witnessed it.
Jun 17, 11, 12:42 am
#4
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: TLV now - formerly LAS
Programs: King of Rental Cars, BA Gold, Virgin Gold, AA MM Gold, A3 Gold, SK Gold, Hotel SuperElite
Posts: 7,340
He's gonna fit right in as WNM takes over.
Jun 19, 11, 11:06 pm
#5
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 150
Mad Dog is awsome......one of the nicest guys you could ever meet.
Jun 24, 11, 8:00 am
#6
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ATL
Programs: DL DM 1MM, HH Diamond, MR Lifetime Plat/Titanium, National Exec Elite
Posts: 194
Very nice guy - used to love having him fly into my station at RDU when we both worked at ValuJet......oh the days.
Nov 10, 11, 9:51 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,408
By luck of the draw, I had Captain Watson on MKE-CAK this Tuesday. ATL-based flight crew on a 717.
He played Bad to the Bone and welcomed the passengers via the intercom in a very animated fashion!
Said he and his first officer have a combined 80+ years of experience.
Very entertaining and put all the passengers at ease, that's for sure!
He played Bad to the Bone and welcomed the passengers via the intercom in a very animated fashion!
Said he and his first officer have a combined 80+ years of experience.
Very entertaining and put all the passengers at ease, that's for sure!
Nov 22, 11, 1:35 am
#8
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: LHR (sometimes CLE, SFO, BOS, LAX, SEA)
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 5,873
Nov 22, 11, 8:20 am
#9
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,408
Thanks for posting. I wasn't able to get a good recording when I encountered him, but this one is outstanding!
Nov 23, 11, 1:43 pm
#13
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 187
I'm sure you're right. Who wouldn't love working for a new company that threatened to dismantle his old company and lay off the pilots if they didn't sign a new contract. Sounds like a great place to work!
Mar 12, 12, 8:32 am
#14
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Atlanta, GA
Programs: DL 1MM Diamond, UA Silver, AA Gold, Marriott Titanium, IHG Spire, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 593
Onboard AirTran 281 right now (ATL-BOS) and was greeted by the harmonica playing pilot. Agree that he'll love it at Southwest.
Oct 31, 12, 4:59 pm
#15
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 1
Heads up on Mike Watson
If you ever fly with this guy, remember that if YOU DO NOT KISS HIS REAR END then you are a no body to him.
He has a history of screwing over his coworkers if they do not put him on a pedestal. The musical bumpkin thinks he runs the airline and will put you in your place if his majesty's commands are not carried out to the tee.
Watch out for Mad Dog!!!!
He has a history of screwing over his coworkers if they do not put him on a pedestal. The musical bumpkin thinks he runs the airline and will put you in your place if his majesty's commands are not carried out to the tee.
Watch out for Mad Dog!!!!
