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The Romance of a 5 a.m. Cargo Takeoff 2008-04-17, by Jan Koppen Can standing on the cold tarmac in the earliest hours of the day watching the sleepless cargo jumbos at Schiphol be an idyllic experience? Jan Koppen returns with a unique composition that lets us all put ourselves into this unusual environment. General Aviation vs. the Airlines - the Misguided Debate 2008-03-01, by Bruce M. Curtis Congestion relief and ATC upgrades are significant and relevant issues currently being addressed by the industry. Too often the guilt is erroneously placed on General Aviation. Bruce M. Curtis warns us of the consequences of proposed legislation being passed, of power falling into the hands of an unelected body, and of General Aviation taking the fall for it all. Lingering Inadequacies in Post 9/11 Security 2008-01-14, by Lori J. Brown Post 9-11 Flight Attendant/Pilot communication and security training requirements. Are they adequate to reflect our current threat environment? Brown, a faculty specialist at the Western Michigan College of Aviation reviews what still needs to be done to protect our skies. Swissair 111 Reconsidered 2007-12-05, by William Henry William Henry returns with an important perspective on the Swissair 111 tragedy. Henry argues that numerous factors such as electromagnetic interference and defective wiring contributed to this tragedy in a more significant way than are currently accepted. Flying the B-17! 2007-10-10, by Reggie Paulk Reggie Paulk offers a lively review of his flight aboard the historic B-17. Restored by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), she is one of only a handful of these classic birds still flying today, and she's coming back next year for more tours. The enthusiast's ultimate experience! The Environment Challenge 2007-09-05, by Philippe Rochat The media often portrays the aviation industry as a heavy polluter, and irresponsible about emissions and climate change. In an effort to balance the debate, Philippe Rochat, Executive Director of the Air Transport Action Group, presents a brief overview on the debate, and an introduction to an important new intiative created by the aviation industry, http://www.enviro.aero. Making Digital Copies of Slides and Negatives With Your SLR 2007-08-09, by Roel Reijne Roel Reijne offers us his tips on how to digitize your old slides and negatives. A prolific Airliners.net photographer, Reijne has converted hundreds of old images into a digital format with this fairly simple and quick method. A New Transatlantic Challenge for a Nostalgic Aircraft - Powered by Iran Air 2007-06-28, by Manuel Kliese In an effort to strengthen relations between Iran and Venezuela, Iran Air announced last year that it would begin a new transatlantic route from Tehran and Caracas. Manuel Kliese takes us on the historic first journey of that route, which was performed on an old bird - the 747SP! A Flight On the Historic De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver 2007-06-04, by Jan Koppen Jan Koppen, one of our more prolific writers, returns with a review of his flight on this rugged vintage seaplane, and of his interview with the pilot. KAL Revisited, Part 7 - KAL 007's Intrusion Seen by U.S. Reconnaissance! 2007-05-09, by Bert Schlossberg Important new evidence arises again. Airliners.net and Rescue007.org are proud to be the only organizatioins in the world still actively pursuing the truth in this tragedy. The Seven Seas of Spain and Switzerland (Planespotting the DC-7C!) 2007-04-02, by Michael Blank In addition to outlining the history of the innovative DC-7C, Michael Blank gives us an entertaining account of his efforts to photograph these now rare birds before they all disappear. Can a Reborn Jetliner Again Change the World — or Look Good Trying? 2007-03-05, by Patrick Smith Patrick Smith returns to Airliners.net with a history of Boeing's most graceful and timeless bird, and tells of how Boeing has recently looked back to its roots to recreate its style. Smith also demonstrates how Boeing’s innovation is exactly what will keep the manufacturer ahead of the competition. Classic Jets Over Iran: Nostalgia At Its Finest! 2007-02-01, by Jan Koppen For those of you who cannot make it to Iran to ride the elegant 707 before she is retired, sit back and relax, and let our returning author Jan Koppen help you experience the ride! Position and Hold: A flawed order from the FAA 2007-01-08, by Matthew Johnson In early 2006, the FAA issued an order which effectively banned ATC's ability to the use "position and hold" procedures. Matthew Johnson has penned his criticisms of this order, and demonstrates how it will increase delays, raise costs, and diminish safety. KAL 007 Revisited Part 6 - New Evidence! 2006-11-14, by Bert Schlossberg The title speaks for itself! Schlossberg remains the only individual today who proves able to uncover new, real evidence in this tragedy, and who has not accepted the dated Kirkpatrick theory. Airliners.net remains dedicated to posting new information as it continues to surface. Alternatives in Aviation After Peak Oil 2006-10-09, by Harry Valentine What will happen to the aviation industry after the world's supply of fossil oil begins to diminish? Harry Valentine offers a review of some of the alternatives that need to be discussed and considered now, so that the industry can be prepared to change and thrive in the future. Crash Pads! 2006-08-28, by Steve Dennis Steve Dennis brings us an in-depth look into the bizarre world of airline crews' sleeping arrangements, with the development that has been born of necessity: crash pads. Dennis tells us all about crash pads, how to find one, and even how to start one. I met my wife on Airliners.net! 2006-07-27, by James Richard Covington Airliners.net is proud to once again publish the work of one of our esteemed photographers! Herein, Mr. Covington provides a remarkable story that will surely inspire many of our readers to start their own discussion forums, and do a little extra research on the birds they've photographed! The Forgotten Disaster in Zaire 2006-06-13, by William Henry William Henry returns with an expertly researched yet painfully thorough account of the worst aviation disaster ever to occur on African soil. Airliners.net considers this to be the most well-researched, complete account of this tragedy ever published, anywhere in the world. Around the World in Three Days! 2006-05-08, by Martin Braun Can traveling around the globe change your life? Moved by Steve Fossett's accomplishments, Martin Braun decided to circumnavigatie the globe... with commercial aircraft! Herein, you'll find his notes and experiences of circling the Earth in the most familiar way! A Guide to Traveling and Flying in Iran 2006-04-12, by Alex Ananian-Cooper For the civil aviation buff, Iran has got it all: uncommon planes, great spotting opportunities, and a chance to ride a B707. Alex Ananian-Cooper has prepared a thorough field guide to traveling to and within Iran, and offers valuable insights for those who would like to take advantage of Iran's unique aviation highlights. Contrails: What’s Left Behind Is Bad News 2006-03-04, by Nick Onkow Nick Onkow offers an informative and illuminating exposé on the detrimental effects of contrails to our environment. Contained herein is an undeniably important article not just because of its content, but because it breaches a topic so commonly overlooked, and so consistently regarded as harmless. KAL 007 Revisited (Part 5: Conclusion) - The Survivors 2006-02-03, by Bert Schlossberg What is left to say about this tragedy? Bert Schlossberg returns with 6 pieces of evidence that suggest we have never been told the truth about Flight 007. Survivors may still be out there; Schlossberg implores us not to forget and not to give up on this Cold War catastrophe. Pressure Thrust- The Future of Aviation? 2005-12-30, by David Birkenstock A nonstop, nonrefueled widebody jetliner flight around the globe? An under-explored synergy that’s currently in development could finally make this goal reasonable… KAL 007 Revisited (Part 4) 2005-12-06, by William Henry Arguing from the Michel Brun school of thought, William Henry provides an interesting account of this tragedy from a perspective that has not yet been discussed in the first three parts of this series. With an unexpectedly shocking conclusion, Rider tells of how this tragedy unfolded in ways which we have never considered. Peak Oil: The Coming Global Crisis and the Decline of Aviation 2005-10-29, by Drs. Alex Kuhlman Although debated and denied frequently, a massive shortfall in oil production is coming faster than many are willing to admit. Drs. Alex Kuhlman assesses the situation and its effect on the airline industry, and reminds us to start thinking about tomorrow. KAL 007 Revisited (Part 3) 2005-09-20, by Bert Schlossberg Again, Bert Schlossberg takes us through the tragic events of over 20 years ago, but this time he's armed with the one thing that can truly reinvigorate this story: new evidence. Inside, you will read heretofore-unpublished transcripts from the night of the shootdown which contain compelling evidence contrary to the popularly believed account of this disaster. Will this new evidence be powerful enough for the truth to finally surface? The Sikorsky VS 44 Flying Boat 2005-08-28, by Bruce M. Curtis Bruce Curtis takes us on a nostalgic trip on the Sikorsky VS 44 flying boat, and through a lively history of this unique and rare bird. With this thorough and fun article, Curtis helps us remember and celebrate this aviation gem, which is still impressive, even today. Kal 007 Revisited (Part 2) 2005-08-03, by Bert Schlossberg Bert Schlossberg now takes a close look at the facts surrounding the search and salvage operations carried out in international and in Soviet waters. Schlossberg uses compelling new evidence to demonstrate that much more was transpiring around the small island of Moneron than a simple search operation. With this impressive evidence, Schlossberg reaches a new, powerful conclusion as to what really happened to the downed Korean airliner. Young (and Not-So-Young) Eagles Needed in China 2005-06-30, by George Chao China is currently faced with a major dilemma: how to accommodate a rapidly burgeoning aviation industry with an acute shortage of new pilots. Aviation writer and student George Chao analyzes China’s current problems and discusses China's options in resolving its pilot shortage and nurturing its booming aviation sector. KAL 007 Revisited (Part 1) 2005-06-12, by Bert Schlossberg The destruction of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 occurred more than 20 years ago, but still proves quite relevant today, especially because of the incomplete and inconclusive evidence regarding the actual series of events on the night of August 31, 1983, and the whereabouts or remnants of the passengers and the airplane. In the first of a series of articles dedicated to reinvigorating the debate and the investigation into this mysterious incident, Bert Schlossberg recounts some of the details of KAL 007's deviation from its flight path, and the stalking of this flight by Maj. Osipovich in his Sukhoi 15 intercepter. Firebomber! (and some warbirds too) 2005-03-12, by Michael Blank Michael Blank takes us on a tour of the wildfire-prone regions of the Western United States, visiting the fleet of vintage propliners and military aircraft operated under contract to the United States Forestry Service. These veteran workhorses have been converted into aerial fire-fighting platforms, and have played an important role in fighting the vast wildfires that sometimes engulf large portions of the region. On the way, he also shows us other historic aircraft, and in the process, creates an entertaining and enlightening narrative. The Exploding Toilet (and Other Embarrassments) 2004-10-12, by Patrick Smith From his book, "Ask The Pilot", former-flyer Patrick Smith tells of a delirious disaster at thirty thousand feet. The Rise and Fall of PEOPLExpress 2004-08-13, by Eric Kochneff PEOPLExpress burgeoned out of less than nothing, seemed bound for instant greatness, and then perished almost as quickly. Take a visit, now, to the origins of the low-fare airline of the 80s, and the politics of big business in the deregulation era. The Might-Have-Beens: Convair 880 and 990 2004-07-08, by Tim Haskin In the first article of a series on airliners which were well-conjured and intelligently conceived but ill-timed and poorly received, we take a look at Convair's famously-fast 880 and 990, why they didn't become all that they may have been, and the impact their failure had on Convair as a commercial jet manufacturer. The UPS Way 2004-06-08, by Michael A. Burris The history of one of the largest airlines in the world... United Parcel Service. The DC-4 - Still At Work, Today 2004-04-10, by Jan Koppen It’s becoming harder all the time to experience examples of the “good old days” of aviation, when piston engines ruled the skies. Fortunately, South Africa still has a good number of operational “Big Props” lumbering through southern skies. Jan Koppen returns with his third Airliners.Net article for another flight aboard a rare airliner - this time, the DC-4... Handguns and Air Marshals 2003-11-15, by Ethan Rider Aviation writer and enthusiast Ethan Rider provides a well-researched and thoroughly-reviewed examination of the practicality of arming pilots or loading flights with tens of thousands of air marshals. Constellation Survivors 2003-09-29, by Ralph Pettersen Ralph Pettersen returns with his third article, an incredibly detailed and thorough history of Constellations complete with an unprecedented review of all of the surviving Constellations, including dozens of photos. Landing in Kai Tak 2003-09-07, by Eric Coeckelberghs Eric Coeckelberghs is an avid aviation enthusiast who, in 1991, had the chance to fly - jumpseat - into world-renowned Kai Tak airport. Between his own photographs of the landing and his entire trip, and his telling of the adventure, we get a feel for what it was like heading towards the most famous checkerboard in the world... In Pursuit of Happiness Against Capitulation to bin Laden 2003-07-25, by Wasim Choudhury Sharing the views of many aviation spotters, Wasim Choudhury vocalizes what we all need to hear about targeting the wrong people in the wake of tragedy. The Lost Flight - Malév 240 2003-05-23, by Laszlo Bencsics Speculation and conjecture have long surrounded the tragic 1975 demise of Hungarian Tupolev Tu-154 HA-LCI 10 Km North west of Beirut. Were the flights a cover for arms shipments to a region which was a war zone serviced by virtually no other airlines - and was the aircraft deliberately shot down as a result? "Chicken Kiev" - Flight Aboard an AN-12 2003-04-11, by Jan Koppen Jan Koppen takes us with him on a voyage aboard a classic AN-12, including descriptions of the cuisine... Included are Jan's own photographs of the voyage, detailing the aircraft inside and out. America's Oldest Public Aviation Mechanic School - Harvard H. Ellis Technical School - Turns 70 2003-01-16, by Robert W. Conry The Harvard H. Ellis Technical School located in Danielson, CT is home to a historic aviation maintenance technician school. The AMT program began in Putam, CT in September of 1930 has been in continuous operation since. For over seventy years thousands of graduates have worked for major and regional airlines, corporate aviation, and manufactures such as Sikorsky, Pratt and Whitney, and Kaman Aerospace. Robert W. Conry was an instructor in the AMT program at Ellis Tech. This is the story of this historic program. "Little Amy" - Air Marshall Islands' DC-8 2002-11-01, by Dave Glover In the early 1990s, Air Marshall Islands, or "AMI", leased and operated a unique DC-8-62. Now, Dave Glover, who worked with this classic combi jetliner, tells the story and shows the pictures of one of the most unique and far-reaching jets ever in air service... History of Airline Design 2002-09-12, by Konstantin von Wedelstaedt When it comes to aircraft spotting and photographing, it's the airlines and their aircraft and colorschemes which attract the enthusiast's attention. An airline's design is the most visible element of the corporate identity. This article takes us through the colorful history of airline design and reviews the various aspects and styles of exterior and interior design. Flying the Mighty Lockheed Constellation 2002-08-09, by Ralph Pettersen In 1997, Ralph Pettersen - a self-confessed propliner fanatic - was able to realize a life-long fantasy and fly a Lockheed Constellation. His day with the Constellation Group at their Avra Valley headquarters flying their beautiful MATS (Military Air Transport Service) Connie proved even more exciting than he could have imagined! Aer Lingus... 2002-07-03, by Barry Mulcahy ...Not Just an Airline Simplify, Simplify, Simplify! 2002-06-16, by James C. Kruggel Simple fleets are a key to the financial success of low-fare airlines... In this in-depth article, Jim Kruggel contends that large, network airlines could have very simple fleets and still meet their own very different service goals. Two Unusual Concordes 2002-05-22, by Alain Mengus Alain Mengus takes us on a guided tour of the two most unique - and short lived - paint schemes ever applied to the Concorde: the 1996 Air France Pepsi flights and the 1977-1980 British Airways & Singapore Airlines flights to Bahrain and Singapore.

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