Author Archive for JetAviator7
John White is an ATP Pilot with several type ratings including the venerable Douglas DC-3. Over the years he has been both a charter pilot, flight instructor, corporate flight department head and retired from a 30 year career in the aviation insurance business in 2004.
“Sully” Sullenberger and Scott Skiles Checkout in the Douglas DC-7
Several airlines were still operating the Douglas DC-7 aircraft when I was learning to fly while attending Michigan State University. We always had to be careful to not taxi too close behind those 4 engine behemoths to avoid being blown over by the “prop wash”. Believe it or not, this was in the mid-60s while [...]
The SR-71 Aircraft – Bye Bye Blackbird
The Lockheed SR-71 “Blackbird” is perhaps one of the most fascinating aircraft ever built, particularly considering its first flight took place in December of 1964 – long before most of us even knew the aircraft existed. As pilots we are always interested in aircraft, and in particular unique and interesting aircraft. More than that, we [...]
We Remember Those Who Served in World War II
The United States seems to be engaged in a lot of wars these days, but some of us who are older harken back to the days of the “Great War” – World War II. It seems that life was simpler then, our purpose clearer and our resolve stronger. Today, many of those veterans are at [...]
The B-17 Flying Fortress – Symbol of American Air Power
During World War II the B-17 Flying Fortress was flown by approximately 250,00 Americans in both the European and Pacific theaters of war. The B-17 was originally designed by Boeing, made its first flight on July 28th, 1935, and entered service with the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1938. 12,731 B-17s were manufactured between 1936 [...]
The Flying Tigers
Shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor the long time efforts of Claire L. Chennault, a captain in the United States Army Air Corps which had begun in 1937, bore first fruits. He had formed the A.V.G. (American Volunteer Group) – a group of American pilots and a number of Curtis P-40B Tomahawk aircraft [...]
Offutt Air Force Base
Most of us live in relative ignorance of what the military does for us unless there is a war on; then, the news coverage is all about casualties and political rhetoric about what is going on. But the U.S. military is a much larger organization that performs many missions which are not necessarily related to [...]
How Randolph Aviator Sunglasses Lenses Are Made
Many consider Randolph Aviator sunglasses the epitome of sunglasses. With their rugged construction, outstanding fit and finish, excellent performance and incredible mineral crown glass lenses, pilots and outdoorsmen worldwide prefer Randolph Aviators to an others. But what makes them so good? Check out the following slideshow to see exactly how these world class Randolph Aviator [...]
