Iterashai Captain Michael

Today is a very sad day! Captain Michael is gone forever.

PN just called me and told me that our japanese pilot friend had passed away.

Captain Michael was the first pilot who had ever made feel comfortable and safe aboard a plane. The way he mastered the plane from Tokyo to Paris impressed me. On my 3rd trip to Japan, homebound, I knew that turbulences would affect the flight and I was scared to fly back.

But with Captain Michael, I felt experienced hands were taking care of all of us and the plane did not move until we reached paris with stormy conditions. Even then, he was in control. I had never experienced that feeling before.

He cannot be forgotten. He was so delicate... He knew her friend PN was onboard his plane yet he waited until all passengers were asleep and the lights dimmed to visit us and he brought a signed sky map as a gift. We exchanged handwaving before the flight and after too. That was Nov 21, 2006.

I said I would write to ANA's president a letter to express my thankfulness and my satisfaction and gratitude towards excellent service and the best pilot I ever flew with. I never sent the letter. I feel bad.

Now I wonder, how can I fly again? Specially before flying wednesday to Japan?

I'll look by the plane window and I'll think of you. So long, Captain...