Flying Pope Francis: Recalled

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Capt. Manuel Antonio “Skee” Tamayo and Pope Francis

To us Filipinos, Pope Francis was Lolo Kiko, the term of endearment chanted by Typhoon Yolanda's victims and survivors as he emerged smiling from an improvised stage, drenched and seemingly unmindful of the worsening weather, exactly 10 years, three months, and 10 days ago.

“I informed Ambassador Paynor (Marciano Paynor, the Papal visit’s protocol officer) we may have to cut short the visit because the eye of the typhoon would be 42 kilometers near Tacloban,” shared Capt. Manuel Antonio “Skee” Tamayo.

The retired director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) was the flight commander of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) team that brought the Pope to Tacloban City and back to the Holy See.

As flight commander, Capt. Skee held ultimate authority on board, responsible for all decisions ensuring safe flight operations. While planes can technically take off in thunderstorms, the flight commander prioritizes passenger safety by delaying the flight until conditions improve.

In this case, the flight commander deemed it best to shorten the trip. Considering the impending storm, Capt. Skee left no stone unturned to ensure His Eminence's safety, first sending an A320 as a backup and to provide a pilot's-eye view of the weather, a more detailed perspective.

Despite the impending storm, and even organizers suggesting cancellation, the Tacloban trip went on.

“It was raining already when we landed. The tarmac was wet, but we landed safely. When the Pope disembarked, I informed Ambassador Paynor we have to cut short the schedule that was up until 5 p.m. For His safety, they (Ambassador Paynor and Ambassador Giovanni Gaspari) heed my advice, and we left around 1 p.m.,” recalled Capt. Skee.

“He was drenched, but he was in good spirits,” he reminisced, recalling the Pope's warmth, aura, and cherubic smile. “I was in awe when Ambassador Gaspari introduced me as the flight commander, who recommended to cut short visit.” Ambassador Gaspari was then the Pope’s chief of staff, and now the Holy See’s ambassador to South Korea and Mongolia.

During the short return trip to Manila, the usual cockpit closure protocol was waived. Instead, according to Capt. Skee, the cockpit was left open because “he wanted to see us.”

It was also a chance for the PAL Tacloban team—the flight commander, two captains, five cabin crew (four flight attendants and a purser), and a flight mechanic, all selected for their proficiency and personality—to have individual photo opportunities with the Pope.

Capt. Skee described his conversation with the Pope as “short and sweet, heartwarming and gratifying.”

“I bless you, my son. And please pray for me as well.”

Yes, Virginia, Capt. Skee was indeed fortunate. Months before, when preparations for the Pope’s visit began, shortly after Pope Francis’ appointment, San Miguel Corp. (SMC) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramon S. Ang (RSA) was at the helm of the flag carrier.

“The preparations started during RSA’s time, and I was vice president for operations. I was coordinating with the Vatican. During the planning stage, I wanted line pilots to fly the aircraft carrying the Pope. However, Ambassador Gaspari commented: ‘Why aren’t you included? It would be best for you to be with the flight.’”

Thus, Capt. Skee served as both flight commander and captain, piloting the A340 that brought Lolo Kiko back to Rome.

As we mourn Pope Francis’s passing, looking back, Capt. Skee was truly and totally among the lucky ones who had the chance to converse with His Eminence up close and personal.

For him, it was the highlight of his more than four decades of aviation career.

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