Confessions of a TSA Agent

I hated it from the beginning. It was a job that had me patting down the crotches of children, the elderly and even infants as part of the post-9/11 airport security show. Once, in 2008, I had to confiscate a bottle of alcohol from a group of Marines coming home from Afghanistan. It was celebration champagne intended for one of the men in the group—a young, decorated soldier. He was in a wheelchair, both legs lost to an I.E.D., and it fell to me to tell this kid who would never walk again that… (www.politico.com) More...

The Endeavour has Landed: A View from the Tower

While we've seen various pictures of Space Shuttle Endeavour on its final flight into LAX, we really haven't seen things from the Air Traffic Controller's perspective... Until now. (fromthecontroltower.blogspot.com) More...

Apple's Maps App Directs Drivers onto Taxiway Bravo at Fairbanks International Airport

Relying on the iPhone map app's directions to get to Fairbanks International Airport is downright dangerous. That’s because the directions take you on a turn-by-turn route to Taxiway Bravo. From there, it's a direct shot across the main runway to the terminal. (www.alaskadispatch.com) More...

Qantas reassessing DFW-Australia route after B747 diverts for fuel

Qantas, who started the Dallas-Australia route 2 weeks ago the route after its B747 ran low on fuel trying to make the non-stop leg to Brisbane yesterday and had to divert to Noumea to refuel. (www.theage.com.au) More...

Always Know Where Your Alternate Airports Are

The physician on call was conferenced in and briefed. The tone of the physician’s analysis indicated that our medical problem might not be dire. This analysis conflicted with that of the onboard doctor. I took a deep breath and sighed inwardly. It was time to put on the proverbial captain’s hat. I looked at my copilot, shook my head, unsnapped the intercom handset from its cradle and pressed the code that would chime the first-class cabin. Liz answered almost immediately. I explained that I… (www.flyingmag.com) More...

United Airlines to Deploy 11,000 iPads to Pilots as Electronic Flight Bags

Following Alaska Airlines and Delta Airlines' footsteps, United Airlines will roll out 11,000 iPads as EFBs to all United/Continental pilots. Distribution of iPads began earlier this month, and all pilots will have them by year end. (www.prnewswire.com) More...

Southwest Airlines Opposes Proposed Stadium near Las Vegas McCarran Airport

Sheldon Alderson's Las Vegas Sands Corporation and Majestic Realty of Las Vegas have proposed to an 11-member Tourism panel, created by Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval, to create a $1.4 billion, 65,000 seat stadium for UNLV football games, and for incentive to lure the Oakland Raiders NFL team to relocate to Las Vegas. Southwest Airlines has just filed a letter opposing that stadium for one reason: The stadium would be located across the street from Runways 1/19 at McCarran International… (www.reviewjournal.com) More...

Living In the Age of Airplanes: A National Geographic Movie

Produced and directed by Brian Terwilliger (One Six Right), narrated by Harrison Ford, scored by James Horner (Avatar), and filmed in 18 countries across all 7 continents, Living in the Age of Airplanes renews our appreciation for the airplane, stunningly conveys the wonder and grandeur of flying, and explores the countless ways the airplane affects our lives. With a take on history, breathtaking visuals, soaring music, and a unique perspective, the film shows the airplane in a fresh light as it… (www.airplanesmovie.com) More...

Boy Who Lost Stuffed Tiger at Tampa International Airport Finds Tiger Stayed Very Busy

If a boy named Owen suspects his stuffed tiger named Hobbes has a secret life, the staff of Tampa International Airport won't disagree. Owen recently lost Hobbes at the airport — and when he reclaimed the tiger, he also received photos of Hobbes touring the facility. (www.npr.org) More...

Wife takes over plane after pilot-husband is incapacitated

A woman took over the controls of a small airplane when her pilot-husband started having trouble breathing and speaking on a flight from California to Colorado. Air Traffic Controllers controller said he wasn't able to make contact with the pilot after the plane began to make erratic maneuvers. The pilot's wife got on the radio to say her husband had been incapacitated. An air traffic controller in Longmont, CO., said he wasn't able to make contact with the pilot after the plane… (www.sacbee.com) More...