From Cockpit to Cabin: A Timeless Father-Son Aviation Bond Recaptured After 30 Years

Ruben Flowers came across the photo unexpectedly while browsing through photo albums at his grandmother's house in early 2023. To his surprise, he stumbled upon a snapshot from 1994 capturing him as a young child, seated alongside his pilot father in the cockpit of an airplane.

Flowers gazes at his dad with deep admiration in this photograph. His father's radiant smile, captured by the camera, signifies his readiness to take flight in the plane.

Having forgotten about the existence of this photo, Flowers is overwhelmed with memories of his upbringing upon laying eyes on it once again. The memories evoke a sense of inspiration derived from his father's influence. He cherishes the days spent together at the airport, eagerly accompanying him to the training center and eagerly seizing the opportunity to try out the simulators. Pride would radiate from him whenever his father would discuss his occupation during school careers day.

The timing of the recently found photo was impeccable. Flowers, who is now 30, was on the verge of pursuing his father's path and starting his career as a First Officer with Southwest Airlines. In the meantime, Flowers' father, Ruben Flowers, was nearing the end of his tenure and preparing for his last flight as a Captain with Southwest.

The younger Flowers tells CNN Travel that flying with his dad at Southwest was a dream come true and his ultimate goal in aviation.

"It was a dream of mine to make it to this point to fly with my dad, it was probably my number one aviation goal."

First Officer Ruben Flowers

Upon stumbling upon the ancient photograph, the Flowers duo devised a new objective: not only did they aspire to soar through the skies together, but they also aimed to replicate the snapshot taken in the flight deck during the 1990s, two decades past. Their vision extended beyond the realms of a father-son relationship, intertwining their roles as colleagues and co-pilots.

Fast forward to March 2023, and the elder Flowers found himself steering his ultimate Southwest flight, commanding an aircraft from Omaha, Nebraska to his beloved hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Accompanying him was his son, assuming the position of first officer.

"The older Flowers expresses, 'It was an incredible sensation' as he reminisces about witnessing his son standing beside him during his final landing. Naturally, they joyfully recreated the 1994 photograph, both wearing wide grins in the 2023 edition."

"It was just great to be able to recreate that moment," says the younger Flowers. "It was a dream come true moment."

Family affair

Here's Captain Ruben Flowers and First Officer Ruben Flowers recreating the 1990s photo in 2023.

Flowers' retirement flight included not only his brother and cousin, but also coworkers at Southwest Airlines. As it turns out, the Flowers have made flying a true family tradition.

"There are seven of us," the older Flowers explains. "I am one, and my brother is a pilot. I have three children, all of whom are pilots. Additionally, my nephew and cousin are both pilots. It's truly astounding to me that they all had the same desire to become pilots."

During family gatherings and holidays, the Flowers family attempts to limit discussions about work. However, inevitably, a particular story ignites their passion for aviation, as noted by the younger Flowers.

The Flowers family's aviation legacy started when the elder Flowers was a child in Michigan during the 1960s and 70s.

"I was once asked by a pilot if I wanted to visit the cockpit. I enthusiastically accepted the offer," he reminisces. "I was instantly captivated, and my desire to become a pilot was ignited. From then on, I dedicated myself to pursuing a career as an airline pilot."

Once qualified, the elder Flowers dedicated himself to motivating others to pursue the same path. The fact that this endeavor included numerous loved ones was merely a coincidence. He mentions that he consistently encouraged his children to pursue their passions, regardless of what those might be.

Although the younger Flowers grew up admiring his father and feeling proud of his achievements, he only made the official decision to become an aviator during his college years.

Reflecting on it now, he believes that the signs had always been indicating towards that path.

"It was always an idea that lingered in the depths of my mind, a lifelong aspiration," he expresses.

An aviation-loving kid posed by an airplane in 1999. Over 20 years later, she recreated the photo

Working as a team

The Flowers men say they worked well together as a father-son pilot team.

The retirement flight of Flowers, accompanied by his son, was always bound to evoke emotions. As they arrived at the gate, tears were inevitably shed.

The younger Flowers describes the father-son working dynamic in the air as similar to "working on the lawn together, or something similar." He mentions that it flowed seamlessly and felt natural, resulting in a great experience. However, he acknowledges that he also aimed to impress his father with his skills and competence.

The older Flowers acknowledged that the flight presented a unique chance for him to share flying insights with his son firsthand.

Speaking of the experience, he expressed, "It went incredibly smooth and pleasant. Moreover, it was a remarkable sensation when I made an announcement to the passengers, revealing that there was a father and son in the cockpit. The entire cabin erupted with applause..."

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Continuing legacy

Captain Ruben Flowers has now retired from Southwest, but hopes to continue inspiring other aviators.

Southwest Airlines continues to honor the legacy of the older Flowers, who has since departed from the company. His impact endures through his son and the aviators he inspired and guided throughout his career.

Flowers affectionately recalls his mentor, Louis Freeman, who made history in 1980 as Southwest Airlines' first Black pilot.

"He was my mentor," Flowers says about Freeman. "And now, I aspire to be a mentor to others. I also hope that my son can extend mentorship beyond just our family."

At Southwest, Flowers actively participated in the airline's Adopt-A-Pilot initiative, collaborating with elementary school children to ignite their passion for aviation and motivate them to consider it as a future career. Additionally, he has been an esteemed member of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) for a considerable amount of time, dedicated to empowering Black aviators.

He advises aspiring pilots to thoroughly research online, search for relevant programs, and communicate with individuals from all walks of life in order to gain inspiration, information, and advice.

Younger Flowers shares the same sentiment - he actively mentors young pilots through social media and even takes the opportunity to have face-to-face conversations with prospective pilots during his travels. He believes that if he can, he will always make a point to offer a few words of wisdom in between flights.

"That was an awesome feeling. To look over there and see my son, next to me, for my last landing."

Captain Ruben Flowers

Having fulfilled his long-standing dream of flying alongside his father, the younger Flowers now aspires to soar alongside his younger brother, who has recently finished pilot training. Having already experienced the joy of flying with his sister, who is also a pilot, he expresses heartfelt excitement at the possibility of achieving the ultimate family milestone.

"Thats what Im looking forward to, is to be able to fly in the plane with my brother," he says.

The older Flowers is excited for that day too, and says hes unendingly proud of his three children.

"Its unbelievable," he says. "Its an awesome feeling to know that my son is flying, and my daughter and my youngest son, all three of them are flyers."