Virgin Orbit launches rocket from their modified Boeing 747

Virgin Orbit successfully launched several satellites into space with a rocket deployed from a modified 747 in flight. The rocket was released from the plane a little before 11:40 AM PST today. See https://flightaware.com/live/flight/N744VG/history/20210117/1800Z/KMHV/KMHV/tracklog (www.bbc.com) Mehr...

Men Who Gave CPR To Dying United Passenger With COVID Given $200 Flight Vouchers

I think this is one of those “darned if you do, darned if you don’t” sort of things. (yourmileagemayvary.net) Mehr...

Pilot of N8114F spells “God Bless” over Iowa

The pilot of N8114F, a PA-28-181 Archer II, has spelled the phrase “God Bless” over Iowa on January 11th. The flight lasted nearly 3 hours long and covered a distance of 341 miles as the pilot spelled out the message in bubble letters (flightaware.com) Mehr...

Man lived inside O’Hare for 3 months before detection

A California man who police said claimed to be too afraid to fly due to COVID-19 hid out for three months in a secured area of O’Hare International Airport until his arrest. Two United Airlines employees approached Singh and asked to see his identification. Singh showed them an airport ID badge that he was wearing around his neck, which actually belonged to an operations manager who had reported it missing Oct. 26. (www.chicagotribune.com) Mehr...

What Happened To The Boeing 747s That Flew The Space Shuttle?

With its unique design, the Boeing 747 is an aesthetically-striking aircraft in its own right. However, two of these iconic double-decker quadjets became perhaps even more conspicuous following the end of their passenger services. Of course, I am referring to the two 747-100s that NASA converted for use as ‘Shuttle Carrier Aircraft’ in the 1970s and ’80s. But what happened to these legendary outsize freighters? (simpleflying.com) Mehr...

Airlines Greatly Increasing Safety Ahead of Presidential Inauguration

After the violence at the Capitol last week, airlines are taking action to ensure the safety of the presidential inauguration on Wednesday, January 20. Given the threat of additional violence or armed protests, the FBI and TSA are working with airlines to increase security procedures on flights to and from Washington, DC. Overall, this level of security is unprecedented and has not been seen since the months immediately after the terrorist attacks on 9/11. (theexplorerblog.com) Mehr...

Allegiant’s Time To Thrive: How The Crisis Could Be Good For The Carrier

Allegiant Air is an ultra-low-cost-carrier (ULCC) that can sometimes fly under the radar, so to speak. (simpleflying.com) Mehr...