Cult Carpet

You just never know how it’s going to turn out when you open yourself up to the universe. Especially if the center of your universe happens to be Portland. The one in Oregon, on the U.S. West Coast, famous for food trucks, hipsters, roses, museums, rampant creativity, and its “Keep Portland Weird” sign. A city that’s lovingly satirized by the absurdly witty TV show Portlandia. A very different place. Right, the universe. Well, just like those of us who have lived in our homes for more than 20 years, the good folks at Portland International Airport (PDX) and the Port of Portland decided it was time to replace the carpet in their terminals.

2023-02-20T20:02:48-08:00December 5th, 2014|
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Gone Gliding – Part One

If you’ve ever flown into Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) when the winds are howling out of the west, you know that the approach and landing can be…sporty. In fact, it sometimes gets so turbulent that the mainline jets head for Sacramento International Airport (SMF), leaving RNO to Alaska Airlines’ Bombardier Q400 turboprops, which can use RNO’s short crosswind runway. I'll happily fly into RNO from SEA on the AS Q400s on those bouncy days. The bumps can mean that conditions are great for soaring. Yes - I’m a glider pilot, and the region around Reno is world-famous for those who love to fly without an engine.

2023-02-20T20:02:50-08:00October 28th, 2014|
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The New Baggage Carts Are Here, The New Baggage Carts Are Here!!

Our friend in Vancouver, Chris, is usually running around YVR airport's terminals, ramp, and grounds. With his smartphone in hand, he tweets, blogs, posts, and helps to keep YVR's social media presence timely and responsive. A couple of weeks ago, Chris did stay still for a while, long enough to put together a nifty video announcing the arrival of YVR's 3,000 new baggage carts.

2023-02-20T20:03:05-08:00September 1st, 2014|
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Inflight Review: Air Canada 777, High Density Economy

Here I go again…I’ve been traveling between Vancouver (YVR) and Toronto (YYZ) for decades. I’ve lived and worked in both cities, and family and business trips have taken me back and forth countless times. I’ve flown on pretty well everything, from a “milk-run” DC-9-30 hopping across the country, to business class in the upper deck of a 747-400. The two airports are roughly 2,100 miles (3,400 km) apart, and the direct flying time is usually around 4 hours eastbound, and 4 ½ hours westbound. That’s enough time to enjoy a good flight and service, but hopefully not so much as to turn a bad flight into an unbearable one.

2023-02-20T20:03:06-08:00August 11th, 2014|
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The Marines Take Seattle

On Tuesday evening, the United States Marine Corps invaded the main parking lot of the world-renowned Museum of Flight in Seattle. It’s “Marine Week” in Seattle, and as part of the annual Seafair Festival, the Marines were setting up a static display of their aircraft and ground equipment. Open to the public from Wednesday until Sunday, the display is part of the Museum’s “Need for Speed Festival.”

2023-02-20T20:03:06-08:00July 30th, 2014|
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Ramp Operations – What’s Going on Out There?

Your flight has landed, and the plane is pulling up to the gate. You're ready to spring into action as soon as you hear the "we're stopped" chime. But instead of jumping up and waiting in the aisle, why don't you relax in your window seat, and look outside? You do have a window seat, don't you? There's quite the dance of people and equipment happening, all to service the plane and get it ready for its next flight.

2023-02-20T20:03:07-08:00July 8th, 2014|
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Modeling Change

Air Canada rouge 767-300 on final at YYZ. Photo: Tom Podolec Air Canada rouge 767-300 on final at YYZ. Photo: Tom Podolec

Written for Aviation Week & Space Technology – June 14, 2014

Like United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, Air Canada has experimented with low-fare […]

2023-02-20T20:03:08-08:00June 14th, 2014|
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All Nippon Airways Lands in Vancouver…and Takes Off for Haneda!

ANA - All Nippon Airways’ first scheduled flight to Canada landed at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on Sunday afternoon. The arrival of the Boeing 767-300ER from Tokyo International Airport - Haneda (HND) ushered in the option of a new airline and new destination airport for Tokyo-bound passengers who originate or connect in YVR.

2023-02-20T20:03:10-08:00March 21st, 2014|
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YVR welcomes Dreamliner service

YVR-Vancouver International Airport’s first scheduled Boeing 787 service began Monday morning with the arrival of Japan Airlines Flight #18 from Narita Airport (NRT) in Tokyo. The Dreamliner landed a few minutes ahead of its scheduled 10 a.m. (PT) arrival time, and was greeted at the gate by officials from Japan Airlines, the Government of B.C., the Government of Japan, the Vancouver Airport Authority, and Boeing.

2023-02-20T20:03:10-08:00February 3rd, 2014|
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