Re: Planespotting
 

Southwest love their 737s (I think they are the only all-737 airline in the world). I can't see them switching to CRJs or the like any time soon.

Nice to see the 737 market expanding, I think it's a great little plane that vastly exceeded the original scope when it first appeared in the 60s. It even beat out the 757. I much prefer flying on one of those short haul/transcontinental (or the A320 range equivalent) than on a smaller RJ.

Re: Planespotting
 

I'll take a 737 any day over any of the smaller CRJ's or ERJ's, haven't not flown on the larger Embraer's so can't really say how those are, the routes I fly are always a 737, either on Alaska or on Southwest.... (A320 family is fine as well, just my primary carriers don't use Airbus planes.)

I think Boeing will do pretty much anything to keep Southwest a Boeing customer.

Not sure if they are the only all 737 operator (not sure if Ryan Air has other type?) but they are certainly the largest 737 operator, 706 737's now of various models.



The max is due for delivery sometime next year, who would have thought 50 years ago (well 49 years since first flight), the little 737 would become the success it's become today.

April 9, 2017 will be the 50th anniversary of the 737's first flight.

Re: Planespotting
 

I flew one recently on American (CRJ900 I think). Only a short flight so not too much to complain about. That said, I'm 6'2" and had to watch my head when entering as the door frame was about nose level. Then there were some interesting contortions needed to use the rest room at the rear.

Re: Planespotting
 

Alaska is on the prowl for some smaller jets to replace the Q400's. They expect Horizon to operate the planes pending the outcome of pilots and flight attendant's voting on changes to their contract, if the employees turn it down, by bet is the company will outsource the flying.

Alaska has never been shy when it comes to outsourcing and has no issues laying off entire work groups to outsource when union employees don't vote the way the company wants...

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/ar...t-quar-421088/

Re: Planespotting
 

Incident happened in June 2014 and the pilot in question has since retired. Likely forced to retire but retired is the word being used. Just arrested for the incident however a couple of days ago. Out on 25,000 bond.

He was caught after Alaska performed a random drug and alcohol test on the pilot upon arrival of the flight at the airport.

Faces up to 15 years in prison.

Pilot had a blood alcohol content of 0.134 percent and 0.142 percent.

Former Pilot for Alaska Airlines Arrested on Federal Charges of Flying Passenger Aircraft while under the Influence of Alcohol | USAO-CDCA | Department of Justice

Re: Planespotting
 

It's easier with a Junkers F13 than Concorde.

Why'd it take 18 months? :confused:

Re: Planespotting
 

I have no idea. Suppose the federal prosecutors just didn't consider it a high priority case? :confused:

Re: Planespotting
 

I was on this AA 767, which departed from Manchester on December 13th for Chicago O'Hare. Should have been a 757, but, that was replaced by this. Photos were taken by my Friend, Dave Birchall, who knew I was leaving on this Flight. Jim

Re: Planespotting
 

Nice wet departure there - although that 67 could do with a polish! I preferred the previous AA livery when the new one was released, but I quite like it now.

Re: Planespotting
 

Can't remember if this was posted before or not, but I'm sure pax on that landing were not that relaxed...

Re: Planespotting
 

I could imagine that some of their muscles relaxed! :eek:

Re: Planespotting
 

Glad I have never been on a flight that landed like that...Could be a bit concerning...


Luckily never had a scary landing yet... Had one pilot once I wasn't sure could land, but we eventually did, but took 3 tries before we had success.

Re: Planespotting
 

Hmmmmm, that looks like it should probably have been a go around to me. A fine line between hero and zero there. I've seen some hairy landings whilst sat in the undershoot at LHR, but nothing like that.

Re: Planespotting
 

Agreed, it was a close run thing, but it really only went wrong when he was 5-10 feet from the ground - at that point I guess the pilot just tried to stick it on the runway if at all possible. I've seen some dodgy crosswind landings at the old Kai-Tak. That was a great place to watch.

Re: Planespotting
 

This happened last night, too - American Airlines: Turbulence sends 7 to hospital - CNN.com