By Chad Feehan / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
As a young boy living in Mount Pearl, a neighbor would take Brian Bartlett and other neighborhood kids up in his floatplane above Paddy’s Pond, giving the soon-to-be aviation enthusiast a new perspective on the world.
Now, over 50 years later, he’s retiring with close to 49 years of airspace experience under his wings.
“I’ve had a good career,” said Barlett, looking back fondly on a constantly changing but always rewarding career in the skies.
At 16 Bartlett got his glider license with the Air Cadets, and acquired his powered license soon after. After working as an instructor, he briefly switched careers in favor of the promises of Alberta, but was called back to the sky before long.
Throughout his 36 years of commercial flying, eight of these were with Air Nova, and 28 with Air Canada.
Although the technology has changed over the years, from the old propeller-driven Douglas DC-3 and piston-driven planes, to aircrafts with massive engines like the Boeing 787 and 777, the magic of flying has remained the same.
“The acceleration of pushing the power levers up… down the runway at 150 miles per hour with 350 tonnes of airplane that you’re pulling into the sky,” Bartlett said. “It’s always amazing. You still get that little kick and a big smile on your face knowing that this is what it’s all about.”
In addition to the rush of flying a massive piece of machinery, the destinations have also been a big perk of the job. As you’d expect, he’s been everywhere, but European locales are among his favorite spots to touch down.
“When you go to places like Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, you’re walking on streets that have been there for thousands of years,” he said. “Our 500 years doesn’t seem like a whole lot anymore.”
These days, planes are much more reliable than they were in his early days of flying, with engine failures occurring at just a fraction of the rate as before.
Bartlett remembers very few engine failures while flying over Ontario and New Brunswick, but says the mandatory simulation training kicks in immediately, allowing him, and other pilots, the constitution to bring the craft down to a nearby airport safely.
“The first time you have one in your career it’s kind of a big deal,” he said. “You’re glad for the training.”
Bartlett was also a mentor for pilots in training who were working their way up from first officer to captain. As company check pilot his role was to make sure trainees met both Transport Canada and company criteria.
For Bartlett, it’s been a rewarding experience, and many of these former trainees, now full-on aviators, have offered congratulations and kind words upon hearing about his retirement.
“I think that’s something Newfoundlanders excel at; it’s part of our DNA here. We’re one of those cultures where we like to help others,” Bartlett said.
After turning 65, Air Canada’s age cap for flying commercial airlines, Bartlett will no longer be able to fly the giant Boeing 787 Dreamliner that he loves so much. But after a lifetime of sailing the skies, it’s a fine time to retire.
“I still remember, as a kid looking out the window of the 172 down over Kilbride,” Bartlett said. “Now all of a sudden your dreams are different because you've got a different perspective.”
