Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.gadling.com/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Cockpit Chronicles - Paragliding In Rio: Best Layover Ever! (Video)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2013/05/08/cockpit-chronicles-paragliding-in-rio-best-layover-ever-vid/http://www.gadling.com/2013/05/08/cockpit-chronicles-paragliding-in-rio-best-layover-ever-vid/http://www.gadling.com/2013/05/08/cockpit-chronicles-paragliding-in-rio-best-layover-ever-vid/#commentsFiled under: ,

The adage goes something like this:

The worst day of fishing beats the best day of work.

Years ago, I knew I found the right job when I was a co-pilot on a charter flight in a 15-seat Twin Otter for a day of fishing on an Alaskan beach. I remember thinking of that adage, and telling everyone that it was the best day of work and the best day of fishing.

How could it ever be possible to top that trip? Well, I think I just did it.

First, a little background is in order.

A year and a half ago, around the time I was learning to paraglide near New York City, I flew a few trips as a co-pilot to Rio. I took my camera and paid a guy $5 to take me up to the launch area at the Pedra Bonita ramp where hang gliders and paragliders launch at a rate that rivals the JFK airport in New York.

After chatting with a few pilots there, one of them asked me how much I weighed, suggesting that he had a glider and harness I could borrow. Having only flown from a 50-foot training hill, I politely declined. But I'll admit, I was tempted.

I spent the day filming multiple launches, some of which weren't so successful, and when I stood at the end of the paragliding ramp I set a goal to get a few hours under my glider so I could give this place a try.

Just this February I managed to rack up 20 hours of flying in Costa Rica. I figured it was time to bid the 34-hour Rio layover for some paragliding, but I wondered what would it look like to the passengers when I tried to go through security with what could be mistaken for a parachute on my back? I knew I would seem out of place, but in the end, it proved to be worth the hassle.

Starting at the last week of April and through the month of May, I found myself with five Rio trips in a row. I had heard that some crew members were able to leave bags at the hotel when they flew the trip often, and I planned to do the same with my 36-pound orange paraglider for the month.

As luck would have it, I knew the co-pilot, Mike from our days working together out of Boston to Paris and enjoying the bike tour there. Rio flights have one captain and two co-pilots for the required crew rest break on flights over eight hours.

Mike told me that the captain was a jovial kind of guy who, it turns out, had flown hang gliders in California when he was younger. I couldn't have asked for a better cockpit crew, and the flight attendants were friendly, if not curious about my layover plans with such a large backpack.


Going through security, I joked with a TSA agent that I just didn't like the pillows and blankets at the hotel.

In the cockpit, I was relieved to see that the bag fit perfectly in a recess next to the relief co-pilot seat in which I would occupy for takeoff and landing; I could see this wouldn't impact my co-workers in the least.

Safely at the hotel in Rio, arrangements were made to meet both the captain and Mike in the lobby after a two-hour nap at around noon. We picked up a cab to the paragliding and hang gliding landing zone at the end of São Conrado beach, and I paid the $30 for a one-month pass to fly there.

Continue reading Cockpit Chronicles - Paragliding In Rio: Best Layover Ever! (Video)

Cockpit Chronicles - Paragliding In Rio: Best Layover Ever! (Video) originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 08 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altitude parapenteAltitudeParapenteflyinginstructorlayoverlessonsLets Go ParaglidingLetsGoParaglidingNew YorkNewYorkparaglidingpassengerPedra BonitaPedraBonitapilotRiorio de janeiroRio de JanieroSuperfly incSuperflyInctandemWed, 08 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cockpit Chronicles: How I Fell In Love With An Airplane (Video)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2013/05/01/cockpit-chronicles-how-i-fell-in-love-with-an-airplane-video/http://www.gadling.com/2013/05/01/cockpit-chronicles-how-i-fell-in-love-with-an-airplane-video/http://www.gadling.com/2013/05/01/cockpit-chronicles-how-i-fell-in-love-with-an-airplane-video/#commentsFiled under: ,

The MD-80 just might be the Rodney Dangerfield of the airline world. It just can't seem to get any respect. But for those who really get to know the airplane, it offers some features, and admittedly a number of quirks, that has made it near and dear to many pilots. Against all odds, this Boeing pilot has fallen in love with the Mad Dog.

Passengers either love the airplane or hate it. And much of those feelings depend on where you're sitting. A perch up in first class offers one of the quietest cabins in the air. Conversely, finding yourself in the back row between the engines and across from the lav would only be appealing to the truest aviation geek who somehow enjoys the noise.

Compared to a Boeing, there are so many sounds, levers and quirky features in the cockpit of an MD-80 that I can only do justice by video. So on my last week of flying the airplane back in February, I decided to document a few of the features that have made me fall in love with the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 or the "Super 80" as we call it.


For all the quirks, as I mention in the video, it has an enviable safety record.

But let's face it; the reason I'll miss the MD-80 the most might have more to do with which seat I sat in. Bumping back from captain to co-pilot as these airplanes are retired means that I won't find myself taxiing around La Guardia or Chicago, or any place for that matter as the captain does all the taxiing.

And the co-pilots I flew with were the hardest working aviators at the company. I will absolutely miss them as some became good friends along the way.

You never know, with the flood of A319s, A321s and new Boeing 737-800 and -900s coming at my company, I could be back in the Super 80 left seat soon, or in one of those shiny new jets. Either way, I'm glad I had the opportunity to fly the airplane before it's gone.

[Photo credit: Kent Wien]

Related: "Captain on the MD-80? Why?" and "A Captain No More."

"Cockpit Chronicles" takes you along on some of Kent's trips as a captain co-pilot on the MD-80 757 and 767 based in New York. Have any questions for Kent? Check out the "Cockpit Chronicles" Facebook page or follow Kent on Twitter @veryjr.

Cockpit Chronicles: How I Fell In Love With An Airplane (Video) originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 01 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airplaneBoeing 737 Next GenerationBoeing CocaptainChicagoCockpitcockpit chroniclescockpitchroniclesFiorello La GuardiaJetLGAMad DogMcDonnell Douglas MD-80MD-80ORDPilotRodney DangerfieldSuper 80Super80Wed, 01 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cockpit Chronicles: The iPad Flight Bag Is Finally Here (Video)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/20/cockpit-chronicles-the-ipad-flight-bag-is-finally-here-video/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/20/cockpit-chronicles-the-ipad-flight-bag-is-finally-here-video/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/20/cockpit-chronicles-the-ipad-flight-bag-is-finally-here-video/#commentsFiled under:

The long awaited, previously announced iPad Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) has finally been approved for most of our airplanes at the company. In fact, we're the first U.S. airline to receive FAA approval for the use of the iPad as a replacement for all of our paper Jeppesen approach plates.

The process started in 2007 when we were allowed to use laptops to hold our company manuals. This meant we could leave three to four manuals at home that weighed about ten pounds. When the iPad came on the scene, we were allowed to use it as an alternative to the laptop. That left only our "Jepps," two to three large manuals that weighed even more than the company books, for us to lug around.

Some airlines went a different route, investing in a built-in laptop solution called a Class II EFB that included Jepp support. This 2009 cockpit video by Gadling shows how Virgin America deployed that solution.

Later, our company worked with Jeppesen and the FAA to offer an iPad that would be provided to every pilot and a RAM mount that stays in the aircraft. In addition, the company also provided us with a Hypermac backup battery that's capable of extending the life of the iPad for an additional 24 hours.

Since both pilots will be carrying an iPad, coupled with the extended batteries, the FAA feels this is as redundant as the regular manuals.

A few weeks ago we saw our first mounts in our MD-80, so I felt a video tour might explain how the setup works and just what it replaces.


So far American has approval for the 777, 737, MD-80 and is just awaiting approval for the 757/767 fleet. Hopefully, this will be just in time for my return to that airplane, as once you use this setup, you won't want to go back to the paper.

To get that approval, American had to have the iPad tested in a hypobaric chamber to simulate how the device would handle during a rapid decompression. They also had to arrange for mount testing with the FAA, which is ironic since our manuals weigh far more than the iPad and aren't secured in place. Many takeoffs have resulted in a book or two sliding off the side table and onto the floor.

Next up on the list are the reams of dot matrix printed paperwork we take with us on the flights that I covered in a previous video. Once that is accomplished, and weather is incorporated into the iPad, we can finally claim to be flying in the seemingly mythical "paperless cockpit" that has long been the goal since sometime just after the Wright Brothers took to the air and discovered how difficult it was to fold up their maps in the open cockpit.

[Photo/Video credit: Kent Wien]

Related: "Cockpit Chronicles: Paper Makes an Airplane Fly"

"Cockpit Chronicles" takes you along on some of Kent's trips as a captain co-pilot on the MD-80 757 and 767 based in New York. Have any questions for Kent? Check out the "Cockpit Chronicles" Facebook page or follow Kent on Twitter @veryjr.

Cockpit Chronicles: The iPad Flight Bag Is Finally Here (Video) originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>757 batteries757batteriesAmerican AirlinesAmericanAirlinesEFBElectronic Flight Bagelectronic flight bag ipadElectronicFlightBagelectronicflightbagipadFAAfaa ipad approvalfaaipadapprovalHypermaciPadipad certified for flightipadcertifiedforflightJeppesenkitbagMcDonnell Douglas MD-80MD-80paperworkpilotsSci/TechVirgin AmericaVirginAmericaWed, 20 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cockpit Chronicles: A Captain No More]]>http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/07/cockpit-chronicles-a-captain-no-more/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/07/cockpit-chronicles-a-captain-no-more/http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/07/cockpit-chronicles-a-captain-no-more/#commentsFiled under:

Occasionally, pilots seek out a better ride by climbing a few thousand feet. Sacrificing a bit of fuel to climb earlier than scheduled often makes sense as long as there's less turbulence at the new altitude. But it's frustrating to discover that the premature climb didn't help and then find yourself headed back to where you started.

Discontinuing a takeoff roll or performing a missed approach - or even a mechanical at the gate - are all annoying for pilots. But nothing, perhaps short of being laid off, is more frustrating than upgrading to captain and then being bumped back to a co-pilot position.

And that's where I find myself today. After enjoying eleven months on the MD-80 in the left seat, the company has noticed that there are too many captains in New York on this airplane. So they're displacing eight of us back to our choice of co-pilot positions, and they've announced intentions to bump another group back in April and May.

Once I knew it was inevitable, I could give my displacement preference - a line of text saved in a computer system for just this kind of action by the company - some more thought. Initially, I had planned to fly the 777 as a co-pilot, an airplane that I flew briefly in 2005. But after looking over the various destinations, schedules and the seniority (or lack thereof) my choice came down to three:

Continue reading Cockpit Chronicles: A Captain No More

Cockpit Chronicles: A Captain No More originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AirbusBoeingcaptainMcDonnell Douglas MD-80New York CitypilotseniorityThu, 07 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cockpit Chronicles: A Landing Fit For A King]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/12/25/cockpit-chronicles-a-landing-fit-for-a-king/http://www.gadling.com/2012/12/25/cockpit-chronicles-a-landing-fit-for-a-king/http://www.gadling.com/2012/12/25/cockpit-chronicles-a-landing-fit-for-a-king/#commentsFiled under:

Harriet Baskas from StuckatTheAirport.com asked a few of us to identify the "scariest airports" as seen through the eyes of pilots. I gave her a list of "challenging" airports instead. I told her about New York's LaGuardia and Washington, D.C.'s Reagan airports but I wondered if I should have mentioned Eek or Nightmute, two of my personal favorites from flying in Alaska, that attract only a few local travelers.

In the end, LaGuardia, Reagan and Orange County, in Santa Ana, California, made the cut in her article. I couldn't really disagree with the choices. All three are short runways and each one has at least one unique departure or arrival procedure that requires a bit of piloting skill.

But do pilots worry, or get scared when flying into these places? I haven't seen any evidence to support that. Do we feel some pressure? Sure.

A recent LaGuardia landing is a good example. Since finishing my initial operating experience (IOE) as a new captain on the MD-80, I hadn't flown into LaGuardia for over a month. I managed to get two or three landings there with the instructor giving me the IOE training, but most of my subsequent trips had been out of Newark, another airport that's part of my home base.

Finally, after finishing a three-day trip with layovers in Cleveland and Albuquerque, I'd get my first landing back at the USS LaGuardia. We joke about its short length, but it really isn't much worse than the shortest runway in Boston, Chicago or San Diego. And as a co-pilot, I had flown into LGA many times. So why the pressure?

It might come as a surprise to some, but most pilots don't constantly think about the responsibility that comes with flying a planeload of passengers while they're flying. I suppose it's because, in a selfish way, a passenger's safety is no more important than my own, and this tends to be enough to ensure that the airplane and its occupants are flown in a safe way.

But I do have one recurring thought that goes through my mind during the more challenging times. Because of the hundreds of accident reports we've read that never fail to leave an impression, a little voice in my head can often be heard critiquing every decision or action.

And especially when things begin to go wrong on a flight, either mechanically, or because of weather or poor decision-making, that little voice in your head begins to craft your own accident report. And when you start hearing excerpts in your head, such as "captain elected to take off from the shorter, ice-covered runway to save time as the flight had been delayed" you tend to step back and re-think your decisions.

During my first LaGuardia landing as a captain, these type of thoughts were going through my head. Nothing was out of the ordinary - the weather was clear and while it was dark, the visibility was excellent.

But this time, it wasn't an NTSB accident report that I was hearing; it was a newspaper headline because that night I had royalty aboard the flight.

Continue reading Cockpit Chronicles: A Landing Fit For A King

Cockpit Chronicles: A Landing Fit For A King originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 25 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airportsAlaskaAlbuquerque, New MexicoCaptaincelebrityChicagoEekfavorite airportsFavoriteAirportsFiorello La GuardiaJerry LewislandingLocalMD-80New York CityNewark, New JerseyNightmute, AlaskapilotrunwaySanta Ana, Californiastuck at the airportStuckAtTheAirportThe King of ComedyU.S.Tue, 25 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Tarragona' Takes You Away]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/10/21/tarragona-takes-you-away/http://www.gadling.com/2012/10/21/tarragona-takes-you-away/http://www.gadling.com/2012/10/21/tarragona-takes-you-away/#commentsFiled under:

Performing in its last week at New York's WorkShop Theater Company is a comedy called "Tarragona." It's a play about a confined office worker's transformation after being drawn to a new lover and subsequently discovering the freedom that traveling offers.
It's a cross between "Eat, Pray, Love" and "There's Something About Mary" and with tickets just $18, it's something you shouldn't miss if you're in New York this week.
We were convinced the moment we watched the trailer:

As if the talented cast and witty dialogue wasn't enough, after the show the actors, writer and director invited the audience to join them for an on-stage party as a fund raiser for the WorkShop Theater Company. Sangria was served by Lidia Ornero from Barcelona who nailed the part of Christina. If offered, I highly recommend this chance to meet the cast.

So if you can't get to Tarragona, Spain anytime soon, you may enjoy this production as a way to escape from your own job.
[Photo credit: author]

'Tarragona' Takes You Away originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 21 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ComedyElysa MardenElysaMardengadling+tarragonagadlingtarragonaGary GiovannettiGaryGiovannettiNYCplayTarragonatarragona+playtarragona+workshop+theatre+reviewtarragonaplaytarragonaworkshoptheatrereviewTheaterWorkShop Theater CompanyWorkshopTheaterCompanySun, 21 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Paraglider And Hang Glider Collide Midair In Italy]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/09/22/paraglider-and-hang-glider-collide-midair-in-italy/http://www.gadling.com/2012/09/22/paraglider-and-hang-glider-collide-midair-in-italy/http://www.gadling.com/2012/09/22/paraglider-and-hang-glider-collide-midair-in-italy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's probably every paragliding pilot's biggest nightmare - flying within a gaggle of other pilots in search of lift and, even though you've kept your head on a swivel carefully watching for traffic, you notice something out of the corner of your eye behind your risers. A hang glider is coming at you.

One pilot, flying in the Trentino-Alto Adige region of Italy, had exactly this experience a few days ago and caught it on his camera.



Fortunately, even though the hang glider pilot's parachute failed to open, the flat spin was enough to let him down slow enough that he was able to survive the impact with the trees.

With the advent of GoPro cameras, many hang glider and paraglider pilots record their moments in the air. That has led to an abundance of scary, 'there I was - I nearly died' YouTube videos involving the sports.

While paragliding in Utah last week, building up my experience for a future "Cockpit Chronicles" article on the sport, I was initially surprised at how stressful it was to fly in a confined area scratching for lift with 20 other pilots. Occasionally, I had to give up the search and try for another flight later in the day when the traffic died down.

Paragliding enjoys a remarkably good safety record (a point that's subject to debate as you'll see in the comments below), so hopefully these videos won't discourage you from trying this purest form of flying.

Paraglider And Hang Glider Collide Midair In Italy originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 22 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gliderhang+glider+deathhanggliderdeathparagliderparaglider+and+hang+glider+collide+midair+in+italyparagliderandhangglidercollidemidairinitalySat, 22 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cockpit Chronicles: DC-3 Flight Over Manhattan Celebrates Mechanic's 70 Years (With Video)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/07/26/cockpit-chronicles-dc-3-flight-over-manhattan-celebrates-mechan/http://www.gadling.com/2012/07/26/cockpit-chronicles-dc-3-flight-over-manhattan-celebrates-mechan/http://www.gadling.com/2012/07/26/cockpit-chronicles-dc-3-flight-over-manhattan-celebrates-mechan/#commentsFiled under:

Al "Blacky" Blackman has reached a milestone few can claim. He has worked for 70 years as a mechanic for American Airlines based in New York, starting when he was only 17 years old.

Surprisingly, he has no plans to retire. "I don't consider this work. It's being able to do what you like and getting paid for it."

On Tuesday last week the folks at AA threw a party for Al, his friends and his co-workers arranged for a painting sufficient in size to make even Al blush, which covered the back wall of Hangar 10 at JFK.

The next day they arranged for a few fellow employees, along with representatives from the media, to join Al in what has to be the most fitting way to mark the occasion, a ride in an original AA DC-3 around Manhattan.


The DC-3, which is operated by the non-profit Flagship Detroit Foundation, is the oldest DC-3 still flying. It is an airplane that AA operated until 1947 - five years after Al started as a mechanic.

Members of the press gathered around and asked Al a few questions before we were led across the ramp for our chance to fly with Al in the vintage airliner.

After he had a slight misstep while boarding, someone offered to hold Al's cup of water for him. Handing it off, he joked, "You know what they say, If you can't hold your drink ... "


Soon after the 20 passengers found their seats on the plane, some remarked about the lack of air flowing through the cabin. Zane Lemon, the president of the Flagship Detroit Foundation, and our flight attendant for the trip, pointed out the gasper vents that would only supply cool air as we gained some airspeed, and the narrower seats from the time period.


"You have to remember, in the mid '30s, the average passenger weighed 136 pounds," he said.

"What was the average temperature?" someone quipped.

I was thrilled to be embarking on such a time-warp, even if the temperature was 95 degrees that day. A flight up the Hudson right by the Freedom Tower in a DC-3? Sign me up.

Continue reading Cockpit Chronicles: DC-3 Flight Over Manhattan Celebrates Mechanic's 70 Years (With Video)

Cockpit Chronicles: DC-3 Flight Over Manhattan Celebrates Mechanic's 70 Years (With Video) originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AAAirportAl BlackmanAlBlackmanAmerican AirlinesAmericanAirlinesAviation High SchoolBrooklyn BridgeC-47Central ParkDC-3Flagship DetroitFlagshipDetroitGeorge Washington BridgeHudson RiverJFKManhattanNew York CitySebastian TooveySebastianTooveyZane LemonZaneLemonThu, 26 Jul 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[For These Ladies, Paragliders Offered The Ultimate View Of Iceland. (Video)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/01/for-these-ladies-paragliders-offered-the-ultimate-view-of-icela/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/01/for-these-ladies-paragliders-offered-the-ultimate-view-of-icela/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/01/for-these-ladies-paragliders-offered-the-ultimate-view-of-icela/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Paragliding pilots have the ultimate perch to get out and see the world. For two Icelandic women, a planned camping trip to the highlands of their country turned into one of the most mesmerizing videos I've come across.

In July 2011 two girls borrowed a 4x4, filled it with camping gear and paragliders and drove up to the Highlands of Iceland.

They experienced a new side of their own country, found some extreme flying spots and quaint people, learned how to drive across rivers, up mountains and how to read maps.

4 weeks later, having killed the vehicle, they returned and made this film:


I can think of no better excuse to travel than to take up paragliding and meet other pilots around the world. In fact, I plan to do just that. Stay tuned.

Want to learn to really fly? If you live in the U.S. look up a paragliding school close to you. It's less expensive than you think.

For These Ladies, Paragliders Offered The Ultimate View Of Iceland. (Video) originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 01 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>campingflyingHighlandshikingIcelandlearn to flylearn to fly a paragliderLearnToFlyLearnToFlyAParagliderparagliderparaglidingpilotsoaringvideowomen pilotsWomenPilotsTue, 01 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Discovery Channel Crashes A 727 Intentionally (Video)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/30/the-discovery-channel-crashes-a-727-intentionally-video/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/30/the-discovery-channel-crashes-a-727-intentionally-video/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/30/the-discovery-channel-crashes-a-727-intentionally-video/#commentsFiled under: ,

After building a plastic model airplane I used to fantasize about what it would look like crashing. This urge became overwhelming when my best friend was over at my house trying to annoy me to death. So I sent a B-52 across my bedroom for a bombing run.

The end result was a crash that was a bit of a let down.

Someone at the Discovery Channel recently had a similar idea, albeit on a more grand scale. Back in March, Kate Nixon, a producer working for Discovery, emailed me looking for a '727 guru.' She told me that they had purchased a Boeing 727 that they would be crashing in April for a scientific study. I'm sure the fact that it would make for some great T.V. was also part of the plan.

I explained that I was hardly a guru on the old three-engine Boeing, but that I might be able to put her in touch with someone. At the end of the exchange, I asked her what the "N" number was of the airplane to be crashed.

"Our aircraft is a 727-212 built in 1978 registration N293AS," She said.

A quick check revealed I had flown that exact airplane when working for ExpressOne International (pic), a passenger charter airline. In fact, my sister Kim had flown it as a flight attendant at Alaska Airlines (pic), the original operator of the doomed airplane.

Kate swore me to secrecy and explained that the planned crash that would be extensively filmed for an upcoming special. They were mounting cameras inside and outside to capture the event. I suggested testing some AmSafe airbag seat belts that I had recently seen while sitting on a 737 at a bulkhead seat.

Of course I wanted to share it with all my friends at those two companies. But I had to keep quiet, at least until now.

They apparently used a pilot and some form of radio control device operated by a chase plane to guide it during the final moments. The pilot jumped out (D. B. Cooper style?) before the final descent into the ground.

And of course, in this day of cell phone cameras everywhere, someone managed to capture the crash, and it looks like the results for the Discovery Channel are far from a let down:

Continue reading The Discovery Channel Crashes A 727 Intentionally (Video)

The Discovery Channel Crashes A 727 Intentionally (Video) originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>727+crash+for+science727crashforscienceairliner crashAirlinerCrashAlaska AirlinesamsafeBaja CaliforniaBoeingBoeing 727boeing+aircraft+companyBoeing727boeingaircraftcompanyChannel 4CrashD. B. CooperDiscovery Channeldiscovery+channel+airplane+crashdiscovery+plane+crash+videodiscoverychannelairplanecrashdiscoveryplanecrashvideoEileen O'NeillExpressOneExpressOne InternationalExpressoneInternationalGermanyintentional+plane+crash+in+desertintentionalplanecrashindesertjet crashJetCrashn293as+historyn293ashistoryNASAplane+crashplanecrashProSiebenSonoran DesertMon, 30 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cockpit Chronicles: Getting More Out Of Layovers]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/19/cockpit-chronicles-get-more-out-of-layovers/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/19/cockpit-chronicles-get-more-out-of-layovers/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/19/cockpit-chronicles-get-more-out-of-layovers/#commentsFiled under:

For some, life couldn't be any more perfect than if they were paid to travel. I've run across three airline crew members who have discovered ways to keep their jobs fresh and exciting by embracing what is for them the biggest benefit that comes with working for an airline: travel.

You hear about the turbulence in the airline industry nearly every week - layoffs, pay cuts, pensions lost and airlines shutting down. The echo chamber at work is enough to drive an airline employee crazy after hearing how these events are affecting everyone. But a few pilots and flight attendants I've worked with have come to the conclusion that they're unable to change the situation materially, and so they may as well find a way to enjoy the job.

2 STEWS

I like to think I'm an adventurous traveler, although my definition of adventurous is to try to avoid eating at the same place in a given city more than once. I rarely succeed, but it's a goal at least.

Years ago, a flight attendant asked me for advice about purchasing a digital SLR camera. She started a blog called 2 Stews that revolved around eating and writing about various restaurants in Europe and recreating some of the amazing dishes. I was surprised when she heeded my advice not to skimp on the camera and began to take some eye-popping pictures of the food and sights she came across.

Continue reading Cockpit Chronicles: Getting More Out Of Layovers

Cockpit Chronicles: Getting More Out Of Layovers originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blogBoise, IdahoBostonBudapestDallasEntertainmentEuropeflight attendantFlightAttendantFodor'sFoodGreekIdahoIPadItalian sausageITunesJohnny CashLatin Quarter, Parislay overlayoverMinneapolisNew York CityParisParisianPilotsRioRio de JaneiroRioDeJaneiroRomeRudyTwitterThu, 19 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cockpit Chronicles: Ten tips for the new co-pilot]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/05/cockpit-chronicles-ten-tips-for-the-new-co-pilot/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/05/cockpit-chronicles-ten-tips-for-the-new-co-pilot/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/05/cockpit-chronicles-ten-tips-for-the-new-co-pilot/#commentsFiled under:

Copilot talking on the radio over FranceDespite the fact that our airline is parking older and less efficient airplanes, senior co-pilots have been upgrading to captain at a pretty good clip. I thought the recent events would have put a stop to all that, but I was ecstatic to learn that I had finally reached the seniority needed to fly the MD-80 as a captain. This was due to the wave of pilot retirements we saw last fall.

So as I reached my 20th year of flying as a co-pilot, I figured I might be able to offer some unsolicited advice for any new co-pilots coming into this job. There are plenty of tips on how to get a flying job, but very little talk about what to do when you finally arrive at a major airline.

I didn't always embrace the following recommendations, and I've marked those needing further explanation with an asterisk. Often the best advice comes from the mistakes of others.

10. Don't fall in love with a co-worker. *

You might not have to worry too much about this one. It seems flight attendants are taught during their initial training that all pilots are evil and should be avoided like the H1N1 virus. Dating a flight attendant can be extremely convenient - think of the layover possibilities - but any nasty break-ups reverberate through the company, which could be awkward. Working with your ex-girlfriend's best friend, for example, might not be very pleasant.

* Technically, I was married to a flight attendant, but not in the traditional fashion. My wife and I were married for a couple of years before she went to work for a different airline. My siblings have both dated within their respective airlines with varied results.

9. Collect all the good techniques you find in the captains you fly with. And take note of the worst.

Do you like how a captain flies? Appreciate his professionalism and demeanor? Emulate it when you're a captain. Think of the top five captains you've flown with. What do they share in common? Chances are, everyone else likes flying with them too, and a cockpit that's less stressful is a safer cockpit.

On the other hand, you know that captain that shows up in the cockpit five minutes before departure? You didn't like it when you were his co-pilot, so hopefully you'll go out of your way to avoid that kind of behavior when you upgrade. Think of the five worst captains you flew with and do your best not to operate like they do.

Continue reading Cockpit Chronicles: Ten tips for the new co-pilot

Cockpit Chronicles: Ten tips for the new co-pilot originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Boeing 757Bostoncaptaincareerco-pilotcockpit chroniclesCockpitChroniclescommutecopilotdateFlight engineerInfluenza A virus subtype H1N1McDonnell Douglas MD-80New York CitypilottipsunionThu, 05 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cockpit Chronicles: Captain on the MD-80? Why?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/22/cockpit-chronicles-captain-on-the-md-80-why/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/22/cockpit-chronicles-captain-on-the-md-80-why/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/22/cockpit-chronicles-captain-on-the-md-80-why/#commentsFiled under:

MD-80 sunset LAX jet airlinerCaptain on the MD-80? Are you crazy?

I received a comment from a reader recently to that effect. What was I thinking, bidding to an airplane that my company was rapidly retiring and choosing to go back on reserve, ready to fly at a moment's notice to places like Kansas City and Tulsa instead of Rome and Paris? And what about the commute to Germany?

"Why would you do this?" He asked.

I suppose I should explain my thinking, or perhaps justify this because I have to admit there are times when I've wondered if it's the right move.

I didn't do it for the money, especially since going from flying a full schedule as a 757/767 co-pilot to an MD-80 captain that flies less often while on reserve doesn't mean there will be much, if any, extra money. To understand how pilots "upgrade" to captain, read "How do pilots move up to captain?"

Captain Kent

I did it because I needed the change in scenery, the challenge of doing a new job well, and in this unstable industry, it certainly doesn't hurt to get some more captain experience just in case things go south. Furthermore, the MD-80 is the only type rating that I don't have of the airplanes we currently fly.

A year or two ago, I would peek into the simulator of an MD-80 and just shake my head. I was happy that I wasn't flying that dinosaur, I told myself. But a funny thing happens when a few hundred pilots retire suddenly and you find yourself able to fly it as a captain. It quickly becomes a rather sexy jet.

It hasn't been until the beginning of my 20th year flying as a co-pilot that I've even had the seniority to hold a captain position, and even that is only at the New York base and only on the MD-80. At the rate we're going, I could hold the 737 as a captain in a few years perhaps, and if I wanted to be based in Boston, it would likely take longer than that. So New York on the MD-80 was my only choice if I wanted a left seat.

Continue reading Cockpit Chronicles: Captain on the MD-80? Why?

Cockpit Chronicles: Captain on the MD-80? Why? originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Boeing 757Captaincockpit chroniclesCockpitChroniclescommuteGermanyKansas City, KansasKent WienKentWienMcDonnell Douglas MD-80MD-80New York CityParispilotRomeSimulatorTulsa, OklahomaTwitterThu, 22 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cockpit Chronicles: What's not to like about the 757? I'll show you. (Video)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/08/cockpit-chronicles-whats-not-to-like-about-the-757-ill-show/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/08/cockpit-chronicles-whats-not-to-like-about-the-757-ill-show/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/08/cockpit-chronicles-whats-not-to-like-about-the-757-ill-show/#commentsFiled under:

Powerful engines providing stellar performance and short field capabilities are just some of the features that set the Boeing 757 apart from the rest. But there has to be something that pilots dislike on the airplane, right?

Well, there are two features in particular that I don't care for.

I dream that someday someone from Boeing or Airbus will call me for advice on cockpit ergonomics. Each company does their best to lay out a cockpit to please the end user - the pilot. But sometimes there are just a few quirks that slip through. An item, which an engineer may spend only a day or two thinking about, can have a lasting impact on the pilots that fly the airplane for thousands of hours.

Generally speaking, Boeing takes pilot input into account when designing the pointy-end of their airplanes. The following two items that pertain to the 757 and 767 may seem nit-picky, but I thought I'd share them here anyway, even including a video to highlight my second personal peeve.

To be fair, these airplanes were designed in the late '70s and went into service in the '80s. And Boeing has, to some extent, fixed these issues in the 777. But here are my minor gripes, with a video to demonstrate the second annoyance.

Continue reading Cockpit Chronicles: What's not to like about the 757? I'll show you. (Video)

Cockpit Chronicles: What's not to like about the 757? I'll show you. (Video) originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AirbusATCBoeing 757Boeing757chimeschroniclescockpitcockpit chroniclesCockpitChroniclesdesigndimmersdingdingsergonomicsflight attendantFlightAttendantjetjumpseatlightsMD-80peevePilotSELCALThu, 08 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cockpit Chronicles: Captain Steve Jobs]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/23/cockpit-chronicles-captain-steve-jobs/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/23/cockpit-chronicles-captain-steve-jobs/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/23/cockpit-chronicles-captain-steve-jobs/#commentsFiled under:

How a pilot handles the controls, or their 'stick and rudder' skills so to speak, is a small part of what makes a great aviator. Recently, on a flight from New York to Zurich, I watched some decision making that typifies the traits of a great captain.

As Captain Bredow (rhymes with 'Play-Doh') and I crossed over Nova Scotia on our way out over the Atlantic, we began to enter an area of light to moderate turbulence. Moncton center told us that some flights ahead had climbed to 37,000 feet in an attempt to get out of the rough ride.

We were established at our 'crossing altitude' or the flight level that we'd be maintaining for the next three hours or so while over the non-radar controlled North Atlantic. Climbing to 37,000 would mean that we'd have to descend again shortly to our assigned flight level for the crossing.

I could tell the captain's gears were turning.

Continue reading Cockpit Chronicles: Captain Steve Jobs

Cockpit Chronicles: Captain Steve Jobs originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaptainDave BredowDaveBredowefficiencyPilotsSteve JobsSteveJobsThu, 23 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cockpit Chronicles: Fly Rio!]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/21/cockpit-chronicles-fly-rio/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/21/cockpit-chronicles-fly-rio/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/21/cockpit-chronicles-fly-rio/#commentsFiled under:

Occasionally the airline will offer pilots the chance to fly for a month out of another base when they're short a few pilots at that city. I remember flying with one of these temporary duty (TDY) pilots who came up to Boston from Miami. I asked him what trips he usually flew out of Miami and he began to tell me all about Rio de Janeiro.

The conversation included some good pointers about the hazards of flying in Brazil.

He pointed out that there's a note in our manuals that talks about celebratory balloons near the city. Apparently, it's not uncommon for Brazilians to put together huge balloons especially at night, attach them to a pallet or some other structure and light a fire under the canopy. The Miami pilot even claimed that a propane tank has been known to be the fuel source.

After nearly hitting them on two different occasions, he sought out to warn other pilots of these inflight obstacles.

He said he had even seen one while climbing through the clouds.

A quick look at YouTube shows the launching of a few of these balloons such as this one:


The Miami co-pilot went on to describe the difficult radio reception over the country as well and we talked about the midair collision between a 737 and a corporate jet down there.

After struggling to close my jaw from shock, I had to ask him, "Why do you bid those trips?"

Continue reading Cockpit Chronicles: Fly Rio!

Cockpit Chronicles: Fly Rio! originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Amazon RainforestBalloonsBostonBrazilChrist the Redeemercockpit+chroniclescockpitchroniclesGOL MidairGolMidairLegacy JetLegacyJetNew York CityRio de JaneiroFri, 21 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cockpit Chronicles: Video—Food in the cockpit. How it's prepared and what is served]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/12/cockpit-chronicles-video-food-in-the-cockpit-how-its-prepared/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/12/cockpit-chronicles-video-food-in-the-cockpit-how-its-prepared/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/12/cockpit-chronicles-video-food-in-the-cockpit-how-its-prepared/#commentsFiled under: ,

"I'm getting kind of tired of these chicken Caesar salads."

I said those words just a few months into my career at American. The statement resonated loudly after I was furloughed and flying for a freight airline with barely a bottle of water on board, so I vowed that I would never complain about a crew meal again.

In fact, when I came back to AA I nearly cried when a flight attendant entered the 727 cockpit and asked us what we wanted to drink.

Now, after ten years of international flying, mostly to Europe, I've enjoyed more crew meals than I probably should have. Warm dishes on an airline flight might be foreign to today's passengers and even some of our domestic pilots, but on the international side we still enjoy food just as it was in the earlier days of airline flying.

The usual transatlantic daytime flight might include appetizers, such as nuts and cheese, salads, a main course with an overabundance of bread and a slice of cheesecake perhaps, followed later by a Sundae or cookies. Before landing in the afternoon, there's often a cheese plate or fruit dish, followed by a pizza or steak sandwich.

Honestly, it's too much. But if you're paying for a business class experience, over indulging every now and then isn't bad. For pilots however, these crew meals can add more pounds in the first year of international flying than during a freshman year in college.

I limit myself to just the nuts as a starter followed by the salad. Later, if there's any fruit available, I'll have some of that, or if it's morning in Europe, the cold cereal is a good choice. Anything more and I begin to feel overly tired during the overnight flight across the pond. Since I've cut back I've noticed a definite slackening of my uniform pants.

Typically three meals are put on for the three-pilot cockpit crew, two items the same, often chicken or steak and the third perhaps being a pasta dish.

Most co-pilots give the choice of meal to the captain, and the captain often defers back to the co-pilot. It can become comical at times; neither pilot wanting to make what is probably the least important decision of the flight. Alas, it's typically decided that whoever is flying the plane for that leg should choose.

I've enlisted the help of our flight attendant Susan, who made a brief appearance in my Boston to Paris video seven years ago, to appear again in front of the camera to show how she manages the cockpit and passenger meals for a 10&frac12; hour flight from Rio to New York.

Notice just how busy Susan is before boarding. As the "number five" flight attendant out of nine aboard our 767, she's 'the cook' up front, responsible for not only preparing and cooking the meals, but setting up the galley on the ground.

Passengers in the back also enjoy a hot meal, and there's another flight attendant with three ovens getting ready to prepare that food as well.

Continue reading Cockpit Chronicles: Video—Food in the cockpit. How it's prepared and what is served

Cockpit Chronicles: Video—Food in the cockpit. How it's prepared and what is served originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlinebreakfastcockpitcockpit+chroniclescockpitchroniclescrew mealCrewMealdiningdinnereatflight attendantFlightAttendantfood+in+the+cockpitfoodinthecockpitfoodweekinternationalpilotpilots+flight+attendants+eatpilotsflightattendantseatRio de JaneiroRioDeJaneirowhat++do++pilots+eat+in+the+cockpitwhat+do+pilots+eatwhatdopilotseatwhatdopilotseatinthecockpitWed, 12 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cockpit Chronicles: Boeing vs Boeing. Pilots weigh in on the flight qualities of each type]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/30/cockpit-chronicles-boeing-vs-boeing-a-few-pilots-weigh-in-on-t/http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/30/cockpit-chronicles-boeing-vs-boeing-a-few-pilots-weigh-in-on-t/http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/30/cockpit-chronicles-boeing-vs-boeing-a-few-pilots-weigh-in-on-t/#commentsFiled under:

We talked last week about identifying the various Boeing airplanes from their external characteristics. But to Boeing pilots who have been fortunate to fly most of them, each airplane has its own personality. I thought I'd share some different opinions of a few pilots who have flown them.

To accomplish this, I chose a select group of 'friends of Kent that also fly Boeings.' And by select, I mean John Steinbeck of UPS and Chris Countryman, formerly with Cathay Pacific Cargo and United Airlines. It's not exactly a scientific survey, but they filled me in on the Boeings they have time in, including the 747.

I've also asked a Boeing test pilot to give his impressions on the new 747-8 and the 787.

Rest assured, no two pilots can agree if a cockpit is relatively small or large, or if an airplane is heavy or sensitive on the controls, so I'm sure we'll see some dissenting opinions in the comments below. I welcome any observations from other pilots.

We'll break them down by type:

Continue reading Cockpit Chronicles: Boeing vs Boeing. Pilots weigh in on the flight qualities of each type

Cockpit Chronicles: Boeing vs Boeing. Pilots weigh in on the flight qualities of each type originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>747+cockpit+simulator+ride747-8747cockpitsimulatorrideboeingBoeing 717boeing 737Boeing 747Boeing 747-8boeing 757boeing 777Boeing 787Boeing CoBoeing717Boeing737Boeing747Boeing747-8Boeing757Boeing777Boeing787Cessna 172cockpit+chroniclescockpitchroniclesDouglas DC-8Guggenheim AirlineJohn SteinbeckMcDonnell Douglas MD-80New York CitySci/TechUnited AirlinesFri, 30 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bob Crandall thinks out loud, on topics you wouldn't expect from a former airline president]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/28/bob-crandall-thinks-out-loud-on-topics-you-wouldnt-expect-from/http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/28/bob-crandall-thinks-out-loud-on-topics-you-wouldnt-expect-from/http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/28/bob-crandall-thinks-out-loud-on-topics-you-wouldnt-expect-from/#commentsFiled under:

As much as American Airlines employees loved to hate Bob Crandall, their outspoken President and Chairman in the '80s and '90s, many are now longing for the leadership he provided not just to AA, but the entire industry. At the time, he was the Steve Jobs of the airline world.

Credited with developing the first frequent flyer program in the airline industry and pioneering modern reservations systems using SABRE, Crandall changed the business forever.

Not one to turn away from the spotlight since his retirement in 1998, he has recently started a personal blog on economic and social issues called Bob Crandall Thinks...

His common sense approaches try to be apolitical in tone, although the titles of his posts, such as Myopia and its Consequence and Morons... or Something Better? are your first indication that he's not worried about offending anyone. He says Americans are unable to grasp the realities of our economic situation and offers some insightful suggestions on how we can fix a number of problems such as Medicare, education, job creation and taxes.

If I didn't know any better, Mr. Crandall appears to either be running for office or trying to influence some of our leaders. Judging from the comments on his blog, he appears to be resonating with most people. Read each of his posts and see if it doesn't make sense to you. I think you'll be surprised at refreshing approach to problems this former airline head has to say.

Is it time for Crandall to make a Steve Jobs type of return to the airline he loved so much?

Bob Crandall thinks out loud, on topics you wouldn't expect from a former airline president originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AAairlineAmerican AirlinesAmericanAirlinesBob CrandallBob Crandall Thinksbob+crandall+blogbob+crandall+thinks+blogBobCrandallbobcrandallblogBobCrandallThinksbobcrandallthinksblogCEOChairmanrobert+crandall+blogrobertcrandallblogSteve JobsSteveJobsWed, 28 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cockpit Chronicles: Know your Boeings]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/23/cockpit-chronicles-know-your-boeings/http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/23/cockpit-chronicles-know-your-boeings/http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/23/cockpit-chronicles-know-your-boeings/#commentsFiled under:

One of the first things any aviation enthusiast or pilot learns is how to tell one airplane from another. Usually, those of us aviation obsessed types pick this up as kids.

But a few frequent fliers, airline employees and maybe even some pilots may not be able to catch all the nuances that separate the various types of jets. We've broken down the differences between the various Boeings to make you a better spotter. So the next time you fly, see if you can spot the differences.

707: Let's face it. If you see the 4-engine narrow body Boeing 707 flying around, it's probably painted in Qantas colors and it's owned by John Travolta. There aren't many 707s still flying. There are, however, a number of military KC-135 tankers flying that supply fighters and transport aircraft with fuel. This airplane is a re-engined 707 that has been in use for decades.


Boeing 707

The 707 is somewhat easy to confuse with the Douglas DC-8 that's still widely in use by freight operators. But the DC-8 has two scoops on the nose that drive a turbo compressor which pressurizes the airplane. The 707 also had a long pitot tube HF radio antenna mounted to the top of the vertical stabilizer.

Continue reading Cockpit Chronicles: Know your Boeings

Cockpit Chronicles: Know your Boeings originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BoeingBoeing 707boeing 737Boeing 747Boeing 767boeing 777Boeing 787Boeing KC-135 StratotankerBoeing737Boeing747Boeing767Boeing777Boeing787Deutsche Lufthansa AGDouglas DC-8Fedex CorpFinanceJohn TravoltaMcDonnell DouglasMcDonnell Douglas MD-80Qantas Airways LtdRolls-Royce Group PLCSouth AmericaFri, 23 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST