Remarks: Lufthansa 422 Heavy in full reverse on 33L, decelerating past Winthrop to complete the journey from Frankfurt. Tango Charlie will probably be one of the first to go when they replace the 744s in the years to come.
Remarks: 'Jack's Hack' stands proudly restored in the 58th Bomb Wing Memorial Hanger at the New England Air Museum. At the end of WWII, the 58th firebombed mainland Japan from its Tinian base with devastating success, helping to precipitate the end of the battle in the Pacific along with atomic attacks, which originated from similar B-29s. Dedicated to all those who lost their lives in the conflict, both military and civilian.
Remarks: Hearkening back to the golden age of aviation, when JT3Cs still ripped through the skies and dark smoke trailed a departing heavy, "Clipper Golden Eagle" remains a testament to sliderule engineering, big business, and American innovation. Only its cockpit remains preserved at the New England Air Museum, but it evokes a feeling of another era!
Remarks: A lot of history to this 1942-built bird. A quick search reveals its history as a WWII transport, American Airlines hauler, and service with Taino Air. Turn the yoke, and the ailerons still function! On display at the New England Air Museum.
Remarks: [22:00] Starting in Curacao, American 1050 ran 1-hour behind schedule. This however was fine by me, as we had the treat of riding a brand-new (del. Nov, '11) Boeing Sky Interior-equipped 738 on the continuation up to Hartford. The interior feels bigger and has a lot more room in the aisle seat for standing. Here's a shot of the wing of this fresh aircraft. In the background, AA 752 N631AA, Line #631, waits for another mission; AA announced that it will be terminating the lease on that 1990 bird, along with at least 10 more 757s as a part of its bankruptcy - ride them while you can!
Remarks: [18:30] A thin film of clouds coats the Northern Puerto Rican Coastline as the last rays of light grace the upper layer of fluff. We are American 1327 from Miami, about to turn inland towards our IAF for the ILS/LOC RWY 08 approach. While I was supposed to go direct from MIA to ANU, it was nostalgic to come through SJU once again, and makes me feel old to now 'remember' what the SJU hub used to be, as Terminal D is now all but dead. [1200px]
Remarks: [11:04] An endless sea of white over the Atlantic Ocean, skirting down towards Miami as American 2005 from Hartford, CT. We are over two hours late thanks to a blown fuel booster pump which MX checked and deemed safe for flight, with the associated delay causing us to lose our connection, doubling travel time and forcing a second connection in AA's terrible 'hub carcass' at SJU's Terminal D. [1400px]
Remarks: [17:50] Gorgeous sunset over the starboard wing as we cruise over the Northern Caribbean as American 1906 from Antigua to Miami. This is the most profound part of the flight, a time to reflect and gaze in awe at the heavens. My 160th shot on JP.
Remarks: The big man's front office. Thanks to the friendly crew for the photo-op and conversation as we prepared to depart paradise, bringing another year's fun-in-the-sun session to a close! Note the stowed HUD, initial course set to 073 for a Runway 7 departure, and initial speed set to 152 as one of our FMS-computed V-speeds.
Remarks: Cabin shot of Ship 623, from Row 11. We had the exit row, which was quite comfortable. The 757's seats and overhead TVs look straight out of the 80s...American's interior is repulsive, esepcially the first class seats which look even worse. Too bad - AA plans to drop up to 12 from the fleet from the bankruptcy.
Remarks: The friendly crew of American Airlines 1327, service to San Juan. It was nice to chill up front after a day of headaches - a blown fuel booster on our flight BDL-MIA caused us to miss our connection to ANU at MIA, so we hopped 1327 to SJU then the late-night ATR flight to ANU. Nice to get the old flightdeck layout - they are being upgraded. Thanks so much to the jolly crew for the photo-op!
