RIP Chuck Yeager, the pilot every other pilot wanted to be!

(Written on 2020/12/08)(Permalink)

Until the Covid19 emergency is under control, I don't see much change in peoples desire to fly. The quarantine rules and requirements for testing before and after flight is enough to turn me off for now.

(Written on 2020/11/04)(Permalink)

Is DVT insurance available ?

(Written on 2020/10/21)(Permalink)

Theme Park anyone?

(Written on 2020/10/20)(Permalink)

Did they not check the CVR or the DFDR? surely that would have shown whether or not they followed the checklist and confirmed the switch was set to auto. I agree with Highflyer1950, it is the ultimate responsibility of the flight crew to confirm that systems are nominal and correctly functioning. My experience of over 16,000 hrs on DC9's tells me that sometimes a crew member will try to shortcut checklists. NOT ON MY WATCH!

(Written on 2020/09/21)(Permalink)

There are clearly some systemic problems at Boeing, The whole company structure, culture and management,as well as SOP's need to be investigated. With the 737-Max and now 787 under a cloud of doubt the entire operation should be halted until some tangible fixes are applied.

(Written on 2020/09/08)(Permalink)

OK rules dyslexia!

(Written on 2020/08/14)(Permalink)

Pan Am did have a very good First class meal service, and that upper deck lounge AAH! the good old days! I remember one flight with QANTAS LHR to MEL where in first class they came by with a trolley and carved the roast beef as you decided whether you would have rare or medium cuts. Thanks to Ken Tubbs the FSD (the Silver Fox!) the inflight service was amazing. Lufthansa had a 747 with a giant barrel of Lowenbrau in the cabin so passengers could help themselves. But the best flight I ever had was with Cathay Pacific MEL to LHR via BNE and HKG in 1991 with it's first 747-400 an inaugural flight, Being a Marco Polo club member in First class, they firstly served Louis Roederer Kristal Champagne, vintage of course. Beluga Caviar with all the trimmings, a Coq au Vin to die for accompanied by a 1978 Chateau Latour, to finish, one of the best Creme Brulee's I've ever had and a sumptuous cheese platter to finish! Oh and a Hennessy Bras Arme' cognac to top it off. It's a shame thos

(Written on 2020/08/05)(Permalink)

Isn't it time we had a single global organization that is responsible for checking aircraft safety and airworthiness? Instead of every country having to certify each aircraft type. Quite a number of nation state authorities become political puppets and are headed up often by people who have no knowledge of aviation matters let alone technical expertise. Maybe ICAO could be the right organization? It would need to be funded by all countries though and that might be a big problem.

(Written on 2020/02/28)(Permalink)

Thank you Sully for your wise observations. AS a humble ex commercial pilot with a mere 16,000 hrs on dear old DC9's many years ago. I remember vividly my first instructors words "Follow your checklists, and FLY THE BLOODY PLANE!!" It seems to me that these days most new pilots do not receive enough "stick time" before being let loose. They are mostly system monitors these days and that is not good.

(Written on 2019/10/15)(Permalink)