Airick Flies High
Based on a True Story… Airick’s journey reflects the life of author and one-handed pilot, Eric Gaffney.
Written by Eric Gaffney
Illustrated by Alisha Wenaas
“All the airplanes in the book are symbolic of different moments in my flight career. Airick was created to resemble the Piper Cherokees that I flew in flight school at the University of Oklahoma. Airick’s mom is based on the MD-80, an airplane that American Airlines (my dad’s employer) flew for 36 years, which ultimately sparked my interest in the industry. Airick’s dad is modeled after a Boeing 737, the airplane that I fly for United Airlines.
The hangar where Airick lives (301) is the house number where I grew up. One of the runways at Max Westheimer Airport in Norman, OK (where I attended flight school) was Runway 17, like the runway in the book. At OU, I received the Stick and Rudder Award in 2009, an award given to the student who demonstrates the most readiness for flight, just as Airick received an award after passing his test.
Airick wished he had two wings like the other planes. I often felt this way, too, and would sometimes hide my arm when I was younger. My parents were always my biggest supporters and were always there for me, like Airick’s parents were for him.
In my flight training and throughout my career I faced many obstacles. At different times I had to find my own ways to perform certain tasks. Like Airick in the book, I persevered and overcame these challenges to become a restriction-free airline pilot today!”
About Eric Gaffney
Eric Gaffney, a Broken Arrow, OK native, was born without his right hand. He attended the University of Oklahoma, where he graduated with a professional pilot degree. The challenges that Airick faces in Airick Flies High represent the challenges Eric had to overcome in his career.
Through constant perseverance, Eric is now a 737 pilot for United Airlines. He lives in Broken Arrow with his wife, Natalie, their two children, Cameron and Austin, and their dog, Daisy. Contact Eric Gaffney at SureflyWriting@gmail.com
RECENT ARTICLE:
From 1st pitch to the flight deck: Hailey Dawson’s special flight home from Houston
by Ryan Hood for United Airlines (link to original article)
Seven-year-old Hailey Dawson inspired the nation Saturday night when she threw out the first pitch in Houston with her 3D-printed hand. We had an inspiration of our own awaiting her at Houston Intercontinental Airport before her flight home on Sunday — Houston-based Boeing 737 First Officer Eric Gaffney.
Eric was born without a right hand. He's been touched ever since learning of Hailey's story, and he was thrilled to have the chance to fly her and her family home from the game in Houston.
"I like mentoring people with similar physical limitations," Eric said. "Lots of people told me I couldn't become an airline pilot with one hand. They were holding me back, but I didn't let anyone stand in my way of achieving my goal."
As a First Officer, Eric sits in the right seat, using his right arm to manipulate the control wheel and his left hand to move the throttles.
Prior to the flight, Eric and Hailey shared personal stories, talked baseball and Eric took Hailey into the flight deck. Hearing herself talking through the PA system was a thrill for young Hailey. As a former baseball player, Eric enjoyed hearing about the baseball legends Hailey has had the pleasure of meeting. So far, she has thrown out a first pitch at three MLB stadiums. She's on a quest to throw out a first pitch at all 30 stadiums.
"No one can stand in your way and you can do anything you want to," Eric told Hailey. "All you have to do is put your best foot forward and have heart and passion for what you want to do."
