When I was still learning to fly, I was cleared for take-off, and had rolled the 172 slowly onto to 28R, when the controller rather casually said: "610 Alpha Mike please expedite your departure as we have a 727 on 3 mile final." What an adrenalin rush! All these years later I remember that as clearly as if it happened yesterday.

(Written on 02/25/2023)(Permalink)

I was privileged to experience 10 JFK to LHR and back (round trips) on the queen. Eight on business, once on vacation and once to get married in London. 1978 thru 1983. Pan-Am, TWA and British Air. Enjoyed every minute of every flight. Love that aircraft.

(Written on 02/25/2023)(Permalink)

Thanks Mary. I understand. Tarmacadam (tarmac), a composite of stones and a tar-like substance invented in 1901-1902, was used extensively decades and decades ago, but I guess I'm just a nitpicker about not calling runways, taxiways, aprons and ramps "tarmac" when in fact very nearly, if not all, are now concrete. The last time I saw a tarmac runway, was one I was forced to use at an oil drilling operation in 1979 in the Libyan Sahara near Wadi KUfra.

(Written on 01/06/2019)(Permalink)

Why do so many incorrectly use the term tarmac???

(Written on 01/04/2019)(Permalink)