This DC-3 (BT-67), a turboprop DC-3 nicknamed Lidia, crashed in 2012. All the passengers escaped without injury. However, the aircraft didn’t fare as well. For almost a year, the damaged craft sat idle under very harsh conditions until a team of engineers made an attempt to rebuilt the aircraft. They faced extremely cold temperatures, blowing snowstorms and high winds. It’s a great story that shows the power of dedication, hard work, and hope to rescue a classic aircraft.
REPORT: Virgin America To Receive 2 Dallas Love Field Gates
A well respected aviation blog by the Dallas Morning news is reporting that Virgin America is likely to receive the 2 gates at Dallas Love Field. The two gates are available because they were surrendered to the airport by American Airlines as part of their anti-trust lawsuit settlement in their pursuit of a merger with US Airways.
This news is welcome by some and bad news for others. Dallas residents should benefit from expanded competition between LUV and San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington DC. On the other hand, Delta will most likely have to cancel their proposed service to Atlanta and New York City. If the Virgin America service is approved, it remains to be seen whether Southwest will still go ahead with the proposed service to 12 additional markets that they mentioned in a press briefing back in March.
This Is Why You Shouldn’t Check Your Bag at the Gate
There’s no way around it. Having to check a bag at the gate sucks. There are few things worse than realizing that your carry on won’t fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. That means that for the next two hours, your bag and probably your laptop, jewelry, valuables and magazines are going to ride in the belly below you and out of reach for the entire flight. At the very least though, you’d expect that your bag would receive some gentle treatment.
One Air Canada passenger recently caught ground agents tossing bags into a bin 15 feet below the jetway. There is no doubt that some contents in the luggage arrived in bad shape. No word yet if those speedy yet careless ground agents are still employed.
This Video of the AT-6C Light Attack Aircraft Will Give You Goosebumps
It’s rare to see a promotional video of fighter and attack planes. While Lockheed Martin put together a pretty slick campaign last decade for their F-22 and F-35 platforms, the promotional videos have really dried up over the past 5 years. That’s what makes this video for the AT-6C turboprop attack aircraft video a special find. It’s a light attack aircraft based on the T-6 Texan II that is used for Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) in the United States along with some other allied nations. Shot in and around Yuma, Arizona, this video captures the beauty of flight and the sexiness of attaching some weapons to the T-6 Texan II.
You can read more about the aircraft itself here: link
Listen to a C-17 Refuel in Midair Before Flying Across the Atlantic
Refueling any aircraft in mid-air is not easy. It is especially difficult to air refuel a giant C-17. The aircraft is so big that it actually creates a bow wave that pushes the tanker around as it approaches the refueling envelope. It’s the equivalent of drafting behind a car at exactly 6-8 feet. Too close and you hit the car in front of you…too far and you’ll fall too far behind.
The following audio is a great play by play of the action. The aircraft first establish contact, they then exchange information about their aircraft and the required fuel. From that point, they locate each other and begin the process of linking up. It’s only a short 3 minute audio but its a great listen into the communication necessary to make this aerial ballet happen.
Listen to the Audio below:
This Hilarious Flight Attendant Gets Passengers Rolling With Laughter Before Takeoff
Southwest Airlines is known for low fares and fun. They were the airline that pioneered open seating, hot pants, and alcohol after all. Today, Southwest is a little more buttoned up as an airline. From time to time though, you’ll still fly on a flight where a flight attendant or pilot keeps it fun. Flight attendant Martha “Marty” Cobb proves that not only does she keep passengers safe in the air, she also keeps them entertained with her side-splitting jokes.
Classic Aviation: Circling Approach in a DC-9 at Midway Airport
Flying on a DC-9 used to be very common in the United States. Delta, Northwest, Eastern, Midway, Continental, TWA, Hughes, US Air, Ozark, Midwest Express and many others had the workhorse in their fleet. The planes were rugged, overbuilt and could take off on relatively short runways. Over the past few years, almost all the passenger DC-9s in the US have been retired.
Even Delta airlines, known for flying more ‘experienced’ jets retired their last DC-9-50 in 2013. It is now impossible to fly in a passenger DC-9 in the US.
Midway Used to be dominated by DC-9s.
Back in the 1980s, Midway Airlines flew a fleet of over 50 DC-9s. Based at Chicago Midway (MDW, KMDW), the airline would take off from a ‘postage stamp’ one square mile airport to destinations all across the country. Landing back at Midway, even as a passenger, was always a thrill. It kind of felt like landing on an aircraft carrier. A pilot’s job was tough too. The DC-9 was an analog airplane. The autopilot was not nearly as robust as the modern airliners of today. Sit back and watch as these Midway Airline DC-9 pilots execute a perfect circling approach from a Localizer on runway 31L (now Center) circling to runway 22L.
Classic Circling Approach into Midway
Today, Midway has runway 31L and 31C. The center runway used to be known as 31L. The video shows the pilots flying the approach from the southwest. Once they have the airfield in sight, they begin a right turn to set up for a left base to runway 22L.
This type of approach, known as a circling approach, is still very common today at Midway Airport. Flying this approach keeps Midway’s air traffic away from O’hare’s arrival corridor to the north when winds are out of the South and West. With circling approaches fairly rare, it also makes for great #avgeek spotting of airplanes maneuvering close to the ground.
The video is available if you click on the “Watch on YouTube” link below.
This is what a KC-10 Refueling Mission in Afghanistan Looks Like
Although the War in Afghanistan might have fallen off of most American’s radar long ago, there are still thousands of American and allied troops fighting everyday in Afghanistan. With troops on the ground, they also need protection from above provided by fighters, reconnaissance and other close air support assets. Every single aircraft needs fuel to stay aloft. Fighters have very little fuel available and need to refuel often to extend their time near the fight.
While the KC-10 might be getting old and is rumored for retirement soon, it still provides a vital role supporting operations worldwide, including in Afghanistan. This excellent combat camera video of the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing gives the world a window into what it takes to make the refueling mission done. A big #avgeekery salute to the brave pilots, engineers and loadmasters that serve on missions like this everyday.
You Won’t Believe What Airline is Coming Back to Life
A concept drawing of the ‘new’ Eastern Airlines 737-800.
Way back in 1927, a little airline started in Florida. It was called Eastern Air Lines. Over the next 64 years, the airline expanded to fly millions of passengers and become one the Big 4 airlines of its day. It was an airline that was both beloved and despised. Beloved for its place in aviation history as being known to employ the latest technology of the day like the Boeing 727 “WhisperJets” and became the US launch customer for the Boeing 757-200. Yet Eastern was also hated because of their miserable customer service, poor management and employee discord that eventually led to its demise in 1991.
A group of investors who have a fond memory of what Eastern used to be have decided to try to resurrect the airline. They plan to begin service as a charter company, flying the 737-800 initially. They’ve made no mention of scheduled services yet. They first announced their plans in early January of 2014. Their news was met with much skepticism and doubt. The verdict is still out on their chances for ever actually flying. They did, however, recently post a drawing of their ‘new’ Easter livery and state that their first aircraft, the “Spirit of Captain Eddie Rickenbacker” is expected to be delivered to Eastern in late Summer 2014.” And it’s important to note that they plan to be a sponsor at Miami fashion week in May. So they must be real.
The desire to launch an airline is like a virus that attacks really rich people. Launching an airline is no easy task and the success rate is really low. Richard Branson, the CEO of Virgin Atlantic once quipped that “the easiest way to become a millionaire is to start out a billionaire then go into the airline business.” Since deregulation, hundreds of airlines have launched and then failed. The “relauch” record of airlines is even worse. PanAm, Midway, and Braniff are all examples of that failure. In fact, Frontier appears to be the only ‘successful’ relaunch of an airline. (Success with Frontier is a relative term as they’ve been sold multiple times over the years and dipped their toe in bankruptcy waters as well). Will Eastern have better luck?
Top 5 EPIC-ly Awesome Airline Safety Briefings
“This overhead bin is full.”
It’s no secret that flying in a commercial airliner can be a pain in the behind these days. Packed planes, no legroom, and cranky passengers can make flying a real drag. That’s why we at Avgeekery are excited to rank the Top 5 most Epic-ly Awesome Safety Videos of all time. We salute those hard working flight attendants (and airlines) who do their part to make flying just a little more fun.
#5 WestJet Flight Attendant Doubles as Comedian
This WestJet flight attendant keeps things light on what must be another dreary winter day in Canada. His humorous and slightly snarky brief brightens things up.
#4 Betty White’s Retirement Home Does Safety Video
Betty White has to be everyone’s favorite nonagenarian. Even at 92 years old, she is still spunky. The final living golden girl shines while injecting some humor into aging and the dreaded safety video for Air NewZealand.
#3 Virgin America Turns their Safety Video into A Broadway Production
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Virgin America really takes safety videos to the next level with this sing along. After this peppy 5 minute demo, it might be hard to keep passengers seat belts fastened. We’ve heard rumors that some get tempted to continue the dance in the aisles.
#2 Southwest Flight Attendant Raps and Claps His Brief
This video is an oldie but goodie. Southwest Flight attendant David Holmes raps his way though what must be a painfully boring flight to Oklahoma. His beat is strong and his words are few. He’s funny, fast and done. That’s about all you could ask for on a flight to Oklahoma.
#1 Another Southwest Flight Attendant’s Mid-Life Crisis is Your Safety Briefing
This relative newcomer to the Safety Briefing video scene is really funny. It’s as if she’s been practicing her material for years (she probably has). While her fellow flight attendants might get bored with her jokes, the internet hasn’t yet. And for being able to attract almost a million views in just two days as a flight attendant comedian, we salute you.
Do you have a favorite flight attendant briefing video? Share it with us. Post in the comments below!
Is Delta Air Lines planning a 1980s 757 Retrojet?
UPDATE April 14, 2014: It appears that the Delta 757 will be placed at the entrance of the new Delta Flight Museum. See this Instagram photo for a visual: http://instagram.com/p/ksUdFkmWgd/
For the past couple of weeks, the Avgeekery staff has heard rumors of a 1980’s vintage painted Delta 757 on the way. At first we thought it was just an avgeek’s dream. You see, we hear of many fanciful rumors; from a United Saul Bass colored 787 to the return of another PanAm–we’ve heard them all. But lately, the rumor mill has kicked into overdrive. Then in the past day or so, we finally got some confirmation in the form of photos that were posted by the friend of an employee on the Airliners.net message forum.
We think it’s safe to say that a Widgeted Delta 757 is real and it is on it’s way. That’s right, folks! The beloved Widget with a navy cheatline and black droopy nose may soon be gracing the skies. Or will it? It’s not yet known if the 757 will actually fly or if it is part of the newly renovated Delta Flight Museum that will be opening soon in Atlanta, Ga. Stay tuned. We’ll post more as we hear it.
Step Back Into The ’80s With a Flight On a US Air 727 From CLT to SFO
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It’s hard to believe that we are entering an era where memories of flying on a 727 are becoming as dim as a 707 or DC-8. Few people under the age of 20 probably has no memory of flying of the old 3-holer. The 727 is becoming a rare bird. FedEx retired their freighters back in 2013. Even presidential candidate Donald Trump traded his golden 727 up for a more fuel-efficient 757 a couple of years back. That means that the only active 727s left in the US are operated by a couple of charter outfits, a few freighters, and a smattering of private aircraft. A recent search of active 727 flights shows less than 10 in the air over North American skies.
With so few opportunities to fly on one today, You Tube can help us avgeeks to relive those memories of extremely long takeoff rolls, roaring engines, and even some 1970s decor. Enjoy this video of a US Air 727-200 flight from Charlotte to San Francisco. While you are watching, you’ll notice an American Airlines 727 along with a Mexicana DC-10 and the old Continental meatball scheme with a 737-300 and DC-10.
The 767 and 777 Have Much More In Common Than You’d Think!
The 767 and 777 are vastly different aircraft that are over 20 years apart in terms of development. The 767 first flew in 1981 while the 777 first flew in 1994. The two programs though actually share much in common. The 777 first grew out of a desire to grow the 767 and add additional range to it. While the program eventually morphed into a completely separate airplane, there are still some similarities between the two airplanes.
For one, the 767 and 777 share the same radome cover. They also share the same Section 41- the fuselage subassembly that encompasses the cockpit cab from the nose to just behind the windscreen. If you covered up the UPS markings and pitot tubes, you wouldn’t be able to tell if this was a 767 or 777 nose. Of course between the two the avionics package is vastly different and the location of the pitot tubes is also different. In the 777 development, using the 767 Section 41 saved development costs and a new round of bird strike testing wasn’t needed since it was already tested and cleared during the 767 development.
If you love this #avgeek tidbit of knowledge, be sure to follow our resident #avgeek expert, JP Santiago on Instagram: @SentinelChicken and on his Facebook page at: The Chicken Works.
Step back in time and onto Carrier Ops in Vietnam
Carrier operations are an amazing thing. Hundreds of operations happen on a very small space of deck. Aircraft land and takeoff on a bobbing postage stamp that bobs up and down in a sometimes violent sea. This five minute video is a gem. It features operations that took place on the USS Independence during the Vietnam war (along with a short scene of the E-2 shot post Vietnam). If you want to see more, check out the full 28 minute video from the San Diego Air and Space Museum here.
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Happy St. Patricks Day!
Taken by Jim Mumaw at LAX. If you have an #avgeekery photo to share, send it to us at avgeekeryblog@gmail.com
Mission Complete…Let’s go home for the weekend!
Happy Weekend #avgeeks!
This F-18 of the Blue Angels heads home after a training mission. This photo was taken by Chris Voyles. You can see more of his awesome photography at ChrisVoylesimages.com.
“Sail” on a Giant C-5
Sure the song may be trite by now, but getting a virtual ride and behind the scenes look in a giant C-5 isn’t. The C-5 is a very capable plane that can carry 36 pallets and many, many different kinds of outsized and oversized cargo including tanks and helicopters. Although the older C-5s suffer from many maintenance problems, there is a newer modified version called the C-5M that will soon be the Air Force’s mainstay fleet to handle that largest cargo that the Army can throw at it for years to come.
This video shows flying downrange that moves cargo in and out of the middle east. Sit back and enjoy the ride….
View our other posts:
- Southern Airways Flight 49: Hijacked, Shot At, and Forced to Take Off Without Tires
- KC-135 Crash in Iraq Claims the Lives of Six US Airmen After Apparent Midair Collision
- White House Launches Landmark eVTOL Pilot Program Across 26 States
- Meet the X-76: DARPA’s Bold New Aircraft Could Change How Wars Are Fought
- Airlines Evacuating Travelers From Middle East Conflict as Thousands Remain Stranded
Got an interesting aviation story or video to share on our blog? E-mail us at avgeekeryblog@gmail.com or send us a message on our Facebook page.
High, Hot and Dirty Landings at Red Devil Landing Zone
Fort Carson, CO; Red Devil Landing Zone (LZ)
Red Devil Landing Zone is the highest altitude tactical dirt landing zone in the United States available for military training. As a part of the First Carson Range, the 302d Airlift Wing has by agreement used the landing zone for unique training sorties for the past few decades. Part of the training was accomplished with a ground party of Air Force Air Mobility Liaison Officers from Kirtland AFB.
Following an hour of low-level formation flight training in the mountains of Colorado the route concluded with a Container Delivery System (CDS) airdrop at Sullivan Park Drop Zone near Red Devil LZ.
Red Devil LZ has a Maximum on Ground (MOG) of 1 so the two C-130s practicing approaches and landings at the dirt strip had to coordinate between each other, the Range Control Facility and the Landing Zone Control Officers to ensure safe execution of practice tactical approaches and landings. This is tactical training at its finest.
View other stories on Avgeekery:
- Southern Airways Flight 49: Hijacked, Shot At, and Forced to Take Off Without Tires
- KC-135 Crash in Iraq Claims the Lives of Six US Airmen After Apparent Midair Collision
- White House Launches Landmark eVTOL Pilot Program Across 26 States
- Meet the X-76: DARPA’s Bold New Aircraft Could Change How Wars Are Fought
- Airlines Evacuating Travelers From Middle East Conflict as Thousands Remain Stranded
Best Selfie Ever?
Gawker posted this photo earlier of a Danish F-16 pilot launching an air-to-air missile off the rail. Does it beat Ellen? Is it epic? Or is it just another pic to add to the pile of our self-indulged society? You decide.
Virgin America wants to fall in LUV with Dallas
The competitive landscape at Dallas Love Field is about to change this October. Starting on October 13th, many of the old Wright Amendment restrictions that limited service at Dallas’ airport are going away. As part of the compromise, Love Field will only have 20 total gates available for airline use. That means that Southwest Airlines will operate 16 with the other 4 in-play for other airlines. So far, Delta has announced their intention to use 717s to fly to four cities. United already flies out of Dallas Love.
Just today, Virgin America, the tech-saavy, swanky, low-cost airline announced that they plan to introduce service to Chicago O’Hare, New York LaGuardia, Washington Reagan National, Los Angeles and San Francisco using 2 gates. Here’s their statement:
Virgin America is seeking to secure two Love Field gates in order to expand flight options for Dallas travelers, as the airport’s centralized location makes it a more convenient choice for Dallas-based and Dallas-destined business travelers. If successful, the airline would move its current operations from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Love Field in October 2014.
Will the City of Dallas free up the gates for their service? Time will tell…