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Kulula-air tries not to take itself too seriously {Gadling}
Feb 4th 2010 9:36PM An ORIGINAL and visually curious idea!
Kulula-air tries not to take itself too seriously {Gadling}
Feb 4th 2010 9:34PM An ORIGINAL and visually curious idea!
Plane Answers: NTSB glosses over fatigue in the Colgan crash {Gadling}
Feb 4th 2010 8:26PM You covered it all, Kent. Very thorough.
Plane Answers: Announcements from the captain and Denver turbulence {Gadling}
Jan 11th 2010 1:40AM I prefer no announcements, unless there is an "Emergency"... of course.
As far as "IFE" is concerned, I really don't care much about it. The flight itself and looking through the window (as a passenger) is IFE. The best IFE is riding up-front as PIC with yoke in my left and power in my right.
Galley Gossip: A memorable flight for a first time flier {Gadling}
Nov 4th 2009 12:34AM What a very pleasant surprise, Heather! Awesome story! I sure didn't expect all of this when you asked for the link to my American Airlines Jr. Pilot wings. I'm touched by your story, and thank you.
There's something special about flying, especially when seated behind the controls of an aircraft as Pilot In Command.
The whole aviation/airline/travel experience as a very young child was what inspired me to become an aviator. Flying aboard jet-aircraft like the Boeing 707, Boeing 747-100, and maybe, don't quite remember... the DC 8, with legacy carriers like American and Eastern (remember them) was amazing during the 1970s.
Taking flight was an affair during those golden-aged airline travel days. Yes, as a child, I always wore a dress jacket with slacks or a suit. My shoes were routinely shined for all airborne journeys. Commercial airline travel was certainly... "Something Special in the Air". Seeing Cade in the Captain's seat on the flight deck reminded me of "me" during that time period, and about his same age too when I received my "wings".
Pilots sure do make positive impressions, not just to children, but to adults as well. We, as pilots, are kids at heart, and we love sharing the joys and pleasures of flight to those expressing curiosity and fascination.
The next time you board an airplane with a young person, set-up a visit with the pilots in the "front office". You'll never know what positive life-altering experiences may take flight. I always do.
Consider the following resources for aspiring pilots. It's never too late to learn!
http://flighttraining.aopa.org
http://www.aopa.org
http://www.eaa.org
Why people aren't flying. (Hint: It's not just the fares) {Gadling}
Oct 23rd 2009 10:38AM It's Rail versus Air all over again.
I believe the whole air-travel "experience" is a "catch 22" of sorts. During the "golden age" of commercial air-travel, excellent service was king. Folks loved arriving at the airport full of positive expectations, feeling happy, and well-dressed! Witnessing shiny DC-3s, Lockheed Constellations, DC-8s, B707s, and 747-100s on the ramp awaiting passengers, while perfuming the air with sweet odors of aviation-grade fuel, was an added bonus!
Today, those things which made flying amazing during the 50s, 60s, and 70s... no longer exist. Why, because passengers are over the flying experience and are now concerned with just getting to point B.
Commercial air-travel is supposed to be a profit-generating business. So, the airline execs give the customers what they want (or at least what the customers thought they wanted). Since travelers want cheap airfare, luxuries and certain services are cut. When this happens, the joy of traveling the friendly skies ends. Jetliners turn into air-buses filled with inconsiderate, poorly-dressed, strap-hangers.
Today, folks are complaining again. Why? Service is terrible, seating is cramped, and delays abound. What's the deal? They're getting what they paid for! Good things come with a price. The good ol' days had a price, and passengers gladly paid. Should we go back to the days of great service? I would love it. With that, fewer people may fly... or maybe not. Either way, taking care of your flying customer, as with any customer in general, always pays well in the end... no matter what!
If only the golden-age of legacy air-travel would return when the world was a playground for fun and adventure!
