In the classic movie of the subject name, starring ex WW II flyer John Wayne as an old time experienced co-pilot(Dan) who safely brings his disabled aircraft home ( after slapping some sense into his panicing pilot), an airline official, greeting him after the safe landing, says he will talk to him in the morning about the ordeal, and as they say their goodbyes with John Wayne limping off into the night, the official says "So long,Dan...so long, you 'ancient pelican'!
Was this a compliment or an insult? What does the term mean??
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04-08-03, 06:32 AM
VivienneHa
Hi gerry,
“An Ancient Pelican” is an airline term for a has- been pilot,one that is too old to continue on the flight deck of an airliner.Although this sounds like an insult I think in this context it is used as a term of indearment.
At the beginning of the movie the Wayne character is considered past it,an "ancient pelican",but by the end he has proved himself.
Hope this was of help.
Viv.

04-08-03, 08:39 AM
gerry
Thanks, great help! I remember being saddened when I watched this movie many many moons ago, thinking that the official didn't know what a real hero Dan was. I feel better knowing that it was spoken as a term of endearment. Now, I can rest.

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