From the Cockpit: Part 3

Today, we meet up again with Rick "Skivie" Scivicque and Mike "Maz" Mazurczak to learn a few more "insider" travel tips. This is the third and final installment in our series.

Question: As a pilot, what's your favorite plan to fly? As a passenger, what's your favorite plane to ride in?

Both men agreed that the Boeing 767 is a "pilot's plane". Maz said, "It handles beautifully, has gigantic engines, and was easy to land."

This last comment sparked me to ask a question I've often wondered: Is landing a sign of the pilot's skill or is it more about the plane and weather conditions?

The answer? Both.

"As a pilot, you're only as good as your last landing," said Maz. "But it's a number of things, including the experience of the pilot in a particular airplane - knowing how it handles. But it's also landing skill."

Both men also prefer to ride in the 767 due to its wide body. If possible, try to book yourself on a flight that is scheduled to use a 767. Of course, Skivie is quick to note that, "just because a particular airplane is scheduled doesn't mean that's the one you're going to get. These things can't be predicted."

Question: Ok, from guys who have seen most of the country (and really, most of the world) what is the one city you'd like to have a two day layover in?

"Easy," said Maz, "Paris, France. No question."

Those nasty rumors that the French are unfriendly are completely untrue, according to Maz. He loves the food and the people.

"It's a very reserved, very helpful and different culture. It was my plan to spend a week every year in Paris when I retired." With a little French education in high school, at the Academy and through a computer program, Maz gets by just fine.

And Skivie (never one to follow directions) has 2 favorite spots: "In the summer, Vancouver. It's beautiful. The weather is glorious. In the winter, Orlando. Lots of good restaurants and great weather."

Question: And lastly, do you pilots get special training on how to make announcements in a jumbled voice that no one can understand?

Maz promises me he wasn't one of those pilots. "I spoke very clearly and at half-speed." But even being careful, it can still be difficult to hear those announcements.

Maz told me that he once warned the passengers of some "big build ups" (thunderstorms) coming in. A few minutes later, a flight attendant came up to the cockpit and said a bunch of passengers were looking for the "big billed ducks" he had mentioned.

And as for humor, well...a pilot has to be careful. Some jokes just aren't funny in the sky. Of course, Maz did have a favorite:

"Folks, we're flying over the Grand Canyon right now. For those of you on the right side of the plane, if you look out your window you'll have one of the most spectacular views in the world. For those of you on the other side of the plane, if you'll look to your left you'll have a beautiful view of all of the people looking at the Grand Canyon."

So this concludes our three part series on Travel Tips from 2 Retired Pilots. In case you're wondering, Skivie is enjoying retirement with his wife in Georgetown, Texas. He still loves traveling to see his kids and grandkids around the country on a regular basis.

As for Maz, having just completed his 48th trip since retirement in August of 2005, he certainly doesn't strike me as the type of man to get bored. He'll be jet setting around the world from his home base in Chicago as long as his ex-pilot's pass gets him a seat on the plane.

If you missed our previous installments in this series, be sure to check them out: Part 1 and Part 2. I hope you have enjoyed reading this interview as much as I enjoyed conducting it. These guys are the real deal - travel experts without a doubt. I know my frequent trips across the country are going to be much easier thanks to their advice. Please share your thoughts!