That feature alone adds a ton of economic advantages in that profile.

(Written on 02/12/2021)(Permalink)

Okay, I’m officially embarrassed after doing a little research. There were 110 60-series converted to “70-series” by adding the CFM56 engines back in the 80’s. Can’t believe I didn’t know that – I’m sure I’ve seen them; it’s just been a while. This one appears to be one of maybe only six still in operation today (another is operated by NASA).

(Written on 02/12/2021)(Permalink)

That's the first re-engined DC8 I ever recall seeing. Does anyone know what engines those are, and how they impact performance/range/economy?

(Written on 02/12/2021)(Permalink)

Take the 15% pay cut with the caveat the pay rate has to be re-normalized before any new hires can be made. That's a win-win: most everyone who wants to stays employed, and the pay cuts have a flexible expiration date that exactly coincides with actual recovery.

(Written on 08/28/2020)(Permalink)

This isn't "attempted" sabotage, it was ACTUAL sabotage. The only thing that was "attempted" was the murder of the passengers and crew on board. And that is what he should be charged with - 150 times. I don't care if he says his intentions were different, he actually sabotaged an airliner in a manner that could have reasonably led to the deaths of everyone on board, as well as some on the ground, had the plane either become airborne with faulty data or had an accident during the aborted takeoff. Prison for life.

(Written on 09/13/2019)(Permalink)

How much longer can Boeing "own" Southwest??? One airframe made sense when they were a modest regional - their first 13 years they owned exclusively -200 series aircraft. Adding -300's probably wasn't a huge transition for them. But now their fleet has grown to 4 sub-types (3 present and another on order), and I don't see that -700's and -800's will be "interchangeable" with MAX's like they were with -300's and -500's. So why should SWA be owned by an airframe, for the sake of commonality, when the commonality doesn't appear to exist any longer? Even a rumor that SWA has taken a meeting with Airbus would be an "Oh, $#I+!" moment for Boeing - that they've earned.

(Written on 07/12/2019)(Permalink)

The captain's explanation is, I believe, supported by the log available on this website. His ground speed was a high as 530 kts in the climb (while climbing @ 1,600fpm), but fell below 470 kts not long after leveling off, and was 450 kts after turning back. This supports his assertion that winds changed significantly while enroute, and were at a 90 degree angle to his flight path. The ETOPS calc he referenced is for a very remote circumstance, but it's a requirement for a reason, and he made the right decision.

(Written on 04/08/2016)(Permalink)

There was country song a few years ago about a guy living in an online fantasy world, pretending to be something special out in LA, when in reality he was - I believe the song said - 5'-3" and overweight, living in his mom's basement, driving an old Hyundai, delivering pizza, and had never been on a date. I'm not saying this is *that* guy, I just thought about that song while reading the comments here. I'm sure there's NO CONNECTION whatsoever. I'm SURE of it.

(Written on 04/01/2016)(Permalink)

1,400 on a 1,550 range a/c is one thing, but 1,400 on a 1,550 range a/c where the last 1,200 or so is open water is foolish - and that's the kindest word I can use.

(Written on 03/25/2016)(Permalink)

I just searched the tail number here... in the three days following this event, the aircraft was flown - in 1:45 to 2:40 legs - to West Palm Beach, FL... and hasn't moved since. That has me as curious as any other aspect.

(Written on 03/25/2016)(Permalink)