Fidel Sanchez and Zazil-xa Davis-Vazquez
Recorded
March 2, 2020
Archived
March 2, 2020
39:31 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
ddf000483
Description
Fidel Sanchez (81) is interviewed by StoryCorps facilitator Zazil-xa Davis-Vazquez (25) about his career in the United States Air Force as a pilot, later memories from his time as a commercial airline pilot, and his love of playing the trombone.Subject Log / Time Code
FS recalls his childhood and education in Las Cruces, NM. FS speaks about earning a scholarship to New Mexico State University by playing the trombone, and qualifying to be a pilot in Advanced Air Force ROTC.
FS speaks about graduating from NMSU, and trying out civil engineering before beginning pilot training. FS recalls the first days, and training to fly in formation.
FS shares memories of graduation from pilot training, and speaks about the stress of flying the B52 bomber in the Vietnam War.
FS remembers being hired by Continental Airlines after leaving the Air Force, and flying to Vietnam commercially to bring discharged soldiers home.
FS speaks about supersonic flying, the various planes he flew, and taking helicopter lessons.
FS shares the story of coming back to the Trombone after 50 years, and playing music in the New Horizon Concert Band and Orchestra.
FS speaks about his kids, and recalls the first days immediately coming out of the his service and returning to Las Cruces.
FS remembers being laid off by Continental Airlines and returning multiple times. FS speaks about his favorite planes to fly, and what it is like in the cockpit.
FS speaks about fun times as a pilot, and the strict fitness requirements. FS speaks about his wives and marriage, and family vacations, before closing the interview.
Participants
- Fidel Sanchez
- Zazil-xa Davis-Vazquez