Mr. Rasmussen, You're going to have to learn the phrase: "If it ain't Boeing, it ain't going!" AirBus simply has a different way of building airplanes. And Boeing does it the right way. KenO

(Written on 09/05/2010)(Permalink)

Rick, How long has your son been with Boeing? The 787 program is finally getting up to speed; glad to see that. I was with United when the triple seven was kicked off - lots of interesting flying then when they were setting up to go ETOPs right out of the starting blocks.

(Written on 08/28/2010)(Permalink)

FlyBoy, I flew MiG CAP for a lot of Thud missions. Watched a lot of airplanes go downtown, didn't always see them (all) come out. I do have a lot of respect for you and your mission. Guess you flew the Diesel 10 at some time after your tour in the Air Corps.... But to you and Jim (who at least will sign his name) I didn't know there was a seniority list on this site. Thanks for setting me straight on that one. O & O

(Written on 08/23/2010)(Permalink)

To: All Perhaps I do take these comments more seriously than most writers on these sites. I am a professional pilot; I soloed 44 years ago and flew tailhook fighters in the Navy until Viet Nam was over. Went to the airlines and flew everything Boeing & Douglas built in the last 30 years. After age 60 retirement I hooked up with a charter Part 135 operation where I'm currently the chief pilot. I do fly "safety" or insurance pilot for a lot of people you'd recognize or at least know by name. It's a job I enjoy and one that can be challenging because some big money egos in a small cockpit can make for "close quarters." But I feel I've kept many wealthy people (and their family) out of the trees and off of the rocks, so I must be doing something right. I hope Jack recovers and I hope he will look for a "safety or insurance" pilot as somebody (insurance, FAA and/or family) will require that he have one before he's allowed to fly again. Remember this classic quote: "The J-3 Cub is

(Written on 08/22/2010)(Permalink)

To: gftt I'm glad to hear you'd be honored to fly with Jack. Lot's of luck my friend. Would you and your family feel safe riding in back with a one eyed, 69 year old pilot with three accidents to his credit? Better check first to see if he'll ever qualify for hull or liability insurance again. And then there's the issue of whether he'll ever see his license or medical certificate again.

(Written on 08/21/2010)(Permalink)

I was at one time a pilot at one of the legacy carrier (which is no) longer in existance. Whilst there, the training personnel put together a video tape of aircraft evacuation using the door chutes. As each crew member went down the slide, rescue personnel at the bottom of the chute would hold up a score for the individual. 9.7 or 9.4, that sort of thing. As the tape went along, the people coming down the slide would add something like a forward flip or a half twist in a pike position. Obviously a lot of fun to make, but not the kind of thing the front office wanted the traveling public to see. The video tape was passed around, but disappeared with the airline - too bad. Those are the kinds of things we all miss......

(Written on 08/21/2010)(Permalink)

There seems to be a dramatic difference between exposure and experience. I've driven thousands of hours around town in my automobile. That does not make me a NASCAR driver. Jack has flown thousands of hours in several types of exotic aircraft. That may have given him exposure, but there seems to be a question as to his judgement and professionalism. My final comment: Jack, you're on the mend - good for you. Now get the cheapest insurance you'll ever buy: a full time safety pilot to fly with you no matter what you insist upon flying around.

(Written on 08/21/2010)(Permalink)

I'd always suspected there was this kind of "training" going on somewhere. This video brings a whole new meaning to the term "mad dogs and Englishmen out in the mid day sun."

(Written on 08/21/2010)(Permalink)

WOW! I really didn't expect this: Jack is now blaming the tower for his accident! I wonder how this works; do you thank the ground controller for that grease job you just made on 18L or congratulate TraCon for how much fuel he saved when you flew cross country? I think the responsibility is first, last and always with the pilot. You crash the airplane, it's 99% your fault. Take responsibility - shoulder the blame, Jack. "NASCAR racing legend Jack Roush appears to blame air traffic controllers working EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh for the events that led to the crash landing of his Beech Premier jet on July 27. "The reality of it -- on a trip arrival into Oshkosh, Wisc., I was put in conflict with the flight plan of another airplane close to the ground, and I was unable to address the conflict and keep the airplane flying. I ground-looped the airplane..." Roush told the car racing publication Motorsports. Tower recordings do seem to suggest a clipped discussion between two controlle

(Written on 08/16/2010)(Permalink)

Gentlemen, For what it's worth, there is a new catagory of flying out there called LSA - light sport aircraft. You don't need a medical exam by the Feds to fly these light (less that 1320 lbs.) aircraft. All you have to do is hold a valid driver's license and you can fly around, day, VFR in these interesting little airplanes. I just got a turn around the pattern and a couple of landings in an amazing airplane imported from the Czech Republic by Piper called the Piper Sport. Sweet..... But somehow I don't this would appeal to Jack.

(Written on 08/15/2010)(Permalink)