NEW 787 takes off!

Some sweet screen shots from the Paine Field live cam. The 787 ZA102. I watched this cam for 2 hours and no fire balls. Just a white blob taking off. But I guess it is somewhat exciting...

First it taxis down

Then it takes off! 

Anniversary for the "first flight" of the Boeing 787

Many people in the aviation industry think that today is the anniversary of the first flight of the Boeing 787. But is it? With so many delays and delivery push backs it leaves one wondering if an actual 787 has even flown at all yet. In the Everett Boeing plant they do not allow photography, the reason I think for this is that the Dreamlifter is really just a couple 767s with reshaped noses and they didn't want anybody documenting this happening. I think all the ones sitting around the Everett Boeing plant are fakes. The windows are all blacked out hiding the fact that they have not actually been able how to cost effectively
produced their promised magically lit interior? Are they all engine less because the real 787 engines do not exist and the fake wings they have on the aircraft would not support the weight? Did they call it the Dreamliner because that is all it is, some ones random dream never to actually see the light of day? Is the 787 just a way for Boeing to be back in the news and create excitement for their brand without ever actually producing a new plane? To me that is what it seems.

"787" photo thanks to airlinereporter.com

And I thought they had the largest bladders ever.

I have never been on a flight where I have seen the pilots use the lavatories. I just always assumed they had the largest bladders ever or pulled the old Gatorade bottle trick. I have seen in the past other airlines Liveries that explained different things on the plane, and recently while reading the internet I stumbled upon this picture of a livery that explains how the pilots use the toilet mid flight. I just feel bad for the co-pilot.

RyanAir

What can I say, I love their business model. You only pay for the services you need, true capitalism at work.

Paine Pics of the Day

A Ya All Aeroplanes

Do you like Airplanes? Do you like attractive women? Do you know Russian? Well 2 out of 3 isn't bad. Check out this video sent to me by an airline nerd who in the past 2 days has claimed to watch it over 27 times just for the planes...

Moo Moo Buckaroo

Recently I read a blog about Getting a good seat flying Southwest. While I applaud Southwest on a great business model with the bags fly free. I wonder if they have some kind of odd enjoyment in seeing their passengers line up like cattle and fight for seats. The one time I flew southwest was after a business meeting so I happened to get there super early and got a good boarding Letter, I got lucky, or so I thought. That just got me first in the chute to the slaughter house. People packed in behind me trying to shove in front, then when I got on the plane I was lucky to get my self into a seat before everyone pushed past me to try to get what they thought would be the best seat. 


After getting felt up by the TSA the last thing I would want to do is fight for a seat. So here are my simple steps to getting a good seat and overall better experience: 


1. Don't be "cheap" Many times you can get lower fares even if you consider in the $25 bag fee on an airline where you can pick your seats. 


2. Check out SeatGuru.com for the best seats on your plane and select your seat a head of time. 


C. If you are flying with someone else book one of you for the aisle and one for the window. If the flight isn't full you will likely not get a person in the middle. And if the flight is full 99% chance you won't get a freak that insists on keeping the middle seat. They will trade you either the aisle or window. 


4. When you check your bags, flirt with the ticket girl behind the counter, ask her if there are any better seats. If you do it right you might get upgraded to an exit row or a seat they don't typically book ahead of time. 


5. Make sure your carry on is just a little too big to fit under the seat in front of you. That way you get to keep your leg/foot space. And even if you are among the last to board the plane, with a little kindness the stewardesses will find a place for your bag to fit in the overhead compartment. 


6. All the above will take 10 minutes of your time saving you from having to check in 2hours extra early to get a good seat (just make sure you get there before they give up your seat). 


7. After you star in a TSA peepshow. Stop at Starbucks get a coffee. Casually stroll to your gate. When they last call your plane the line should have died down walk to your assigned seat and enjoy your flight.