From the RUPA VP

Fellow aviators

It is both a privilege and an honor to introduce myself to the Retired United Pilots Association. I am especially grateful to have been asked to serve as Vice President, a role I am proud to accept in support of our community and its mission.

My aviation career spanned nearly four decades, from Army service flying Hueys and Cobras (1974–2013) to Air North commuters (1979–83), corporate aviation with Wayfarer Ketch, and onward to United Airlines, where I served as Captain and Line Check Airman. These experiences gave me a strong foundation in leadership, training, and international operations.

I am particularly honored to serve under the leadership of my longtime friend, President John Yackus. John and I have shared more than forty years of friendship and professional camaraderie. Together we have been all over the world with United Airlines—not only flying, but also in roles where Flight Operations asked us to assist with international station startups and other operational needs. To now work alongside him in guiding the association is both meaningful and a privilege.

Since retiring, I’ve stayed active by serving on a couple of homeowner association boards and spending much of my time building trails in Marquette, Michigan—a rewarding way to stay engaged and give back outside the cockpit.

I look forward to honoring our history, supporting our leadership, and building on the friendships and experiences that make this community so meaningful.

Fraternally,
Captain Chris J. “Birdman” Bird
United Airlines (Ret.)
Vice President, RUPA