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The Upside

After 39 years and more than 30,000 hours in the air, a pioneering female pilot retires

“It was love at first flight,” Marsh said of flying. “I just took to it and never turned back.”

American Airlines Capt. Pati Marsh walks out to awaiting family and friends at the arrivals area of the international terminal at the Philadelphia International Airport. Marsh, who is retiring, made her last flight into Philadelphia from Madrid on Tuesday after 39 years of being a pilot.
American Airlines Capt. Pati Marsh walks out to awaiting family and friends at the arrivals area of the international terminal at the Philadelphia International Airport. Marsh, who is retiring, made her last flight into Philadelphia from Madrid on Tuesday after 39 years of being a pilot.Read moreHEATHER KHALIFA / Staff Photographer