SWA Guys Might Remember

[bafanguy]

Last week, Capt. Emilio Salazar passed away. He was one of the original, original SWA pilots. It was my privilege to fly copilot for Capt. Salazar on DC-6, DC-9, and B-737. He was one of my personal heros. Thought you guys might want to know.

 

[SWA/FO]

Was he the fellow from Cuba? His picture right at the foot of the steps in the training center?

 

[bafanguy]

Salazar was one of two Cuban captains who were original SWA pilots. The remaining one, Raul Cabeza, is in his 80's and appears to be doing well. Just saw him this past weekend in Indiana. Cabeza and Salazar knew each other for most of their lives and flew together at Cubana. These are two of the finest gentlemen you've ever met.

 

[BoilerUP]

bafanguy,

You come back for the 50th Anniversary? Probably met you and never knew it... Was Salazar a Purdue Airlines/PAC captain?

 

[bafanguy]

Yes...

 

[canyonblue]

Salazar was one of two Cuban captains who were original SWA pilots. The remaining one, Raul Cabeza, is in his 80's and appears to be doing well.

How well? He had no Defined Benefit at SWA. He must be eating macaroni & cheese. No wait, he's a Multi-Millionaire.

 

[bafanguy]

"...doing well..." has several contexts. I can't speak to his finances. He's a bit frail, but mentally as sharp as it gets. So many of the original group of captains have passed away and I knew them all. I'm just happy to see Raul "doing well".