Upside Down in an Airliner?

Even if you don't have a clear understanding of the instrumentation, the following picture should send shivers down your spine...This old fashion "six-pack" instrument panel...quickly becoming a rare sight...paints a dire picture.  The most alarming instrument of course is the one in the middle...the "attitude indicator" or Primary Flight Display as we call it.  This jet is in a 120 degree left bank accompanied by a 10 degree nose up attitude....

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Video: American Airlines' First Boeing 777-300 Takes Flight

Food for thought...and speculation.  Back in May, American Airlines announced flight numbers and markets for its new Boeing 777-300 that was expected to enter service this December.  Due to issues with the production of new first class seats, the new airliner's introduction has now been pushed back to late January.  Dallas/Fort Worth – Sao Paulo will be the first route to feature the newest addition to American’s fleet, with planned...

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Early Morning Departures

Four days ago, I was packing for the next day's early morning departure when I got a call from another pilot begging to trade trips. I had a long layover in New Orleans and he commutes from there. I've commuted four times in my career and hated to deny the guy a night at home, so even though I was looking forward to a night in New Orleans, I agreed to the trade.I'm still glad I did, but oh my goodness, the early morning departures on that trip were...

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New Livery for American Airlines?

For decades American Airlines has flown unpainted, polished aluminum airplanes. But that may soon change.  American’s livery has been in use since 1967, outlasting mergers, failures and shifting tastes across the industry. A new exterior also may mean dropping the signature bare-metal skin that dates to the era of propeller-driven airliners, which the airline has called a fuel-saver because an unpainted plane weighs less.Months ago, American...

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One Frequency - Two Airplanes - Same Call-Sign

Pilots quickly learn to speak clearly, to say only what needs to be said and to pay close attention not only to what is being said to them, but to the communication between other aircraft and air traffic control as well. We refer to this as situational awareness...an awareness of what is going on round you. Accidents have been avoided and lives saved by pilots and controllers who paid close enough attention to those around them to identify mistakes...

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