Four Years Later . . .
(Painting Jaak de Koninck http://www.jaakdekoninck.be)
The thirteenth reprint of QF32 was released just after the 4th anniversary of the QF32 flight. This latest reprint includes the following text at page 352 …
My life has changed since the QF32 event.
My greatest reward has been meeting the QF32 passengers worldwide. We share a bond that will never be broken.
QF32 has made a difference. The final ATSB report vindicated all crewmembers’ actions and airlines have changed procedures to align with our actions. I remain profoundly proud and grateful to the other pilots and cabin crew (under the direction of Michael Von Reth) who enabled 469 passengers and crew to return home to their loved ones.
Mars Jackson – 3 yrs old (Photo Vienna Jackson)
I never thought of myself as an author or motivator so I am heartened to receive reviews from nine to 92-year-old readers.
My greatest joy was to receive a letter from the mother of three-year-old Mars Jackson who has been inspired by QF32 and keeps it by his side: ‘Look Mummy! Captain de Crespigny is my friend! I’m going to be a good pilot like him! I won’t crash my plane. I’ll fix it, like him!’
My greatest reward has been meeting the QF32 passengers worldwide.
I enjoy presenting workshops worldwide about safety, security, resilience, leadership, teamwork, decision-making and crisis management. I am deeply entrenched, writing my next book.
Committed to help PTS sufferers.
My challenge now is to give back and to help others. Surprisingly, most of the readers’ questions relate to Post Traumatic Stress (page 312). I realise now that over 50 per cent of our elders suffer PTS, so I explain that PTS can be treated and there can be growth from trauma.
My family’s lives have changed too. Coral, Alexander, Sophia and I enjoy working with Disabled Wintersport Australia to give the disabled the confidence in the snow, to help them find their courage and to reach their full potential.
I am a STEM Ambassador in the UK supporting the Bloodhound Super Sonic Car project. I am trying to establish and support STEM initiatives in Australian schools, universities, corporations and governments.
Disabled Wintersport Australia – Perisher – 2013
Look out for me the next time you are lucky enough to fly in an A380. I still walk the aisles and love talking to passengers.
Stop me, say ‘Hi, Rich,’ and you’ll make my day.
There’s blue sky ahead and the fuel tanks are full. It’s time to release the brakes again.
It’s time to FLY!
QF32 Passenger Johanna Friis
QF32 passengers Carolyn & Derwyn Jones
QF32 passenger Suzie Patchett
QF32 passenger Claire Ryan
