Gentlemen!
Following retirement from FedEx in September 2010, I 'promised' myself that I would both acknowledge the interest expressed and provide any correcting details to the various forums on the subject of TYPE RATINGS. It has been an honor to have received notice and questions about my career and 'quest' for achieving added knowledge and the pursuit and acquisition of various aviation ratings.
To my knowledge, my having acquired some 100 Type Ratings still stands, both as the FAA record and the non-contested Guinness Book of World Records. Sadly, as of October 2014, it will be some 10 years since receiving my last type rating.
For the record I was honored with opportunities to capture the beauty of pursuing all of these during the course of 33 years time. I started the process of 'learning' to fly at age 21 in Cherokee 140s in Des Moines, IA, and completed the ratings journey at age 54 acquiring an Authorized Experimental 'Type' Rating in the L-29 Delphin. I was side-lined with a medical disability in March 2007 and finally elected full retirement in 2010.
Along this journey I have crossed paths with but a 'few' other aviators who savored the same interest and passion as my own, going above and beyond the 'norm' for the excitement and sense of accomplishment to explore the traits of aircraft with which they were NOT involved in day-to-day employ. These folks were ALL airline pilots, mostly from differing carriers, but we shared the same 'gene'.
Referencing an earlier thread in this topic, was mentioned an American Airlines Pilot with 50+ type ratings. After reviewing the credentials posted, I'll wager they belong to Captain Ted Stewart, who at a very early age worked alongside his Dad, who ran an aircraft repair facility at Long Beach and later Chino, CA. Ted was privilged to get his hands on the likes of Viscounts and other reciprocating-engine-powered former airliners. At a VERY young age, Ted was flying the famed Doobie Brothers in one of two Martin 202s the band operated. One aircraft was used by the band members, and another for the roadies and the band's equipment and instruments. In additional to all his other duties, previously with Air Cal, and later American, Ted served as an Examiner. We initially met in June 1991 during my training in the Martin 202/404, and later in February 1993 while undergoing training in the Bushmaster 2000.
As of July 2013, the 'display' of pictures, historical documents and memorabilia that formerly occupied two walls of the FedEx crew room, documenting my unusual interest, was been moved in entirety for display at the Aviation Department of Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN. FedEx elected to dismantle that portion of the Flight Operations Department's spaces in favor of expanding their crew rest facilities and no space to display these memorabilia. I was given permission to re-claim these gifted items and transacted the transfer personally.
We ALL are driven in some way, shape or form. What might seen 'nuts' to some may be a quest that makes sense to others. Where we spend our time, interest and money will vary as to what is important to each of usindividually. Gaining an expanded aviation knowledge base was important to me, as demonstrated by spending considerable time in my vocational and avocational pursuits.
Best to you all in your career pursuits!