scissors

[427TJ]

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hope you feel better after letting that all out too?

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Hey, it needed to be said! (Yes, I feel better now, thanks Pete.)

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If these characters aren't screened, shouldn't your pilot's union threaten to strike unless something changes?

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If the union mounted a serious protest perhaps something might be done but it is a highly charged political issue. Make too much noise about foreign ramp workers and you can be labled "intolerant." Make too much noise about TSA/airport security procedures and you can be labeled as "aiding the terrorists." Airlines were dead-set against their pilots carrying guns (air marshall program) but the public was on our side. The word among us is that if a pilot shoots someone trying to take-over the airplane then you'd better kill them. Otherwise the lawsuits against the airline could be crippling.

With anti-union sentiment running high these days our union has to be very careful about which fights it chooses to engage in. There are powerful anti-union interests that would be happy as hell to watch us twist in the wind over an issue that gets spun out of our control. Sounds good to screen these foreign ramp workers, right? Well, the opposition to tighter screening and background checks (that cost money--get it?) would spin it as though we were being "intolerant" or "anti-business" or whatever. The union can't afford a massive media campaign required to fight-off such unwarranted charges so we have to pick our fights carefully. It will probably take another horrific event such as 9-11 to get anything done. It's called "tombstone regulation." Someone has to die before anything gets done.

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On a better thought, how's it feel tooling around w/10,000 HP on tap?

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Nothing like it. We usually use reduced power (not maximum thrust) on takeoff to save engine wear but occasionally we use the full rated thrust. On a cold day and a light load the jet will climb like a homesick angel. Remember, there is always a terrified passenger on every flight so max-power takeoffs must be performed smoothly. No yank-and-bank stuff! A max-power takeoff, properly and smoothly done, usually elicits positive comments from the passengers upon arrival.

I did a ferry flight from Oakland to Phoenix one night, just us two pilots in a new 737-700 (kinda' like the "427 Cobra" of 737s). We did a max-power takeoff with a very light airplane and the tower controller basically shouted "WOW" into our headsets as we lifted off and climbed out. Got the nose up to about 30 degrees of pitch and let'er eat for about 5,000 feet. Then lower the nose and accelerate to climb speed and we were up to 41,000 in no time flat, basically circling Oakland as we climbed. What a rush.

[Chevy454]

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Airlines were dead-set against their pilots carrying guns (air marshall program) but the public was on our side.

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I say lock and load, Captain! If it's beyond their means to figure out that screwing with the pilot/flight crew means a lead sandwich, with no questions asked, then good riddance to 'em...

[71-LS6]

I used to fly commercial airlines 4-5 times a year for business and for vacations, I no longer do that. In addition to being subjected to the federal govt's surreal version of security, which is most certainly PC theater, I can't stand being locked up like a prisoner for who knows how long. Couple the preceeding situations, with a growing number of passengers who have no idea of how to behave in public, and I just drive to my destination. This is a shame too, because I really did enjoy hopping a plane whenever I wanted. Maybe I'm just showing my age.

[Mr. T]

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I say lock and load, Captain!

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I totally agree. Heck, I will even loan out my Ruger 9mm to the pilots. (Hollowtips included)

[JLerum]

As posted above, the doors are much stronger than ever before. They should at $10,000.00+ a pop. The kevlar material is about as good as it's going to get.

The bottom line is, the airline employees and general public need to continue their vigilance for those that want to do harm. 99% would be taken care of if the word profiling wasn't such a dirty word.

It is interesting how as a crew we are frisked and subjected to these searches. Do you really think that a pilot needs a bomb to take out an aircraft. I guess they figure I need to be saved from myself. LOL It's a lack of common sense and a show for the public. Enough said about the money being spent on the most expensive song and dance the airline industry has ever participated in.

Jim

PS...............My Lear 60 vs your 737 anyday. LOL....................

[BUIZILLA]

427TJ, I haven't been on a commercial flight since 911. I used to work A&P for a living too.. I'd damm sure fly with you, anytime.

Jim

[Motion Camaro]

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PS...............My Lear 60 vs your 737 anyday. LOL....................

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<font color="blue"> That Lear 60 is a bad mofo ...

Seats - 6 / Speed - 483 mph

But I don't know if you can mess with this.

Seats - 124 / Cruise Speed: 530 mph

in a drag race - YES
from 300 up - </font>

[427TJ]

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My Lear 60 vs your 737 anyday.

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Oooh, the Lear is my "lottery" airplane. That is, just as soon as I win the lottery I'm buying a Lear 60. What a sexy machine.

[427TJ]

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427TJ, I haven't been on a commercial flight since 911.

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You shouldn't hesitate to fly commercial airliners. Yes, the airport security thing can be a hassle but once you're in things get better. If anyone gets out of control on an airplane these days they're just begging for a world of trouble. Look at the guy who ran off of the 757 in Florida a few weeks ago yelling that he had a bomb. The undercover air marshalls shot and killed him. Hey, the air marshalls don't know who hasn't taken their medication and there's no more pussy-footing around after 9-11. If the air marshalls don't subdue a disruptive passenger then the average male passenger would be more than happy to do it these days. Flying's never been safer, even if airport security screening and airline service levels have suffered. Come on back Jim!

[JLerum]

Came out of Salina, KS and had to do a quick level off for ATC. Glad to say that I still made 40,000 in 12 minutes on the way to California. We try not to make the passengers uncomfortable with the deck angle but it was too tempting as they cleared us to 23,000 right off the bat. I'm sure the 737's does real good also.

Cheers,

Jim