Smooth Landing

Higher than clouds. Beyond mountains. For 32 years, he soared above it all. As a Continental Airlines pilot, Capt. George Hemminger crossed the Earth many times over, seeing the world from afar as carved out squares of green.

But now a life defined by departures and arrivals is ending. On these last days before the mandatory retirement at 60, Hemminger readies for his final transcontinental 747 flight from Los Angeles International to Frankfurt. He arrives with Second Officer Murphy Martin for the first leg to Newark, N.J., and at 1,500 feet, his co-pilot, Capt. Joe Dentz, helps him glide past New York’s skyline. There’s a surprise upon landing--a party from the crew in first class, and a kiss from his wife, Mary.

Then there are memories to share over Newfoundland. His diary tells that on his first 747 landing, a body gear tire blew. Of course, he survived that. And soared.