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Japan Said Goodbye to Me in Just the Right Way

Flying in Japan for me recently has not been incredibly exciting.  It was just the nature of the transition of our squadron that as my planes left there would be less flying period, and it would ultimately become a formality more than real fun.  I did get one outstanding trip to Nepal, which I shouldn’t sell short, but I have missed some good old low-level tactical flying.  While my commercial flight back to the States did not include that type of flying, it was still just about the most perfect departure out of a very special place that I could have asked for.

I will apologize up front for the lack of pictures as I know pictures are what so many avgeeks live for, but there were two reasons for that.  One, I no longer had a cell phone since I sold it before leaving Japan.  Two, I actually made a conscious decision to just enjoy the view and make my own memories rather than trying to document it.  It is something I have heard David Parker Brown talk about before when going to events that don’t allow cameras.  I hope that my descriptions will satisfy your avgeek needs.

It started at my favorite airport to visit, Haneda.  I have written about how awesome it is before, but it was so wonderful to get in one last visit before leaving Japan.  I even got to ride on the train there with one of my best friends which was an added bonus.  In short, Haneda has one of, if not the best observation deck at an airport in the world.  It is before security and sits on top of the International Terminal so you get amazing views of the big beauties, as well as views of multiple runways.  If you ever come through Tokyo you really should check it out.

I was a little concerned I would have a crappy flight because my original seat assignment was in the middle of the middle section on a 777-200ER.  That means there would be four seats between me and the real avgeek seat by the window.  Fortunately, I went to the counter to check in and asked for a window, which I was given with no effort other than asking.  To make it even better, my window seat was on the wing.  I just knew this was going to be a great flight once I saw that.  I know everyone has favorite and most hated airlines, but I was happy to be returning to America on American which has always been my favorite airline.

As we took the runway and they pushed up those beautiful engines, I was a bit sad about leaving this incredible place, but equally as excited to finally be reunited with my family after three months apart.  As I always do when seated on the wing I watched the entire departure and it was so cool to see small clouds form over the wing at the very moment the wing generated lift and we rotated off the ground.  What was even cooler was the funnel cloud that persisted for a good five minutes after takeoff shooting over the wing just inside of the engine.  I’m sure there is a name for that, but it is not something we get with props on the Herc so I am not sure what that is.

I got a great view of the city as we departed, but I was a little disappointed that I likely would not see Mt. Fuji because there was a lot of haze and a low cloud deck over much of the city.  As we cut through the haze, and what turned out to be a really thin layer of clouds that almost exploded as the wings came through, we popped above the clouds, and there she was.  Mt. Fuji stood out above the clouds below like I had seen so many times before.  We were taking off right at sunset so she was backdropped with a sky full of reds and oranges.  It was the perfect way for Japan to say goodbye to me.  It probably irritated the people around me that I let that light in for so long, but I just couldn’t stop watching.

I know most people leave the window closed the whole time overnight because it’s not like you can see anything anyway, but I just can’t help looking every hour or so.  There is something about watching that light out on the wingtip that just adds to the trip for me.  That may even be a little crazy for an Avgeek, but I like it.

We made landfall in the Bay Area, but surprise surprise, it was covered in clouds.  I did get a few glimpses of land and it made me smile to see America again.  I have been back multiple times over the last two years, but this time I was coming home for good.

As we came into the LA basin on approach to LAX I was a little disappointed to see so much city again as I was anxious to get into the mountains of my new home in Reno, but the avgeek gods had a little treat for me.  As we lined up on the runway I looked out over that lovely wing and saw a Southwest bird racing us to the runway.  I know most people couldn’t care less, but it is always a treat at airports with parallel runways to track into the runway together.  It didn’t hurt that we were quite a bit early either.

LAX was nothing stellar, but I can’t hate on it too much as I had been awake for almost 24 hours and had to kill six hours.  In hindsight I should have gotten an Uber or something and ran out to the famous In N Out for a little spotting fun.

The ride to Reno was not really eventful because it was mostly overcast, and was bumpy most of the way there.  Fortunately, the clouds opened up for the approach and I got to watch the arrival into my new city.  To cap off this wonderful trip we taxied north up the airport alongside the National Guard ramp and I got to see seven of their beautiful birds lined up on the ramp.  It was the perfect ending to a very very long day.

I drove off of Yokota AB saying goodbye to their last four C-130Hs about 24 hours earlier and had now made it to my new home with the view of the new C-130s I will be flying in a matter of weeks as a member of the 192nd Airlift Squadron in Reno.  I can’t wait to get this next incredible adventure started and continue my love affair with the Herc.

October 2, 2017 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

Planes, Planes, Planes (and Some Helicopters)…From My Wanderings

I know that my crews always think I am weird for taking pictures of every single plane we are near, but oh well.  It comes with being an avgeek.  I don’t share a lot of them because I am not really proud of my abilities at this point, but here are a few that I think are awesome.  Not because I took a great picture but because they are just cool shots and/or planes.

Just after a touch and go.

Just after a touch and go.

This is a prime example of a crosswind takeoff.

This is a prime example of a crosswind takeoff.

I recently saw an AOPA article about crosswind takeoffs and I thought these two images were a pretty dang good example of just what that is.  It was a pretty windy day when I took this, but these guys really took it to a pretty serious extreme.

Videos really do more justice to this amazing aircraft.

Videos really do more justice to this amazing aircraft.

The AH-1 Cobra has always been a favorite of mine from when I was in the Marine Corps.  One of my favorite experiences was having them line up behind me while driving through Camp Pendleton.  I tried my hardest to find a great video from early in Iraq that starts out with a Samuel L. Jackson quote from Pulp Fiction as a two ship takes-off into the distance but to no avail.  Nothing special in this shot, but an amazing aircraft.

These beauties will always be my earliest memories of airplanes and airports.

These beauties will always be my earliest memories of airplanes and airports.

As much as I love the new American Airlines livery, this will probably always be my favorite.  There is just something truly iconic about it, and is there another plane that is more American Airlines?

IMG_3371How intense would it be to see all of these guys firing up?

I only had my short lens on...

I only had my short lens on…

...fortunately, he came back around.

…fortunately, he came back around.

Not many F-4s are still flying these days, and it was awesome to see this one in the pattern one day.  I still think it is the loudest plane that I have ever been around.

If you look really closely there is a VC-25 and E-4 in this picture.

If you look really closely there is a VC-25 and E-4 in this picture.

Not a great shot, but there were two government 747s in town this time.  Neither of which you get to see very often.  You just never know what you will see when you are out and about at various airports.

September 2, 2015 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

American Airlines’ New IFE is an Avgeek’s Paradise

I have loved the new livery from day one, but this was my first chance to actually fly in it on this brand new A321S.

I have loved the new livery from day one, but this was my first chance to actually fly in it on this brand new A321S.

There are lots of great sites out there that talk about passenger experience way better than I ever will.  Sites like AirlineReporter, NYCAviation, and APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) will all provide much more in-depth and extensive analysis than I will because they get on amazing planes and experience those amazing trips, and most of my flying is done on a C-130 that is 40+ years old.  Definitely no flight attendants on there.

With that being said I just had to share the most amazing In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) I have ever seen.  I had to drop off a plane for testing purposes (more on that later in the week), and so we had to fly back home commercial.  I got to fly on my favorite airline (American) coming home, and this experience just deepened my love.

The great trip started with using TSA PreCheck for the first time.  It reminded me of what it was like to go through security before TSA, long long ago.  It was smooth and fast.  Don’t worry I still am not a fan of TSA.

The real joy started when I got to the gate and saw that we would be on a brand spanking new Airbus A321S that had the new American livery.  I know it has been out forever, and that a ton of the planes have it, but like I said I don’t fly commercial often, and this was my first time.  You never forget your first.

Final approach into DFW looks pretty cool digitally as it is actually flown.

Final approach into DFW looks pretty cool digitally as it is actually flown.

The experience got even better when I got on the plane and saw what was on every seat-back in the plane.  I honestly don’t know the name of the system, who provides it, or any of the system specs even after looking through American’s site to try to find it, but I can tell you that it was awesome.

Everything was handled on the touch screen to include turning on the overhead light, and even ordering your drinks and such which could be used on other flights, though it wasn’t on ours.  There were tons of entertainment options to include music, movies, and TV shows with several different packages to choose from depending on what you are looking for.  I’ll be honest, I’m a cheap skate so I didn’t buy any of it, but there was a free feature that kept me thoroughly entertained when I wasn’t enjoying the company next to me.

For as long as I can remember flying commercial I have always loved watching the digital portrayal of where my flight was headed.  Even though the numbers really don’t change much in cruise I still love to see the altitude, airspeed, time to destination, and other aspects of the flight.  I know all of you amazing Avgeeks get it.

While even a rudimentary map can keep me occupied for hours, this thing is a moving map on steroids.  There were about ten different views that you could switch between including a cockpit view that was accentuated by a heads up display with the associated flight parameters displayed.  You also have the ability to zoom in and out, rotate the map, and tilt the map in any number of ways to get the view you are looking for.  It did take a minute to figure out how to do all of those things, but it was really similar to a lot of tablets.

The plane always looks huge no matter how tight you zoom, but at an airport this big it is fun to watch it taxi.

The plane always looks huge no matter how tight you zoom, but at an airport this big it is fun to watch it taxi.

As you can see from a couple of the pictures that I took it can make for a pretty entertaining experience, especially in the terminal area around the airport.  It was really fun watching a virtual simulation of our approach as it was actually happening.  Even with the slight delay it was a lot of fun.  My friend (a pilot) did point out that we landed a little long based on the moving map, but on those giant runways it really doesn’t matter much.  It was also fun to switch to the overhead view and watch as we taxied to the terminal, though it wasn’t totally precise and it looked like we were taxiing in between taxiways at times.

I know this is far from your typical passenger experience article, but if you love planes and other avgeek stuff as much as I do I really hope that you get a chance to see this system.  I really can’t convey how cool it was through words or pictures.  You really need to get your hands on it and have some fun.  If you have gotten the chance to see it I would love to hear what you thought about it in the comments below.

October 28, 2014 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

American Airlines to Begin Flying Large Regional Jets

Outside of the 787 Dreamliner mess, American Airlines has been the biggest media hog in aviation recently.  For months now their bankruptcy and possible merger with US Airways have been discussed ad nauseam.  Then last week American revealed their new logo and livery to extremely mixed reviews.  (I for one like it more and more every time I see it.)

This week American signed an agreement with Republic Airways Holdings to provide large regional jet service.  This service will be provided for the first time in the company’s history.  While this may not be ground-breaking news I do find it interesting with the aforementioned bankruptcy/merger still hanging out there.

No one expects American to just sit there and do nothing, but the actions of the airline at this point make the whole merger option appear less likely every day.  Maybe that is exactly what the people at American are shooting for.  Maybe they want to end the debate and just carry on as the carrier they have been.  Then again, maybe it is one of those things where a company does everything they possibly can to make people think one thing, and then comes out of nowhere and acts completely contrary to what they were leading up to.

Either way this is a valuable change that American will be making as it gives their regional fleet more diversity.  The aircraft will have a first class section to cater to the business people who are one of the most valuable assets to the airline, while also providing increased scheduling options for markets where the demand may not be as consistent.

More details can be found in the press release below.

Press Release

American Airlines Signs New Agreement To Begin Large Regional Jet Flying

Large 76 Seat Regional Jets Will Join the American Fleet for the First Time in its History

FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — American Airlines announced today that it has signed a 12-year capacity purchase agreement with Republic Airways Holdings to provide large regional jet flying for the first time in the company’s history. This agreement, which is subject to court approval, was enabled by the new pilot contract. It is designed to offer customers more choices with the right-size aircraft to match market demand, strengthen service from American’s hubs and diversify its partnership with regional carriers.

“This is a significant milestone in our company’s history,” said Chuck Schubert, American’s Vice President – Network Planning. “Establishing a large regional jet fleet has long been part of our business plan and this agreement is another example of how we are executing on that plan in a way that benefits our business and our customers. We will offer more flights at the right intervals throughout the day in key markets while providing more opportunities for customers to travel in the First Class cabin to key business markets.”

Through the agreement, Republic Airways will acquire 53 Embraer E-175 jets featuring a two-class cabin with 12 First Class seats and 64 seats in the Main Cabin.

The aircraft, which will be branded with the newly revealed American Eagle livery and operated by the Republic Airlines subsidiary of Republic Airways Holdings, will phase into operation at approximately two to three aircraft per month beginning in mid-2013. All 53 aircraft are expected to be in operation by the first quarter of 2015.

The new agreement will further enhance and strengthen American’s relationship with Republic Airways, a longtime partner of American Airlines and the largest operator of large Embraer jets. Republic’s Chautauqua Airlines subsidiary operates regional jet service for American from its hub at Chicago O’Hare with 15 Embraer E-140 aircraft.

About American Airlines

American Airlines focuses on providing an exceptional travel experience across the globe, serving more than 260 airports in more than 50 countries and territories. American’s fleet of nearly 900 aircraft fly more than 3,500 daily flights worldwide from hubs in Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami and New York. American flies to nearly 100 international locations including important markets such as London, Madrid, Sao Paulo and Tokyo. With more than 500 new planes scheduled to join the fleet, including continued deliveries of the Boeing 737 family of aircraft and new additions such as the Boeing 777-300ER and the Airbus A320 family of aircraft, American is building toward the youngest and most modern fleet among major U.S. carriers. American’s website, AA.com®, provides customers with easy access to check and book fares, and personalized news, information and travel offers. American’s AAdvantage® program, one of the most popular frequent flyer programs in the world, lets members redeem miles for flights to almost 950 destinations worldwide, as well as flight upgrades, vacation packages, car rentals, hotel stays and other retail products. The airline also offers nearly 40 Admirals Club® locations worldwide providing comfort, convenience, and an environment with a full range of services making it easy for customers to stay productive without interruption. American is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest airlines in the world, including global brands like British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Iberia Airlines, Japan Airlines, LAN and Qantas. Together, its members serve more than 900 destinations with more than 9,000 daily flights to 150 countries and territories. Connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir or Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AMR Corporation common stock trades under the symbol “AAMRQ” on the OTCQB marketplace, operated by OTC Markets Group.

January 24, 2013 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

American Airlines to Use Tablets to Help Flight Attendants Improve the Customer Experience

In the never-ending battle of airlines trying to do more to improve the customer experience, American Airlines is now planning to give their flight attendants tablets.  Personally, I am not sure what benefit this actually provides.  They talk about providing real-time flight data, but that already exists in numerous formats.

The only way I see this as being truly innovative is if they were to allow customers to input information of how their flight could be more pleasant, but I see two majors flaws with that idea.  One, passengers would have to actually fill out the information. Two, American would actually have to act on what the customer wants, and I just don’t see them changing their services without charging the customer even more, which comes back to problem number one.

It is great that American is trying to use technology to improve their offering, and over time we may very well see developments that prove that this was a great, innovative idea, but for now I feel like this is just one way for American to try and make people feel like their is an improvement without any real change.

Below you can find American’s video describing the new service.

American Airlines plans to offer more personalized service with a first of its kind Inflight tablet program with Samsung Galaxy Notes for all flight attendants. Designed to provide insight into customer preferences and real-time flight data, the devices will give flight attendants more access to information — all from the palm of their hands. For more information, visit aa.com.

 

September 24, 2012 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

American Airlines Offers a Look at Airline Operations

As a kid I always loved going to the airport and just watching things happen.  Loading bags, fueling the plane, passengers boarding; it really didn’t matter, I just loved watching all of it.  In reality, nothing has really changed, I still love everything about aviation.  The difference is that now I actually understand a lot more about what is going on.

Most people aren’t as in love with aviation as I am, and that is fine, but there is still something to be said for understanding how some of the different aspects of an airline work.  Apparently American Airlines feels the same way as they are rolling out a series of videos through their twitter feed (@AmericanAir).

The videos are designed to answer questions about some of the basic aspects of how an airline functions like how deicing works(see video below), where bags go after you check them, and what happens during weather delays.  They seem to be interested in answering actual customer questions as they ask for feedback with all of the videos, as well as regularly on the Twitter feed itself.

I think this is a great concept, and I genuinely hope they keep doing it.  If people actually understand how it all works, they will handle it better when not everything goes as expected.  Not that this will fix all of their problems, but by creating informed customers they are simply adding one more level to the customer experience, and that is always a good thing.

 

July 22, 2012 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

American Airlines Outlines Plan to Restore Its Industry Leadership, Profitability and Growth

Targets $3 Billion in Annual Financial Improvement by 2017

Requires Significant Cost Reductions, Including Employee-Related Savings across All Work Groups

FORT WORTH, Texas, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — American Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of AMR Corporation, today outlined a business plan to transform the airline and restore it to industry leadership, profitability and growth. The plan targets an annual financial improvement of more than $3 billion by 2017, including $2 billion in cost savings and $1 billion in revenue enhancements. The additional cash flow will enable American to renew its fleet and to invest several hundred million dollars per year in ongoing improvements in products and services to deliver a world-class travel experience for customers. The improved cash flow will also allow American to further reduce its debt and become financially stronger in the years after its emergence from the restructuring process.

Tom Horton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, “American Airlines is moving forward decisively. The plan we are outlining today provides the framework for a new American Airlines, positioned to succeed in an intensely competitive industry that has been transformed by our competitors’ recent restructurings. Just as other airlines have done and will continue to do, we must invest restructuring-related cost savings in ongoing innovation and customer service improvements that drive revenue. The airlines that have failed to adapt to these changes are no longer in business. Change will be difficult, particularly as we will be ending this process with fewer people, but it is a necessity. American is ready to compete and win.”

Horton further noted that in connection with the implementation of American’s business plan, the company intends to engage in appropriate negotiations with its economic stakeholders and union representatives and seek necessary Bankruptcy Court approvals.

Restructuring – Non-Employee Cost Reductions
American’s plans build on initiatives already in place that reduced costs significantly over the past several years, including major changes to its route structure, network, capacity and fleet. Utilizing the benefits of the restructuring process, American intends to realize additional savings over the next six years by restructuring debt and leases, grounding older planes, improving supplier contracts, and undertaking other initiatives.

A central element of American’s transformation is the overhaul of its fleet, which will reduce fuel, maintenance, and financing costs, and provide improved profitability and growth over time, by enabling American to better match the right equipment to the right routes.

Necessary Reduction of Employee Costs
A fundamental element of American’s plan, which is designed to allow it to exit restructuring and vigorously compete and win, includes employee cost reductions across all work groups. American informed employees earlier today that all groups, including management, must reduce their total costs by 20 percent. While the savings from each work group will be achieved somewhat differently, the plan provides that each will experience the same percentage reduction. These reductions would result in average annual employee-related savings of $1.25 billion from 2012 through 2017.

As described in its internal announcements today, American’s business plan and proposals encompass a total reduction of approximately 13,000 employees. Included in the total employee impact is the expected result of a previously launched redesign of American’s management and support staff structure that will reduce 15 percent of management positions. Consistent with the approach taken by other major airlines in their restructurings, American’s plan also includes:

  • Outsourcing a portion of American’s aircraft maintenance work, including seeking closure of the Fort Worth Alliance Airport (AFW) maintenance base, and certain airport fleet service clerk work;
  • Removing major structural barriers to operational flexibility, such as restrictions on codesharing and regional flying
  • Introducing work rule changes to increase productivity.

American also said it will seek Bankruptcy Court approval to terminate its defined benefit pension plans. If the plans are terminated, American will contribute matching payments in a 401(k) plan. American also will seek to discontinue subsidizing future retiree medical coverage for current employees, but will offer access to these plans if employees choose to pay for them. American also proposes to implement common medical plans and contribution structures across all active employee groups.

“These are painful decisions,” Horton continued, “but they are essential to American’s future. We will emerge from our restructuring process as a leaner organization with fewer people, but we will also preserve tens of thousands of jobs that would have been lost if we had not embarked on this path – and that’s a goal worth fighting for. By reinvesting savings back into our business, we will support job growth, including growth at our suppliers and partners over the long run. Only a successful, profitable and growing American Airlines can provide stability and opportunity for our people.”

Revenue Improvements and Profit Sharing
With financial and operational flexibility and an improved cost and capital structure, American also plans to drive revenue growth by:

  • Renewing and optimizing its fleet by investing an average of about $2 billion per year in new aircraft, so that by 2017 American’s mainline jet fleet will be the youngest in North America, with the versatility to better match aircraft size to its markets. This step is central to American’s transformation, as it means more profitable flying due to markedly improved fuel and maintenance costs and higher revenue generation.
  • Building network scale and alliances by increasing departures across American’s five key markets – Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles and New York – by 20 percent over the next five years, and by increasing international flying.
  • Modernizing its brand, products and services by investing several hundred million dollars per year in enhancements to the customer experience that will, once again, make American the premier airline of high-value customers.

In order to ensure that employee performance is rewarded and aligned with American’s future success, the company envisions putting in place a profit sharing plan which, beginning with the first dollar of pre-tax income, would pay awards totaling 15 percent of all pre-tax income.

“We have an extraordinary opportunity to create a new world-class airline, with a leaner, customer-focused culture of accountability and high performance. The best way for us to achieve this – and ensure that we are in control of our own future – is to make the necessary changes, complete our restructuring quickly, and continue working hard to put American Airlines back in a position of industry leadership,” Horton concluded.

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® carrier serve 260 airports in more than 50 countries and territories with, on average, more than 3,300 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American’s award-winning website, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members and members-elect serve more than 900 destinations with more than 10,000 daily flights to 149 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. AMR Corporation common stock trades under the symbol “AAMRQ” on the OTCQB marketplace, operated by OTC Markets Group.

AMR Corporation, and certain of its United States-based subsidiaries, including American Airlines, Inc. and AMR Eagle Holding Corporation, filed voluntary petitions on Nov. 29, 2011 for Chapter 11 reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. More information about the Chapter 11 filing is available on the Internet at http://www.aa.com/restructuring.

February 4, 2012 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

American Airlines, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children Team Up to Fly 14 Amputee Patients to Ski at the National Sports Center for the Disabled in Colorado

Annual Trip Offers Teens Therapeutic Ski Activities, Life-Changing Experiences

FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — A group of 14 teenage amputee patients of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children will head for the slopes of Colorado next week, thanks to American Airlines and the hospital. This is the 31st year for the all-expense-paid trip, which is supported by generous Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children donors and air transportation provided by American Airlines. The young patients will participate in a ski adventure featuring activities tailored specifically for them.

The teens will depart Monday, Jan. 30, from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), arriving at Denver International Airport (DEN) that afternoon; they will return to DFW on Saturday, Feb. 4.

The teens will be skiing and snowboarding at Winter Park’s National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD), one of the world’s largest outdoor therapeutic recreation facilities. They will be paired with a volunteer instructor from the NSCD for a week to learn to ski, facing such activities and challenges as carrying their skis in the snow while wearing their prostheses. The trip allows the patients the opportunity to have fun while fostering a sense of self-confidence, independence and discovery – attributes that can remain with these young adults throughout their lives.

“All of us at American Airlines are proud to support this annual ski trip and this terrific group of teens,” said Andy Backover, American’s Vice President – Corporate Communications. “Each year, our employees look forward to joining in send-off and arrival celebrations for this wonderful program, which helps these youngsters develop a sense of self-empowerment through skiing. This trip is not only a tremendous growth opportunity – it can be a truly life-changing experience.”

Snow skiing is an activity that is particularly well-adapted for amputees. Dallas-based Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, one of the nation’s leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions, encourages its patients to challenge themselves during this experience. With specialized equipment, patients often excel at the sport and, in some cases, become competitive skiers.

“My favorite part of the entire experience is seeing how each patient undergoes their own positive transformation during the ski trip,” said Don Cummings, Director of Prosthetics at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. “As a prosthetist, it is my job to make sure that their prostheses are fitting and functioning well enough for them to reach their fullest potential. When they are on the trip, it is up to them to conquer everyday challenges, and to adapt to new ones like ice, snow and learning to ski. Thanks to American Airlines and other generous donors, each patient is able to walk away with a new sense of pride and accomplishment.”

This is the seventh consecutive year that American Airlines, an official sponsor of the trip, is providing air transportation for the teens, medical staff and chaperones. Travel is being arranged through Miles For Kids In Need® – part of the American Airlines Kids In Need(SM) program, which provides support for a variety of purposes related to the well-being of children and their families.

Founded in 1989, the American Airlines Miles For Kids In Need program offers members of the American Airlines AAdvantage® loyalty program the opportunity to donate their AAdvantage miles to help provide air travel for children and their families via partnerships with some of the world’s foremost entities dedicated to caring for children. The American Airlines Kids In Need programs support numerous organizations, including Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Something mAAgic Foundation’s annual mAAgic flight.

American, American Eagle and Admirals Club® employees are hosting a special send-off party the morning of Jan. 30 for the teenagers and their families in Terminal C at DFW Airport. Festivities will include snow-themed decorations and activities, refreshments and brief remarks from representatives of American Airlines and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Upon their arrival in Denver, employees will welcome the group with snacks and beverages. On their departure to Texas on Feb. 4, employees will invite the group to enjoy the amenities of the Denver Admirals Club.

A special guest at the DFW send-off will be First Officer Tom Marquardt, an American Airlines pilot and a Major in the Air Force Reserve. Marquardt, whose leg was amputated below the knee due to injuries he sustained while serving in Afghanistan, is now back in the cockpit after undergoing rehabilitation at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. He is also an employee spokesperson for American’s partnership with Air Compassion for Veterans, which provides air transportation for injured service members and their families to receive medical and rehabilitative services.

To learn more about the community initiatives that American Airlines supports, or to donate to American’s Miles For Kids In Need program, please visit www.AA.com/JoinUs.

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® carrier serve 260 airports in more than 50 countries and territories with, on average, more than 3,300 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American’s award-winning website, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members and members-elect serve more than 900 destinations with more than 10,000 daily flights to 149 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. AMR Corporation common stock trades under the symbol “AAMRQ” on the OTCQB marketplace, operated by OTC Markets Group.

AMR Corporation, and certain of its United States-based subsidiaries, including American Airlines, Inc. and AMR Eagle Holding Corporation, filed voluntary petitions on Nov. 29, 2011 for Chapter 11 reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. More information about the Chapter 11 filing is available on the Internet at http://www.aa.com/restructuring.

About Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is one of the nation’s leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions, certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. Admission is open to Texas children from birth up to 18 years of age. For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please call (214) 559-5000 or (800) 421-1121 or visit www.tsrhc.org

January 28, 2012 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

C. R. Smith Museum Sends Area Kids ‘From Here To There’ With Special Transportation Exhibition

Get ‘Hands-on’ With the Fun and Physics of Transportation

FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — The American Airlines C. R. Smith Museum presents “From Here To There,” a fun, hands-on experience with the science behind everyday transportation. Experience physics by doing it: Launch a hot air balloon and float on a “kid-size” hovercraft! Send balls whooshing through air tubes to a friend across the room! Use working locks to move a boat upstream through a canal! Feel the friction on railroad tracks and waterways, or feel the absence of friction as you guide a model “MagLev” train levitating over its magnetic track!

“From Here To There” is designed to spark a child’s curiosity and creativity to reinforce their interest and understanding of science and technology. “From Here to There” is made possible through the generous support of local sponsors: The Airpower Foundation, BNSF Railway and KERA Television and Radio.

The exhibition runs through Saturday, May 12. The C. R. Smith Museum is located on State Highway 360 at FAA Road and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. “From Here To There” is free with museum admission: adults $5; military, seniors and children 2-18 $3. Museum members can participate free of charge.

About the C.R. Smith Museum

The C.R. Smith Museum takes visitors on a flight through American Airlines history, with interactive exhibits that entice participation by all age groups. The museum features hundreds of historical artifacts, photographs, full-scale aircraft engines and a rare Douglas DC-3 airliner. In addition, the museum’s state of the art digital theater features The Spirit of American, a film, featuring the history of commercial aviation as well as breathtaking aerial photography

January 24, 2012 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.