A Note for My Readers

Nearly 100 professionals in the aviation community and elsewhere graciously provided background for TRACON. I’m grateful to all of them for demystifying their world, and I bear full responsibility for any errors in adapting the material to this story. With apologies to those not mentioned, the following individuals deserve recognition for their exceptional generosity:

     John Carr, Ray Gibbons, John Gratys, Ken Mallot, Robert Nicholas, Bob Pywowarczuk and Bob Stone in the TRACON at O’Hare International Airport. Bob Richards and Jim Veronico in the O’Hare Tower.

     Randy Bachmann, Tom Bergin, Mike Callahan, Ed Gass, Ann Gilchrest, and Hugh “Bo” Watson in the TRACON at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Lisa Eidson, Paul Hadler and Jerry Whitsett in the Sea-Tac Tower.

     Paula Crooks, Mike Maikowski and Dan Olsen in the Boeing Field Tower in Seattle.

     First Officer David L. Hinman of American Airlines; Capt. Charles E. Boswell, and Judy and Capt. Gary Ostrowski of American Trans Air; Bill Fischer of The Boeing Co.; Lt. Earl W. Zuelke Jr. of the Chicago Police Marine Unit; Capt. Dwight Lubich of United Airlines; William Arnold; Bob Bachmeyer; Connie and Rich Halstad; Kathryn O'Neal; Richard Rush; Rebecca Teagarden; and Chris West.

     Finally, my profound thanks to Amy, a true friend who patiently showed me the way.

P.M. / April 2000