Skywriting takes advertising to a whole new level.
Skywriting – planes using smoke to write messages in the sky – isn’t a lost art. It’s more of an underused art. Companies that want to fly their messages above Big Events typically resort to slow-flying planes towing message banners.
But give it up for Doritos. The snack company’s ad agency not only nailed one of Super Bowl 50’s memorable in-game commercials, it also gained attention by using skywriting.
Sunday’s weather was highly cooperative. The sky above Santa Clara was azure and alluring. It provided the perfect “parchment” for writing with smoke.
Doritos not only had the chip name spelled out in the sky along with some other messaging, it also aroused curiosity by having the skywriters form triangles with the smoke.
That led some on the ground to wonder about hidden messages (“Is this from the Illuminati?” “Did trigonometry teachers pay for this?” “Is this a Silicon Valley in-your-face message from North Carolina’s Research Triangle?”)
But all you had to do was read between the “three” lines – the triangles were merely representing the shape of Doritos chips.
The mystery added to the message. Advertising is about drawing attention to your product and – as evidenced by the fact you’re reading this story – Doritos was as dominant as Denver’s pass rush.
YouTube screen capture from video uploaded by Cliff Dooman. ( https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM_6Z5wUl-dIsDR6ql67HYg)
Land of the free, home of the brave. ‘merica.
Football game flyovers are a symbol of american power and pride. A flyover after a national anthem represents the culmination of soulful singing, perfect timing, and precision execution. While many fans get to experience the roar of the jets, the actual work behind the scenes is intense. Every single second and point on the route of the flight is planned out. Contingency plans are developed. Clocks are hacked to the exact microsecond. All in the hopes that things will go perfectly.
For a pilot actually executing the flyover though, the best you can hope for is to ‘break even’ and maybe get introduced to the stadium crowd at halftime. Egos have been bruised from poorly timed flyovers. Careers have been ruined by flyovers that were just a little too amazing. In fact, most of the most epic flyovers resulted in some sort of punishment by commanders. Flyovers are cool but they aren’t worth sacrificing safety or a career. Enjoy our list of the top 5 epic flyovers of all time.
6.) Four ship of F-15C flyover Gillette Stadium
In what might be the best example of an awesome flyover that didn’t lead to any punishment, these four bad ass pilots had perfect execution. Just as the singer finished his last note, the Eagles came screaming in low, fast, and loud.
On October 13th, 42 civilian aircraft took to the skies over Arrowhead Stadium. Prior to kickoff, they flew in a tight wedge formation wowing the crowd below. It was the largest formation of aircraft ever flown over a NFL stadium. To our knowledge, the record still stands.
Perennial basement-dwelling Jaguars could use a pep talk from time to time. The front office was hoping that 4 x 47,500 lbs of thrust blasting through their stadium at a low altitude could wake the team up. Unfortunately, the epic flyover didn’t help that much. The Colts beat the Jaguars 34-24.
These two F-18 pilots probably didn’t start the day expecting that it would be their last sortie. But all it took was an ‘altimeter error’ that wasn’t corrected until after the low pass. This flyover from 2009 caused quite an uproar. The Navy disciplined the two pilots by grounding them permanently.
2.) The “One Time Good Deal” Flyover That Stripped a Retiring Pilot Of His Wings
On a crisp Iowa evening at Kennick Stadium in 2010, a four ship of T-38s flew a very epicly low and fast flyover. The pilots involved in the flyover were disciplined. According to Military.com, the jets flew just 16 feet above the pressbox. The formation lead, who was on his final flight of his career before retirement, was later stripped of his wings. While the flyover was lower than allowed and faster than planned, it looked relatively safe.
While the Iowa flyover was lower than allowed and faster than planned, it looked relatively safe. That’s more than what we can say about our #1 most epic football flyover. Back in 2000, this F-18 Naval aviator decided to buzz the stadium. This flyover is ridiculous and dangerous. It’s worth watching if only to remind us that planes are awesome, but pilots can make dumb errors in judgement all for the thrill of the potential adulation. We’re just glad no one was hurt.
The investigation continues but the latest update regarding the in-flight explosion on a Somalia airliner indicates that the suspected bomber was the only person killed.
Investigators have identified Abdullahi Abdisalam Borleh, a 55-year-old Somalia national, whose body was recovered after he was ejected from the Airbus A321-111 after the explosion. Authorities believe military-grade TNT was hidden in a laptop that caused the explosion last Tuesday.
Members of the FBI have arrived in Somalia to help with the investigation.
“This was a sophisticated attack … so we reached out to our international partners,” Abdisalam Aato, a spokesman for the Somalian Prime Minister, told CNN.
Only fortunate circumstances prevented a catastrophic crash. The bomber was seated on the right side of the aircraft in a row above the wing. Daallo Airlines Flight 3159 had just taken off and between 12,000 and 14,000 feet when the bomb detonated.
If the explosion had occurred at cruising altitude – above 30,000 – there could have been two deadly outcomes. The bomb could have set off a secondary explosion in the fuel tank or the de-pressurization of the cabin at that altitude could have ripped apart the fuselage.
Video taken by a passenger on the plane shows the hole caused by the explosion. Once it landed safely, pictures taken by investigators show the skin of the fuselage curled outward, plus soot from the blast trailing toward the tail. That further supports the theory that it was an on-board explosion. Also, explosive residue has been found around the blast area.
The pilot was able to land the plane at Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. The airline said there were “approximately” 70 passengers on board and that two of them suffered injuries.
A source that spoke with CNN said that authorities believe the attack was orchestrated by the al Qaeda affiliate Al Shabaab, which has had a long-running battle with Somalia. The country’s transportation minister has confirmed that the incident was an act of terrorism and that the blast was not a technical failure of the aircraft.
Below are two videos showing the aftermath from the explosion including the emergency descent and inspection of the damage upon arrival:
Last month, Air France flew its final revenue flight with a 747 aircraft. The “Queen of the Skies” was first adorned in the Air France livery way back in 1970. For over 45 years, Air France jumbo jets crisscrossed the world, flying thousands of passengers every day. Back then, the Boeing 747 was the largest aircraft in the world. It represented a new era of luxury and convenience.
Recently though, the 747 became more expensive to operate and maintain. Air France’s fleet of 747-400s were approaching 25 years old. With more modern Airbus A380s and Boeing 777’s in the fleet, Air France made the decision to simplify their long-haul fleet by retiring their remaining 747s.
In a very classy goodbye, Air France partnered with the 12-ship Patrouille de France demonstration team to fly one last formation flight with the venerable Boeing across France. It is an amazing sight to see a Boeing 747 in any formation, but to watch the jet adorned with 12 Alpha jets surrounding it almost makes it appear to be a send-off to greener pastures. For Air France’s last 747 though, the final destination will most likely be the desert in the southwestern part of the United States.
This #FlashbackFriday take a glimpse at some better times for Trans World Airlines (TWA) back when the airline dominated Lambert St. Louis International Airport. Enjoy footage of tri-jets galore along with various TWA liveries and a few special liveries mixed in.
As far back as 1957, TWA lead STL operations (44 weekday departures compared to 24 for the runner up AAL). In 1979, deregulation forced TWA to transition to the hub and spoke business model that would further concentrate and expand TWA operations at STL. In particular, the realignment prompted TWA to reconsider its other hubs in Kansas City and Chicago. Kansas City proved far too small to serve as a hub, even though it was TWA’s headquarters at the time, and TWA’s Chicago operation hemorrhaged money to the tune of $25 million a year thanks to stiff competition from American Airlines (AAL) and United Airlines (UAL). Thus, STL seemingly offered the best place for TWA to consolidate its operations and create a primary hub.
The Glory Days
TWA grew quickly at STL during the 1980s. Indeed, by winter 1982, 20% of TWA’s domestic operations involved STL. 1985 saw further growth with the launch of international non-stop services to London, Frankfurt, and Paris. Consolidation at STL kicked into overdrive when, in 1986, TWA acquired Ozark Airlines. Pre-merger TWA accounted for 57% of traffic at STL and Ozark some 27%. Post-merger, TWA captured an astounding 80% of operations at STL. While TWA itself struggled during the 1990s with multiple bankruptcies, a softening economy, and the tragedy of TWA Flight 800, its STL operation rolled on. At their peak in 2000, total operations at STL numbered some 456,827 flights (all airlines combined with TWA and its regional affiliate operating the vast majority) resulting in 30.5 million passengers deplaned and enplaned. The video featured below documents this time.
Eduard Marmet
Downfall
By late 2000, it became clear TWA could not stand on its own. In 2001 AAL purchased TWA relegating it to the history books. The purchase caused great controversy for the employees of the once great airline, and 9/11 that year further complicated matters to say the least. As air travel slowed, realignments were all but inevitable. With hubs in Dallas (KDFW) and Chicago (KORD), there was no room for an AAL STL hub. Mainline AAL traffic suddenly became regional jet traffic and international flights ceased. Service by AAL dwindled, and in so doing, STL (as of last year, 2015) only served 12.8 million passengers, a far cry from the record 30.5 million TWA once helped the airport set.
Regardless of the controversy and tough times many at TWA endured, it’s worth taking time to look back on what was. Thanks for reading, and enjoy with fondness looking back on some really good times at STL with some really great airplanes.
The Y-20 Looks Awfully Familiar to a C-17 Globemaster
China has a reputation for producing knockoff products (“knockoff” in this case being a softer term than “counterfeit”). Perhaps the biggest knockoff, size-wise, has been produced by China’s Xian Aircraft Industrial Corporation. The Y-20 military transport plane has many similarities to the United States’ Boeing C-17 Globemaster III. Not only do photos show an uncanny similarity, the Y-20 is also similar to the C-17 in terms of overall size and weight plus cargo capacity.
After about eight years of development, the Y-20 made its maiden flight in January of 2013 and made its public debut at the Zhuhai airshow in China in November of 2014.
(In what was regarded as a controversial decision, the U.S. military sent a C-17 to the airshow. The cost and the politics were criticized, but perhaps the U.S. wanted to have an “in your face” on-site comparison of the two heavy transports.)
While China has proved to be adept at copying designs, the country has had trouble developing engines powerful enough to power those designs. In the case of the Y-20, it uses Soloviev D-30 engines made by Aviadvigatel, a Russian company. Still, those engines have trouble measuring up to those manufactured by General Electric, Pratt & Whitney or Rolls-Royce.
Robert M. Farley, an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky’s Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce, told the New York Times that engine designs have plagued China’s aircraft and aerospace ambitions.
“The problem with Chinese engines is that they’ve been remarkably unreliable,” Farley said. “Engines require extremely tight tolerances in construction; even small errors can lead to the engine burning out.”
A lack of engine power could explain why the Y-20 is a smaller in size in a side-by-side comparison to the C-17. The Y-20 wingspan is 148 feet and its length is 154 feet. The C-17 checks in at 170 in wingspan and 174 in length.
The United States developed the C-17 to help its military adopt to global rapid deployment demands. The ability to transport troops and equipment long distances – in essence, using an “air bridge” – is something that China’s military obviously believes is a necessity.
The Y-20 also has design elements seen in the Airbus A400M and the Antonov An-70 (first developed by the Soviet Union). Imitation is indeed the sincerest form of flattery.
China has been under a Western arms embargo since 1989. Popular Mechanics reports that the country has faced numerous claims of using hackers and spies to seek out military technology secrets from around the world.
According to DefenseWorld.net, U.S. officials claim that the Y-20 was developed using designs from Boeing that were stolen. In 2009, a former Boeing employee was convicted of selling C-17 technical details to China.
The Y-20’s codename is Kunpeng, the mythical bird of ancient China that can fly for thousands of miles. The Y-20’s Wikipedia says that “within the Chinese aviation industry itself, the aircraft is more commonly known by its nickname Chubby Girl.”
Apparently, China has yet to copy political correctness.
What do you do when you want to show off your brand new Boeing 787? You make an epic air to air video with some captivating footage courtesy of the experts at Wolfe Air Aviation!
This video takes a behind the scenes look at the making of Boeing 787 promotional footage for use by American Airlines (AA) in future advertisements and safety videos. Boasting technological innovations such as carbon fiber construction, a lower cabin altitude, larger windows, and video in every seat, among many other features, the 787 embodies AA’s commitment to building a modern and cutting edge fleet for its customers. Indeed, such aircraft are the cornerstone of “The New American”. Currently, 13 Boeing 787-8s ply the skies for American with a further seven on order (another one of which just rolled off the assembly line in Charleston, SC and recently commenced flight testing). AA’s commitment to the 787 goes further with 22 larger 787-9 aircraft on order, the first of which should arrive the last quarter of 2016.
While the beautiful 787 and American Airlines take center stage, this video also highlights the amazing work done behind the camera by the pilots and coordinators at Wolfe Air Aviation. Needless to say, flying two dissimilar aircraft very close together requires immense skill and prior proper planning. Since 1980, Wolfe Air Aviation has provided such skill and planning (and high tech equipment) for air to air shots and air to ground shots on everything from airline and military promos to blockbuster hits. Such hits include The Avengers, Iron Man, Air Force One, Executive Decision, and The Hunt for Red October among others. The Wolfe Air fleet includes one Learjet 25B, one Cessna Skymaster 337, and one Eurcopter AS350 ASTAR. With these different tools in their filming toolkit, Wolfe Air can capture anything you need from the skies, and the beautiful AA 787 footage showcased here is no exception. Enjoy the view Avgeeks!
With all the hassles associated with air travel today, it’s easy to forget how amazing aviation really is. Machines that weigh up to one million pounds deliver people, and cargo to anywhere in the world in less than a day. Every single day millions of people safely travel throughout the world. They careen at hundreds of miles per hour in the sky with spacing as little as 1,000 feet apart vertically. It’s not luck that nearly every flight happens without incident. It’s a testament to every professional who works to make travel routine. The ramp personnel, gate agents, air traffic control, pilots, and flight attendants all play a role.
Recently my wife and I went on a seven-day, Southern Caribbean cruise for our ten year anniversary. It was nothing short of amazing.
The views were gorgeous, the ocean was as clear and turquoise as it could get, and the food was phenomenal. What was the highlight of the entire trip you may ask? Spending the day at Maho Beach on the island of St Maarten.
Where is Maho Beach?
Maho Beach is located on the Dutch side of the island. The beach itself is located at the end of runway 10 of the Princess Juliana International Airport (Airport code- SXM), and for years has been a must see airport at the top of every avgeek and aviation enthusiast’s bucket list!
From the cruise ship port, a quick fifteen minute taxi ride is all that stands between you, an ice cold beer, a beautiful beach, and the best plane spotting location you’ll ever find.
We were dropped off at the famous “Sunset Bar & Grill” around 9am and greeted with smiling faces and excellent hospitality. At that time of day, the beach had less than a dozen people on it, and over two dozen chairs with umbrellas; score for us.
By 11am, the beach was packed! for those of you who are planning or would like to plan a trip to this location, get there early!
Tons of planes, beach, food and drinks at Maho Beach
The action was nonstop all day long. The variety of aircraft arriving and departing throughout the day were everything from small, twin-engine island hoppers, corporate jets, and topping it off with the “Queen of the Skies” herself, the Boeing 747. A great point of reference of the days flight schedule can be seen on a surf board outside the Sunset Bar and Grill. The bar staff updates it every day, first thing in the morning.
I had heard the crowds were bad, but don’t be deterred
The Daily SXM Schedule on a Surf Board.
I was a little nervous that morning on the ride over to the beach. We had heard rumors of people who had sat for hours on end, and not seen a single thing. I was also told that several of the major airlines including KLM, do not fly in every day. So there was a chance, that this day, could be pretty mellow.
After we arrived, we went straight over to the beach and claimed our chairs. After I noticed the waitress updating the flight times on the surf board for the day, I walked over to check it out. I instantly heard angels singing!
The first thing my eyes zeroed in on was, “KLM – 12:35.” BAM! We hit the aviation jackpot. A local spotter that frequents the beach there had told me that the KLM Airlines 747 only flies in three days a week. Luckily for us, that was the day.
Throughout the day, the beach was buzzed by small island hoppers, private jets, classic MD-80’s, a handful of 737’s and 757’s, as well as the Queen’s grand arrival. That was a sight to see!
The local aviation enthusiasts knew that that day was the day for the big gal to arrive, so as time grew closer to 12:35PM, so did the crowd. Finally, her landing lights, and that giant wingspan were spotted way out in the distance. As she creeped closer and closer, people scattered to get a good spot on the beach. Some wanted to be directly underneath as she passed overhead, others wanted to be just off to the side for the best vantage point of watching that graceful beauty glide in.
The Queen of the Skies Landing Was Peak Avgeekery
It was amazing; the shear size of the Boeing 747 as she’s closing in and getting closer and closer, absolutely leaves you speechless. Then just like that, in a matter of 30-45 seconds, she passes over and plants her tires on the runway. What an incredible experience.
For my wife who hates to fly, and not the slightest interest in aviation, her exact words were, “that was the best day of the entire trip.” You could’ve knocked me over with a feather. I can’t say enough of how grateful I am to have been able to experience it firsthand. If it’s not already, I highly recommend moving this destination closer to the top of your bucket list; it’s truly an avgeek paradise!
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Two friends are on a journey to encourage more women to explore a career in aviation.
Only 6% of pilots are women. That number is pretty small. Despite the fact that female pilots are the minority in the flying industry, one of the oldest, most unique aviation events in existence today is the Air Race Classic, an all-female cross-country flying race! Established in 1929, the Air Race Classic is a day VFR flying race that spans four days and roughly 2,400 miles. The course changes yearly extending across not only the United States but occasionally into neighboring countries. Comprised of all general aviation aircraft, each team consists of a female pilot and female copilot with optional teammates. The race allows for up to 55 teams, to include a collegiate division to encourage participation from female student pilots. It is held in June, and has grown into an impressive aviation event to promote flying for women and general aviation.
Lisa now flies the A320 for a major airline.
One particular team, Amelia’s Aviatrices, is racing for the first time this year. Team Amelia’s Aviatrices’ two pilots, Liz, a commercial AMEL pilot and the team’s pilot, and Lisa, an airline pilot and the co-pilot, will be flying a 1965 Beechcraft S-35 “Bonanza”, referred to as “Nana.”
Although both women started their aviation journeys in a similar manner, they ended up taking very different paths to get them to where they are today. Liz’s career started off briefly in the Air Force but went primarily down the road of general aviation, while Lisa ended up flying in the Air Force for a good majority, and now flies for a commercial airline. Their paths crossed when both women were living in Mississippi a few years ago and were introduced to each other by Liz’s husband.
Both Lisa and Liz were excited to form a friendship around their common love of flying. Liz had an idea to create an event, Dreams of Wings, in Mississippi, to encourage and inspire women and girls to pursue their dreams in both aviation and aerospace. Together, with the help of volunteers and local business partners, they turned Liz’s idea into a successful community event.
Liz is now a commercial AMEL and the team’s pilot.
Even though their lives moved on after the one-time event, Liz and Lisa continued Dreams of Wings’ mission each in her own way. And now, in 2016, they are teaming up to fly the Air Race Classic to not only challenge their pilot, navigation, teamwork, and communication skills, but to inspire and encourage girls, young ladies, and women to pursue their dream of becoming a female pilot. They want to show that girls, women of any age, marital status, with children, or without children can follow their hearts.
And their mission to inspire is working right now! Liz just received a message from a friend, “Your posts on flying have inspired me. I’d always planned on getting my license…(someday)…but seeing your posts has made me want “someday” to happen a bit sooner.”
The only way of increasing that 6% number in this industry is education, encouragement, support, and proof that flying is so much fun! Leading by example is the best way to get a message out, and hopefully young girls will see how awesome this aviation industry is- regardless of the route taken to get there.
It’s the final weekend of campaigning in Iowa before the nation’s first primary of the 2016 Presidential campaign. Republican and Democratic candidates for president are criss-crossing the state to make one last push to garner support ahead of the state’s caucuses on Monday, February 1st. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump pulled off one of the more unique entrances to a rally at Dubuque, Iowa on Saturday. Utilizing his personal 757-200 aircraft, the jet performed a low-pass in front of the assembled crowd, then entered a left-hand pattern before landing on the runway. Upon landing, Donald Trump exited the 757 to a cheering audience with very presidential-like theme music playing in background.
After the speech, Trump offered tours of his jet to children who were gathered at the rally. The aircraft is one of the more unique private aircraft. Registered N757FA, the Boeing 757-200 first flew with Sterling Airways in 1991. Trump acquired the aircraft in 2011 to replace his aging 727-100 aircraft. The 757 features a private bedroom, a suite of media entertainment options and gold plated seat belts and fixtures. His jet has first class seating for up to 43 people. For reference, a typical 757-200 seats between 175 and 200 people in a 2-class configuration.
Injerjet announced that they will fly non-stop from Mexico City to DFW airport. The service begins on March 3, 2016.
While DFW Airport already has non-stop service from the Mexican capital by multiple carriers, the new Interjet flights will be a unique addition to the skies over North Texas. Interjet operates a fleet of 97-seat Suhkoi Superjet 100-95B. The Russian-built aircraft are rare over US skies. Interjet is the only North American carrier to fly the aircraft. While the jets are rare in Western skies, they represent a new generation of Russian built aircraft. Interjet’s aircraft feature western avionics, modern engines along with slimline seats and LCD monitors.
According to the press release, the flights will operate twice daily except for Saturdays, will have the following schedule: The Mexico-Dallas Fort Worth route will depart at 12:00 p.m. and arrive in Dallas Fort Worth at 2:30 p.m. The second flight will depart at 6:45 p.m. and land at 9:15 p.m. Return flights are scheduled for 6:15 a.m., landing in Mexico City at 8:45 a.m. and the second flight will depart Dallas Fort Worth at 3:30 p.m. and arrive at 6 p.m.
“With these new flights, Interjet will boost its presence in the United States and contribute to consolidate the strong business and pleasure relationship between our countries and one of Texas’ largest and most visited cities”, said Interjet CEO, José Luis Garza.
