Capt. Edward Sarkisian (United)
Three Generations of Flight
My first flight was on a Piper Tri-Pacer at the Little Ferry seaplane base, two miles east of Teterboro Airport (TEB) in New Jersey. This took place during the summer of 1974—40 years after my dad worked at the very same location in the early to mid-1930s.
During 1974, I went to the Little Ferry seaplane base with a high school friend with five dollars in hand for an introductory seaplane ride. We took off from the Hackensack River and proceeded up the Hudson River and past the New York City skyline. That first short ride further instilled my passion for aviation and the desire to learn to fly.
The Little Ferry seaplane base
When my dad, Edward Sarkisian, worked at the seaplane base as a teenager during the 1930s, he would acquire flying lessons, earning each flight in exchange for two months’ work. He worked on the new Taylor Cubs on floats and other various mechanical projects. Some of the work included securing the engines onto the factory-new aircraft. When work became scarce at the seaplane base, he would “hitch a ride” to Teterboro Airport to work on Stearmans and other classics there.
After six hard-earned hours of lessons, he had to relinquish his efforts in learning to fly for an enlistment in the United States Marine Corps in October 1939. He ultimately became one of the first crewmembers, or “plank owners,” on the new Essex-class aircraft carrier, the USS Yorktown, CV-10. There he served as anti-aircraft gunner onboard throughout the war.
I found it fitting that I was learning where my dad had cut his teeth. I proceeded to take flying lessons during my high school years at Teterboro and Caldwell airports and acquired my pilot’s license in June 1976.
After flight instructing in the late 1970s, I flew night cargo in Cessna 310 twins in 1981, again out of Teterboro. Having just retired, Dad would ride with me several nights a week during the all-night runs. We would land at sunrise at TEB many mornings, back to the place where he started 46 years before.
The enjoyment of flight has continued through my years with United Airlines, being a New York-based crewmember since I was a new hire in 1988. To this day I occasionally take folks up for introductory rides out of Caldwell Airport, and through that there’s an immense satisfaction seeing the joy in my passengers’ eyes and their sense of accomplishment.
One passenger has provided even more. My son, Daniel, started flying at a young age. What a joy to share that passion with a third generation! My wife, son, and I have shared a few good day trips to Block Island and other locations, and we look forward to more.
Daniel’s first PIC passenger flight with me, having just earned his private pilot license, was on Aug. 14, 2012. This was a proud moment for me, and far greater than any of my own accomplishments. Daniel will soon graduate from college with an engineering degree. Having attended Navy ROTC throughout college, he has an aspiration is to fly—hopefully commercially—and enjoys engineering as well.
Three generations of Sarkisians take to the air
The last time my dad went flying, in August 2014, he sat in the back because Daniel wasn’t current and in order for Daniel to legally fly his grandfather, I had to sit up front with him. He greased three landings for his granddad. This story is my way of expressing my thanks, recognition, and respect for both my dad and my son.
Dedicated to my father
Edward Sarkisian
April 28, 1921–Oct. 28, 2015
As Always, Semper Fi
