In the 1950s we went from propellers to Mach 3+ in the SR-71

(Written on 13/08/2019)(Permalink)

That plane just doesnt look like its going fast enough to take off, tail wheel is still on the ground. I imagine ground effect may be what gets him airborne, but hes not actually flying yet... IDK really strange slow-motion take off and crash. Fortunate for all the pax to get out before it burns.

(Written on 27/07/2018)(Permalink)

Our Delta delays at ATL were spelled out for us. All 6 hours of them. Brief severe weather event stacked all the planes up for landing and departure. Then a gate change. Then a mechanical issue with the AC and another needed to roll out of the hanger and undergo a security sweep. Then they couldn't find the FO for the flight (no kidding) and another had to drive into the airport from home, which took about an hour. We never actually boarded until it was go-time, all of this transpired in the terminal (a good thing).

(Written on 29/06/2018)(Permalink)

Agreed, never got a particularly warm fuzzy feeling about being 3+ hours from nearest land, with two engines.......

(Written on 01/06/2018)(Permalink)

Is this not the same engine that suffered a catastrophic, uncontained compressor disc failure on the test stand at the RR factory ?! Actually damaged the test facility and put it out of commission if I recall....This was a few years back during the 787 development. I'm an avionics guy, not powerplants- seems to me though that if you cannot even get through test of what is believed to be a production worthy design w/o catastrophic failures- you have a significant design issue and one that has obviously not yet been corrected.....

(Written on 01/06/2018)(Permalink)

Not a bad idea, vetting the baggage at security for size fit. Although this would only make the whole painful TSA process go even slower, eh ?

(Written on 18/05/2018)(Permalink)

You ain't kidding ! It would be comical the whole 'over-sized carry-on' scene if it wasn't such an inconvenience to all the rest of us...... And yes, you will probably need BOTH hands to efficiently board and offload bags- so put the d*mn phone down already. Life will go on without you for 5 minutes... How self absorbed we have become. I believe its the airlines fault ultimately for the over-sized carry on situation- they need to rigorously enforce the 'size-wise' rule , and charge say $25 for gate checks of obvious over size bags. You'll see people start to comply pretty quick.

(Written on 18/05/2018)(Permalink)

I disagree with the analyst "they prefer the lower advertised price regardless of how many add-ons they have to pay for," Vinay Bhaskara, a senior business analyst" - I for one do definitely compare the net cost of flight A (discount plus add ons) versus flight B (normal fare, some items included)- its simple math. I will also pay more (and usually do) for nonstop flights if available for my route. Connections suck in so many ways, as most travelers know. Also the longer the longer the in-flight pain will be and I am more discerning about what seat and were on the AC I am sitting (usually cost adders). BTW Southwest used to be very competitive fare wise, they are not even in the running anymore on most of my routes out of MCO.

(Written on 18/05/2018)(Permalink)

Move near an airport and you will get...taa-daa... Aircraft noise. I recall the 1980s working at Pratt Whitney out in the boonies way West of West Palm beach. Developers decided it would be profitable to build large custom homes on large lots out near the facility. And the griping about engine test noise soon followed...... Surprised ?

(Written on 02/04/2018)(Permalink)

To be able to fly from FL to Seattle in 6 hours (nonstop) for $450.00 , I'm flying. Yes its a cattle car in the AC, no I won't have leg room, there is a good chance there will be a crying child in close proximity, no I probably wont even have an armrest to call my own, and given a 6 hour flight I will unfortunately probably have to use the Loo a time or to (hate them). Carry on your own food and drink, put on some headphones and read a book. Be abundantly courteous to the harried flight crew, help the elderly and infirmed stuff their oversize carryons overhead, and limit your expectations to arriving alive.

(Written on 05/03/2018)(Permalink)