Reading List for the Fall

Posted on August 18, 2010 by Jonathan Heckman| Leave a comment

With my move back to Embry-Riddle approaching quickly, life has been fairly hectic. I completed my fourth summer as a Research Assistant at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania this past Friday, and now my sights are set on finishing up my Private Pilot Certificate before heading back south. In my free time, I’ve decided to work on knocking off a few aviation books from my reading list (in addition to adding short reviews to the Book Reviews page)

My reading list:

  • Hard Landing by Thomas Petzinger, Jr

    I am more than halfway through this book. If you’re looking for the true story of how today’s airlines, and former airlines, got to where they are, this, so far, is a fantastic read.

  • The Sporty Game by John Newhouse

    I’ve also read Newhouse’s Boeing versus Airbus and found it an interesting read. The Sporty Game is quite a few years old, but I’m hoping it will detail some of the history of the competition involved within the aircraft manufacturing industry during the 1980′s and prior.

  • The Southwest Airlines Way by Jody Hoffer Gittell

    Most of what I’ve learned about Southwest Airlines and their business model has been unraveled through the various online articles I’ve read, coupled with the writings of Thomas Petzinger Jr in Hard Landing, and from listening to Colleen Barrett speak at Wharton’s Leadership Conference some time ago.

  • Flying High: How JetBlue Founder and CEO David Neeleman Beats the Competition… Even in the World’s Most Turbulent Industry by James Wynbrandt.

    Despite David Neeleman’s departure from JetBlue a few years ago, it takes skill to create a successful and profitable airline. Mr. Neeleman has had success, not only with JetBlue, but also with Brazil’s Azul. I’m curious to learn what it takes, as well as the strategies and mindset, to successfully operate an airline.

With that list posted, it’s fair to say my plate will be fairly full. Even though I love blogging and writing about the industry, I’m sure you may have noticed I’ve taken a few steps from blogging, and have concentrated my time on outside-blogging activities. While I can’t promise I’ll be blogging forever, you can always find me on twitter to stay up-to-date with everything.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Misc.

Tagged , ,

Delta.com Gets a New Look

Posted on August 11, 2010 by Jonathan Heckman| 2 Comments

For those of you who are frequent flyer mileage junkies with Delta Air Lines or for those of you who booked a ticket on Delta recently, you might have already seen Delta.com‘s new website design. The website features 5 core options: SkyMiles Login, Book a Trip, My Trips, Check In, and Flight Status. Design wise, this is a straightforward website and easy to navigate, however beware that most of the website has yet to be converted to the new style.

Compared to the old look of Delta.com, I like it a lot better because it feels less cluttered. It’s easy to book, manage, check-in and check flight statuses on the website, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the entire site in this design. The site still has a few minor kinks yet to be ironed out, but there is a nice forum thread on FlyerTalk where a few users have reported their issues.

Most low-cost carriers, along with new entrants, appear to have a good eye for website design. Some legacy carriers could use an upgrade, but I have been impressed with some of the booking features US Airways has implemented and look forward to seeing how Delta.com’s booking engine / flight selection page turns out. Generally speaking, the simpler, the better.

Feedback: What’s your favorite airline website? What’s your least favorite airline website?

→ 2 Comments

Posted in Airlines

Tagged , , ,

Top Ten Aviation Attractions

Posted on August 5, 2010 by Jonathan Heckman| Leave a comment

Just what are the best aviation museums around the United States?  As the birthplace of aviation, the United States has some of the best aviation museums in the world. For those requiring a shortlist of ten must-visit attractions, TripAdvisor announced their list of the top ten aviation attractions in the U.S., according to traveler ratings and TripAdvisor Flights experts. For those reading this on SeattlePI.com, two Seattle area attractions made the list!

Here is the list, with complete commentary and information from TripAdvisor:

1. Cruising in the Capitol: National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C.

Housing the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world, the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum is a must see for any air travel enthusiast. Its location in Washington, D.C. is home to several famous artifacts such as the original Wright 1903 Flyer and the Apollo 11 command module, and its sister site in Fairfax, Virginia houses additional aviation artifacts sure to inspire flyers of all stripes. As one TripAdvisor traveler raves, “this place is truly incredible and not to be missed.” Admission: Free.

2. Wings on the Water: Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum, New York, New York

Centered on the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, the Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space museum is a floating treasure trove of exhibits for aviation enthusiasts. The deck and hangar bay of the ship feature a collection of 30 aircraft, including some that have just recently left active service. Additionally, one of the Concorde supersonic jets on loan from British Airways is on the Intrepid pier and can be explored inside and out by visitors. The museum also houses other interactive exhibits, including an A-6 cockpit simulator and a virtual flight zone. As one TripAdvisor traveler raves, “Intrepid delivers an amazing exploration you won’t soon forget.”Admission: $22 for adults, $17 for children.

3. Back to the Beginning: Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

For enthusiasts looking to go back to the beginning of air travel, there’s no better place than the Wright Brothers National Memorial on the site where Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved the first successful plane travel over one hundred years ago. Travelers can re-trace the routes where the Wright Brothers tested out their first aircraft and explore the on-site museum and its collection of models, tools, and machines used by the pioneering, high-flying duo. As one TripAdvisor traveler puts it, “this was the highlight of our trip to the Outer Banks.” Admission: $4.00 for adults, free for children.

4. Travelers Take Flight: National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, Florida

Travelers interested in military aviation should look no further than the National Naval Aviation Museum. The museum boasts more than 4,000 aviation artifacts and 150 aircraft from the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Visitors can also get in on the action by taking a ride in the museum’s flight simulators or by watching Blue Angels practice on select Tuesdays and Wednesdays. As one TripAdvisor traveler puts it, the museum is “worth spending many hours. The aircraft in the museum are breath-taking.” Admission: Free.

5. Piloting the Prez: Museum of Flight, Seattle, Washington

Home to more than 85 aircraft ranging from antiques to the cutting edge of modern aviation, the Museum of Flight in Seattle is sure to tickle air travel lovers of all ages. The museum features a wealth of unique exhibits, including an engaging air traffic control tower at Boeing Field and “Style in the Aisle,” which shows off flight attendant uniforms from the 1930’s to the 1980’s. The museum’s aircraft collection is also expansive, and even includes an Air Force One aircraft that carried presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon. As one TripAdvisor traveler raves, “I LOVE this museum, even as a local!” Admission: $15 for adults, $8 for youths, free for children 4 and under.

With a vast array of exhibits, visit the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field if your looking to completely immerse yourself in aviation. However it’s large collection is growing, and with your help, the museum may be one step closer to bringing the Space Shuttle to the Seattle area.

6. Planes, Planes, Everywhere: Pima Air & Space Museum, Tucson, Arizona

With more than 300 aircraft and spacecraft in its collection, the Pima Air & Space Museum is one of the largest aviation museums in the world. It features more than 125,000 artifacts of modern aviation, and counts gems like the B-29 Superfortress, SR-71 Blackbird, and World War II German V-1 “buzz bomb” among its exhibits. Visitors can also take in the sights of the museum’s outdoor displays, which show off extraordinary aircraft and their ground support vehicles, as well as an airplane “boneyard.” As one TripAdvisor traveler raves, “the selection of planes seems endless and any military aircraft fan will be in heaven.” Admission: $13.75 for adults, $8 for youths, free for children 6 and under.

I’ve had the chance to visit the Pima Air and Space Museum a few times, and for those looking for another neat attraction in the area, be sure to check out the Titan Missile Museum.

7. If You Build It, They Will Come: Boeing Aircraft Factory Tour, Everett, Washington

The Boeing Aircraft Factory is the perfect place to visit for travelers interested in the nuts and bolts of aviation. Visitors can take a tour of the production facility, which is the world’s largest building by volume, to get a bird’s eye view of how aircraft are made. The tour covers the production of several Boeing models, including the eagerly anticipated 787 Dreamliner. The facility also features an aviation museum, which includes aircraft engines and conceptual aircraft designs. As one TripAdvisor traveler notes, “when the lift doors open for the first time and you can see a production line of 747’s being built below you it is truly something else!” Admission: $15 for adults, $8 for children.

While you’re in Everett, the Future of Flight museum (where you buy the tickets for the tour) is the perfect place to learn and experience today’s aviation milestones, specifically relating to commercial aviation.

8. Historic Hangars: Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii

Built in the historic hangars that survived the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Pacific Aviation Museum offers tens of thousands of square feet of aviation exhibits, including a collection of military aircraft from the World War II era. Visitors can also hop into the pilot’s seat at the museum’s flight simulator, where they can take off and land on an aircraft carrier, and take part in a high stakes battle in the sky. As one TripAdvisor traveler notes, “if you are an aviation buff, this is a can’t miss if you are visiting the USS Arizona Memorial.” Admission: $15 for adults, $8 for children.

9. Just Look Up: Gravelly Point Park, Arlington, Virginia

Located just north of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Gravelly Point Park is a fantastic place for watching planes take off and land as they pass right overhead. In addition to the great views of the airport, the park is a nice spot to play catch or have a picnic on a warm summer day. As one TripAdvisor traveler states, “how crazy to be standing 500 feet from the touchdown of planes landing at Reagan National Airport.” Admission: Free.

10. Wooden Wonder: Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, McMinnville, Oregon

Home to a wide range of aircraft, from cargo planes to commercial jets, bombers to spacecraft, the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum is a great place for aviation enthusiasts to get their fill and also for casual fans to brush up on a little air travel history. In addition to exhibits and archives detailing the milestones of modern aviation, the museum houses Howard Hughes’s famous wooden “Spruce Goose,” which was the largest plane of its time when it was completed in 1947. As one TripAdvisor traveler puts it, “the museum/hangar itself is a work of art. A great way to spend a day.” Admission: $20 for adults, $18 for youths, free for children 4 and under.

“Whether you’re an aviation buff or someone who just likes being up in the air, there’s a wealth of fascinating attractions across the U.S. that explore the history of air travel,” said Bryan Saltzburg, general manager of new initiatives at TripAdvisor. “They’re sure to give you a deeper appreciation of the aircraft you’re on the next time you find yourself cruising along at 30,000 feet.”

The full TripAdvisor press release can be found by clicking here.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Aircraft

Tagged , ,

Safe in the Sky? Pay Attention, It Counts

Posted on July 26, 2010 by Jonathan Heckman| 2 Comments

The rule is 90 seconds. No matter how large or small an aircraft may be, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that aircraft manufacturers demonstrate that full occupancy, which includes passengers and flight crew, is able to exit an airliner safely within those allocated 90 seconds. Even Airbus’s A380, the 555 passenger double-decker jet, demonstrated it was capable – see video here. Yet these tests are simulated and do not reflect real-life events. Passengers on-board simulated evacuations are well-briefed and prepared for the simulation. What about on everyday flights? Do passengers pay enough attention to safety demonstrations? Can you trust the person sitting next to you in an emergency?

A routine for most travelers, passengers seem not to be concerned with safety briefings. From what I have observed during safety demonstrations, you will probably find a few people asleep, others reading, some looking out the window, and perhaps a few sneaking in quick last text messages. Although safety procedures may be routine, a different flight could mean a different aircraft, and a different aircraft means it will have different safety procedures. While airlines and manufacturers aim for consistency and simplicity, the attention of passengers during safety announcements is vital.

David Parker Brown, owner and founder of AirlineReporter.com, spent two days at AirTran Airways’s flight attendant training program in Atlanta, GA. “I know after I sat in on the mock crash landing with AirTran, I originally forgot my life vest, but now I pay attention to see if there is a life vest under my seat and I make sure I know how to use it,” said Brown.

Want an inside view of a simulated water ditching? David was kind enough to share his video:

Responsibility lies on the airlines’ shoulders. According to the FAA, air crews are responsible for delivering safety information, but if passengers do not listen, how useful is it? Chances are, a majority of the people on an airline flight have flown before – how do you get their attention on future flights?

To solve this, airlines have created unique and funny safety videos to catch the eyes of today’s travelers. Airlines such as Virgin America and Air New Zealand have implemented safety videos sure to attract attention from passengers. Air New Zealand’s “Bare Essentials” features members of the crew wearing nothing but body-painted uniforms, and Virgin America’s funny and innovative video gives artwork an entertaining narration. “It is visually appealing, funny, but gets all the safety information across. Even though I have seen the Virgin America safety announcement video multiple times, I still can’t help but watch the whole thing,” said David Parker Brown. See Virgin America’s safety video below.

Flight attendants on some carriers, like Southwest Airlines, use their own talents and skills to get the attention of passengers during safety announcements. For years, Southwest flight attendants have sung, rapped, and made safety announcements a comedy routine. “It’s safe to say our flight attendants are encouraged to express themselves creatively not only to show that unique and fun side Southwest is known for, but also to breathe a little life into the important safety announcement,” said Southwest Airlines’s Paul Flaningan. “Anything our in-flight crews can do to capture the attention of our customers during this time is a good thing!”

For those that love exit-row seating, are you able to lift the 35-45 pound over-the-wing exit door? The FAA requires passengers to sit in a different seat if they are unable. Opening over-wing exit doors may be critical in an emergency situation. Understanding your capabilities should determine where you sit.

Do you trust the person sitting in the seat beside you in an emergency? In an industry with an excellent safety record, it’s easy for passengers to forget standard safety protocols. It may be difficult to pay attention to the same safety briefing over-and-over, yet in the rare instance of a problem occurring, perhaps the one safety feature the industry lacks is passenger attentiveness to safety instructions.

The next time you fly, be sure to: wear your seat-belt when you are seated (turbulence can knock you off guard), locate the nearest exit before the flight departs, know how use both the safety life-vest and passenger oxygen, and always obey crew-member instructions. While emergencies are very unlikely, the better prepared you are, the better your chances are of ending the flight safely.

→ 2 Comments

Posted in Airlines, Flying

Tagged , , , , , ,