CAPTAIN GRAHAM'S RETIREMENT FLIGHT - AFTER 41 YEARS OF FLYING FOR UNITED AIRLINES

[@southerncapturemedia]

Thanks to everybody that commented and wished my father a congratulations on his career. I’ve continued to share all of your nice comments with him!! Have a great day!

[@wotblake]

Thanks for sharing this video. My dad retired a few years ago from Continental/United after 32 years flying. He retired as a 787 Captain out of SFO. I'm truly jealous of this video you have of your father's last flight. I wish I had something similar.

[@southerncapturemedia]

@@wotblake Hi Blake, thank you for your comment. That’s really cool about your dad. They might have flown together... that’s a long career (32 years!!). I’m sure you are very proud of your father and you have some really cool memories like I do of your dad taking you places. I hope he’s enjoying his retirement. I was originally asked to make a slide show of photos from throughout his career... but I thought making an actual video would be way more special.

[@chrisdimaio6796]

So what’s next for Dad, he’s still too young to sit around. Is he going to fly for an international carrier next?

[@valentinooliveri3012]

My warmest congratulations Eric to your Dad Captain Graham! He is a consummate gentleman,dedicated husband and father,and distinguished aviator,and my prayer is that the good Lord bless and continue to protect him in his retirement. My only regret is that in all my years as a passenger,I never had the honor of having him as my captain..wheels up and Godspeed Captain Graham to a most uplifting and fulfilling long life ahead! God bless you!🙏🍀🛫

[@gasaholic47]

Best moment? Your mom and dad walking hand in hand through ORD.

[@islandcactus1508]

Had the pleasure of flying with him on the 777. He trained me, guided me and even helped me with my alcoholism. Congrats Capn G!

[@gabrielle-AVFloyd]

Hello, by any chance did you know Captain James M. Hykes? He was my father, UAL pilot 1960-1994. He retired in Honolulu. His last base was Seattle- (flew to Hong Kong alot). I realize this may be a longshot but he passed away and I don't have any family left so am trying to connect with anyone who may have known him. Thank you

[@islandcactus1508]

@@gabrielle-AVFloyd I am sorry I didn’t sweetie. I’m sure he was a lovely person and a class act. May he RIP and love you all 🙏🏽

[@gabrielle-AVFloyd]

@@islandcactus1508 He absolutely was a class act and a wonderful father, thank you so much for your kind words. He got sober after struggling for years in 1978, so I appreciate and respect your honestly about your alcoholism. Thank you for replying to me🙏

[@islandcactus1508]

@@gabrielle-AVFloyd absolute pleasure my dear! The world is messed but I promise you, people like your father made it a better place. He’s also smiling down on you for the love you have for him. Bless sweetie 🙏🏽

[@suzannemcmaken4648]

💕

[@kadenbrunner4238]

Didn't plan on crying today but here we are

[@PInk77W1]

I’m gonna steal that

[@HB3ZZY]

Neither did I just like planes ✈️😥

[@rlandauro]

Cried my eyes too. 🙏🏻❤️✈️🇺🇸

[@garnelljohnson1829]

They got me too Kaden. Much love

[@houssamhammoudi1982]

Same here

[@ElderWillows]

His wife crying even inside the plane for her husband is so sweet, she really truely cares for her husband and his happiness I wish them both the best.

[@Elizabeth-nl5ui]

So my comment might be extremely late. I cried watching this. You pilots are the angels that deliver us safely to our loved ones around the world. Such a touching film. Thank you for everything.

[@southerncapturemedia]

Thank you for watching!

[@Dutchbird757]

That is by far the most emotional retirement video I have seen. Well deserved but it breaks my heart as a fellow aviator. I might have 10,000hrs and another 25 years to go but it's the day I fear.

[@southerncapturemedia]

He loved his career and didn’t want to step away one little bit. He had a great career! I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Good luck in your career in aviation!

[@Dontgiveafeck]

Watching this in 2023 and had me crying. That last photo of him leaving the plane, spoke volumes. Hope he is enjoying his retirement.

[@bs2502]

When I think of the type of Captain I feel safe flying the plane I'm on, Captain Graham is the image I imagine. Happy long retirement Captain to you and your beautiful wife. Brett. Sydney Australia.

[@southerncapturemedia]

Thank you for your kind words ! Have a great day!

[@Vagabondo-fs6qu]

It's a difficult thing to walk away from, when you have dedicated 40 years of your life doing something you love;. At least it was for me. As I said to those of the younger generation to whom I left the reins to; it was their turn and their capable hands into which I placed the trust to achieve even better things. Well done Captain Graham.

[@southerncapturemedia]

Thank you for your nice comment!! Have a great Day!! Also congrats on your long career in aviation. Thats very cool!

[@BobbyGeneric145]

He hit the timing just right... Majority of the time he was in the left seat.

[@alexppp230]

I work in aviation as well and i need to say that this job is not a just a job, it is part of your life

[@southerncapturemedia]

So So True!! It was a big part of our whole family life!

[@user-wl6bw3jl4n]

Captain Graham, my heartiest Congratulations to you for your service to United. I recently retired from Cathay Pacific and share your sentiments. I sure miss flying. Wishing you the very best for all your future endeavours and above all the very best of health to you and your Family. Cheers from Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺

[@southerncapturemedia]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@PlaneGeek007]

Congratulations Captain Graham! May the wind always be at your back and the skies smooth wherever you go. Beautiful tribute to your dad!

[@southerncapturemedia]

Thank you for such a nice comment! Have a great day!!

[@rixxroxxk1620]

I’m not a pilot, but have a love of aviation. This video made me cry. Very well done Sir. Thank you for safely flying millions around the world to see family, vacations, funerals, weddings, child birth, etc. We all have our reasons we fly, you chose to get us their safely for 41.5 years. My hat is off to you.

[@BobbyGeneric145]

What a great man. I have 24 years remaining until retirement. Flying airliners is all I've ever wanted to do and Im blessed.

[@jb7486]

Nicely done! Flew with Keith many many times during my time on the 47. Always great to work with and we had a great time where ever we ended up. Wish him the best!

[@xyzwithez]

As a filmmaker, student pilot, and son of a UAL Instructor (over 20+ years) this got me. Well done, Eric - Beautifully produced. Thanks for keeping us all safe, Captain.

[@southerncapturemedia]

Thank you for your nice comments!

[@michaeljneal]

Absolute goosebumps. What an amazing tribute to an amazing aviator. I can only imagine the mixed emotions of the day; being happy & excited for the future, while putting a career to bed that was a part of your life for so long. Salud, Captain Graham!

[@utubewatcher360]

This one takes the cake so they say!!! I damn near cried through the entire video. How can most people look so much forward to a retirement after 41 years yet its so sad to see the end of and era. God Bless you Captain Graham. And enjoy your retirement life

[@themtoniraniremaxbroker2447]

Really Enjoyed but also very emotional as Captain Graham Very Reluctantly gave UP the Best Job in the World! Many thanks from Canada Captain!!

[@ShadowFigure81]

I am currently a Private Pilot with an instrument rating. One day I plan to be like Capt. Graham; flying the big airlines. It's been my dream ever since I was four years old. Flying a plane isn't just a job, it's a passion. A true love of flight. Seeing this video is bitter sweet. Thank you for your service Captain.

[@southerncapturemedia]

Keep up the good work! I have passed your message along. Have a great say!

[@tonypence0602]

What a wonderful bitter sweet moment. I don’t think the typical person truly understands the commitment, dedication, and love pilots like Capt. Graham have to their job…their craft and skill. This had to be a tough day knowing that tomorrow he would no longer be in the seat. Though I have never met you, I salute you Sir. Thank you for the time, dedication, love, excellence, and commitment to safety taking passengers like me to where we need to go. Happy retirement!

[@richierich800]

This randomly showed up in my KZbin recommendations today. I immediately recognized your family. I worked on the GA ramp on the island when you guys flew in during the summer! Your Dad offered me advice on getting into the airline world. Congratulations to him. And I hope your family is doing well. I still remember when you guys had the gear incident on your trip in the C310.

[@southerncapturemedia]

Hi Adam, that’s so cool! I’m really glad you had the chance to meet and talk to him. I actually worked 2 summers out on the Vineyard for Cape Air as a Ramp Agent in 2013 and 2017. That’s also really cool that this popped up on your recommendations on KZbin. I’m not sure if the video will work or not. But below is the emergency landing. It was June of 2007. I’ve kept it unlisted on KZbin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/in2XmmV7pqd8bKc I hope all is well! Thank you for commenting this. That made my night. I sent your message to him right away.

[@mikentosh]

@@southerncapturemedia - The link does work. Just watched it!

[@kiranpande5416]

Don't know how, but YT recommended this to me a day after my dad , an aircraft engineer on the wide body fleet of Air India retired after 31 years and here the mandatory age for retiring is 58.... I can seriously feel this video and how an emotional moment it might be for him and you as a family and yes it was for all of also indeed, Wish you everyone good times ahead.

[@CollegeAviator]

Huge congratulations to your father! I have had so many memorable flights on Air India’s 747s and 787s. 😊

[@kiranpande5416]

@@CollegeAviator Thank You so much I'll convey your well wishes to him :-)

[@richardlindqvist556]

Wow, this is hard to watch when you literally can see in his eyes how much he will miss his job. I hope you will have a great retirement Captain Graham with many happy memories.

[@allyboy8]

Very emotional. A brilliant flying career. A true gentleman.

[@aviatology3904]

This video was absolutely amazing!!! Seriously Captain Graham motivated me more than ever know to become a pilot. To see that he is proud of all the hard work and all the years that he has put into something he loves. Have a wonderful retirement Captain Graham!!!

[@kevinpointer1187]

I flew for BA for 43 years as a very senior flight attendant.My reward was the airline couldn’t wait to get rid of me as I was viewed as being to expensive,rather than acknowledgement of all the experience I had.All I ever did was adapt to change and turn up for work.Best thing about retirement is a good night’s sleep.Stay safe Captain

[@DanSmithBK]

BA used to inspire feelings of class, style and great service, but in the past 20 years it’s become a poor example of how to run an airline. The disrespect shown to staff over that time is staggering. I shall never forgive them for refusing to keep a Concorde flying, and since then I’ll book any other airline when possible, and only fly BA if I have no other option.

[@mikethompson3534]

@@DanSmithBK Yes same here at United airlines

[@mrflynn1205]

I know mate. This happened to so many people at BA after situation of 2020. And I understand that after unceremoniously dumping a lot of you they then re-hired a lot of cabin crew on way less money. This is correct isn’t it ?

[@locoHAWAIIANkane]

Congratulations Captain Graham! May there always be wind in your sails and I know God will ALWAYS hold you in the palm of his hands! Mahalo for your years of service and dedication to us all!

[@southerncapturemedia]

Thank you kindly

[@PeeseaB]

Much respect, and Thank you for your service... Wow over 40 years of dedication.

[@jazzs2965]

These are the Gentlemen who make this country so great. Hard work & commitment come rain or shine. Happy Retirement Captain 👨🏼‍✈️👍🏼

[@richardshiggins704]

Congrats Capt. A well earned retirement ! Already 2 years into it and I hope you are enjoying it with your lovely family . Health and happiness .

[@robertlopez7293]

Congratulations captain, enjoy your retirement. Amazing flying career, and also thank God for keeping you safe up in the sky.

[@loveoneanotherasihaveloved8327]

Yep, I cried..I wish I could afford flight school.

[@SQ773]

My thanks goes out for this humble man,Captain Keith Graham. After a 41 years journey the retirment is there.Thank you Captain!...i started to work for KLM at age 19,in 1979. Now i'm 62 in July and tears running down over my face.

[@CareerJoyCareerClass]

My son is 23 & a first year FO on the 737 for Sunwing - I can imagine this for him - thanks for the diligence, professionalism & passion you exemplify here...blessings

[@PaulGarthAviation]

Congratulations, Capt. Graham. You epitomize the meaning of Pilot-in-Command - safely and selflessly transporting passengers on journeys that have importance to them. Thanks also to Mrs. Graham for your sacrifice, and lending your husband to the world of aviation.

[@eric.vice.01]

I loved Mom's little prayer during pushback. It may have been one of only a handful as a passenger, but I guarantee it was not the first. Bless you both.

[@jorgeperezdearce2908]

It just happen now for me to watch this really emotional moment for Captain Graham , admirable man to fulfil 41.5 years of impecable career… thanks for taking so many people all over the world captain… cheers from Down Under… Sydney

[@supercat380]

This man deserves admiration and respect, both as a gentleman and as a professional aviator!!

[@Sureszan]

It's definitely a bitter sweet feeling. You wanna leave and at the same.time come back to work. Leaving the airline if you're a pilot feels like you lost your wings. Just mixed up feelings which is hard to describe. Happy retirement Captain. It's time to move to your new phase in life which is family and grandkids.

[@laurataylor203]

Congratulations sir I hope you enjoy the rest of your life , god bless you Much respect From the UK

[@TraceUK]

I dreamt of being a pilot from being 3 years old, I was absolutely passionate about it. Began lessons over in Canada and then found out I had health issues which precluded me from working at all. I cry every day, every time I see a contrail every time I see that uniform, my heart breaks all over again. Aviation isn’t just a job it’s a meaning. A love and a passion. Now I’m just waiting to die whilst thinking of all that I’ve missed. Well done Captain Graham! A legendary Aviator. I hope he is well and is adjusting well to life on terrain. When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward. For there you have been, and there you will always long to return ✈️

[@StrictlySports]

🙏

[@GoDoSomeResearchKid]

Dang dude, do you mind me asking what illness you suffer from?

[@tuandriverga]

You can be a truck driver like me 😅

[@iitzfizz]

I can relate, I was diagnosed with Epilepsy in my early 20's just not long after I really got into aviation and it means that I'll now never be able to learn. It sucks.

[@FriousBlackPanther]

This video is beautiful to watch. Wow... 41 years of service, it has to end very emotional. Well done to this man! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@southerncapturemedia]

Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to watch this video! Have a great day!

[@salcrocker894]

Congratulations Keith my dear friend! I still remember flying with you on the 737 and going for runs on the layover, back when I was in shape! You were always the consummate professional aviator and had smooth hands! As now a 787 Captain, I'll keep the lights on and the torch to pass on. Blessings as you embark on a new chapter in your life! Much love to you and your family!

[@iSaiahRivas29]

I’m starting my flight training next year. And after watching this I feel retirement day is my most feared day

[@thewatchman1078]

One of the loveliest things on KZbin thanks for posting hope this wonderful chap has a great retirement and keeps flying the smaller stuff.

[@cristelaopico]

I cried from the beginning to the end of this video, very emotional. We work for a company that means a lot for us. Captain Graham God bless your life and your family and thanks for the all years of service for our big United Family. ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️Enjoy your well deserve retirement. ✈️❤️

[@dixienormous3262]

That was absolutely beautiful and touching. I had tears in my eyes a few times. As an aviation nut with a PPL, I unfortunately never saw my dreams of commercial flight come true. Great job on capturing such a memorable event for your family.

[@halarms7617]

Makes me happy to see that after all this time he’s still so damn passionate about it. Congratulations Captain!

[@lissa7052]

I cried the whole time! Thank you for your service Captain

[@roodytjm9282]

Fabulous..! Last pro flight is emotional.. this footage is really too. Most difficult is the 'last' when you know you are giving someone so close and so tallented who brings you to that kind of level, to his last flight.. and then it's really another statement. Take care and thank you for sharing so personal testimony. TjM ☼

[@79nyisle]

Congratulations on your retirement and thanks for making me cry great video and looks like a great man.

[@moetocafe]

This is so genuine and emotional, it warmed my heart watching it. And I'm thankful to KZbin for showing it to me, as I didn't know your channel at all. A man's career, that longed about my entire life, so long. It's hard to comprehend. And reminded me of so many things - the 80s, my childhood, my father and his generation of dedicated men, who did their jobs in dignity and excellence, serving the people. Pure pleasure and honour, watching this. Salute to Capt. Graham!

[@southerncapturemedia]

Thank you for your nice comments!

[@jakesimpson6365]

Currently freshman at Purdue working on CPL/IR. I plan on having tens of thousands of hours like Mr. Graham someday. I feel like my dream of flying jets is so far off in the distance, but know it will come super fast. Thanks so much for sharing and congrats!

[@scottstevens2752]

Thank you Captian! You are amazing sir!

[@Samyboy938]

Donno how I came across this video, but this is by the far the best video in Aviation I've seen in the past - that made me cry. Kudos to your Father for those 41.5 YRS of being that leader, and conveying so many people for business/vacation etc. From point A to B safely.

[@Windtee]

Amazing! This is what dreams of flight are made of. Continued success to you, Captain Graham.

[@southerncapturemedia]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@Cranevill]

Best wishes Captain . What a wonderful story. Thanks for keeping us safe in the air. We all hope you enjoy retirement. Best to the family as well.

[@jimsmith1160]

I just retired from United after 33 years, 22,000 hours, and it was a dream. I loved my job, and am looking forward to whatever comes next. Great video, Captain Graham!

[@chadjo5403]

Congratulations 🎉🎊🎈 Captian Graham ; thank you so much for helping the nation reach there destinations ! I hope you have a wonderful and safe retirement years ......

[@scottbrazinsky615]

This was a wonderful send off.Congradulations to you sir- thank you for many safe miles and thank you for your service!

[@ericb5777]

Well done sir. You lived a shared dream… one I was never able to achieve. I hope your retirement is going well, I can only imagine how tough it must be to make that transition when you have to stop doing something you love.

[@AndyKimbel]

Wonderful!! All the best to you.

[@SonofthewindsInc]

Made me cry. Awesome Pilot!

[@ramgoatliver]

Awesome! Happy retirement Captain.

[@debbz575]

Enjoy the Journey

[@johndemerse9172]

So glad I stumbled onto this video. Congratulations Captain Graham.

[@anthonyddrummer]

Thank you for your service sir! God Bless you

[@ugeenie]

Fellow UA pilot here (ORD 737)... stumbled on this video, and so glad I did. Much respect to your father, and I'm grateful for those who have come before me. 41 years, absolutely amazing. Thanks for the video, and happy retirement CA Graham!

[@southerncapturemedia]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@meyuruperera8359]

Hello captain

[@atungolai1616]

Thanks for your service captain 🤝👍

[@smonkey957]

Speechless here

[@fandraden86]

Absolutely awesome! You Captain inspire us all! Fell warmly hugged directly from Brazil!

[@Robertoknows2111]

All the best to your dad. I lost my father 2 years ago. He was s as hard working family man like yours . I’m happy you got to share in his last flight. ✈️🙏

[@BillVol]

Thank you for your service, Captain Graham!

[@carlosmartingalindoperez4268]

Congratulations Captain, Greetings from Mexicali México.

[@KingCyrus-iw9yx]

Honestly speaking I am moved to tears watching how some people work with a lot of passion and zeal just to serve others 🇰🇪💯 much love from Kenya

[@bobbydigital_BobbyinLA]

I flew on one of your dad's flights many years ago, i remember his name! God bless and congratulations!!

[@watchingc]

First of all, great video. I love how proud you are of your father because of this accomplishment and it's deserving. I love watching these videos, my dad worked for the same company for 35 years before he passed away I never got to retire so I like to vicariously live through these videos for him. I appreciate it,

[@jessekiefer0206]

That is so awesome what a great tribute! Congratulations to your dad! I really wish I was able to return to the airlines and fly again as a flight attendant! So many memories!

[@southerncapturemedia]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@michae8jackson378]

I gave up a biz career to become airline pilot. I flew for 5 years at PSA, regional at that time owned by US Airways, flying CRJ700s. I lost my medical, now teach pilots to fly biz jets. I know how much I missed flying my jet....I can’t imagine after 41 years! But he’s earned a great relaxing retirement after those years! Congratulations! Amazing! I’m so happy I found this video!👨‍✈️👨‍✈️👨‍✈️

[@frankgallagher5786]

congratulations on your retirement. now the hard part begins! I'm still trying to find my way having retired 5 years ago. I really believe that to get through this job in reasonable mental health pilots need a solid well balanced partner. looks like you've got that. Cherish it and look ahead.

[@siebrenbroekema]

Wow... I am just at the start of my aviation career but man, this really hits hard. By far the best retirement video I have seen.

[@derekrogy5852]

As someone who was just hired a major airline 3 years ago, I am not looking forward to this day. I can tell by the overwhelming emotion that you did what you loved and loved what you did. It makes life so much easier when we truly never work a day in our lives!

[@mazepilot]

Amazing trip Captain, well done. All the best for you and your family, from here, Portugal.

[@southerncapturemedia]

Thanks a lot!

[@markweiss7715]

MAD Respect!

[@stuntmanstu1]

I think I got more choked up than Captain Graham. How tough it must’ve been to walk away from such an amazing career. All the best in your retirement sir!

[@iiigraghu]

Excellent Enterprising Endeavour 🎉🙏 41.5 years of service was a mind blowing endeavour. Great attitude shown by Captain Graham during these four plus decades with advancing technologies decade after decade. I heartily appreciate the video and share the grit and emotions of the gentleman on his superannuation. All The Best in Your Earnest Endeavour 🙏.

[@alejandrohinestrosa2895]

Congratulations Captain Graham for your successful and glorious career as pilot. God bless you.

[@calebmarkowski9192]

Much respect Captain Graham. I one day hope to be in your shoes and this video was truly heartwarming. Thank you for your 41 years of service sir.

[@southerncapturemedia]

Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to watch this video! Have a great day!

[@andrewnorris1987]

Congratulations CA Graham on an amazing career. Strong tailwinds and enjoy the time with your family ❤️

[@V1rowt8]

A true gentleman. I too dread this day....and it's getting close. All the best in retirement, sir!

[@ciarankelly4338]

Captain Graham,congratulations and what a fantastic achievement! Greetings from Ireland

[@scottlawler9402]

Great video and happy retirement Capt. 👏

[@bayofbengal7170]

Very emotional video, not many people in the world can say they love their job and dedicate 41.5 years of their life. Enjoy your retirement Sir .

[@mikemas91]

Congrats Captain.. Thank you for your service

[@southerncapturemedia]

Thank you for your well wishes.

[@gonatinku]

Hi Mr Eric Graham congratulations Iam from India we wish you all the best and happy retired life and you are very good luck person that 41yrs of flying is not joke

[@geohig01]

On the verge of retirement myself, I found deep comfort and admiration for Captain Graham and his achievements, along with his tremendous love and devotion to family.

[@southerncapturemedia]

Thank you for your nice comments!!

[@grantporebski7048]

Congratulations mate, from us in Perth Western Australia

[@southerncapturemedia]

Thank you!!

[@fs2004AF]

Man. You can tell this man just loves to fly. This hit me to the core.

[@southerncapturemedia]

Thank you for your nice comment!! Have a great Day!!

[@mikegallagher9449]

Congrats Captain! Watched this video two years late, but hell, it even made me emotional. Best of luck in retirement.