Fifty and Flying. Approaching fifty-five, with retirement around the corner, Shirley Barbee wondered, "What's next?" While most people would be planning to settle in for some rest and relaxation, Shirley decided to pursue a dream she had ever since she was a little girl: flying the friendly skies as a Flight Attendant. With hard work and determination she interviewed with American Airlines and was hired on the spot. Holding strong to her belief in her dreams and her desire to fly, she embraced the journeys which took her all over the world and offered adventures she had neever dreamed of. Equally engaging and inspirational, Fifty and Flying presents a behind-the-scenes insight into Shirley's personal experiences, the rigors of flight training from pre-flight to post-flight, emergency drills, grooming, food service and other essential facests in the airline industry. Fifty and Flying is peppered with humor and wit,and is a must read for anyone dreaming of life after retirment.