How is such an elementary requirement overlooked? When I was AD, they started the renewal process well in advance of my expiration. Overseeing contractors required that I stayed on top of their clearance expiration date, or it was on my butt. With AF One being the most security-sensitive "public" project currently being undertaken, how could the AF and Boeing overlook such a critical requirement? Does this mean we're going to have to look for FOD in the aircraft as well, just like the new tankers because Boeings oversight is obviously seriously lacking in all aspects?

(Written on 03/23/2023)(Permalink)

If I have to do a long single-aisle flight I would only want to do it on a 757 or A321XLR due to the larger cabin size and comfort. Heck, I'd rather do it on an A220 than a 737-Max. The 737 is an old workhorse designed for the days of short hops, not long flights. Upgraded engines, avionics, and structure can't compensate for the smaller cabin. Boeing should never have shuttered the 757. It was a beautiful lady, and listening to those RB211's throttle up and screaming through the clouds has never been matched.

(Written on 03/22/2023)(Permalink)

Wrong way would be someone landing on 35 instead of 17. They’re not landing and heading toward another aircraft with these taxiway incidents, though that does happen. They’re landing on the wrong “road”. In bad whether the IFR instrumentation should prevent it. In VFR, the visual markings, lighting, etc. should prevent it. Landing on a taxiway is poor airmanship, especially in todays highly automated, gps accurate aircraft. Even my Garmin GPS is accurate within 50 feet, and that’s on a small 172.

(Written on 03/09/2023)(Permalink)

Heck, sometimes even our most experienced pilots can’t even land at the correct airport! https://www.flyingmag.com/news-cause-c-17-landing-too-small-airport-revealed/

(Written on 03/09/2023)(Permalink)

I'm sure I am oversimplifying this...but isn't this analogous of needing software in a car to make sure you don't drive on a sidewalk? I'm not a seasoned pilot for sure, but I usually don't find myself having an issue in identifying a runway from a taxiway. Those big 'ol numbers tend to give it away.

(Written on 03/09/2023)(Permalink)

My first 747 flight was a UAL flight from SFO-HNL. It was akin to arriving into Honolulu in a Limousine. At least we can rest in the knowledge that if she's anything like the DC-10, she will be gracing our skies on cargo flights for decade to come.

(Written on 01/31/2023)(Permalink)

Why the AF would continue to order an aircraft that still does not meet its initial specifications set down 10+ years ago baffles me. Would any airline purchase a craft that the manufacturer openly admits is not ready, that has QA problems, and that has been grounded due to FOD in the wings/airframe? As it is, all deliveries will have to go back to the MFR for repairs/modifications once they solve the issues. Hardly ideal for a critical link in our global reach. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/07/26/whats-gone-wrong-and-right-with-boeing-kc-46a-pegasus-tanker/

(Written on 01/31/2023)(Permalink)

In the whole article, the part that hits home the most is "In reality, though, people only have so many choices when it comes to air travel". How true! We've lost TWA, PanAm, US Airways, Continental, Virgin America, Eastern, AirTran, Braniff, and the list goes on and on. While some were due to bankruptcies, way too many were caused by mergers. As a result, we are stuck with 4 main airlines, all of which have their specialized regions (think the new AA in New England). We were told that mergers wouldn't impact choices and service. None of us believed it, but, we don't have the $$$ to convince the decision makers.

(Written on 01/17/2023)(Permalink)

Part of this is probably tied to their 737 MAX purchase. LHR doesn't have many gates that aircraft incapable of utilizing containerized cargo/luggage can use. LGW doesn't have the same problem and so it's probably the best place to utilize them.

(Written on 12/01/2022)(Permalink)

Precisely. What’s the point in conducting inspections if you can’t get any parts to repair what you find?

(Written on 11/19/2022)(Permalink)