Opps--- correction----"MIAQ" is a "typo"------should read MIA.
The first time you flew in a plane..Was it stressful?
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rocketwarrior
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Jungle
In 1970 I flew in a helicoper from Cam Ranh Bay to Saigon. Awesome. Then I flew in a C-141 Starlifter (empty hearse) to Okinawa. That was a wierd trip too. But daily's up Vietnam coast (South China Sea, dawn breaking over the ocean) then over the jungle was the best. Lots of jungle, some flak, occaisional downed F-4. Busy. Busy. Busy.
In 1970 I flew in a helicoper from Cam Ranh Bay to Saigon. Awesome. Then I flew in a C-141 Starlifter (empty hearse) to Okinawa. That was a wierd trip too. But daily's up Vietnam coast (South China Sea, dawn breaking over the ocean) then over the jungle was the best. Lots of jungle, some flak, occaisional downed F-4. Busy. Busy. Busy.
RocketWarrior----
The "empty hearse" must have performed like a "rocket" with almost no load on-board. Speaking of which, at least during the conflict in Vietnam, we Americans could see the grisly scenes on the evening news of the 141's and C-5's unloading the caskets of those who had died.
Unlike our current administration who has "sanitized" the reality of the returning dead troops so as to keep from upsetting those of us looking forward to the evenings talent shows or a trip to the mall. Oh, and don't forget the constant news up-dates on Paris Hiltons horrid plight.
Anyway, I"m glad you lived to tell about it.
The "empty hearse" must have performed like a "rocket" with almost no load on-board. Speaking of which, at least during the conflict in Vietnam, we Americans could see the grisly scenes on the evening news of the 141's and C-5's unloading the caskets of those who had died.
Unlike our current administration who has "sanitized" the reality of the returning dead troops so as to keep from upsetting those of us looking forward to the evenings talent shows or a trip to the mall. Oh, and don't forget the constant news up-dates on Paris Hiltons horrid plight.
Anyway, I"m glad you lived to tell about it.
The MS program doesn't work well for mac, but here we are in Google Earth! Who put that big X in our front yard???
Oops!
I should have posted that in the find your house thread! Well, at least you know what our place would look like from a plane. stop by anytime! ;-)
I should have posted that in the find your house thread! Well, at least you know what our place would look like from a plane. stop by anytime! ;-)
air-waycharlie
Well-known member
Whirlcool, I'm here................
reading all the threads and enjoying them. I can't add much because I was living everything, (weekly), the posters are writing about.
A few things aren't quite right, but memories blur and we like to remember the good times.
Now, according to a co-worker, I'm just a cranky old Flight Attendant that, "slam clicks", on layovers and pisses off the passengers that are too stupid...........whoops, I mean inexperienced to know the drill of what flying is like in 2007.
So, for a prederegulated Flight Attendant, who is trying to live in the current world of a trailer with wings, keep those stories coming!
reading all the threads and enjoying them. I can't add much because I was living everything, (weekly), the posters are writing about.
A few things aren't quite right, but memories blur and we like to remember the good times.
Now, according to a co-worker, I'm just a cranky old Flight Attendant that, "slam clicks", on layovers and pisses off the passengers that are too stupid...........whoops, I mean inexperienced to know the drill of what flying is like in 2007.
So, for a prederegulated Flight Attendant, who is trying to live in the current world of a trailer with wings, keep those stories coming!
Back in the late '80s when there were a ton of regionals flying turboprops, I recall some interesting flights. ASA used to have a big fleet of Brasilias that they flew to feed traffic to ATL. They had a flight that left HSV at 0530. I took that flight several times so I could be in HOU by 1000 for a mid-day meeting.
That flight was never full and sometimes everyone got a little silly on account of the early hour. Those Brasilias were way, way overpowered for their size (had to be to guarantee that they could fly on one engine). Got on the 0530 one morning and there were only about eight pax. FA told jokes over the PA as we taxiied out. At the threshold, the captain applied brakes and then firewalled the throttles. When the brakes were released, that Brasilia shot off the runway like it had been fired out of a cannon! We were turning for ATL before we'd traversed half the length of the runway.
The only really scary moment I've ever had on a flight was on a DL MD80 landing at DFW a long time ago, circa 1990. We came in just ahead of a front. On landing, just as the main gear touched, we suddenly got a huge cross wind. The aircraft went way over to the right edge of the runway, and then the left wing lifted and I watched out the window as the right wing tip came to within about two feet of the dirt next to the runway. Fortunately the flight crew was on the ball and they recovered it. Last year, during an approach to ATL in an MD80 (Delta, when are you finally going to get rid of those things?), we hit some wake turbulence. I've never experienced that before. It wasn't really scary, more of a "hmm, that was different" moment. The A/C rolled left pretty sharply for a moment, nosed down, bobbed around for a moment, and then recovered. I knew it wasn't plain old air turbulence, but I didn't know what it was until the captain announced that we'd had a wake encounter. Other than the weird sensation, the main thing I recall was the toilet seat in the head banging around...
That flight was never full and sometimes everyone got a little silly on account of the early hour. Those Brasilias were way, way overpowered for their size (had to be to guarantee that they could fly on one engine). Got on the 0530 one morning and there were only about eight pax. FA told jokes over the PA as we taxiied out. At the threshold, the captain applied brakes and then firewalled the throttles. When the brakes were released, that Brasilia shot off the runway like it had been fired out of a cannon! We were turning for ATL before we'd traversed half the length of the runway.
The only really scary moment I've ever had on a flight was on a DL MD80 landing at DFW a long time ago, circa 1990. We came in just ahead of a front. On landing, just as the main gear touched, we suddenly got a huge cross wind. The aircraft went way over to the right edge of the runway, and then the left wing lifted and I watched out the window as the right wing tip came to within about two feet of the dirt next to the runway. Fortunately the flight crew was on the ball and they recovered it. Last year, during an approach to ATL in an MD80 (Delta, when are you finally going to get rid of those things?), we hit some wake turbulence. I've never experienced that before. It wasn't really scary, more of a "hmm, that was different" moment. The A/C rolled left pretty sharply for a moment, nosed down, bobbed around for a moment, and then recovered. I knew it wasn't plain old air turbulence, but I didn't know what it was until the captain announced that we'd had a wake encounter. Other than the weird sensation, the main thing I recall was the toilet seat in the head banging around...
First time I rode on an airliner--it was FUN!Now its NOT so much fun!The CATTLECAR Airlines!
rocketwarrior
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Refueling
Part of my 1969-70 aircrew experience was in an RC-135. The missions were 18.5 hours long so we had to refuel. Two tankers would meet us in the Gulf of Tonkin. Refueling was uncomfortable because we had to sit there with our Steven Canyon helmet and parachute on and the motion of the plane, to keep joined with the tanker, could make you sick. Some guys would throw up in their helmet bags.
We had a box of dry ice in the "frig" for the TV dinners. I would bring Freeze-Pops. They hit the spot for the flight back to base after the mission.
Part of my 1969-70 aircrew experience was in an RC-135. The missions were 18.5 hours long so we had to refuel. Two tankers would meet us in the Gulf of Tonkin. Refueling was uncomfortable because we had to sit there with our Steven Canyon helmet and parachute on and the motion of the plane, to keep joined with the tanker, could make you sick. Some guys would throw up in their helmet bags.
We had a box of dry ice in the "frig" for the TV dinners. I would bring Freeze-Pops. They hit the spot for the flight back to base after the mission.
My first time...and beyond. A white-knuckled flier
My FIRST time flying was stressful. It was a 1980s TWA flight. One of the engines failed and we were left waiting for "a part".
Well, after I fix anything, I usually TEST it for a few days. Yet, TWA wants to jam a part in an engine and let us just rip?
It bothered me and I was flying alone. A replacement EASTERN flight was arranged and TWA paid for it. It was a perfect flight, smooth and included a full hot meal including soup! In spite of this TWA event, flying didn't bother me - but then things changed as I aged.
As I got older I developed a HORRID fear of flying. It really started to get bad in my 30s. I fly for work so filling my water bottle with Gin and Tonics was no longer acceptable (YES, I did that...a lot). I now am on XANAX only for flying and have NO regrets for going on "the pill".
One of my friends is an American pilot - and my clients include BOEING and LOCKHEED. I spoke to pilot Dave and learned a lot about plane safety and felt better... but only XANAX fixed the problem.
My FIRST time flying was stressful. It was a 1980s TWA flight. One of the engines failed and we were left waiting for "a part".
Well, after I fix anything, I usually TEST it for a few days. Yet, TWA wants to jam a part in an engine and let us just rip?
It bothered me and I was flying alone. A replacement EASTERN flight was arranged and TWA paid for it. It was a perfect flight, smooth and included a full hot meal including soup! In spite of this TWA event, flying didn't bother me - but then things changed as I aged.
As I got older I developed a HORRID fear of flying. It really started to get bad in my 30s. I fly for work so filling my water bottle with Gin and Tonics was no longer acceptable (YES, I did that...a lot). I now am on XANAX only for flying and have NO regrets for going on "the pill".
One of my friends is an American pilot - and my clients include BOEING and LOCKHEED. I spoke to pilot Dave and learned a lot about plane safety and felt better... but only XANAX fixed the problem.
RocketWarrior----
The -135's must have tended to a bit of "dutch roll" during re-fueling. The 707 made a yaw damper a necessity because of it. Yeah, that sure would want to make one sick. 18.5 hr missions must have been grueling. What position did you work on the aircraft? Must have been interesting.
The -135's must have tended to a bit of "dutch roll" during re-fueling. The 707 made a yaw damper a necessity because of it. Yeah, that sure would want to make one sick. 18.5 hr missions must have been grueling. What position did you work on the aircraft? Must have been interesting.
rocketwarrior
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What position?
Steve,
I was a 20351MB (Voice Intercept Processing Specialist). From Briefing through debriefing it was about a 23 hour day. I remember the briefings, just after synchronizing our watches, always ended with the instruction: "Safety of flight is paramount." It gave me much comfort (smile).
One of the sources of discomfort would be sitting on the flight line on hot days waiting for equipment, etc. to get straightened out and we would sweat through so our flightsuits and underwear were soaked. Then we would take off and climb to 35,000 feet where it would be cold as heck and gradually we would dry out. Uff da.
But sometimes, after the mission, we would go down and get a massage where the young Asian masseuse would walk on your back. We would sip on a beer and acknowledge 'war is hell' (smile).
..and sometimes we would celebrate getting back with Kobe beef. Yes, we all sacrificed.
Steve,
I was a 20351MB (Voice Intercept Processing Specialist). From Briefing through debriefing it was about a 23 hour day. I remember the briefings, just after synchronizing our watches, always ended with the instruction: "Safety of flight is paramount." It gave me much comfort (smile).
One of the sources of discomfort would be sitting on the flight line on hot days waiting for equipment, etc. to get straightened out and we would sweat through so our flightsuits and underwear were soaked. Then we would take off and climb to 35,000 feet where it would be cold as heck and gradually we would dry out. Uff da.
But sometimes, after the mission, we would go down and get a massage where the young Asian masseuse would walk on your back. We would sip on a beer and acknowledge 'war is hell' (smile).
..and sometimes we would celebrate getting back with Kobe beef. Yes, we all sacrificed.
whirlcool
Well-known member
I had forgotten about
the AOA subsidary. I was referring to American Airlines of the 50's and 60's domestic that didn't fly Constellations.
By the time I got to North Central, the DC-3's were gone and I started out right seat on the CV-580. BTW, the CV-580 was a great plane. North Central was the airline who put the turboprop engines on them. The result exceeded all expectations for speed and economy. Since it's inception as the CV-240, most airlines at one time or another used them in their fleets. I found them to be most stable during approaches in some of the most inclement weather you will ever find (the upper midwest in winter time!).
Of all the times I have flown as a passenger, the grossest things that ever happened to me were:
Some old hippie type with long hair and a beard sat in an aisle seat on a Southern DC-9 I was on. I was in the window seat. The breakfast they served was Eggs Benedict. Since I had attended a rather wild party the night before, I was a little bit hung over. Well, by the time this guy next to me was half way through with his Eggs Benedict, it was all in his beard, dribbling down the front of his shirt. I think he was slobbering too. I almost lost it. I really thought I was going to barf. But didn't.
Just last summer, I was on one of our own A320's and since I got one of the last available seats I was stuck in a middle seat between two huge football player types. These guys must have weighed 300 lbs each. And they were dressing in shorts and flip flops. One of the air conditioning packs on the plane was inop, so the plane wasn't really cool. Maybe 85 F inside. Well those guys not only had me scrunched between them, but they started to stink. BO, and stink, and stink. Three days later I could still smell them! Yuk.
Charlie: I loved the trailer park with wings! Sometimes it's so true!
the AOA subsidary. I was referring to American Airlines of the 50's and 60's domestic that didn't fly Constellations.
By the time I got to North Central, the DC-3's were gone and I started out right seat on the CV-580. BTW, the CV-580 was a great plane. North Central was the airline who put the turboprop engines on them. The result exceeded all expectations for speed and economy. Since it's inception as the CV-240, most airlines at one time or another used them in their fleets. I found them to be most stable during approaches in some of the most inclement weather you will ever find (the upper midwest in winter time!).
Of all the times I have flown as a passenger, the grossest things that ever happened to me were:
Some old hippie type with long hair and a beard sat in an aisle seat on a Southern DC-9 I was on. I was in the window seat. The breakfast they served was Eggs Benedict. Since I had attended a rather wild party the night before, I was a little bit hung over. Well, by the time this guy next to me was half way through with his Eggs Benedict, it was all in his beard, dribbling down the front of his shirt. I think he was slobbering too. I almost lost it. I really thought I was going to barf. But didn't.
Just last summer, I was on one of our own A320's and since I got one of the last available seats I was stuck in a middle seat between two huge football player types. These guys must have weighed 300 lbs each. And they were dressing in shorts and flip flops. One of the air conditioning packs on the plane was inop, so the plane wasn't really cool. Maybe 85 F inside. Well those guys not only had me scrunched between them, but they started to stink. BO, and stink, and stink. Three days later I could still smell them! Yuk.
Charlie: I loved the trailer park with wings! Sometimes it's so true!
westyslantfront
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I worked for Lufthansa German Airlines for 26 years. I worked on the ground in the office. It is 15 years now that I have had
a terrible fear of flying, especially if there is turbulence.
I do not fly very often anymore, but when I do, I take plenty
of xanax. I take off before the plane does and when the plane
lands, I am still flying. I hope to get over my fear of
flying one of these days.
In addition, flying has lost its fun anyway with all the
security and screaming kids on planes.
Ross
a terrible fear of flying, especially if there is turbulence.
I do not fly very often anymore, but when I do, I take plenty
of xanax. I take off before the plane does and when the plane
lands, I am still flying. I hope to get over my fear of
flying one of these days.
In addition, flying has lost its fun anyway with all the
security and screaming kids on planes.
Ross
whirlcool
Well-known member
Ah, the days of having a very nice and pretty flight attendant bringing you the drink of your choice as often an you want. Steak and Lobster dinners in First Class. As mentioned earlier, people dressing up to the 9's just to fly. Enough seat pitch to contain your legs. Those days are long gone.
Just remember that whatever aircraft you fly on you are in the hands of a highly experienced crew. We train for just about any emergency you can think of, and then some that you could never imagine happening. But 90% of the time, everything goes smoothly and we get our passengers to their destinations on time.
Just remember that if there is a weather event in one part of the country, it delays flights. And those airplanes will be late getting to their other destinations later in the day. It can screw up an entire schedule. If you absolutely, positively have to be at your destination at a certain time, try to take a very early morning flight. Those are the ones the least likely to be delayed.
Just remember that whatever aircraft you fly on you are in the hands of a highly experienced crew. We train for just about any emergency you can think of, and then some that you could never imagine happening. But 90% of the time, everything goes smoothly and we get our passengers to their destinations on time.
Just remember that if there is a weather event in one part of the country, it delays flights. And those airplanes will be late getting to their other destinations later in the day. It can screw up an entire schedule. If you absolutely, positively have to be at your destination at a certain time, try to take a very early morning flight. Those are the ones the least likely to be delayed.
Actually, considering the alternatives (as shown in this creepy Braniff video about "the future") maybe today's experience isn't so bad.
Set your mood controls to 19, everyone!
Set your mood controls to 19, everyone!
The sad thing is that the stuff which would be really useful (like supersonic planes and efficient ground tranport) isn't happening, while the stuff that's obnoxious (like "computers that know more about you than you do") is happening. Maybe the target year for the video should have been 1984, not 1975.
pturo
New member
My first flight was on a DC10 from Chicago to LA, flight 191, no kidding, about two months before the crash of flight 191 in Chicago. What was strange was the feeling when I flew that the plane was so huge, that nothing could happen to it, or us. It was almost as wide as a movie theater to me, and you could watch the cockpit operations on takeoff.
I still fly, and love it, and feel no place is safer and more serene than in the sky. Now a days it it just a bitch to get to your plane, but still beats the hell out of driving from NY to Miami.
I still fly, and love it, and feel no place is safer and more serene than in the sky. Now a days it it just a bitch to get to your plane, but still beats the hell out of driving from NY to Miami.
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