cross-training on the ct-114 tutor at 2 cFFTs in moose jaw in 1984
I left the military in October 1992 after 17 years of service. After graduating from Royal Roads, I did two tours with 407 (MP) Squadron in Comox flying the CP-140 Aurora, my first as a Navigator and then a tour with 437 (T) Squadron in Trenton flying the B707. It was a difficult decision to leave the military given I was close to a pension and especially enjoyed flying the B707. To this day, the B707 is still my favourite aircraft.
I applied to Cathay Pacific Airways somewhat out of curiosity. I told the Secretary I was going to the dentist, went home and put on my suit to meet the Cathay Pacific representatives at the Toronto Hilton for an initial interview. A lengthy second interview soon followed in Hong Kong. In November 1992 I started as a First Officer, flying the B747-200/300, the Queen of the Skies. At that time, Cathay Pacific was just a small airline with only 580 pilots, flying the B747 and the L1011, and the company had their own rather unique way of doing things.
Judy and I lived the expat lifestyle in Hong Kong on Lantau Island, the same island where the new airport is now located. In 1996, we opted to leave Hong Kong and take up one of the newly available overseas bases. From the outset we chose to live in Victoria and I commuted to bases in Toronto, San Francisco and Vancouver. During my time with Cathay I also flew the Airbus A330 and A340. I wrapped up my career on the B777-300ER.
On October 12th, 2019, with my family awaiting my arrival, I taxied into Vancouver for my final flight, CX810 HKG to YVR. With over 40 years of flying and over 22,000 flying hours I called for my final Shutdown Check. It’s been a great ride!
bob’s family in the cockpit helping to honour his final flight after some 22,000 hours of flying - from the left, bob and on the right his wife judy, along with daughters Lauren, Alycia and Rebecca and our future son-in-law, Spencer.
posing with the aircrew of the cp-140 aircraft after sustaining significant damage to the nose from a bird strike. all smiles after landing safely
B707 flight test using chemical warfare gear in preparation for Gulf War Air-to-air refuelling during Operation Desert Storm
air-to-air refueling with the B707 and a cf-18
the incredible views as this cathay pacific b747-300 aircraft is on its final approach to kai tak airport in hong kong
cathay pacific - original colour scheme. note the the union jack, meaning this photo predates the return of the territory to china in 1997.
the famous checkerboard approach - an Airbus 330 on final turn in to Kai Tak airport using an instrument guidance system (IGS) approach
the b777-300ER
hong kong skyline
the final simulator session in the b777-300er
Awaiting takeoff clearance on RWY 07R in Hong Kong (picture taken by the second officer)
bob’s daughter Rebecca at the arrival gate for his final flight.
arriving for the last timeand last shutdown check in the b777-300er. flight CX 810 from HKG to YVR (hong kong to vancouver)
with the flight crew that served aboard his final flight
at farewell luncheon with cathay pacific management
at the rrmc 40th reunion
on the Quarterdeck at the President’s Meet and Greet on Friday the 13th of september 2019. includes three of the purebred guys who graduated from RRMC - Ulrich Jaggi, with his wife Diane, Keith Gladstone and Bob Coulter, with his wife Judy.
