Virgin Atlantic passenger spared jail for attack at 40,000ft

VIRGIN ATLANTIC A340-642 G-VFIT  (MSN 753)

A first-class airline passenger who shouted ‘I hope this plane crashes’ during a drunken attack on a flight from Barbados to Heathrow has been spared jail. Rachel Street, 41, from south London, ‘lashed out’ at Virgin Atlantic staff and pulled a woman’s hair following a “litany of abuse” while travelling back to the UK on January 5. Appearing at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court today, she was fined £10,000, made the subject of a 7pm to 7am curfew for six months and a rehabilitation requirement, and ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation. The self-employed production assistant was also handed a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. Street previously admitted behaving in a threatening and abusive manner, entering an aircraft while drunk, failing to obey the pilot’s command to remain in her seat, and assaulting a female staff member. Sentencing Street, District Judge Deborah Wright said: ‘You were travelling first class and you were in a situation where everybody was unable to escape from your conduct. ‘You behaved with a sense of self-entitlement and with no understanding of the fears passed on to passengers and staff. ‘Your behaviour was utterly appalling.’ Speaking of the common assault charge, the judge added: ‘You were drunk, you were 40,000ft above the ground, and it came at the end of an appalling litany of abuse.’ In a victim impact statement read to the court by prosecutor Martin Edwards, one member of staff said: ‘Wishing the aircraft to crash was some of the worst I have experienced.’ Another crew member described the incident as ‘very distressing’, adding: ‘I was shocked we had to hold her down.’ One passenger said she was ‘scared’ because she had her 18-month-old baby on the flight. Street was moved from first class to the economy area of the plane after being ‘loud and abusive’, before barging back in and ‘lashing out’ at a flight attendant. She was heard shouting: ‘I might end up in jail tomorrow, but I don’t care.’ She also declared ‘I hope this plane crashes and we all die’, and said she wanted to ‘punch’ members of the crew. She was restrained and was arrested after the plane landed at Heathrow. Jude Lanchin, defending Street, said she was ‘horrified at her own behaviour’ and had been ‘very disturbed by the effective blackout and behaviour she demonstrated’. She was told she would serve six months in prison if she could not pay the £10,000 fine on Monday.

Spotting at Coolangatta (OOL/YBCG)

On holidays from work for a week my wife and I headed down to the Gold Coast to stay for three nights. Gold Coast airport is only 5 km's from our hotel and knowing Alliance Airlines were bringing in their Embraer E190 from Townsville we ventured out for an hour or so to see this come in. This is the first time I have seen this in the air, as most of the time its on the ground in Brisbane. It was also great to see Air New Zealand arrive on the Gold Coast.

SURFERS PARADISE

VIEW FROM OUR BALCONY

AIR GOLD COAST CESSNA 172R VH-NWZ (MSN 172-80933)

ALLIANCE AIRLINES E190AR VH-UYW (MSN 19000174)
TL180 ARRIVING FROM TOWNSVILLE

TL 181 HEADING BACK TO TOWNSVILLE

JETSTAR A320-232 VH-VQH (MSN 2766)
JQ411 OFF TO SYDNEY

REX (REGIONAL EXPRESS) B737-8FE VH-RQC (MSN 33797)
ZL520 ARRIVING FROM SYDNEY

CESSNA 441 VH-TAZ (MSN 441-0005)
OFF TO HOBART

AIR GOLD COAST CESSNA 172R VH-RBB (MSN 172-80776)

AIR NEW ZEALAND A321-271NX ZK-NNB (MSN 08542)
NZ187 ARRIVING FROM AUCKLAND

PIPER PA-32R-301 VH-LTC (MSN 32R-8113047)

REX (REGIONAL EXPRESS) B737-8FE VH-RQG (MSN 34168)
ZL658 ARRIVING FROM MELBOURNE

CESSNA 172N VH-BGN (MSN 172N-70356)

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA B737-8FE VH-YIA (MSN 37824)
VA511 ARRIVING FROM SYDNEY

PILATUS PC-12/47E VH-PLE (MSN 1607)

TVPX AIRCRAFT SOLUTIONS BOMBARDIER CL-600N360SL (MSN 5456)

MWP RACING BOMBARDIER CL-600-2A12 VH-MXK (MSN 3003)

 

The Story Of Air Force One – The Flying Whitehouse

The 747s that carry the US President (and known as Air Force One when they do) are some of the most recognizable aircraft around. Presidential transportation, and the Air Force One callsign, have a long and colorful history. Presidents have been flying overseas since the 1940s, with continual improvements to aircraft over the decades. And these will improve again soon, with new 747-8 aircraft due in 2024.

The start of Presidential travel
Franklin Roosevelt was the first US President to fly whilst in office. He flew on a Pan American Airways-crewed Boeing 314 Clipper flying boat to attend the Casablanca conference in 1943. President Theodore Roosevelt had become the first President ever to fly more than 30 years before that, when he took to the air in a Wright Flyer aircraft. However, this was a leisure flight during a county fair at Kinloch Field, and he had left office by that time.
The idea of a dedicated presidential aircraft soon followed, with a modified C-87 Liberator Express aircraft, named ‘Guess Where II,’ operating from 1943 to 1945. It was not deemed safe enough for the President himself, however.
The first aircraft to be approved was a modified Douglas C-54 Skymaster, in 1945. This was officially named ‘The Flying Whitehouse’ but soon earned a more popular nickname of ‘Sacred Cow’ due to its security. It carried Presidents Roosevelt and Truman and remained in service until 1961.
It was joined in 1947 by a C-118 Liftmaster (a military-modified Douglas DC-6 aircraft), known as ‘Independence.’ This introduced some of the fittings that presidential aircraft have become known for, with a separate stateroom onboard as well as seating for 24 passengers.

The first ‘Air Force One’
The real story of Air Force One starts a bit later. Dedicated aircraft were in use from 1945, but a dedicated callsign was not used until 1953. President Eisenhower introduced several large propeller aircraft. The first of these was a Lockheed Constellation aircraft, named ‘Columbine II.’ In January 1953, the use of the callsign ‘Air Force One’ was introduced for this aircraft. This happened following an incident where ‘Air Force 8610’ carrying the President was confused with commercial flight ‘Eastern Air Lines 8610.’

Columbine II was replaced by Columbine III, a Lockheed Super Constellation aircraft, in 1953. Columbine II still retains a special place in US aviation history. It was restored and flew again as part of President Eisenhower’s 100th birthday celebrations in 1989.


Air Force One jets – the 707s
Air Force One entered the jet age in 1959 and started a relationship with Boeing that continues today. Again, it was President Eisenhower who approved and oversaw the introduction of the first jet, a modified Boeing 707 (this was a C-137 Stratoliner, modified as VC-137).

Over the next 30 years, three 707s were introduced. These carried the designation of Special Air Mission (SAM) and were the callsigns used when not serving as Air Force One. This continues with the 747s today.

• SAM 970 was the first 707, introduced in 1959. It was the main aircraft for President Eisenhower and also carried Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon.
• SAM 2600, a modified Boeing 707-353B, was the next upgrade, introduced in October 1962, under President Kennedy. It served as the main transport for Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon. It introduced a private suite area for the President and his family (after a refit under Nixon). This, of course, remains a feature today.
• SAM 27000 was the final 707, introduced in 1972. It remained in service until 2001 (long after introducing the 747s) and served seven presidents – Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, George H Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W Bush. It was the first ‘Air Force One’ to be fitted with missile defense systems.

Preserving the jets
All three 707s have been preserved. SAM 970 is on display at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. SAM 26000 is on display at the US Air Force museum in Ohio. And SAM 27000 is displayed at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in California.

This is a tradition that is likely to be maintained with at least one of the current 747s. The George and Barbara Bush Foundation has expressed interest in taking one after retirement, potentially displaying it in his library and museum in Texas.
The Air Force One livery

The 707s introduced another aspect of Air Force One – its distinctive livery. This iconic blue, white, and gold color scheme was introduced for the second 707, under President Kennedy. French-American designer Raymond Loewy designed it. He is credited with several other classic designs, including TWA’s logo, the Greyhound logo, and work with several railroads. This livery was retained for the VC-25A aircraft, but there is some controversy over what will be used for the upcoming replacements. President Trump proposed a new livery, with a patriotic red, white and blue color scheme. Demonstrating the keen interest in this, Biden’s new administration was asked about it on the day the new President was sworn in, with White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki replying:
Today’s modified 747-200s – VC-25A

The 707s were replaced by a pair of 747s in 1990. These are officially named SAM 28000 and SAM 29000 and are heavily modified 747-200 aircraft, with Boeing designator VC-25A.

President Reagan ordered the new aircraft, but (mainly due to delays with interior wiring) they were not delivered until President Bush was in office.

Inside the 747s
Air Force One interiors and facilities have become more advanced and lavish over time. Larger propeller aircraft allowed staterooms and separated seating, and the 707s took this further with office space and later a private residence. But the extra space offered by the 747 has allowed much more.

Simple Flying took a fascinating look through the VC-25A in detail. First Lady Nancy Reagan designed the interiors, apparently to recall her native US Southwest home. The upper deck is for crew and houses communications and defense systems. The President’s apartment and office are at the front of the main deck, with a medical suite, conference room, and several offices behind that. Separate cabins for invited guests and the media follow, with the general protocol being that passengers can move aft of their seat location, but not forward.

Coming soon – new 747-8 aircraft
The 747-200s have given over 30 years of service, but like many other 747s worldwide, their time is coming to an end. In 2016, the US Air Force confirmed a contract with Boeing for two 747-8I aircraft. These will carry the designator VC-25B and are due to enter service by 2024.

Interestingly, there had been initial interest in the Airbus A380. In the end, Airbus pulled out, as it believed it would not make financial sense to move production to the US for just two aircraft. The Boeing 787 was considered as well.

Full story sourced from here
The Story Of Air Force One - The Flying White House - Simple Flying

Happy Birthday Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand Limited is the flag carrier airline of New Zealand. Based in Auckland, the airline, before Covid-19, operated scheduled passenger flights to 20 domestic and 32 international destinations in 20 countries, primarily around and within the Pacific Rim. 

Air New Zealand's story began on the 26th April 1940 when its forerunner airline, Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL) was incorporated. Founded on the 26th April 1940, it started operations four days later, on the 30th April. Its first flight, flown with a Short S30 flying boat, connecting Auckland and Sydney. TEAL began its first trans-Tasman services with flying boats, and over the years steadily expanded the size and scope of its operations and the extent of its international network. The route network was expanded from Australia and the Pacific to Asia, the USA, the UK and Europe. In October 1953 TEAL became jointly owned by the New Zealand and Australian Governments, and in April 1961 the New Zealand Government assumed full ownership.

In addition to TEAL operating international services, the New Zealand Government established NZ National Airways Corporation (NAC) in 1947. NAC was the primary operator of domestic air services between major centres and provincial cities and towns, and along with TEAL would later form the basis for today's Air New Zealand. In April 1965 TEAL was renamed Air New Zealand Limited, and continued operating solely international services. 1965 also heralded the beginning of the jet era for Air New Zealand, with the arrival in July of the first DC-8 jet aircraft. The new jets meant that Air New Zealand could expand operations to North America and Asia, becoming a truly international airline.

In 1973, Air New Zealand introduced the larger DC-10 to their fleet. The airline operated with a combined DC-8 and DC-10 fleet until the 1980s, when the larger Boeing 747 began to replace the older jets. 

Their first 747-200 arrived on the 22nd May 1981 (ZK-NZV CN 22722) and their last Boeing 747-400, affectionately referred to by pilots as "Daddy's Yacht", completed its final flight on the 12th September 2014 landing in Auckland from San Francisco.  ZK-NBV (CN 26910) was that aircraft.

AIR NEW ZEALAND B747-419 ZK-NBV (MSN 26910)

AIR NEW ZEALAND B747-419 ZK-NBT (MSN 24855)

On the 8th July 2014 ANZ took delivery of their first state of the art B787-9 Dreamliners (ZK-NZE 34334) The first aircraft was handed over to Air New Zealand at the Everett plant, and arrived in Auckland three days later. The first 787-9 service operated on 9 August 2014, from Auckland to Sydney and return

AIR NEW ZEALAND B787-9 ZK-NZE (MSN 34334)

At the start of June 2014, Air New Zealand announced it would be placing a NZ$1.6 billion order with Airbus for thirteen Airbus A320neo and Airbus A321neo aircraft.  The airline’s first A321neo was unveiled on the 26th September 2018 and arrived in Auckland on the 5th November. The aircraft entered revenue service on the 23rd November 2018, operating between Auckland and Brisbane.

AIR NEW ZEALAND A320-271 ZK-NHA (MSN 8715)

AIR NEW ZEALAND A321-271 ZK-NNA (MSN 8496)

AIR NEW ZEALAND A321-271 ZK-NNC (MSN 8573)

Air New Zealand's mainline fleet consists of Boeing aircraft for long-haul flights, and Airbus aircraft for domestic- and short-haul international flights. Its wholly owned subsidies, Mount Cook Airline, Eagle Air and Air Nelson, operate ATR 72 and Bombardier Q300 turboprop aircraft. Air New Zealand had wholly owned subsidiary regional airlines and together they made up Air New Zealand Link. On the 26th August 2016 Eagle Airways ceased operations, and in late 2019 Air Nelson and Mount Cook Airline were merged into its parent's operations.

AIR NEW ZEALAND BEECH 1900 ZK-EAC (MSN UE-426)
OPERATED BY EAGLE AIR

AIR NEW ZEALAND DASH 8 Q311 ZK-NEA (MSN 611)

AIR NEW ZEALAND ATR 72-212 ZK-MVD (MSN 1117)
OPERATED BY MOUNT COOK AIRLINES

AIR NEW ZEALAND A320-232 ZK-OJF (MSN 2153)

AIR NEW ZEALAND B767-319 ZK-NCI (MSN 26913)

Air New Zealand has had some amazing liveries in the past

AIR NEW ZEALAND B777-319 ZK-OKO (MSN 38407)

AIR NEW ZEALAND B777-319 ZK-OKP (MSN 39401)

AIR NEW ZEALAND B777-319 ZK-OKQ (MSN 40689)

Air New Zealand's current fleet as of the 1st April 2021 is as below. 

Airbus A320        25
Airbus A320 Neo   4
Airbus A320-200  21

Airbus A321          7
Airbus A321 Neo    7

ATR 42/72           28           
ATR 72                28

Boeing 777            3
Boeing 777-300     3* Stored

Boeing 787          14
Boeing 787-9       14

Dash 8                 23
Dash 8-300          22

Dash 8-300            1* Stored

The airline is a Star Alliance member has been a member since 1999.

ANZAC DAY 2021

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

LEST WE FORGET

Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served". Observed on 25 April each year, Anzac Day was originally devised to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. (1914–1918) Anzac Day is also observed in the Cook Islands, Niue, Pitcairn Islands, and Tonga, and previously was a national holiday in Papua New Guinea and Samoa. Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first campaign that led to major casualties for Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. 

The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzacs. Anzac Day remains one of the most important national occasions of both Australia and New Zealand a rare instance of two sovereign countries not only sharing the same remembrance day, but making reference to both countries in its name. When war broke out in 1914, Australia and New Zealand had been dominions of the British Empire for thirteen and seven years respectively. World War One was one of the deadliest conflicts in the history of the human race, in which over 16 million people died. The total number of both civilian and military casualties is estimated at around 37 million people. The war killed almost 7 million civilians and 10 million military personnel. Two out of three soldiers died in battle, the rest died due to infections or disease. The Spanish flu also killed a lot of people in prisoner camps.

For Australia
The First World War remains the costliest conflict in terms of deaths and casualties. From a population of fewer than five million, 416,809 men enlisted, of whom more than 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner.

For New Zealand

The First World War was one of the most significant events of the 20th Century and had a seismic impact on New Zealand society. Just under ten percent of their then population of 1.1 million served overseas, of which more than 18,000 died. There were also over 40,000 hospitalisations due to injury or illness. Nearly every New Zealand family was affected by the impact of the war.

The Red Poppy

The red poppy has become a symbol of war remembrance the world over. People in many countries wear the poppy to remember those who died in war or are serving in the armed forces. In many countries, the poppy is worn on Armistice Day (11th November), but in Australia and New Zealand it is most commonly seen on Anzac Day, 25th April.

In Flanders fields
The red or Flanders poppy has been linked with battlefield deaths since the Great War (1914–18). It was one of the first plants to grow and bloom on battlefields in the Belgian region of Flanders. The connection was made most famously by a Canadian medical officer, Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, in his poem, ‘In Flanders fields’.

                            LEST WE FORGET

All photos taken from the internet and story taken from different websites.

An hour at Amberley Airforce Base

Amberley (ICAO: YAMB) is our local Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) military airbase located 8 km (5.0 miles) southwest of Ipswich, Queensland and 50 km (31 miles) southwest of Brisbane. It is currently home to No.1 Squadron and No. 6 Squadron (operating the F/A-18F Super Hornets), No. 33 Squadron (operating the Airbus KC-30A) and No. 36 Squadron (operating the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III). It is Air Force's largest base and employs over 5000 people. Amberley has two runways, the main runway 15/33 is 3,047 metres (9,997 ft) Concrete/Asphalt  and the second runway is 04/22 1,523 metres (4,997 ft) Concrete/Asphalt

Working the area on Thursday I took my camera out with me so when I finished for the day hopefully I would get some military action. It really is hit or miss out at Amberley, I have spent many hours out there and had nothing at all. This time I was only there for three minutes before the first arrival, a KC-30A. Then I noticed not one, but two C17 Globemasters doing circuits. Then amongst all of this three F/A-18F Super Hornets flew over the top of me and did a low flying circuit before coming in to land. To finish off I had another KC-30A come in to land.

RAAF AIRBUS A330-203 MRTT A39-003 (MSN 969)

RAAF BOEING C-17A 

RAAF BOEING C-17A  A41-210 (MSN 50240)

RAAF BOEING C-17A  A41-212 (MSN 50271)

RAAF BOEING F/A-18F SUPER HORNETS 

RAAF BOEING F/A-18F SUPER HORNETS A44-221 (MSN AF-21)

RAAF BOEING F/A-18F SUPER HORNET A44-219 (MSN AF-19)

RAAF BOEING F/A-18F SUPER HORNET A44-209 (MSN AF-9)

RAAF AIRBUS A330-203 MRTT A39-005 (MSN 1183)