Category Archives: Aircraft

Record low for airplane deaths

Posted by on January 3, 2012 No comments

A great many people have a fear of flying.  Derived somewhere between a fear of heights and the idea that at any moment, for any reason, you could literally drop out of the sky and plummet to an explosive end (intense, right?), this phobia is not entirely unjust.  The fact remains that airplanes crash and it is no big secret that it’s a scary thought.  After all, you’re stuck in a metal can with wings, drifting through the sky up several miles from the Earth’s surface.  That’s a daunting reality to take in for anyone.  My own mother, who flies almost a dozen times a year for work and vacation, is still deathly afraid of sky travel.  In an article published on the Huffington Post website today, we learn that the fatality rate of airplane travel has decreased to a new decade low.  At least statistically, there is less to be afraid of.

The Associated Press collected data from the government’s records of accident data in 2011 and discovered that in the last decade the fatality rate for airplanes has dropped drastically.  How drastically?  They counted 153 fatalities in the last ten years in America.  That is calculated at about two fatality per 100 million travelers on commercial flights.  When put up against automotive fatality numbers, which is around 30,000 deaths each year, the statistical safety of flying is considerably more.  You are statistically more likely to die on the way to and from the airport than in the air.  In fact it is eight times greater than flying, which doesn’t seem like that much seeing the difference in numbers, but considering that there is well over 300 million vehicles currently on the road, it is hard to really see the gravity of this statistic in a real life situation.

Let’s put this number into perspective even further.  During the early jet engine years, there was a recorded 1,696 deaths from 1962 to 1971.  That runs up a ratio of 133 fatalities out of ever 100 million passengers.  Even the last decade before these new numbers came out, the fatality rate was ten times higher than 2 per every 100 million.  So, why the decrease?  There are a number of factors at work here.  Technology has progressed at an incredible rate each year.  As we become more advanced and more knowledgeable, there is going to be the added benefit of stronger, safer technology and ultimately, stronger, safer airplanes.

Something else to consider is that there hasn’t been a plane crash since 2009 when a regional plane malfunctioned and 49 passengers died.  What I personally found interesting is that all accidents in America over the past decade have been on regional airplanes.  That means smaller planes with smaller number of passengers and run by separate small companies.  The last major airline plane crash was in 2001 when an American Airline flight crashed soon after take off and killed 265.

In the end, if you’re fearful of flying, this statistic is only going to help you rationalize until that cabin door shuts and you’re lock in (again, intense).  You’re fear might not be about statistical spreadsheets and curved calculations, but it still stands as factual evidence that we as a society are progressing.  Our technology and our understanding of this technology is evolving.  As our airlines all suffer from the recession and their boardroom numbers drop along with their accident numbers, it is nice to see some upside for these hard working connectors of manifest destiny.  It’s a win for them, not in the books, but the most important win of them all; safety.

Tyler Baker; OSM Writer

( Source : Huffington Post)

Holiday Havoc

Posted by on December 27, 2011 No comments

For the second strait year and on the one year anniversary of the night I spent stranded in the Philadelphia Airport, I found myself unable to fly across the country without running into complications.  Last year was a snow storm that saturated all of Philly and this year was a flood warning surrounding Washington D.C.  The result is not a story, but a lesson.  That lesson is simple; don’t travel the day after the day after Christmas.

Now I know what you are all thinking, two chances of misfortune tumbled on top of one another, but here me out because at very least, I avoided the frustration and inconvenience of last years mishaps.  Last year, I flew from Buffalo to Philly and was set to fly from Philly to Las Vegas.  I arrived at the airport in Buffalo over an hour early, was at the gate with 50 minutes to spare (I’m always early).  Two hours later, our plane was delayed four times and the airline representative (for which airline I will not mention) was “optimistic” that if I got on the plane and flew to  Philadelphia, I would most certainly get on my connector.  I believed her, as any normal person would trust a stranger in official airlines attire and got on-board.  I didn’t really have an alternative, I drove into Buffalo and my only ride was an hour and four inches of snowfall away.

When I got to Philly, my flight was delayed only twenty minutes.  Perfect for me, because I arrived at the gate just in time to board.  Only we didn’t board.  The flight was delayed again.  Then thirty minutes later, delayed again.  When I asked the employee working the desk, he first told me the plane hadn’t arrived.  Then the plane arrived, but because it arrived so late, they had to wait.  Then because they had to wait, the crew, who were all on the clock while waiting, had gone over their maximum work hours for the day and some couldn’t legally work anymore according to FAA regulations.  The reason I bring this up is because our flight, after two and a half hours of waiting, was cancelled and it was all because we were short one airline attendant who was there, but was over the legal hours limit.  By that time it was past midnight and a plane-full of angry, tired travelers were forced to find new ways home.

We waited in the customer service line for another hour and a half before they closed for the night and left the back-end of the line with no place to stay or no way of getting out in the morning.  Most of us were told we wouldn’t be able to fly out for another three or four days since the flight schedules were all overbooked.  Luckily for me, I had worked the phone while in line and had scheduled me a flight out in the afternoon with the airline.  Later that morning, I jumped in line when the customer service opened back up (which was only closed for two hours!) and being very polite, where everyone else in line was exhausted, frustrated and bitter, was able to finagle an early morning flight out to LA and a quick connect over to Vegas.  All first class with no additional fee and I was home that afternoon.

This year, was different.  I recognized the problem, analyzed it with my android phone and keen ability to listen to other people’s conversations to figure out what the real story was when my flight was delayed three time in less than an hour.  I knew when the airline representative explained that we would land and I would only have ten minutes to get a shuttle to the other end of the airport to make last call for my flight to Vegas, she didn’t know what she was saying.  I had heard it before and I listened to her tell other passengers the same thing she had said to me forty minutes earlier about the plane fully boarded and pushed back from the gate, but didn’t take off yet.  I knew the signs, I recognized the potential for spending the anniversary of my worst travelling experience (which trumps my regurgitating road trip from New York to Florida) the same way and made the moves I had to to get me off that flight and onto the next possible option.

I arrived in Las Vegas yesterday evening after flying for around six hours on two flights and a four hour layover…in Philly.  My morning flights, as they often do, went off perfectly and as long as I was in the air before 1 pm, I knew I would be safe.  By now, you’re probably wondering what the moral of this tale is.  It’s more of a venting rant than anything, but there is some valuable lessons to take away.  Most people don’t have the heart or social brutality to get in airline employee’s faces and ask for an honest answer to their questions(a lot do, though).  They are people too and it is not their fault planes don’t arrive on time or crew members blow past their daily hour allowance, but the least they could do is be strait about it instead of blowing you off for three hours then telling you you’re flight is cancelled.  That is why you have to be smart when you fly, especially during the holidays.

Recognize when you will be stranded and find a solution.  No matter what, those same people who tell you you should be fine will also help keep you happy by finding you a new route.  If you have a family with you, the last thing you want is to have your kids sleeping with an aluminum looking space blanket on a bench at gate A23 while you burn your cellphone battery on hold, waiting for some voice on the other end to find you four tickets with two connectors four days from then to get to your destination.  I was lucky, I was one person with no checked bags or problem adapting.  I guess, this story is more of something to learn from than anything else.  I hope it helped.

Tyler Baker; OSM Writer

Schemm named new CFO of Boeing Airplanes

Posted by on December 21, 2011 No comments

It was announced on Monday this week that Kevin Schemm will take over as the Chief Financial Officer of for Boeing Commercial Airplanes.  This announcement comes off the back of Schemm’s record breaking order of 737 MAX by Southwest Airlines, which was locked up last week.  The current CFO, Ray Ferrari is set to retire in 2012 after 33 years of service.

The Seattle Times reported this news in an article posted on their website today.  In the article, it was also announced that the 737 MAX marketing leader appointed would be Joe Ozimek; a 38 year employee of Boeing.  His primary focus will be as Boeing primary contact with GE, who makes the new fuel efficient engines for the 737 MAX airplane model.

Both Schemm and Ozimek seem like smart choices for their respective jobs.  Ozimek has been around for a long enough time to not just understand the industry, but understand the way Boeing works.  As for Schemm, his knack for sales and ability to set up such a strong deal with Southwest in such a trying time in the airline industries makes him a prime candidate for CFO.  Hopefully, both will pan out for Boeing when they take over come February 1st of 2012.

Tyler Baker; OSM Writer

( Source : The Seattle Times )

 

American Airlines to use ipads in cockpits

Posted by on December 15, 2011 No comments

With all the turmoil surrounding questions of the FAA regulation stipulating the shut down of electronic devices during take off and landing of a commercial flight, news of a newly approved FAA policy might just spark a fire of public backlash.  ZD Net reported on their website today that the FAA has given American Airlines permission to start using ipads in the cockpit.

If by now, you haven’t heard about the feud between Alec Baldwin and American Airlines, then let us fill you in.  Baldwin was engaged in a rigorous game of Words With Friends while his flight was sitting idol at the gate.  He was asked by the flight staff to power down his phone.  This caused a dispute between flight attendances and Baldwin and eventually led to him being asked to exit the flight.  Baldwin has cracked jokes through Twitter and Saturday Night Live since then and publicly stated his scorn of American Airlines.  This incident brought about a concerning question.  Do electronic devices really effect airplanes?

We recently reported on a piece done by the Today Show about the issue in question.  It was reveal that while there is no effect to the on-board navigation or electrical functionality of an airplane, such devices as cell phones and ipads do cause a disturbance with the radios of a plane.  When it was announced that American Airlines will be allowing their cockpits to use ipads in all facets of a flight, the facts that lead to the original FAA ban of electronics during altitudes below 10,000 feet are quickly called into question.  Why, if they believe these devices may be unsafe, would they allow the cockpits to utilize them?  They will be used as electronic flight charts and digital flight manual readers, which would allow planes to remove more than 30 lbs. of chart books (equaling out to an estimated saving of $1.2 million of fuel a year).  One has to wonder why the FAA would ban the use of devices, but approve arguably the same policy for the cockpit.

As this method begins being used on commercial flights by American Airlines tomorrow, we can already see the headlines of the future.  Most people are not aware that an online petition filed on the White House home page, is circulating with the mentality of repealing the FAA ban on electronic devices.  This new FAA approval will no doubtingly bring about criticism from the participants of the petition.  What’s more, if Mr. Baldwin gets wind of this, there is no telling what sort of hilarious mayhem he will perpetrate.  I, personally, believe this is a pivotal point in what may very well turn out to be the end of electronic device oppression on airlines.  All of this, because the man wouldn’t let Alec Baldwin play his word game for smart people.

Tyler Baker; OSM Writer

( Source : ZD Net )

Do electronics really interfere with airplanes?

Posted by on December 12, 2011 No comments

With recent news surrounding the online petition to ban the FAA’s sky law prohibiting the use of electronics during take-off and more entertaining gossip regarding Alec Baldwin’s recent run in with American Airlines, the truth of electronics on an airplane have been called into question.  Namely, does your cellphone or ipad or laptop really put you at risk when being used on a flight?  Lucky for us, NBC’s Today Show fielded the question willingly.  What they found might surprise you.

According to the Today report, when asking if the signal of your cellphone or electronic devise interferes with the navigational system of an airplane, the short answer is no.  Simply put, the navigational system is not in question, but rather, the radio is the thing being interfered with.  Today revealed that the electronic displays of a phone, not the GPS or cellular signal is what interferes with plane radios during a flight.  Since the radio is used for specific instructions, especially during take off and landing, this could be a potentially dangerous thing.  However, one cell phone is not going to bring an airplane spiraling and dropping out of the sky.  In fact, there has been no proven evidence that a plane crash has resulted from the use of electronic device, according to Today.  We would think it highly unlikely that technology as conflicted with an everyday item as an ipod or blackberry would be used in something that soars several thousand feet above the surface of the Earth.

What does this mean?  Well, the FAA looks at it in terms of hypothetical.  While a single electronic device, placed in the right area, will interfere with the radio to a mild level, how much interference would a plane full of these devices do?  Given that a passenger might have one to five devices with them on any given flight, the FAA’s rules are in place to prevent the overloading of a minimal interference.  Today reported that while not proven, the FAA believes one airplane crash was caused by a pilot’s cell phone interfering with the radio from the cockpit.  Again, this was never proven, but if it was true, wouldn’t it make sense to prevent the use of such a device when there are theoretically hundreds of these little techs available in the cabin.  Of course, if they allowed the use of electronics during the crucial parts of a flight (the ascent and descent) people would be rifling away with rabid fingers to keep themselves busy or prevent boredom, or maybe like Alec Baldwin, they will be engaged in a vicious verbal campaign that needs a victor.

If it is known that an issue does occur between the radio system and electronic devices, then how does one lobby against the FAA rule banning the use of electronics while below the 10,000 feet height?  As we learned last week, the online petition to remove this ban has been going strong.  The players behind the movement, recognize that the correlation between the myths and the math are far between anything consistent to keep them from stowing their electronics.  At least according to Today, this is only partly accurate.  For now, rules are rules and whether Alec Baldwin like it or not, we have to power down our devices.

If you’d like to see the video, it’s available here:  Can our electronics interfere with flights?

Tyler Baker; OSM Writer

Alec Baldwin booted from American Airlines flight

Posted by on December 7, 2011 No comments

A fire has risen from the dragon-skinned stomach of actor Alec Baldwin, who was removed from an American Airlines flight on Tuesday for refusing to turn off his phone and apparently throwing a tantrum upon request to do so from the flight attendance.  Baldwin, star of NBC’s hit comedy “30 Rock”, has since expressed his side of the story on Twitter.  All in all, it was just another day in the life of everyday airline antics.

Reported by CBS News this morning, Alec Baldwin was asked to turn off his phone while his flight to New York City sat idol at the gate.  At the time, Baldwin was heavily engaged in a game of “Word With Friends” when a flight attendant requested for him to shut off his phone as per FAA regulations.  According to Baldwin’s twitter account, he was “reamed” out for playing the scrabble-similar game while they “sat at the gate, not moving.”  Mixed reports from various passengers claim Baldwin then stormed out of his seat and into the lavatory where he slammed the door.  One person even claimed he was pounding on the walls within.  Famed boxer, Oscar De La Hoya, who was sitting on the other side of the isle vouched for Baldwin, stating that he thought Baldwin was complying and powering down his phone, but lost his temper in the process.  No matter who was right, Baldwin’s actions alarmed the cockpit and he was removed from the flight.

Since then, Mr. Baldwin has made it clear that he will not be flying American Airlines in the foreseeable future.  The airline, who have backed their flight crew in the matter, have yet to make an official comment.  They have made it clear that they respect the FAA regulation that stipulates the deactivation of electrical devices during take off.  For those who have been following our blog, you’ll remember yesterday’s article on the online petition to repeal this very regulation.  It would be exciting to see Baldwin joined up with the cause in the wake of this incident.

One thing is for sure, however.  Alec Baldwin loves him some “Words With Friends”.  As a spokesperson for the A-lister has stated, “He loves ‘Words With Friends’ so much that he is willing to leave a plane for it.”  If that’s not a great opportunity for a marketing bit, we don’t know what is.

Tyler Baker; OSM Writer

( Source : CBS News )

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Nerd petition to repel ipad shut off on airplanes

Posted by on December 6, 2011 No comments

Tech savvy is a term for a person who is well versed in the mystical ways of modern day technology.  Fortunately for the world, more and more of our everyday life is built around the understanding and application of technology.  This of course has overloaded the world with tech savvy citizens almost to the point where babies are born with an ipad infused into their hands.  It’s true, the world is fast becoming run by the digital youth.  It is no surprise then that Gwaker.com reported on news yesterday that a petition has begun to repeal one of the most user-unfriendly airline policies, spearheaded by these young and gun gear-heads.

A New York Times Column last week issued a statement that has since rocked the digital debate of why electronic devices must be shut off during take-off and landing.  According the Times’ writer Nick Belton, there is no true evidence to support a safety hazard to using your ipads, kindles and blackberries during that rise and fall period in the flight.  This, of course, led to nerd outcries across the internet and ultimately an online petition to repel the sky law that prohibits the use of electronics during take-off and landing.  The petition, available to sign at whitehouse.gov, currently has nearly 800 signatures in just two days.  They hope to have 25,000 by the first week of January.

The old ways appear to be facing the digital gallows.  The simple reason behind this is that information is too wide-spread and accessible now.  We’re informed and empowered and our fingers type text messages at tremendously daunting speed.  It could be said that if this FAA rule gets overturned, it could mean an awakening in a new revolution.  A technological revolution engineered by a more adapted and vocal generation.  At the very least, it could kill that fifteen minutes between runway and minimum altitude with a few rounds of Angry Birds.  The world should be afraid.

Tyler Baker; OSM Writer

( Source : Gwaker.com )

Airline food may be responsible for man’s death

Posted by on December 3, 2011 No comments

Reported on Yahoo today, American Airlines are being targeted in a lawsuit as a result of an in-flight meal that has been said to be the reason behind a Miami man’s death.  The man, Orthon Cortes, apparently passed away on an American Airline flight after health complications attributed to the airline food he consumed on the flight just before it.  At least, that is what his wife and daughter are claiming.

The Cortes family, who filed a suit in a Miami district court, seem confident that the reason behind their patriarch’s death (he was 73) has to do with his meal, which they believe contained harmful bacteria.  They accuse American and LSG Sky Chefs, their German based food subcontractor, of  “failing to properly maintain or prepare the food”.  Sky Chefs has since partitioned to be removed from the case because they claim they did not cater the flight in question.

The flight was an international one from Barcelona to JFK, where Cortes had to catch a connecting flight to Miami.  At JFK, Cortes first displayed symptoms of a food-born illness.  According to the suit, Cortes began to feel “discomfort and pain that included sharp stomach cramps and sudden thirst and other clear outward manifestation of severe physical illness.”  He boarded the connecting flight and while in-air, Cortes went from nausea to shortness of breath and then suffered cardiac problems that resulted in him being unresponsive.  The flight made an emergency landing in Norfolk, Virginia, but Cortes was pronounced dead on arrival.

The bacteria he was allegedly subjected to is a type called Clostridium perfringens, which is the third most common cause for food poisoning in the United States.  It is extremely rare that this bacteria can lead to fatal circumstances.  While this is the strong point in the lawsuit, there is a portion that faults American Airlines for allowing Cortes to board the second flight in his sickened condition.  One has to wonder if American will be held liable for not grounding Cortes or if the bacteria was the actual cause to his untimely and tragic circumstance.

Tyler Baker; OSM Writer

( Source : Yahoo )

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Preparing for the weather

Posted by on December 1, 2011 No comments

Weather is a fickle mistress.  She’s unpredictable, unreliable and inconsolable  at every turn.  Her rein on Earth is defined by her vicious mood swings and tempest tantrums.  For a pilot, she is a spoiled child, prodding at the pilot’s courage and relentlessness.  The only way to beat her is to make the proper  preparations to avoid what heinous maelstrom she has methodically stirred up in the sky.  In the end, it is the pilot who is prepared who has the last laugh.

Aircraft maintenance is the single most important thing in a pilot’s arsenal.  Keeping up with what your plane regularly needs will keep the iron bird in the air longer.  A well kept plane will outperform whatever spell Mother Nature has concocted, so long as it has the right maintenance and modifications.

Understanding this is crucial.  Larger aircrafts have different requirements than smaller private planes when it comes to dealing with weather.  Cold weather effects each model separately, so it becomes almost mandatory for a pilot to know what his plane requirements are and when the last time these requirements have been tested and approved.

Winter weather conditions are the worst.  A pilot should always be sure to make any necessary alterations to their aircraft in accordance with the coming season.  One of the big concerns is water contaminating the fuel systems.  If ignored, water can freeze in mid-flight, block the flow of fuel and stall out the engine.  Problems like this are plenty in a plane and can be easily addressed with standard check-ups and tests before each take off.  It is a tedious repetition, but in the long run, being too safe is better than being too sorry.

The beauty of owning an aircraft is the owner’s manual included by the manufacturer.  This tell all tale will provide a pilot with detailed information about everything from what anti-corrosion compound to wax the outside surface with to where to store the plane over a long period of time (for those not wanting to fly in winter).  This manual should be read cover to cover at least once while owning a plane.  Still, there are several on-line communities and sites dedicated to the camaraderie of pilots and solving their dilemmas.  AvStop.com is an example of this type of site.

As a pilot, preparing to risk the howl of winter or any other unyielding weather-front nature has unremittingly unleashed comes down to attentiveness.  Make a list  and check it twice.  Track the weather patterns a week in advance.    Knowing what kind of weather to expect will reveal what modifications or restrictions the airplane has or has to have for the adjacent weather.  If the plane needs a winterization kit (a kit installed in planes to battle freezing), get it installed before the weather turns.  Need to insulate the oil lines?  These are all things that should be done before take off is even an option.  That is why the best preparations for the oncoming weather or winter season will always be to anticipate and inspect.  Winging it in the pilot game is never a solid strategy.

Tyler Baker; OSM Writer

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iPhone explodes on airplane

Posted by on November 29, 2011 No comments

In a bit of a bizarre tale, it was reported that a man on a plane travelling from Lismore to Sydney had some technical difficulties with his iPhone 4.  The problem?  The iPhone reportedly exploded and redefined the cellular term for “Airplane Mode”.

An article from Good Morning America highlights the events of the exploding iPhone.  During the landing of the airplane in Sydney, the phone apparently started “emitting a significant amount of dense smoke, accompanied by a red glow”, according to a statement from the airline.  Upon noticing this, the airline attendant followed standard in-flight protocol and extinguished the phone.  When they landed, the phone was handed over to authorities to investigate the reasoning behind the dangerous malfunction.

It was also reported in the article that Apple products have been known to overheat and even explode on an occasion   These have always been attributed to the lithium ion batteries used in the handheld devices.  It is still unclear what the cause of the exploding iPhone was.  Since Apple hasn’t had a mass recall since their first generation iPod nanos which were called back of their overheating which “pose a safety risk”.  Until we start seeing more handheld explosions in the future, for now, the iPhone brand is stable.

Tyler Baker; OSM Writer

( Source : Yahoo News )

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Steve Whisler Resigns from US Airways

Posted by on November 23, 2011 No comments

It was reported in Just Plane News.com this morning that J. Steven Whisler will resign as a member of the Board of Directors for US Airways.  Whisler, who has been on the Board of US Airways since 2001, is set to step down on December 31st.

In a statement provided by US Airways’ Chairman and CEO Doug Parker, Parker highlights his appreciation for Whisler.  Parker is quoted as saying, “We are grateful to Steve for his counsel and influence over the past decade – the most challenging period in the history of commercial aviation.  Steve’s business acumen and leadership have helped us navigate during these volatile and uncertain times and he has served our shareholders well.  On behalf of the US Airways Board, we thank Steve for his valuable contributions.”

Whistler, who is the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Phelps Dodge Corporation, was a cog in the merger between US Airways and American West Airlines in 2005.  While it is unclear the reason behind his departure or who his replacement will be, it appears as both sides of the break are amicable.

Tyler Baker; OSM Writer

( Source : Just Plane News )

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Home for the Holidays

Posted by on November 8, 2011 No comments

If the 1990 film, Home Alone, taught us anything about travelling during the holiday season, it was that the holiday season is a hectic anomaly in the fabric of nation-wide transportation.  Planes are packed, roads are rushing with the bustle of busy cars and the chaotic nature of all of this can put a lot of stress on a person’s mindset.  So much so, that you might forget something as important as your child.  Well, maybe not that extreme, but it could and has happened before.  Why is it that traveling during that sweet spot between thanksgiving and new years is so harsh on those participating?

One school of thought is the sheer weight of the activity.  Airlines, who thrive during the holiday travel season, know their traffic is going to increase and capitalize on this realization.  They raise ticket prices and over-book flights, knowing that families of travelers will yield to their demands.  After all, they have to if they want to be home for Christmas.  In an article by the LA Times last week, it was reported that 23.2 million Americans will fly in the 12 days surrounding Thanksgiving.  While this average is down some 2% since last year, that is a significant number of bodies filling those flights.  In fact, it is expected that because of this, cheap ticket prices during this time period have become as mythical and non-existent as a unicorn riding a rainbow.  For those still looking to book a flight during the Thanksgiving period, don’t expect anything affordable.

As it sounds, the airlines should be raking in profits.  Unfortunately for them, however, the article went on to claim that airlines only make 1 cent out of every $1 they earn in profit.  It is a trying time for the airline industry.  With gas prices continuing to climb and many airlines already in the red, it’s no wonder people have to pay more to fly during the busy season.  While people inherit a sour taste for the price tag attached to a flight across the continental U.S., anything less might see another bankrupt airline or bail out from the government.  For now, the industry is stable.  Wobbling and writhing like a wounded animal, but alive and breathing none the less.

Tyler Baker; OSM Writer

( Source : LA Times )

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Crazy vs. Cops on a US Airways flight

Posted by on October 21, 2011 No comments

In a bizarre tale set thousands of feet above the earth’s surface, the passengers of a US Airways flight heading to Honolulu were witness to one passenger’s sky insanity. The man in question, unnamed to this point, had reportedly progressed from a mild case of an airplane-set panic attack to full-blown lunacy in minutes. The result? The man began frantically flailing about the cabin, screaming, removing clothing and charged for the cockpit. Before he could get there, however, he was tackled by two travelling Jersey City cops.

As reported by NJ.com, the incident is still under investigation. The reasoning behind the maddened passenger, who allegedly intended on getting off the plane at the elevated height of 40,000 feet, is uncertain. According to Jersey City officers Paul Fennel and Robert Taino Jr, who were on their way to Hawaii for a co-worker’s wedding, the man was causing a commotion in the cabin before eventually making a dash for the cockpit. They were two hours out of Honolulu when the incident began. Taino explained how he had noticed that no one was being served and then the flight attendants went flooding to the back of the plane with an oxygen tank. He made it aware to the sky staff that he and Fennel were police officers. After that, everything turned and a man in a sweater came barreling up the aisle claiming he was going to get off the plane. The airline attendants blockaded the emergency exits with their bodies as the man pulled off his shirt and began to yell, “He’s got a gun! Who’s going to shoot me?” The man sprang into a speeded step for the cockpit and an attendant shouted, “Stop him!” Officers Taino and Fennel, along with two other passengers piled on the panicked man.

From there, Taino cuffed the man using plastic wrist restraints provided by a flight attendant. The two Jersey cops guarded the man for the remainder of the flight and then handed him over to the FBI who were waiting at the gate. According to the article, Fennel is a recipient of his departments Excellent Police Service award and Taino of the Combat Cross award. Even off duty and on vacation, they acted with decisiveness and bravery.

Neither US Airways nor the FBI have commented on the situation in the sky as of yet. For now, it will stand as a strange story with a safe ending. All of this, of course, is thanks to Officers Fennel and Taino along with the unnamed passengers who also aided in the accosting of the unruly man. Taino and Fennel are currently in Honolulu enjoying the wedding of their peer, a Jersey City Police Sargent. It’s safe to say they will have quite the wedding tale to tell.

Tyler Baker; OSM Writer

(Source : NJ.com )

 

John Travolta becomes posterboy for Bombardier Airplanes

Posted by on October 15, 2011 No comments

John Travolta is as big a star as Hollywood has to offer. His acting resume is gaudy by any stretch of the term and his star power has sustained over the last four decades. While most people may only know him for his acting, others know he has a fondness for the art of flight. We all remember when his character in Look Who’s Talking Now made the jump from cab driver to private airline pilot, right? OK, maybe not, but it happened. As it turns out, Travolta and his character James Ubriacco have one big thing in common; they’re both licensed pilots. It’s no surprise, then, that John Travolta is sporting certifications to fly eleven different types of airplanes. The newest addition to his air-field arsenal is that of the Challenger aircraft, which he recently became certified to fly. The bigger news? Breaking Travel News reported late last month that Travolta has been officially announced as the new Ambassador of Bombardier Airplanes.

For those who may not be versed in the high flying world of aerospace and aviation, Bombardier Inc. is currently the third largest manufacturer of airplanes in the world. They specialize in privatized and business jets for high profile clientele. John Travolta will focus his star power on the companies business brand jets such as the LearJets, Global jets and of course the Challenger series. It is not a surprising turn of events, as Travolta currently owns several Bombardier jets personally and continues to advocate for his favorite hobby. It seems only logical that he would become a spokesperson for this passion.

Travolta has already started his lobbying of the Canadian based company by hailing it’s pursuit of a more secure and convenient form of travel. For those who depend on air travel as a way to strengthen business ties and keep up with the curve, Mr. Saturday Night Fever himself encourages them to seek out Bombardier as a way to not just travel in comfort and style, but to do so with the intent of saving time and reallocating that time to other more important personal priorities, such as family. After all, Travolta is a family oriented man himself, which makes his pairing with Bombardier even more appealing to the company. Regardless of your opinion on the actor, it is safe to say that this partnership will be flying high as they move into the future.

Tyler Baker; OSM Writer

Aircrafts For Sale on One Stop Motors Network

Posted by on May 3, 2011 No comments

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