I have a very clear memory of the entry into service of the B-721. For a huge number of pilots this was their first jet experience. Many had never even flown a turbine powered aircraft before. Even those pilots who had transitioned from Pistons to the L-188's had to get used to it. The L-188 could create almost instantaneous lift over its wings for a TOGA. Even those pilots had to learn the habits of jet engines and their inability to spool-up quickly. Combine that with a 50 degree flap setting and even an experienced pilot can find themselves backed into a corner. The UA crash at SLC and the AA crash fall into that category. You have to keep in mind where the technology was back in the early 1960's. Over time the early jet pilots finally learned to stay ahead of the airplane, but it took a while. They had no experience with full flaps and 80% N1. IMO, Boeing did an excellent job with this design.

(Written on 09-02-2020)(Permalink)

Agreed. McDac too late deciding what to do with the MD-11 until it was too little and too late. Half the potential customers no longer had any confidence in them. I think Boeing realizes that they have to swim or sink.

(Written on 30-01-2020)(Permalink)

They better go live in a bubble then, because, ALL of us who fly are exposed to every kind of dangerous bacteria and viruses and interplanetary cootie there is, every time we touch the interior of the aircraft. Don't even want to touch the exterior. They need to get a grip.

(Written on 22-01-2020)(Permalink)

It all does make one wonder what they aren't talking about. Me thinks we the public don't know all the information. Remember, the FAA is a Government agency. Also, since the FAA DID issue the Max an C of A, there are a lot of Government employees scrambling to cover their A$$es before tthis debacle goes to court. LLoyd's knows whats going on.

(Written on 22-01-2020)(Permalink)

Hope they have better luck than Braniff did expanding like that.

(Written on 15-01-2020)(Permalink)

That is true, however, when the dust settles, the airlines are still going to want a major competitor to pit against Airbus.

(Written on 31-12-2019)(Permalink)

Oh yeah. The Electra became the L-188, Super Electra or just prop-jet. The DC-10 became ANYTHING other than a DC-10. Because of the DC-10, the L-1011's became ANYTHING that did not relate to the number Ten. The general public wouldn't know a MAX if they fell on one. The name will probably disappear on everything but the evac. cards in the seat backs. Not enough of the public ever looks at them, anyway.

(Written on 30-12-2019)(Permalink)

Yes. Sadly the FAA IS POLITICS. And then there are the lobbyists. The lawyers, the insurers, the airlines, the Unions, the media, etc. It's all about political pressure and money. It always was.

(Written on 17-12-2019)(Permalink)

The FAA has survived numerous storms. It will survive this one. Eventually the flying public will return (especially if the price of the ticket is right) and forget all about it. If they think it's going to be a problem they will re-name it and the uninformed public won't even notice. After Lockheed modified them the "Electra's" became "Super Electra's", Electra II's", L-188's" or just plain "Jet-Prop's". As one of my grandmothers deplaned an Eastern Electra, years ago, I mentioned what a cool looking airplane is was. She immediately replied that she was glad she had "avoided flying on an Electra!".

(Written on 17-12-2019)(Permalink)

They really had to do it. With 400 or so idle aircraft it just doesn't make sense to keep going until they get the certification and make deliveries. Douglas went through it with the DC-6's. When MDD went through the grounding of the DC-10's, it was not as protracted. It SHOULD have happened in March of 1974, but that is another story. But, it effectively spelled the end of the DC-10 program. The name had just been associated with accidents and death too many times for the public to forget. When Lockheed went through the design debacle with the L-14's, P-38's, L-049's they were all grounded. Oh,and the L-188's SHOULD have been grounded as well. The modification program didn't end until 1961 and nobody was ordering anything with the name of "Electra" unless Buick had built it. Fortunately, for Lockheed, the P-3 "Orion" program was successful. Dehavilands went through the it with their Comet. Martin went through it with the 202's. So now it's Boeing's turn. They are paying a heav

(Written on 16-12-2019)(Permalink)