Don Zody:  

Graduated from Fresno State, with B.S. in Business Admin. (had BS degree long before completing college...). Six years in USAF, learned to fly, went to Vietnam and Thailand and flew tactical cargo and air refueling planes. Ran into Gary Underwood in V.N. (also a pilot...he later retired as a full Col.). After military, tried for airline job, but initially foiled by 1st Arab Oil Embargo, leading to my "checkered, but not boring" career (just like flying...lots of ups and downs). Worked for large engineering/construction co. in Bay Area and L.A. area for 5 years before getting hired by Western Airlines in L.A. as a pilot. After 2 years, 2d Arab Oil Embargo resulted in 5 year furlough and subsequent re-employment with previous employer, followed by an aerospace co. Recalled by Western, who was subsequently bought out by Delta and then merged into Delta (1987). Flew out of LAX until 1994 and then transferred to Atlanta, retiring in 2004. Flew B727, B737, B757/767 and MD88 airplanes, retiring as a B757/767 Captain. After retirement, did some real estate investing, sold BMWs (gave great test drives!) and flew as a flight instructor with a large Atlanta area flight academy (mostly for fun, as I just could`t seem to give up flying) for 6 years. As the...Expand for more