Paris in March

Last week, I had the pleasure of flying our company Falcon Jet to Paris. My employer is considering spending the summer in France and they flew over to preview some apartments. It was fortunate that it coincided with my fourth anniversary and Linda was able to join me.

The flight over the North Atlantic was uneventful. Cool temperatures, good tailwinds and little solar activity allowed for good HF communications, which made the crossing relatively routine. Our arrival and approach into Le Bourget was as planned and we landed in Paris right on time.

Paris in March is absolutely beautiful! March is referred to as one of the shoulder months, no longer winter but with temperatures in the high 60's and clear blue skies. Having previously traveled to Paris, Linda and I set about to enjoy the ambiance of Paris.

We stayed at the Renaissance Hotel Trocadero, which is a converted Marriott property, but very much a French style hotel. Relatively small rooms, but well appointed with a restaurant and bar. The hotel is well situated within walking distance to the Eiffel Tower and many local restaurants.

Even though we are no longer first time tourists, we could not help but enjoy the usual sights around the Eiffel Tower. We took a scenic boat tour on the River Seine and enjoyed the sights of the Latin Quarter, the Champs Elysees and the Arc De Triumphe. During our stay, we also had the opportunity to to visit Printemps (shopping district) and to sample French cuisine at several Paris restaurants.

I would have to say that our most memorable event was dinner at the Latin Quarter. As you can see in the adjoining picture, the flight crew was feeling quite lively under the direction of Kelley, our flight attendant. A fun filled evening despite the girls breaking some hearts with the locals. And finally topped off with some of the best Gelato since our honeymoon in Italy.

This post would not be complete if I did not give credit to my beautiful wife, who braved the commercial airlines to be with me and celebrate our four year anniversary. Despite the longest return flight in history via Paris, Pittsbugh, Tampa and a road trip back home, she was still in good spirits. Like I said the day she flew off my Harley and did not complain, "She's a keeper"! ' Oh, and let's not forget my employer who allowed me to fly his corporate jet to Paris to celebrate my fourth anniversary....

Pueto Vallarta

On March 18th I flew a trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It was a smooth flight with really great passengers. Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful resort that offers 5 star hotels, excellent food, service and a great value for your dollar. The weather was much like San Diego. Not a cloud in the sky with highs in the 70s and lows in the high 50s.

Beside the pleasure of flying a Falcon 900, I also had the opportunity to experience a Canopy Tour of the Sierra Madres Mountains. You ride ATVs through the jungles of Mexico to a base camp in the mountains. There you are fitted and instructed on how to "fly" a zip line (thick cable) 1000ft across mountain peaks while looking down 600 ft. What a RUSH! If you ever have the chance to experience a Canopy Tour, don't pass it up. We ended up doing two practice runs and 12 actual "ZIP" lines. Some of the lines took you high above the terrain while others went right through the dense jungle canopy. I even brought home some battle scars as I failed to stop prior to reaching the end and my legs made contact with the cable. Well worth the experience.

For those looking for a great vacation spot your U.S. dollars will get you far in Mexico. Lots to see and do. Next time I will try the scuba diving.

Ciao

Even though most of you know me as SANDY, my real name is SANTIAGO ROSELL. I am married to Linda Ivey and I have two sons Sandy Jr (22) and Kenneth (14). We presently reside in Orlando, Florida and I am employed by A-OK Jets, Inc. as the chief pilot for John W. Henry & Company and the Boston Red Sox baseball team.

BIOGRAPHY

SANTIAGO PEDRO ROSELL was born on September 11, 1950 in Havana, Cuba. He was raised in Miami, Florida and attended Christopher Columbus high school. He conducted his undergraduate studies at the University of South Florida in Tampa. He also completed his postgraduate education at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida where he earned a Master of Arts degree in Communication.

After earning his college degree Mr. Rosell applied for and was selected to attend Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. From Pensacola he attended flight school and qualified in several jet aircraft to include the McDonnell Douglas A-4J Skyhawk and carrier qualified aboard the USS Lexington.

Mr. Rosell resigned his commission in 1979 and received an Honorable Discharge in order to pursue his interest in commercial aviation. After returning to Miami, he promptly earned his flight instructor ratings and performed a variety of pilot services, which included primary flight instruction, charter pilot and international cargo operations. His aeronautical experience includes military training, Airline Transport Pilot ratings in both fixed wing and rotorcraft plus extensive experience in dealing with the Federal Aviation Administration as the Director of Flight Operations for a Part 135 Air Carrier.

In 1981, while employed by International Flyers, Inc., he was recruited by Mitsubishi Aircraft International to serve as Chief Pilot for United Medical Corporation in Orlando, Florida. While with this company Mr. Rosell established a charter company named Venture Airways, which provided executive charter services, priority cargo, aerial photography, aircraft management and air ambulance services. During his tenure he was promoted to Vice President and Director of Flight Operations plus he is credited for transitioning the company from a one-airplane operation to a multi aircraft company with jet and helicopter services.

His management experience includes the administration of most every aspect of corporate aviation. His duties included aircraft acquisition, financing, personnel, budget projections, cost management, marketing and supervision of aircraft maintenance. In addition, Mr. Rosell’s international experience includes flight operations in Europe, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America.

Mr. Rosell is presently employed by A-OK Jets, Inc. as the Chief Pilot for John W. Henry & Company and the Boston Red Sox baseball team. His is responsible for the operation of a Falcon 900 and a Bell 430 helicopter. Flight operations include domestic and international destinations. His responsibilities include the management of company aircraft, personnel, standardization of the flight crews, supervising maintenance and flying the company’s aircraft.