32yr Captain Rich "Big Daddy" Stofer retires on AA 401 MIA-DFW
Jan 31, 2008, 8:00 pm
#1
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32yr Captain Rich "Big Daddy" Stofer retires on AA 401 MIA-DFW
Really cool night on flight 401 from MIA to DFW tonight. Captain Rich "Big Daddy" Stofer flew his last flight. The entire cabin was decorated with signs and balloons. FAs all had on shirts that said “I *heart* Big Daddy,” and I got to experience my first "hosing" as we left MIA (even had the best seat--1J--in the house).
The FAs were all very senior--the most junior was 29yrs--and the entire crew bids the 777 from DFW-MIA and back every week. Many had tears in their eyes as we pulled into the gate for the last time. Captain Stofer's family and friends were waiting on the jet bridge.
In all, probably the most memorable flight I have had flying AA.
The FAs were all very senior--the most junior was 29yrs--and the entire crew bids the 777 from DFW-MIA and back every week. Many had tears in their eyes as we pulled into the gate for the last time. Captain Stofer's family and friends were waiting on the jet bridge.
In all, probably the most memorable flight I have had flying AA.
Jan 31, 2008, 10:03 pm
#2
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I'm wondering why he is retiring. Is it by choice? Can't be mandatory unless he has developed a medical problem since they just raised the mandatory age from 60 to 65 he should be good to go for another 5 years, at least.
Feb 1, 2008, 12:05 am
#3
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Actually, apparently 143 American Airlines pilots retired yesterday, hence the fact we've seen several of these threads. The Dallas Morning News has an article on it:
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcont...e.377a128.html
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcont...e.377a128.html
Feb 1, 2008, 6:31 am
#4
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Why is he retiring? How about "why not." Just because someone "can" work until they are 65, doesn't mean they have to. My dad retired in his mid-50s because he decided that there were many other things that he wanted to do in life besides practicing law.
Feb 1, 2008, 8:59 am
#5
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I was on that flight. There were balloons, decorations on the plane, some special tshirt on the fa's, etc. The banter of the flight attendants and the send off from the MIA fire engines' water spray on the plane at departure were a nice touch. Normally I just don't pay much attention to retirement sendoffs of persons that I do not know, but this one was nice to see. Too often flights are just another trip on Greyhound, it was nice to see the FA's and ground crews in MIA and DFW break the routene to give someone a retirement sendoff.
Feb 1, 2008, 9:54 pm
#6
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Actually, apparently 143 American Airlines pilots retired yesterday, hence the fact we've seen several of these threads. The Dallas Morning News has an article on it:
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcont...e.377a128.html
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcont...e.377a128.html
Feb 1, 2008, 11:02 pm
#7
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Actually, apparently 143 American Airlines pilots retired yesterday, hence the fact we've seen several of these threads. The Dallas Morning News has an article on it:
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcont...e.377a128.html
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcont...e.377a128.html
Feb 1, 2008, 11:52 pm
#8
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Feb 2, 2008, 12:00 am
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Feb 2, 2008, 6:34 am
#10
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All the labor-management back and forth aside, an airline pilot who has managed his or her money pretty well over a 30 year or more career, and hasn't been decimated by the bankruptcy of their employer, can retire with what most people would define as a comfortable retirement.
Feb 2, 2008, 8:53 pm
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