Every aircraft type has had its share of issues. Some more, some less. The only way to absolutely ensure your safety is, don't bother getting out of bed in the morning. Just a side note, more people die or are injured just taking a shower in the morning. More people die in a car wreck in the US each year than in airplane crashes worldwide. So, be afraid. That is your choice. You have never been guaranteed your next breath or next heartbeat. You will die someday. It could be today, or tomorrow, or 50 years from now. Only God know the exact day and time of your checking out from this world. It is something that you have no control over, nor is there anything you can do to prevent it.

(Written on 2020/12/04)(Permalink)

Hard to see bears in the dark, at 180kts. Bears can't read "No Trespassing" signs. Actually surprised this doesn't happen more often in Alaska.

(Written on 2020/11/21)(Permalink)

Seems everyone firgets about all the problems and deaths regarding the DC-10. Was it grounded worldwide? Nope. Even though far more people died. Every aircraft is a compromise. There is no guarantee that issues won't show up with a new or modified design. You want a guarantee? Buy a toaster, and even then you're not guaranteed perfect safety.

(Written on 2020/11/21)(Permalink)

I grew up in NoVa. Know Gravely Point well.

(Written on 2020/09/11)(Permalink)

When I was a kid in the mid-70's, my dad, who was a career Army officer, was stationed in Hawai'i. We were fortunate to be assigned quarters at Ft. Kamehameha, about 3/4 of ample from the end of runway 8 (now 8L) at Honolulu Intel (PHNL). Every day we were treated to Aloha Airlines 737's and Hawaiian Air DC-9's turning on short final and from time to time 747's, DC-10's and large US Air Force transports on a long approach from the Barbers Point area of Oahu. If we wanted a better view to watch aircraft, the terminal had a gorgeous open air viewing platform that was open to the public. Later in my life, I usually found places to airplane watch around airports. Such as the parking lot at the end of runway 1L and 1R at KSFO, there was a great place at The end of 12L at KSTL. It no longer exists. Then the park at the north end of 19 at KDCA. I don't know it's current status. I now live in the Chicago metro area. You can pretty much forget any real airplane watching around KORD or KMDW. Ei

(Written on 2020/09/11)(Permalink)

I've only flown on a 747 once, in 1981. It was on a Flying Tiger Lines military flight from Travis AFB to Clark AFB in the Philippines, via ANK and Kadina AFB in Okinawa. It was a long series of flights. Nearly 24 hours enroute. I was a USN sailor who was traveling to report to my ship, the USS America (CV-66). Over the past 50 years, the 747 has been a favorite of mine. At least from the plane watcher point of view. I'm glad that it will likely still be flying when I breathe my last. Even if it's only hauling cargo, instead of passengers.

(Written on 2020/06/27)(Permalink)

The owl just wanted to visit his relatives in Jolly ol' England, maybe for a pint or two.

(Written on 2019/02/10)(Permalink)