Ask the Author: George Jehn
Answered Questions (6)
George Jehn
My most recent book is nonfiction about what really caused the downfall of the once-great Eastern Airlines, once the second largest airline in America. I was a veteran Eastern pilot for 18 years, and was a member of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Eastern Master Executive Council for six years and was simultaneously a member of the ALPA Board of Directors. I was also a member of the Eastern pilots System Board of Adjustment, the judicial body that adjudicated pilot grievances. The day before Eastern was handed to Frank Lorenzo's Texas Air Corporation, I and Skip Copeland, another ALPA representative made an offer to Frank Borman, the then head of Eastern, worth approximately $2 Billion over 5 years, with the only caveat being that Eastern not be sold to Texas Air. The offer included the total capitulation by the head of the International Association of Machinsts union (IAM). Borman, however, refused our offer, which would have preserved Eastern and the jobs of over 40,000 employees. I vowed that day to discover why Borman refused our offer. That is what the book is all about.
George Jehn
I can't tell you how many times I have awoken in the middle of the night with ideas or information on a book I am currently working on. I used to think, "I'll remember that in the morning, when I wake up," and go back to sleep. However, many times when I awoke, I couldn't recall the idea. So, I now leave a pad and pen right next to the bed and jot something down so I recall what it was in the morning.
George Jehn
Right now I have two nonfiction books that I'm writing. However, I really enjoy writing fiction, so I am considering doing a follow-up to my first novel.
George Jehn
NEVER give up, no matter how many times your work might be rejected!
George Jehn
Being able to write on a subject that many people find interesting and/or intriguing. For example, I worked as an airline pilot for over thirty years, and I believe that is a subject that many people find interesting for a couple of reasons. First, many people don't know what truly goes on behind that mysterious portal as the door is closed and locked during flight. Second, unless you personally know an airline pilot, people might wonder what they are truly like in many other aspects of life.
George Jehn
So far, I have been fortunate enough not to have encountered that problem. The most difficult problem I have encountered so far is deciding on the subject of my next book, and whether it will be fiction or nonfiction.
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