After 32 years with United Airlines, Captain Mark Hardcastle just piloted his last commercial flight…a fitting send-off to a remarkable man.
United Airlines Captain Mark Hardcastle Retires
Denver-based Captain Mark Hardcastle spent 32 years flying for United Airlines, retiring this month as a Boeing 737 captain. He was a staple in Denver, well-loved by both fellow employees and passengers.
In tribute to his career, United released a short video highlighting his career and final flight, coinciding with World Pilots’ Day:
https://twitter.com/united/status/1783870362951840107
Sadly, I never had the opportunity to fly with Captain Hardcastle (at least that I can recall) but I can tell immediately from the video (and from the words of affirmation from my friend Jon Gooda) that he was a gem.
How important it is for a captain to simply present! Many a delay or cancellations can be handled effectively by frank but empathetic communication, not by hiding in the cockpit. We travelers understand that things sometimes do go wrong and the act of communicating makes all the difference in how we process that since it shows respect for our time.
I hope that Captain Hardcastle will continue to fly as a pilot instructor or perhaps as a Part 135 operator (for a carrier like JSX). Based on his comfort behind the microphone, I would imagine he would will also be a motivational speaker.
Congrats Captain Hardcastle. I salute you!
Have you flown with Captain Hardcastle?
All pilots , cabin crew , flight crew , dispatchers , and air traffic controllers are worthy of respect from the get-go .
All managers and politicians need to earn my respect .
Any student “demonstrators” who interfere with the study of actual students are unworthy of my respect .
Alwrt,
No one gives an orange shit what you ‘feel’ . Not about political views, nor anti-Apartheid demonstrations.
The article is about a fine Avaitor retiring after a solid career. Stick to the subject, little ADHD man.
Capt Mark is my husband ☺️☺️☺️☺️
Then I’ll salute you too. All the best in retirement!
And yes, Judi is in fact my wife! 🙂
Geez I retired from Tastee Freeze and all I got was a bronze ice cream scooper.
Good job Captain Hardcastle! A job well done.
Thank you! It was a good ride!
“ UNITED AIRLINES CAPTAIN RETIRES WITH DIGNITY”. Is this unusual?
Wow. I wonder how he got hired at United around 1991. They would not even call you in for an interview with checked, “Male” and “White” on the application.
Not true. I was working at the training center at the time. Your statement is patently false.
Retirement is a milestone chapter in most people’s lives. With that said, out of every possible congratulatory comment that could be made,…that was the best you could come up with!? Distorted and pathetic.
“ UNITED AIRLINES CAPTAIN RETIRES WITH DIGNITY”.
But no pension for all those years of service.
We met Captain Hardcastle in 2019 on a flight from IAH to DFW. It was a late night flight on a 737-900. He allowed my son, then 7 (and super tired at 11p) to sit in the captain’s seat on our way out of the airplane. he put his hat on my son and I got a great pic of them both, which is still hanging up in my band office. What a great guy! Cheers to you on a fantastic career.
Thanks, Mr. Kozian! Those interactions with kids were just about my favorite part of the job. I’m honored that you framed the picture. I’d actually love to have a copy to frame and put on my office wall as well. Would you be so kind as to look me up via any of the socials so we can connect and PM? Thank you! Best, Captain Mark
I flew with Captain Hardcastle on his last day of flying. His family was on board. He addressed all the passengers. I was so impressed with the number of people who knew, honored and respected him. Congratulations, Captain! Enjoy retirement and thank you for serving so well for so long!
Hi Nancy!
That was a good day indeed! Thank you for sharing it with me.
Best,
Captain Mark
Headline insinuates this is a rare thing. I don’t know of any Captains who did not retire with dignity. This takes nothing away from what was a well flown career.
Headline insinuates this is a rare thing. I don’t know of any Captains who did not retire with dignity. This takes nothing away from what was a well flown career.
Headline insinuates this is a rare thing. This takes nothing away from what was a well flown career.
Neat well done on 32+ years , I did 34 , it was a fun time .
Hi Peter, I agree! We could’ve done worse…! 🙂