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Home » United Airlines » Top Gun Pilot For United Airlines Dies At Age 70
United Airlines

Top Gun Pilot For United Airlines Dies At Age 70

Matthew Klint Posted onOctober 13, 2020November 14, 2023 20 Comments

a man in a uniform waving from a car

Captain Mike Bowers, a long-time United Airlines pilot and favorite columnist in the airline’s in-flight magazine has lost his battle to pancreatic cancer. He was 70 years old.

In Memoriam: United Captain Mike Bowers

Bowers began his career in the United States Navy, graduating from the elite Fighter Weapons School (now known as the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program) as an F-14 Tomcat pilot. As a Top Gun pilot, Bowers spent nine years on active duty and 17 years in the Naval reserves.

He made the transition to commercial and flew for People Express, which later merged with Continental Airlines, which later merged with United Airlines. Over his career, he flew the 727, 737, 757, 767 and 777. In fact, he finished his career as the Chief Pilot at Newark Liberty International Airport, a position that allowed him to mentor many pilots over the years.

You may recognize his face from United’s in-flight magazine, Hemispheres. For many years, he wrote the popular “Ask The Pilot” column, which offered concise answers on aviation-related questions.

a white and black text with a plane silhouette

Over his career, he welcomed more than a million passengers onboard, but his favorite flights were United’s annual “Fantasy Flights” which offer underprivileged children a chance to visit the North Pole. These were staffed by all-volunteer crews and Bowers relished this annual Christmas tradition. He also flew rescue mission to Haiti after the devastating 2010 earthquake, helping to deliver valuable cargo to those in great need.

In 2019, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Doctors gave him three month to live. He ended up living for 16 more months.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, two children, and seven grandchildren.

CONCLUSION

Captain Bowers, I wish you CAVU*. Thanks for your service.

*a familiar acronym to pilots that stands for “ceiling and visibility unlimited.”

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About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

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20 Comments

  1. Greg Reply
    October 13, 2020 at 8:35 pm

    Enjoyed his columns – wishes to his family

    • mike adrian michaelides Reply
      October 15, 2020 at 1:01 pm

      AS A RETIRED 30 YR UNITED EMPLOYEE I CAN TELL YOU THAT THE FOLKS INVOLVED WITH THE. FANTASY FLIGHT each year were special. They gave there time..love..and joy to see those little kids enjoy life but for only a few hours..GO SIR TO YOUR REWARD IN HEAVEN. GOD BLESS

  2. Marina D Morrey Reply
    October 13, 2020 at 9:39 pm

    My deepest condolences to Mike’s family. I was very lucky to meet Mike while I work for Continental/united Airlines is Newark NJ. Heaven just got one of the best.

    • Joanne Baumertomalka Reply
      October 14, 2020 at 8:53 am

      It was a joy & an honor to be a part of this persons time on earth. I doubt if I was ever even a blip on his radar….but thats not whats important. He touched many lives. He was kind. He mattered. He will be missed. He will be remembered. His goodness…his love will live on. Thank you my captain, my friend.

      • Carolyn Reply
        October 14, 2020 at 2:18 pm

        My prayers and condolences to Mike’s family and friends. Mike was a great writer for United’s magazine. He went above and beyond to be a servant of man-kind, good citizen and to represent our company United Airlines.

    • Chris Orr Reply
      October 15, 2020 at 1:05 am

      Worked with Mike on several Fantasy Flights and he always made it special for everyone involved…especially the kids! RIP Mike!

      • Matthew Klint Reply
        October 15, 2020 at 1:14 am

        Are you the Chris Orr from Denver who recently retired? Oh how I miss you! Hope you saw the story I wrote on you.

  3. Andre Santos Reply
    October 13, 2020 at 11:04 pm

    What a nice guy he was. I flew with him a few times. Super nice guy, and he was one of those pilots that you remember years later.

  4. Ms. Elaine- FCAP Member Fellowship of Christian Airline Personnel Reply
    October 14, 2020 at 6:16 am

    My prayers of comfort and peace to the family. It’s always too soon when death comes. However we cling to memories that can bring smiles in knowing what a blessings Captain Mike Bowers was.

    United Airline Retiree from Newark International Airport

  5. Kenneth Jensen Reply
    October 14, 2020 at 8:13 am

    RIP Captain Bowers. You are loved by many! God bless you.

    • Jim Hartman Reply
      October 14, 2020 at 11:40 am

      Mike was a pilot’s chief pilot. It was a privilege to work for him. RIP

      • Lyn Reply
        October 14, 2020 at 12:23 pm

        Eternal rest grant unto Mike O Lord, & let perpetual light shine upon him & be with You in Everlasting Life. May his soul Rest In Peace.

  6. Ally Erway Reply
    October 14, 2020 at 9:40 am

    Thank you for your service. A true hero. RIP Captain.

    • Liza Reply
      October 14, 2020 at 8:08 pm

      RIP Captain Bowers, thank you for your service. Condolences to his family & friends.

  7. Julian Reply
    October 14, 2020 at 10:06 am

    Might also be worth mentioning that his family has created a scholarship at the University of Oklahoma in Mike’s name.: https://www. giving.oufoundation.org/OnlineGivingWeb and type in “Michael Bowers” in the “search for a fund” section.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      October 14, 2020 at 10:37 am

      Thanks Julian for sharing.

  8. ed lewis Reply
    October 14, 2020 at 2:28 pm

    so young.

  9. Sharon J. Reply
    October 14, 2020 at 4:19 pm

    A REAL GENTLEMAN!
    Thank you for the love you always showed my children & I for many years .
    Transition well Captain Mike
    God’s grace & mercy to your family!

  10. Brenda Osborne Reply
    October 15, 2020 at 1:00 am

    Captain Bowers you are no longer flying a 777 but you are now flying with the angels. God speed

  11. Pingback: Pastor Allegedly Urinates on Delta Passenger. A Country Introduces Its Own Loyalty Program! - Renés Points

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