Captain Terry Lutz may not have been the first to pilot the revolutionary Airbus A380 (which made its first commercial flight with Singapore Airlines flight SQ380 from Singapore to Sydney on October 25), but he made history nevertheless as the first to land the behemoth on US soil on March 19 as well as currently being the only American head test pilot in Airbus. Recently, Julian Tan managed to “ground” Captain Lutz for a few minutes and got him to share flashpoints in his 40-year career.
DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST AIRPLANE RIDE.
I remember my first airplane ride like it was yesterday. It was early in the morning during a late August. My father had planned a surprise ride for my eighth birthday. The grass was wet and the airplane was bathed in dew. Once we were airborne, the morning sun was shining directly down Michigan Avenue, which ended at the Michigan State Capital Building. Everything seemed small. I could see places where I had played, and the route that I travelled to school, all in one glance. It was the first time that I had thought about life in three dimensions.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO GET BEHIND THE WHEEL FOR THE FIRST TIME?
My first solo was terrific. It wasn’t simply about soloing. It was about realising a dream; it was about freeing myself from the earth and my flight instructor. There was never a doubt about taking off and getting safely back on the ground. What seemed important was making the airplane an extension of myself, and flying as precisely as I could.
HOW DID IT FEEL TO FLY THE AIRBUS A380?
It’s important to say that I wasn’t the first to fly the A380. That honour is preserved in history for Claude Lelaie and Jacques Rosay, who are truly gifted test pilots. I was the first to land the A380 in the US, at JFK Airport in New York. As the only American test pilot at Airbus, the first A380 landing on US soil was certainly one of the most thrilling experiences of my flying career.
ANY PET PEEVES WHEN IT COMES TO PASSENGERS ONBOARD?
When I open the flight deck door and look at the faces of my passengers, I know that they are people much like myself. They are mothers and fathers and nephews and businessmen, and they might be doctors or mechanics or soldiers. Each one has a different reason for flying. I have no issues with them, because in the end I know that it’s my responsibility to carry them safely to their destination.
NAME ONE ITEM (APART FROM YOUR PASSPORT AND CREDIT CARD) YOU CAN'T DO WITHOUT WHEN TRAVELLING.
What I really need for travelling is a “carry anything” bag that I bring on the airplane with me. It has pockets for a calculator, car keys, pens, business cards, data CDs etc, and can also hold my laptop, charger and camera. There is space for papers and magazines, and it’s expandable if needed. My first one was completely worn out, and I’m well along with the second one!
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PLACES YOU HAVEN'T BEEN TO, BUT WOULD LOVE TO VISIT?
Fortunately, I’ve visited a lot of beautiful and historic places around the world. I would like to travel to Egypt and see the Pyramids, and then experience life along the North African coastline. I would also like to travel extensively throughout Russia, to see and visit those places I’ve only been able to read about.
NAME A FAVOURITE RESTAURANT.
A favourite restaurant is a place where you can have a great experience with a group of friends. Ivar’s Fish House on Lake Union in Seattle and Peking Garden in Hongkong come to mind. Both have great views of a vibrant city, and in Seattle, you can fly into Lake Union with a float plane, and tie up at the restaurant!
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY TRAVELLING? CAN ONE READ WHILE FLYING THE PLANE SINCE IT'S AL COMPUTERISED NOW?
I enjoy reading about the experiences of explorers, particularly those who explored the Arctic region. Even though modern airplanes are highly automated, there is also much to do, even during long flights. The pilot needs to be connected to all aspects of the flight, including navigation, fuel management, weather and cabin activity. Reading is for relaxing and disconnecting from the intensity of work on the flight deck, so I reserve it strictly for off-duty periods.
IF YOU WEREN'T A PILOT, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I would probably find a career in the natural world. Studying and planting trees has been a personal passion for many years. Growing trees and tree management would be a great fit if I were not a professional pilot.
NAME A PARTICULAR PERSON WHO HAS INSPIRED YOU PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY.
There are actually three people who come to mind. Charles Lindberg, Jacques Cousteau and Antoine de St Exupery. Lindberg was a gifted pilot, whose vision led to the first flight across the Atlantic, and with his wife Anne, explored the Arctic by float plane.
Cousteau opened up a parallel universe in three dimensions with his study of the sea. Later in life, when asked if he had any regrets, he noted that he would not be able to do all the things that he had planned.
St Exupery was a pioneer airmail pilot, who perceived people and the world in a unique way. But most importantly, he was a skilled writer and could describe his thoughts for all of us to enjoy.
WOULD BE YOU INTERESTED TO JOIN THE FIRST COMMERCIAL JOURNEY TO SPACE LIKE THE VIRGIN GALACTICA PROJECT OF RICHARD BRANSON?
The answer would instantly be “Yes!”, because Richard Branson’s efforts represent the beginning of commercial space travel, much like the early flights of the Wright brothers sparked the beginning of aircraft development and travel through the air.
