Airborne television broadcasting is not a thing of the past, but in the past it was the thing. In October of 1945, Radio Craft Magazine introduced the concept (read the full issue here!). In early 1940s, not many places in the country had access to television, and Stratovision wanted to change that. Introducing Stratovision! C.E. [...]
Unless you’ve been avoiding Social Media and the news, you’ve likely heard about the man who was removed from a United Airlines flight. The idea of being taken off a flight is terrifying. On the other hand, for the optimistic, it’s a chance to make some cash and extend your vacation. Most people are probably [...]
When you think of Boeing, you might think of large commercial jets, like the retiring 747, rather than their strategic bomber. But the Boeing B-29 Superfortress played an important role in the U.S. forces during WWII and the Korean War. On April 7, 1945, the Superfortress made the first fighter escort mission against Japan. Today [...]
Are greener skies on the horizon for travelers? Looks like it! NASA recently confirmed jet engines that use biofuels produce fewer aerosol particle emissions in their exhaust trails. Aviation produces 2.5% of the world’s carbon emissions so this can have a big impact on the environment and the airlines. Alternative Fuel Effects on Contrails and Cruise [...]
Let’s face it: no one likes going to the airport and dealing with security. Sure, we understand that it’s important and necessary and we’re grateful for it, but that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. You never know what to expect when you go to an airport anymore: are you going to get [...]
Singer, songwriter, actor and activist John Denver was also a pilot during his time. If you don't know who John Denver is, I'd be surprised. This man is a music legend. Of the nearly 300 songs he recorded and released, he wrote about 200 of them himself. I've always been a fan of his music. A [...]
I’ve written about the Battle of Britain before where I mentioned that 500 of the Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots were from other countries, including Ireland. Many of those pilots flew Supermarine Spitfires, and one particular Irish pilot was very well known for his Spitfire flying abilities. They called him Spitfire Paddy. The Supermarine Spitfire [...]
One of my favorite parts of flying is getting the meal. I know that a lot of people would frown down on me or just laugh in my face, but it’s always amazed me how much food they keep packed up and ready to serve on any given flight. And, personally, I never had a [...]
I think it’s safe to say that most everyone above the age of 20 conjures the same image when they hear the word “gremlin.” That popular movie defines gremlins for many, but did you know that gremlins are a part of WWII history? In fact, gremlins are typically characterized as having a particular interest in aircraft [...]
Nature has always been fascinating to us. The way it changes from one year to the next and season-to-season cannot be compared to anything else in this world. It changes and adapts, and we are always working to change and adapt with it. Nature has influenced humans on a number of things: from housing design [...]
