During our sit-down interview, he turns the tables and asks me a question, “How old do you think I am?” Realizing it’s probably not good to lie to one who has fl own the Dalai Lama, I honestly answer that he looks 34, give or take a year. “No, I am 48.” I’m shocked; my taxi driver looked over 40 … and he was only 24. For Capt. Maden, the expla- nation as to why he has seemingly stayed much younger than his years is simple: passion delivers youth. He comes across as one calm, cool, and collected individual.
Lightening the Skids Can Enlighten
Do you know that feeling you get after a good fl ight? Your bird purred like a kitten as you lifted the skids into the air. The fl ight melded your mind with your body as your eyes engaged the fl ight panel while your four limbs did as your brain directed. Capt. Maden says fl ying makes him a more “enlightened being.” He clarifi es this does not mean he thinks he’s better than others. Rather, piloting gives him gratitude for the lifestyle he has achieved and thankfulness that he gets to spend much of his life doing what he loves. This leads to mental contentment. He sees an enlightened aviator as more relaxed and happy because he has pursued his passion for the joy of fl ight.
Capt. Maden has already had a full fl ight career. Still, he doesn’t plan for it to end soon. He hopes to continue fl ying and has been growing his aviation consulting side work. For years to come, he plans to lighten the skids … and pursue enlightenment.
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