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This photo of Southwest Captain Ted Orris's final take-off before retirement is really something, but the story behind it is even better. In 2015, Captain Orris noticed a teenager taking pictures of planes during a layover before one of his flights. (1/8)
He approached the teenager, Ryan ( @diecastryan), and invited him into the cockpit. This was the start of a friendship and mentorship that lasts to this day. (2/8)
Fast forward to 2020: partly due to Ted’s mentorship and encouragement, Ryan is now a professional aviation photographer. Like, he gets to regularly take pictures from helicopters. 
When Ryan learns that Ted is about to retire, he comes up with a plan. Ted told Ryan he wanted no festivities, and Ryan said he unfortunately wouldn't be able to join Ted on his special day. (4/8)
Secretly, Ryan spent hours planning and arranging the proper clearances to surprise Ted with a helicopter shot of Ted's final take-off, something that Ted had always said he wanted. (5/8)
Finally, the big day arrived. Ryan drove 7 hours to Atlanta and got into position in the helicopter, with Ted still none the wiser. At the last moment before push off, Ryan sent Ted a text that said "Look up and wave!" (6/8)
Here are the amazing results. Notice Ted’s First Officer waving out the window on the ascent!
(7/8)
(7/8)
Congratulations, Captain Orris, on a wonderful career and a special retirement. #SouthwestHeart
