I can't believe all of the beautiful comments I am getting. Update..its been 9 months now and aside from this virus thing, it is shaping up to be the best retirement possible. Thank you all for your continued support and kind thoughts. I hope those of you looking to aviation find your way onto the flight deck of your dreams. May all your travels be safe, your landings smooth and may you always have tailwinds enroute. Stay well my friends.
Thank you all for your kind thoughts. I am the most fortunate guy alive. Thanks again to my good friend Rob Olson for making this video memory possible. Something that i will have for the rest of my life. I wish you all the very best. I hope you all find the same sucsess and satisfaction from your life that i have been blessed with. Enjoy the ride... its really is "all about the journey".... safe trip...
Bro, I'm no aviation person but that made me cry when they touched down on the runway and greeted by firetrucks. There's people like Mike who makes this world a better place with his experience :) hope your enjoying your retirement well
I will never forget my last flight. United did pull out all the stops. From the fantastic mechanics that released me to fly, to the ground crews that serviced and cleaned our aircraft, dispatures that I argued for more fuel, and got it, flight ops for their support, flight attendants who always went the extra mile, I will always be forever grateful for 38 years, 30,128 hours of GREAT FLYING.
This video is woefully under-viewed. What an amazing account of this gentleman’s last flight after 44 years of service! And to top it off he was so classy and gave all the thanks to his wife 🙂 I’ll bet he was great to work with. The skies just won’t be quite the same without him behind the yoke.
Without him next to the sidestick* Joking aside he looks like one of those cool old captains that I would really enjoy a 4 day trip with. Definitely a role model
You didn't really say that!! This was an Airbus (looked like a 319). There is no yoke!! As for everything else you said, I think you're "spot-on". But that plane has a side-stick; doesn't have a yoke.
@@thomasmcintosh543 Not everyone can handle a Boeing 😂 My bad… I wasn’t really paying attention to that at the time. I was focused more on him and the story. What do you even say about Airbus pilots? “The skies won’t be quite the same without him sitting approximately 45° offset from the side stick”? 😅 It just doesn’t have the same flare to it.
I 've been working in American Airline for 34 years, I retired from DFW on September 30,2020, and it's been a great pleasure to work and give an excellent service to our customers! I wish you the best Captain Mike, thanks for your service! Enjoy the time you deserve it! Thanks American for the opportunity to work with this incredible Air line! Thanks to everyones!
Captain, as a 30 year old airline pilot, I aspire to first off all have your smile at retirement but also be blessed to fly until 65. It took me 10 years and 4 Airlines and I finally made it to a Legacy! Side note: I flew the 737 at Swift Air!
I'm not aviation person but that made me tear up. It's always hard to leave the job you've been working at for a long time!! Hats off you sir for your excellent service.
Getting to read all of your good wishes and comments. Thank you all so much. They mean a great deal to me. What a way to go out.... i am very fortunate to have a great friend like Rob Olson.. without him i would not have this video memory of my last day on the line. This memory will last forever. THANKS Rob....
Great and emotional video or more exactly emotional history. I can imagine how beautiful it is ending a work carrier after 44 years as a pilot. Through the video is very noticeable how loved Michael was as a worker and as a friend. I am getting close to retire but as a maintenance in CNC machines and I also can feel how good friends feel hard to miss you on their daily routine from early morning to late afternoon. I can imagine how Michael friends will miss him. Congratulations Michael.
Thank you Sir, for you many years of dedicated and professional service. You were in charge of many lives, and took them to their destinations safely. Much respect, love , and admiration from a small plane pilot. Enjoy your well earned retirement Sir.
This make me smile! Working on the ramp coming up on 4 years. I plan on retiring with my airline as along as my body, the airline and the good lord let me.. Congratulations on ya retirement!
HOW COOL!!! Love those couple shout outs "Mike"!!! over the airways. . Only thing thats sad about it is 1 DAMN INCREDIBLE pilot less out there...touching God Speed Sir...
Thank you for your service sir!!!! And a big thank you to your wife! I I can't imagine how hard it was for her for you to always be travelling!!! Enjoy your retirement you deserve it!!!
I always used to say that they would erect a statue to her when it was over. At my party, which she hit a home run on, I gave her that statue. I married way above my station. Its been great and she is a strong person... thanks for your comments for my wife... all my best.
Listening to the passengers clap and hoot must have been the thrill of a liketime. And the water cannon salute too ! Congrats to Captain Mike, a true professionnal.
As a woman with a passion for aviation and photography, those views were WOW! I'm always amazed at how a plane can still take off and fly through the skies. Pilots in my opinion are the luckiest guys around. What a fantastic job. Happy retirement Sir.
Thank you for all the service you’ve put in all over the years! Happy retirement captain Mike👨✈️. This video is truly inspirational. We appreciate you!
Sometimes we do things but nothing is worth it if we don't impact people around us. This made me tear up to see how much this guy helped people in his 44 years.
Congrats on a long career Captain! I sincerely hope your wife chose to sit in Economy and that the airline didn't say "That's the best seat we could give her for free". Was thinking the wife of a retiring pilot would automatically get seat 1A for THEIR service to the airline. :)
I do not know the English language, but I have used an application for translation .. The retired captain of the plane. Thank you from the heart. 44 years of achievement. You are really one of the few people in the world who serve humanity. Thanks again .. I am from Saudi Arabia
Loved this video!! You sir are a legend in my book. 44 years of doing a job that will shake the nerves of many men is a feat. Good luck Captain in your future endeavors, well deserved.
noah lawrence it really doesn’t cost that much when compared to a 4 year degree or even a 2 year degree. And it pays off, trust me. 12 year CA on a wide-body aircraft starts around $345,000 a year.
@@michaeltragarz2343 Captain Tragarz, you are truly an inspiration to all of us. Thank you for your service! Enjoy your well deserved retirement, you've earned it!
I think pilots are special people. I am so fortunate to have flown to nearby as well as to far away places. It's my pleasure to thank the pilots and the crew for their good job of making me experience taking the plane so I can reach other parts of the country as well as the world!!!
Mike, I just saw this today. Sorry I missed this reception, but I was in Doug's office that day trying to explain your lousy Captain's Efficiency Ratings for the last six years... No, just joking. Enjoy your next chapter.
Capt Tragarz greetings from Lima Peru. Congrats on such an achievement. I was so touched that I shed some tears. My dad has been a pilot and my only son is on his way to become one. It runs in the family I guess. I have already sent my son your video as an inspiration to become a fine pilot 🛫. God bless you
Well, I just found this Captain Mikie! Congratulations on your retirement! It was great flying with you and working with you, too. Starting with the mighty metro! Life has brought many changes and I hope you’re doing well! I still have another 7 plus to go but I hope my retirement flight is as successful as yours! Give a hug to your lovely bride, too!
Rob, great to hear from you..... OMG, how the heck are you? Hope you and the family are doing well and are safe from this madness. What a journey Rob, from falling off of your fence that night with Andy to our filmmaking for the training department and the flying... really a highlight for me. Getting to America West and the training department. Thanks for the invite and the support. It was a great ride to the finish line. Now on to the next chapter. Already underway. Its all about Helicopters. Check out the company website. www.hilleraircraft.com Love to catch up if you can. Call me anytime at 602-625-0243....... 7 more will be so fast that it will seem like the blink of an eye. Good luck and safe flights....... Your friend Michael
What a wonderful tribute for you. Enjoy your retirement and know how many people.. couples...families and friends you had a part in bringing together! Very inspiring video! Enjoy your journey ahead!!! God Bless!
Congratulations captain enjoy your retirement, thanks for your wonderful labour and skills that speaks for itself on those 44 years, my father was an aviator, all respects for you aces of the sky 🫡
I can't believe all of the beautiful comments I am getting. Update..its been 9 months now and aside from this virus thing, it is shaping up to be the best retirement possible. Thank you all for your continued support and kind thoughts. I hope those of you looking to aviation find your way onto the flight deck of your dreams. May all your travels be safe, your landings smooth and may you always have tailwinds enroute. Stay well my friends.
Thank you very much! Have a great retirement!
I hope you will enjoy it for many more years to come.
@@sm_flys thank you... i hope you and your family are safe during this pandemic.
Congratulations sir!
Congratulations captain, I left a couple tears around here, I wish you the best of the life sir, greetings from Dominican Republic!
Anyone with forty years of service in any jobs is a legend and deserves respect and honor.
I'm a serial killer for 47 years and haven't been caught NOW GIVE ME MY
R E S P E C T
@@NueLei
Hats off to you, Sir. 😉
Truly..High respect to the Captain
Agreed
Jan khan my dad has his own company and he has been working for 42 years this year
Thank you all for your kind thoughts. I am the most fortunate guy alive. Thanks again to my good friend Rob Olson for making this video memory possible. Something that i will have for the rest of my life. I wish you all the very best. I hope you all find the same sucsess and satisfaction from your life that i have been blessed with. Enjoy the ride... its really is "all about the journey".... safe trip...
👍🏻
Congratulations for 44 incredible years with American Airlines
Congratulations!!!!
God Bless you , Cap
From MD 80 until the next generation Boeing 737 you know time feels lighting speed
Good luck captain i hope you'll live a good life
Seeing the fire department salute him with the waterfall kinda made me tear up. Congratulations, Captain
That is the standard greeting for any special aviation event. Retirement, new route service, etc.
@@fhdowntheline1825 why did you have to ruin that beautiful moment ?
@@mrlarsen1781 No, as an Aviation geek, that's the last thing I'd do. I thought I replied to a somewhat irreverent comment some months earlier.
@@fhdowntheline1825 oh well I Apologize, I thought you were one of those people on UA-cam that just wants to ruin everything, I am sry
@@mrlarsen1781 no worries!
He made millions of passengers happy when they got to their destinations. Thank you Captain for your service and safety. Enjoy your retirement, sir.
Roger that
Bro, I'm no aviation person but that made me cry when they touched down on the runway and greeted by firetrucks. There's people like Mike who makes this world a better place with his experience :) hope your enjoying your retirement well
SavageKingTexas _ pussy
@@aydenn23 u're the pussy.. pussy
I'm pretty sure if a non aviator saw fire trucks spraying water on their plane - and they didn't know about the retirement - they'd freak out
Vater Salute
I will never forget my last flight. United did pull out all the stops. From the fantastic mechanics that released me to fly, to the ground crews that serviced and cleaned our aircraft, dispatures that I argued for more fuel, and got it, flight ops for their support, flight attendants who always went the extra mile, I will always be forever grateful for 38 years, 30,128 hours of GREAT FLYING.
❤❤
44 years of dedicated professionalism, what a great career Captain Mike! Wish you many happy years of retirement with your wife and family.
This video is woefully under-viewed. What an amazing account of this gentleman’s last flight after 44 years of service! And to top it off he was so classy and gave all the thanks to his wife 🙂 I’ll bet he was great to work with. The skies just won’t be quite the same without him behind the yoke.
Thank you Matt and yes you're right, very classy man and amazing service.
Without him next to the sidestick*
Joking aside he looks like one of those cool old captains that I would really enjoy a 4 day trip with. Definitely a role model
AMEN 🙏🏻
You didn't really say that!! This was an Airbus (looked like a 319). There is no yoke!! As for everything else you said, I think you're "spot-on". But that plane has a side-stick; doesn't have a yoke.
@@thomasmcintosh543 Not everyone can handle a Boeing 😂
My bad… I wasn’t really paying attention to that at the time. I was focused more on him and the story. What do you even say about Airbus pilots? “The skies won’t be quite the same without him sitting approximately 45° offset from the side stick”? 😅 It just doesn’t have the same flare to it.
I 've been working in American Airline for 34 years, I retired from DFW on September 30,2020, and it's been a great pleasure to work and give an excellent service to our customers! I wish you the best Captain Mike, thanks for your service! Enjoy the time you deserve it! Thanks American for the opportunity to work with this incredible Air line! Thanks to everyones!
It’s sad when any airline pilot retires...
BigD0916 because it will be hard to replace them with someone with experience
Well, every airline apart of Ryanair
or gets the coronavirus from chinas.
It's rather great and glorifying cos many died in that job. Congratulations to the captain.
Yee
I flew with captain mike when I was a kid to 🇵🇷. Congratulations mike and have a great life and retirement.
God bless you
Congratulations! You kept America moving forward for 44 years!
Captain, as a 30 year old airline pilot, I aspire to first off all have your smile at retirement but also be blessed to fly until 65. It took me 10 years and 4 Airlines and I finally made it to a Legacy! Side note: I flew the 737 at Swift Air!
I agree though we young pilots will have the even bigger blessing to fly until 68 lol at least that's where the industry is heading
Thank you Sir
So lucky!!!
Your welcome slave
Wow
For him it's like driving his car for last time
yeah it really is. He will never be able to fly a a319 ever again. id be pretty sad tbh
@@aerofiles5044 ya😓
Congrats Captain! My brother serviced your aircraft at AA for 35 years. Wishing you clear sky's and soft landings!! 8)
Thank you so much for your kind thoughts. It was great being on his team. Please tell your brother thanks just in case i missed the chance myself.
It's so beautiful how happy he is.
It melted my heart 😢❤
I'm not aviation person but that made me tear up. It's always hard to leave the job you've been working at for a long time!! Hats off you sir for your excellent service.
Stay blessed captain thank you for giving 44 years of your life ❤️
My pleasure... 🙏
Thank you all for your comments. We appreciate them and will pass along to Captain Mike!
Really nice! He's inspiring me.
QuadcoptersNL same
Booga Gamer same
Getting to read all of your good wishes and comments. Thank you all so much. They mean a great deal to me. What a way to go out.... i am very fortunate to have a great friend like Rob Olson.. without him i would not have this video memory of my last day on the line. This memory will last forever. THANKS Rob....
They don't make them like this anymore. Work ethic, respect, dignity. Thank you for your service.
A captain but a servant to thousands, top man.
Great and emotional video or more exactly emotional history. I can imagine how beautiful it is ending a work carrier after 44 years as a pilot. Through the video is very noticeable how loved Michael was as a worker and as a friend.
I am getting close to retire but as a maintenance in CNC machines and I also can feel how good friends feel hard to miss you on their daily routine from early morning to late afternoon.
I can imagine how Michael friends will miss him. Congratulations Michael.
Thank you Sir, for you many years of dedicated and professional service. You were in charge of many lives, and took them to their destinations safely. Much respect, love , and admiration from a small plane pilot. Enjoy your well earned retirement Sir.
My dad is a retired american airlines pilot. he flew for 30 years
Hats off and my best to your dad for paving the way for guys like me.... Tell him I send my best and tailwinds to him....
Congratulations
This make me smile! Working on the ramp coming up on 4 years. I plan on retiring with my airline as along as my body, the airline and the good lord let me..
Congratulations on ya retirement!
HOW COOL!!! Love those couple shout outs "Mike"!!! over the airways. .
Only thing thats sad about it is 1 DAMN INCREDIBLE pilot less out there...touching God Speed Sir...
Congratulations 🎊 👏 on your retirement. It is quite an accomplishment. Not everyone can have that blessing to become a Pilot. God Bless.
Thank you for your service sir!!!! And a big thank you to your wife! I I can't imagine how hard it was for her for you to always be travelling!!! Enjoy your retirement you deserve it!!!
I always used to say that they would erect a statue to her when it was over. At my party, which she hit a home run on, I gave her that statue. I married way above my station. Its been great and she is a strong person... thanks for your comments for my wife... all my best.
The water salute I imagine feels as good as when team mates carry you off for your last game 💕💕
What a dedicated man ! You don't find many people like this anymore. I hope you and your wife enjoy your retirement to the fullest.
Nothing but the upmost respect for airplane pilots. You people have nerves of steel.
thanks
44 years... what a great career. Congratulations, sir!
He's not sad, he's optimistic! I absolutely love that.
whats to be sad about... a great journey..
@@michaeltragarz2343 You had a great life up in the sky and that's what matters
All I can say is
Sir, thank you for your service
Much love thanks for flying everyone everywhere and thanks for taking us the ways we want to go!!!!!!
It’s always hard to leave a job you’ve been at for a long time it was hard for me as a heavy equipment operator
All the best Mr Tragarz. This video made my heart smile. All the best to you and your fantastic wife, from Vancouver Island Canada.
Thank you for your service 😢 you will be. missed 😢
Listening to the passengers clap and hoot must have been the thrill of a liketime. And the water cannon salute too ! Congrats to Captain Mike, a true professionnal.
I was very fortunate... a day i will never forget.
Great moments wish him all the best for the years caming
As an aviation enthusiast, this made me feel happy and sad at the same time. Thank you for 44 years of smooth landings
What a bro this guy is! Congrats, I hope I’m as cool as a pilot as you are throughout my flying career!
As a woman with a passion for aviation and photography, those views were WOW! I'm always amazed at how a plane can still take off and fly through the skies. Pilots in my opinion are the luckiest guys around. What a fantastic job. Happy retirement Sir.
He started in 1976 and retired 2019 really long journey
I was a teenager when he started flying. Doesnt seem like it should be that long ago. Time really does fly.
It's true
That’s amazing Mike. Congratulations on the culmination of a great career. Best wishes for a happy new adventure in life.
thanks
CONGRATS CAPT. MIKE ! YOU EARNED YOUR RETIREMENT, ENJOY IT
Such a beautiful profession and this a a great tradition. Congrats Capt. Fair skies!
Thank you for all the service you’ve put in all over the years! Happy retirement captain Mike👨✈️. This video is truly inspirational. We appreciate you!
Thank you very much 🙏
Sometimes we do things but nothing is worth it if we don't impact people around us. This made me tear up to see how much this guy helped people in his 44 years.
thank you
Great moments wish him all the best for the years to come...
Hey captain K!!!
Watching tears running down. Tears of joy. Congratulations sir.
That last landing was butter.
LIke a glove...
A job well done, Sir... Always makes me choke up seeing the wash-down... Godspeed...
Congratulations Captain outstanding work, enjoy your well earned retirement
God bless you! To your wife and beautiful family. Thank you Captain!!!
It’s time to start my pilot training
These guys are the best. I’m happy for him and his family.
Congratulations Captain. Enjoy your retirement!
Thank you Captain for all your services 🙏, enjoy your retirement 👍
Congrats on a long career Captain! I sincerely hope your wife chose to sit in Economy and that the airline didn't say "That's the best seat we could give her for free". Was thinking the wife of a retiring pilot would automatically get seat 1A for THEIR service to the airline. :)
Amazing !! Congratulations!!! Captain Mike! Great job!
44 years! Happy Life!!
That's really neat! Congrats, and enjoy.
I do not know the English language, but I have used an application for translation .. The retired captain of the plane. Thank you from the heart. 44 years of achievement. You are really one of the few people in the world who serve humanity. Thanks again .. I am from Saudi Arabia
Wow this is really a spectacular moment
Loved this video!! You sir are a legend in my book. 44 years of doing a job that will shake the nerves of many men is a feat. Good luck Captain in your future endeavors, well deserved.
Thank you Jeffery, felt like it only took a second to happen... on to the next chapter.
Please enjoy your retirement and love to your wife.
I will share that with her... thank you from both of us....
Congratulations from London......what a lovely couple....fantastic service level too! Inspiring x
“That is one hell of a pilot”
Captain, you have connected the world closer and brought families together...God bless you. I wish you all the best on your retirement, Captain
Wow cap 44 years that is a lot of year's of safe flying, Enjoy your free time now
Will do..
Thanks
44yrs....that's amazing...I'd say that's about 26,000 hours of flight experience......thank you captain
AA could have at least made more of an effort to show up at his landing instead of leaving everything up to the family.
J CaaM assuming that they a) recognised it and b) gave a damn.
This was awesome, he helped transport a lot people in his life and safely.
AA doesnt care
AA:whatever we can hire someone else
-
noah lawrence it really doesn’t cost that much when compared to a 4 year degree or even a 2 year degree.
And it pays off, trust me. 12 year CA on a wide-body aircraft starts around $345,000 a year.
Wow, congratulations sir. Much respect for your service in flying
Thank you so much.....
This just sad and happy at the same time
(Edit) Thanks for four likes
Great pilot 👍
Wonderful!!!
Congratulations on your retirement and 44 years of success ! My father retired from American in 1978 after 39 years.
Well I guess all good things have to come to an end... Enjoy your retirement.
Roger that...
Good sir for your 44 years in service.god bless captain
Thank you 🙏
Congratulations on an amazing career Captain. Also, just wondering, is he also a military veteran? If so, thank you for your service!
Yes i am... US Army... Alaska... paratrooper.... another great chapter... thanks so much. It means a lot to me.
@@michaeltragarz2343 Captain Tragarz, you are truly an inspiration to all of us. Thank you for your service! Enjoy your well deserved retirement, you've earned it!
@@andrewdressler7076 Correction: EARNED IT
I think pilots are special people. I am so fortunate to have flown to nearby as well as to far away places. It's my pleasure to thank the pilots and the crew for their good job of making me experience taking the plane so I can reach other parts of the country as well as the world!!!
Mike, I just saw this today. Sorry I missed this reception, but I was in Doug's office that day trying to explain your lousy Captain's Efficiency Ratings for the last six years... No, just joking. Enjoy your next chapter.
Congratulations on the retirement!!!! Thank you!!!
Why df am i tearing
I guess i honor pilots alot
Capt Tragarz greetings from Lima Peru. Congrats on such an achievement. I was so touched that I shed some tears. My dad has been a pilot and my only son is on his way to become one. It runs in the family I guess. I have already sent my son your video as an inspiration to become a fine pilot 🛫. God bless you
Thank you for your kind words and please send my best wishes to your son and good luck with his journey in aviation.
@@michaeltragarz2343 thank you very much indeed Captain. I will convey your kind words 🛫😊
Roses are red
Violets are blue
After seeing this, i am crying
And so are you
I hope they are tears of joy, mine are... what a great way to end a career. thanks for the poem
@@michaeltragarz2343
Congrats Captain. Thank you for you passion and dedication. Hope your next chapter is as good as the one you finished. Soft Landings.
The start of this video looks like something from GTA5
Congratulations from Ontario Canada Captain Mike great video and hope your enjoying your Retirement!!!
As they say in the black community
“44yrs is a minute.”
Well, I just found this Captain Mikie! Congratulations on your retirement! It was great flying with you and working with you, too. Starting with the mighty metro! Life has brought many changes and I hope you’re doing well! I still have another 7 plus to go but I hope my retirement flight is as successful as yours! Give a hug to your lovely bride, too!
Rob, great to hear from you..... OMG, how the heck are you? Hope you and the family are doing well and are safe from this madness. What a journey Rob, from falling off of your fence that night with Andy to our filmmaking for the training department and the flying... really a highlight for me. Getting to America West and the training department. Thanks for the invite and the support. It was a great ride to the finish line. Now on to the next chapter. Already underway. Its all about Helicopters. Check out the company website. www.hilleraircraft.com Love to catch up if you can. Call me anytime at 602-625-0243....... 7 more will be so fast that it will seem like the blink of an eye. Good luck and safe flights.......
Your friend Michael
2:59 is that woah vicky?
What a wonderful tribute for you. Enjoy your retirement and know how many people..
couples...families and friends you had a part in bringing together! Very inspiring video! Enjoy your journey ahead!!! God Bless!
Captain - thanks for your many years of dedicated service in keeping the flying public safe. Enjoy your retirement - you've surely earned it.
Congratulations sir, your simplicity is second to non, have a healthy, funfilled retirement, love from Nigeria
God bless you for the 44 years of service in the air . American Airlines was lucky to have you.
Captain, Thanks for your dedication and service over 44 years. Blessings to you and your wife. You are a part of American aviation history. Keith
🙏 thank you
Beautiful retirement send off. Hope he is well, happy, and healthy enjoying the rest of his life
Congratulations captain enjoy your retirement, thanks for your wonderful labour and skills that speaks for itself on those 44 years, my father was an aviator, all respects for you aces of the sky 🫡