Airick Flies High

Airick Flies High is based on a true story! Airick’s journey reflects the life of author and pilot, Eric Gaffney. “All the airplanes in the book are symbolic of different moments in my flight career. Airick was created to resemble the Piper Cherokees that I flew in flight school at the University of Oklahoma. Airick’s mom is based on the MD-80, an airplane that American Airlines (my dad’s employer) flew for 36 years, which ultimately sparked my interest in the industry. Airick’s dad is modeled after a Boeing 737, the airplane that I fly for United Airlines. The hangar where Airick lives (301) is the house number where I grew up. One of the runways at Max Westheimer Airport in Norman, OK (where I attended flight school) is Runway 17, like the runway in the book. At OU I received the Stick and Rudder Award in 2009, an award given to the student who demonstrates the most readiness for flight, just as Airick received an award after passing his test. Airick wished he had two wings like the other planes. I often felt this way, too, and would sometimes hide my arm when I was younger. My parents were always my biggest supporters and were always there for me, like Airick’s parents were for him.In my flight training and throughout my career I faced many obstacles. At different times I had to find my own ways to perform certain tasks. Like Airick in the book, I persevered and overcame these challenges to become a restriction free airline pilot today!” Do you have any questions for Eric? Please reach out to him at SureflyWriting@gmail.com and follow him on social media.