We have lost a great pilot (Malcolm Chan-a-sue), mentor, trainer, and many other great human qualities, which is difficult to put into words. Captain Chan-a-Sue’s value to Guyana and Aviation cannot be summed up in a few words or phrases.
I am writing to pay tribute to this giant in my world. He meant more to me than most people who have helped me along my career path, which has spanned more than fifty years.
I started my aviation career as an apprentice mechanic at British Guiana Airways in the early sixties. Harry Wendt was still flying the Grumman Goose seaplanes into the interior waterways of our great country and serving the local population.
During my apprenticeship, I was fortunate to meet Captain Malcolm Chan-a-Sue at the seaplane ramp on a few occasions. He was always polite, courteous, and willing to share a few inciteful moments about flying, which was my passion from my very early youth.
Little did I know that in a few years, we would become colleagues, good friends, and even neighbors. The best part, however, is that he became my training Captain and was responsible for my promotion from First Officer to Captain at Guyana Airways! As a First Officer at GAC, I was scheduled to fly with Malcolm regularly. It turned out that he was even more passionate about aviation, the safety of flight, and myriad issues facing the industry as well as the national airline of Guyana. A very well-rounded human being and committed to his family.
When Captain Chan-a-Sue became the Operations Superintendent for the airline, he enlisted my support to help write a new Operations Manual for GAC. I enjoyed working with him as his knowledge and willingness to share this made him the epitome of a genius of a mentor in my sight. I learned most of what I gained in my early career from this man, a unique human being who refused to accept anything but the best from his co-workers.
I could recount many stories and events that occurred when our schedules required us to fly together, and I will never forget his kindness and generosity to everyone he met. He was a man of his word, carefully thoughtful about others and willing to lend a hand when needed.
I miss his cockpit briefings, his many instructions during my command training on aircraft safety, and the constant reminders to never settle for anything less than outstanding effort from my future co-pilots. Always be considerate of our passengers when I assumed my command. Words to live by and emulate.
Our country and the aviation industry in Guyana have lost a passionate public servant and a great human being.
I offer my condolences to his family in their time of sorrow. RIP Malcolm!
Submitted by;
Dave Rohee
Airline Pilot (Rt)
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