https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rfV3301d2khttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-JBHAq_AxU&list=RDT-JBHAq_AxU&start_radio=1 This is aviation week here in my world and as a result I am going to drag all my readers (both of you) through the AvGeek muck with me. The reason for this is that on Wednesday my son and I will be going to the AirVenture convention in
Here’s a brief, fascinating British Pathe newsreel from 1930 showing us The Handley Page HP–42 (nicknamed the Hannibal), a giant British four-engine biplane airliner designed by Handley Page. Introduced by Imperial Airways in 1931, it was the largest airliner in the world at the time. Built mostly from metal and fabric, it was
Did you know that actor/director/restauranteur/sailor/guy who-co-produced ‘The Sting’ Tony Bill was a serious pilot and aviation history buff? A master pilot and aerobatics flyer, he’s owned and flown an envy-producing bunch of vintage hangar-candy among which are a 1946 Globe Swift, a 1935 Aeronica Chief, a 1929 Parks P-2A bi-plane,
Smoking on airplanes was once okay. Hell, I participated in that challenging sport for quite a few years. But advertising smoking on planes is another thing entirely. Above is a late 1950s commercial for Winston cigarettes. Apparently this particular airline handed out mini-packs for you as gift favors–kind of like
My father Frank De Felitta (1921-2016) was a pilot who served with the Army Air Corps during the Second World War. To honor him on this special day I thought I’d post a couple of clips specifically about the plane he flew. The C-47 was a troop and equipment carrier
Apropos of yesterday’s semi-deep-dive into food on airplanes of the past, here’s a silent reel of 1970s footage depicting a few meals served in a first class cabin of a United Airlines Boeing 747. The steak actually looks rather good though there are too many carrots and no steak fries
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKaeIhGT368https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PF_bkJhoIE It’s easy to make fun of airplane food but frankly I’ve always (mostly) liked it. As a kid traveling on PanAm I looked forward to the Chicken Kiev, a scrumptious dish I never saw offered in a restaurant. If I’m traveling on Jet Blue Mint, I’m treated to a