Many years ago, while in residency, I was asked to scatter the cremated ash remains of a sailor who wanted to be dispersed over the Gulf of Mexico. The results were less than optimal.
There is not a pilot among us who does not have, or has not heard a ribald story about this, and, given the morbid humor pilots often have, the stories abound. All that is fine, I suppose, until the person whose ash remains were to be dispersed were those of someone we loved.
Because of that, and after having developed two other devices outside of the aviation sector, I decided, after many years, to develop an instrument that can render a service that is optimal and dignified. This is for pilots, sailors, mountain climbers, cyclists, hikers, and in general, for those among us who have a deep love for the earth, the sea, and the sky.
The device is a metal cylinder that attaches to the strut of the aircraft via an engineered outrigger that has been shown in a recent picture on this forum. It is uniquely activated from the cockpit, and performs its function in a predictable, repeatable, and precise fashion.
Because the process for application for intellectual property rights limits my public disclosure, I will not detail the functional mechanisms of the unit, but am happy to report that after nearly 50 services, it has proven itself in practice. The financial and personal effort spent in conceptual, developmental, and exhaustive flight testing yielded the (eventual) blessings of the FAA.
Another important part is the know-how in the management of this unique endeavor: Knowing the regulatory Federal, State, County, and even Municipal dictates is an often-ignored matter that can quickly put an uninformed, but well-meaning pilot into legal difficulties. In the service portion, experience is a paramount ingredient in interacting with the families of those whose last wishes are to be served. The issues of grief, regret, sorrow, guilt, and even anger must be carefully and professionally evaluated. Consultation with colleagues in psychiatry and psychology have been most fruitful in bringing into focus the attention given to those we serve. Respect, compassion, and dignity are foremost in our minds as we respond; there have been times when, sensing unexpected, but understandable tension among family members, we have postponed our service until a more serene atmosphere prevails.
Final Passage is the name of my endeavor, one of various in this nascent, but growing niche. The levels of service offered can start from simple events that can be witnessed from the ground or from air or seaborne craft, and extend to complex ceremonies that include music of choice, catering, and video services. In our service, beloved pets are not forgotten. I have seen instances where grieving pet owners reached a sense of closure and grief resolution when their desires for ash dispersal were carried out with kindness and understanding. Costs are commesurate with the ability of those who request our services, and I have pledged 10% of all profits to a national organization for research and management of Alzheimer's disease.
Often, I am queried by others why I have chosen to develop this rather unusual field, after many years of keeping people alive through difficult passages in operating rooms. The response is not simple, but includes the inescapable fact that death is a part of life. Our Western mind refuses to accept that tenet, being more accustomed to instant gratification. It is also an inescapable fact that we are an aging population, and many of us are included in the rather pejorative "war baby" term. As has been pointed out by some of our esteemed BT brethren, we are experiencing the departure of a good number of friends; many of them pilots. I wish to serve their wishes. We are, in more mundane terms, an emerging market.
Not wanting to offend any person's beliefs, but it is fact that cremation is becoming more popular. This in light of the costs associated with the traditional burial; often escalated by the rapacious style of some (not all) in the industry, as well as, among many other valid factors, the guilt borne by family members that demand the most elaborate coffins, often not having been that much involved with the departed person.
I have adopted the DaVinci's statement as the byline for Final Passage; especially for pilots:
"For once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your gaze turned skyward... for there you have been, and there you long to return.


TN

Brilliant and needed. Just don’t sign me up yet, Tom!

Not for a loong time, my good friend.
Now go to bed, you have a great day tomorrow.

Tom

Tom can you start and stop the flow of ashes from the cockpit?

Frequently we have a narrow target spot so I need to make a couple passes during the “spreading” It takes time to get the ashes from the bag through the pipe.

Out on the strut in clear air is a good idea.

How do you “load” the unit?

Charlie: Even though we are certified for handling of ash remains, our preference is that the crematory transfer the ash from their urn into our device; under our supervision. It is then placed into a dedicated mahogany container, released to the decedent's family, who brings it to the airport where the ceremony is to be held. In that fashion, there is no loss of custodianship of the remains, and the family is not placed at risk with the potential of a disrespectful scenario if the transfer is done in a nonprofessional way.
You are welcome to PM me for additional information.

Very nice process.

The concept of ash dispersal, for the majority, is acceptable when one thinks of "others". As for ourselves, the idea is off-putting, and even objectionable, because of what I've mentioned in our Western cultural base. In my experience, many have expressed their desire for aerial dispersal, eschewing the idea of being placed six feet under, so that their mortal remains suffer a much more abhorrent, protracted fate. Much of this traditional thought is due to long-established religious beliefs that deal with theories of the afterlife and the fate of our bodies and souls. I respect those that hold these tenets within their chosen faiths.
Final Passage, in its concept, plans, and securement of patents, includes the formation of a "Jupiter Society", whereby individuals interested in aerial ash dispersal, can, for a modicum of expense, apply to the corporate base; giving their ideas and desires for the service. This will be evaluated as to place, time, regulatory constraints, etc., and the applicant will be in turn counselled as to will formation, feasibility, and level of service. The information will be secured in database, and the service provided as dictated by the requesting individual's will and testament.
The formation of a franchise structure is envisioned as the business plan, to include discrete advertising, (as in BeechTalk) creates growth.

I've always wanted my ashes stuffed down the barrel of a salute cannon and dispersed across the training area of USMA or FT Benning. Either would work... there's some of my sweat and blood in the ground at both locations already. If done at West Point and the wind was just right, cadets would be dusting me off their window sills for a couple of days.

Is it possible to mix in "sparkles" or similar reflective material with the ashes so that when the ashes are dispersed it is easier for those viewing the event to see the ashes better?

There is a very fine line between decorum and impropriety. In essence, it is not necessary, as our videographer and individuals witnessing the service from vantage points on the ground have noted. We have done this once, at the insistence of the requesting family.

Do you sell the device?

Bonjour, Marc: The device, no, but the franchise yes. In deference to the rules of the BT site, I do not want to make an advertising out of this thread, which was informational in nature. You are welcome to PM me for more information.
TN