Gravity Fighter, Aviation Advocate, AvGeek, born in Queens, NY. Former @NYCAviation owner/Operations Mgmt/Dispatcher/Loadmaster. Opinions are my own.
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Articles by Phil Derner Jr.
Boston Logan International Airport Plane Spotting Guide - NYCAviation
| Spot A: Constitution Beach Views: This spot is most useful for runway 22L and 22R arrivals and departures as well as taxi shots of planes taxiing to or rolling off the 22’s. Directions: By road, take RT 1A to Boardman ST. Follow through the rotary to Saratoga St (the street leading to a big intersection). Go across the street, over the bridge, then veer to the right and take the first (quick) right. Follow that to beach.
Boeing Field Plane Spotting Guide - NYCAviation
| Spot A: Museum of Flight Views: This spot is best for runway 31L arrivals, though 31R arrivals tend to be high but doable as well. Most aircraft will touchdown towards the north end of the parking lot, though most likely still a bit further north than that. Runway 31L departures can also be caught here, but before rotation. Directions: From Interstate-5, use exit 158 onto the Boeing Access Road, then bear right onto E Marginal Way S. Follow signs to the museum.
Photos: NYC's Air Force Week Takes Off with KC-10 Tanker Ride - NYCAviation
Photos: NYC’s Air Force Week Takes Off with KC-10 Tanker Ride USA - Air ForceMcDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle 85-0101 / MA (cn 954/C343) Picture 17 of 29 USA - Air ForceMcDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle 85-0101 / MA (cn 954/C343) In-flight over the Atlantic. This is what the bad guys see when they mess with US! This particular aircraft served with the 104th FS Elmendorf in Alaska before moving to the 104th FW at Barnes ANG in Mass. #SpotLAX2020 Has Been Cancelled.
Speak Like an #AvGeek: A Glossary For Enthusiasts - NYCAviation
If you spend any amount of time planespotting at an airport, sharing photos on the NYCAviation Photo Hangar, combing through #AvGeek hashtagged conversations on Twitter or doing any other similar aircraft-centric activity, you’ve likely heard hundreds of aviation terms thrown around. Some of the more commonplace terminology such as “low vis”, “livery”, “altitude” and “ATC” are easily recognizable and do not necessarily require a lengthy explanation.
Join Us for #Avgeek Movie Night! This Week: Snakes On A Plane - NYCAviation
With most of us cooped up at home these days, it’s time we all had a little fun. If you’ve followed us for a while, you know that we’re big fans of aviation themed movies. So how about an #Avgeek Movie Night? Friday evenings at 9:00PM Eastern, 6:00PM Pacific we’ll watch an aviation themed movie together. Tweet along as we all watch from home. How It Works Step 1: Rent, purchase, or stream the movie from your outlet of choice. You could even go old school and play the DVD if you’d like.
Plane Crash Forensics: The Reality of How Victims are Identified - NYCAviation
In the news this week, we learned about the loss James Horner, composer of the score from Titanic. Many of the comments sections of news websites are abuzz with the usual disrespectful comments and folks speculating about things they do not know much about. For example, a common refrain (pun not intended) is “How could they not know he was dead? His plane crashed and they found a body!” Like so much to do with aviation and forensics, it’s not as simple as that.
Cockpit Jumpseating: The Best Seat in the House
My years working in aviation have brought me some of the greatest experiences of my life. Few of them come close to my fortune in being a dispatcher and being able to ride up front in airliners in the cockpit jumpseat. When people hear about what I do for work, they say “Yeah, that’s cool.” When I share that I can also fly for free on any airline, sitting in the cockpit no less, their enthusiasm changes to “Wait. WHAT? THAT’S AWESOME!” And yes, yes it is.
Live Video: Felix Baumgartner Red Bull Stratos Skydive From Space
UPDATE 1:43 PM ET: The launch attempt has been aborted for Tuesday due to gusty winds. Next possible launch date is Wednesday, but weather conditions are uncertain. ——- Weather permitting, at around 1:30 PM EDT (11:30 AM MDT) on Tuesday, professional daredevil Felix Baumgartner will step out of the Red Bull Stratos capsule 120,000 feet above Roswell, New Mexico.
Joining the 'First Flyer's Club' Aboard Delta Air Lines A220 - NYCAviation
It takes a lot for me to willingly be at an airport at 4:00 AM. And yet, with Delta Air Lines brand new A220-100 entering service on a 6:00 AM flight, there I was. Making it’s North American debut, the 109-seat aircraft had an ambitious launch scheduled. Four round trips would be made between LaGuardia Airport in New York and Boston’s Logan Airport. Between LaGuardia and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, there would be another 3 round trips made.
One Year After the 'Miracle on the Hudson,' an Exclusive Interview with Air Traffic Controller Patrick Harten - NYCAviation
Last week, on the one-year anniversary of the “Miracle in the Hudson” landing of US Airways Flight 1549, I had a privilege of speaking with Patrick Harten, the LaGuardia air traffic controller that we’ve all heard on the recordings of that day. Working New York Departure from New York TRACON, Mr. Harten showed his professionalism and cool as he looked to provide Captain Sullenberger with the options he needed to safely get his Airbus A320 on the ground after suffering a double bird-strike.
How the Ice Fighting Technology on Your Plane Makes Winter Flying Safe - NYCAviation
(Editors Note: With the winter season upon us, it’s a good time to look back at our feature on how airlines keep ice from impacting flight safety. This article was originally published in January 2012.) A winter storm has moved into the area, giving you some concern on both your drive to the airport and flight itself. Your flight is delayed and airport operations are busy plowing the runways and taxiways.
Flight Review: Experiencing Spirit’s “Bare Fare” Model Firsthand - NYCAviation
This article originally appeared on AirlineReporter.com. It’s true, people vehemently despise Spirit Airlines. Just the mention of the company elicits emotion-filled horror stories. Indeed they have a solid 1 out of 5 star rating on TripAdvisor, and they are frequently found at, or near, the top of various “worst airline” rankings. In direct contrast to these ratings and frequent “I’ll never fly Spirit again” claims, the airline continues to grow and increase market share.
Crosswind Landings: Not As Scary As They May Seem - NYCAviation
In the earliest days of aviation, there were no crosswind landings. Airports (or aerodromes as they were often called at the time) were simply open fields and pilots would takeoff and land into the wind. Over time, airplanes started requiring greater takeoff distances. This meant that there was a need to purchase and maintain a large field in order to accomodate the newer aircraft. Because of this, the transition was made away from open fields to airports with designated runways.
PHOTOS: United’s New Polaris Lounge at EWR - NYCAviation
This past Monday morning, United Airlines officially opened its newest Polaris lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport. It is one of several that are opening across United’s hubs. The new facilities complement the airline’s new Polaris business class product that debuted two years ago. Reader Gary Cirlin visited the new space prior to his flight on Monday morning and sent us these photos. The chandeliers in the lounge entryway depict various constellations. The check-in desk.
The Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach: Celebrating 15 years of Greatness - NYCAviation
Weather reports for the holiday weekend are looking good, as several hundred thousand spectators are expected to attend what has come to be a Long Island tradition for the Memorial Day weekend. Celebrating its 15th year, the Bethpage Airshow at Jones Beach will once again once again take flight this Saturday and Sunday. As usual, this year’s show features some of the industry’s top performers.
An Important Message From NYCAviation Founder Phil Derner, Jr - NYCAviation
In July of 2003 I started NYCAviation as an enthusiast website. Through the growth of a talented, knowledgable and passionate team, we have grown into an organization that advocates for our industry; those who use it and those who love it, for almost 15 years through education and entertainment. I recently have received an incredible opportunity that would allow me to continue to advocate for our industry and those that rely on it.
The Why, How and Where of Flight Diversions - NYCAviation
Your flight takes off without delay, and you think that once you’re airborne, you’ll be at your destination pretty close to the time on your itinerary. Midway through your descent, your Captain informs you that you’ve got to hold because of poor visibility at your destination. Almost an hour passes as you fly in circles, and you’re relieved for just a moment when you feel the plane start to descend again.
Over The Edge: How Safe Are LaGuardia’s ‘Short’ Runways?
Ah, the old “LaGuardia has short runways and is unsafe” line. It is a reputation the airport has which people have been saying for a long time, and I admit I understand it. To those unaware with the inner workings of the airline industry, it can seem as though NYC’s “Little Airport That Could” might have a bit of a challenge with their two lengths of pavement that measure 7,000 feet each. This reputation is unfair, and scary.
An Open Letter From Your Captain - NYCAviation
I see you, the family on the vacation you have been planning and saving up for years. I see you, the bright eyed hopeful applicant on your way to THE job interview that will make or break your career. I see you, the student headed back to college after winter break. I see you, the busy executive constantly working on that presentation in your mind while you wait to crack out your laptop at cruise on your 3rd flight this week.
BOAC and How it All Began for Me - NYCAviation
On June 15th, 1968 my parents boarded a BOAC Super VC-10 for a trip from Kennedy International to Bermuda. I was with them, and four months old at the time. The aircraft registration was G-ASGJ, the same airplane that appears briefly in this old commercial (along with the bulkhead-mounted BOAC bassinet in which they kept me throughout the two-hour flight to “BDA”) You might be wondering how I know the exact ship which was involved in jetting us to that charming British isle nearly 50 years ago.
Friday Photos: The 2017 LAX Meetup, Part One - NYCAviation
Welcome back to Friday Photos! It’s hard to believe that it’s been two weeks since a group of 30 to 40 planespotters gathered in Los Angeles for our annual meetup. Here are some of the many wonderful shots from the weekend: As a reminder, if you attended this year’s meetup you have until October 15th to submit your photos for our first Photo Hangar Photo Contest. We have some great prizes available including a Breitling prize pack and a 1:200 Kalitta Air 747 model. The rules can be found here.
JetBlue Unveils A Refreshed "JetGreen" For The NY Jets - NYCAviation
Since 2009, JetBlue Airways has been the official airline of the New York Jets. In October of 2010, the carrier unveiled “JetGreen”, an Airbus A320 (N746JB) that was the airline’s first specially painted plane. Over the past seven years, that aircraft has represented the relationship between one of New York City’s NFL teams and its hometown airline.
United Flight 232: Surviving the Unthinkable - NYCAviation
Air travel has long been the safest mode of transportation in the US, thanks in large part to the training and preparation of all those professionals involved in the industry. Airline pilots regularly practice emergency scenarios in flight simulators, working to resolve problems that may arise during flight in order to bring the aircraft safely back to Earth.
OPINION: The Issues Behind Air Traffic Control Reform - NYCAviation
First proposed by a Presidential Commission in 1987, an initiative to privatize the air traffic function of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is once again gaining traction in Washington. The past 30 years have seen proposals from both parties to move air traffic control from the auspices of the Federal Government and hand it over to private concerns, but none have yet been successful.
2017 Paris Airshow Highlights - NYCAviation
In usual fashion the 52nd annual Paris Air Show was a show stopper. It’s become among the premier shows since its 1953 inception at Le Bourget Airport. Each and every year the display of new aircraft and aviation advances is amazing and it serves as a hotbed for new product orders as well. This year’s show was no different. This year, like every other, is a race between Airbus and Boeing to garner the most new product orders. The winner in 2017 was clearly Boeing.
JetBlue Considering Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 for Latin America Flights - NYCAviation
Speaking at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Beijing on Monday, JetBlue CEO David Barger revealed that the airline is looking into future widebody expansion utilizing either the Airbus A350 XWB or the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The expansion would be in addition to their already existing order for 40 A320neos and 30 A321s, and would not come before 2015. “We are looking at larger aircraft especially out of New York and especially Latin America.
What's Happening at LaGuardia? - NYCAviation
It was the phrase that launched a thousand headlines. Vice President Joe Biden came to New York in 2014, and in the middle of a speech about the importance of rebuilding America’s infrastructure, he likened LaGuardia to a Third World airport. Since that speech three years ago, three major projects have been set in motion that will radically reshape the face of the nation’s 20th busiest airport.
NTSB Issues Preliminary Report on Teterboro Crash - NYCAviation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary report on the analysis of the May 15th aircraft crash at Teterboro Airport (TEB) in northern New Jersey. The incident claimed the lives of the pilot and first officer and destroyed the airplane, a Gates Learjet 35A, N452DA, upon impact. No passengers were aboard the flight.
Surprising and Delighting NYC’s Finest - NYCAviation
New York City is served by more than 36,000 police officers and JetBlue is honoring those men and women with its newest custom livery. The newly painted member of the JetBlue fleet is adorned in the colors of the NYPD and called, “Blue Finest.” The aircraft was revealed at a ceremony held at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on Monday.
JetBlue's Mint Expansion Reaches Fort Lauderdale - NYCAviation
The JetBlue Mint program is not new to a lot of JetBlue travelers that travel the East Coast to West Count transcontinental routes. The service initially launched between New York and both Los Angeles and San Fransisco in 2014. However, for those travelers in the JetBlue focus city of Fort Lauderdale, it is a fairly new concept. Mint flights from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles were launched in March, 2017. On May 15, 2017, the service was expanded to include twice daily service to San Francisco.
The FAA and President Trump's Order on Regulations - NYCAviation
President Donald Trump, upholding a campaign promise to eliminate two federal regulations for every new one enacted, has signed an Executive Order that requires U.S. agencies and departments to move in that direction. Though this may hasten the process of eliminating regulations, it must be noted that the federal government routinely reviews, repeals and removes obsolete laws and regulations, sometimes without fanfare or notice, and aviation regulations are no exception to this.
OPINION: The Investigator Most Qualified
The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and not those of NYCAviation In recent months, there has been a wave of fresh speculation into the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, the Boeing 777-200ER lost more than two years ago. As more debris washes ashore, ‘experts’ associated with the disaster keep trying to determine where the floating panels might have originated. Unfortunately, the proper authorities were not included in the original search from the start.
OPINION: The Investigator Most Qualified - NYCAviation
The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and not those of NYCAviation In recent months, there has been a wave of fresh speculation into the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, the Boeing 777-200ER lost more than two years ago. As more debris washes ashore, ‘experts’ associated with the disaster keep trying to determine where the floating panels might have originated. Unfortunately, the proper authorities were not included in the original search from the start.
PHOTOS: Checking Out The Performers At The MCAS Beaufort Airshow
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort hosted their bi-annual airshow. The base is located in Beaufort, SC, approximately halfway between Charleston, SC an Savannah, GA. This year’s show featured a wide assortment of aircraft operated by the United States Marine Corps, a United States Air Force F-16 demo, a United States Coast Guard Dolphin helicopter, and the United States Navy’s Blue Angels.
PHOTOS: Patrouille de France Returns To The Skies Over Stewart Airport
in March, the French Air Force aerobatic team “Patrouille de France” once again found themselves at Stewart International Airport following the western swing of their 2017 American Tour. The team performed for a small crowd of VIPs and media in one of the final destinations in the United States before concluding the 12-stop tour in Canada.
AOG: What really happens when your airplane breaks
. You’re waiting to board a flight and the gate agent picks makes an announcement over the PA telling you, usually euphemistically, that the airplane is broken, and no one is going anywhere anytime soon. Your fellow passengers groan and curse under their breath, and the flight crew and ground personnel outside probably do the same. But while everyone at the gate sits down and begins to wait, another group of people spring into action.
What Is Required When You're Denied BoardingNYCAviation
There have been a lot of discussions concerning the forceful removal of a passenger from the United Express flight at Chicago O’Hare airport bound for Louisville, Kentucky. One of the discussions that has come up is the amount of compensation that United was willing to, and had offered to the passengers. Notably, people have been citing the FAA regulations in concerning the forceful removal of a passenger from the United Express flight at Chicago O’Hare airport bound for Louisville, Kentucky.
Overbooking, Bumping, Removal, Regional Airlines, and Your Rights - NYCAviation
United Airlines was in the hot seat Monday morning after a video made its rounds on social media of a passenger being physically removed from a flight by Chicago Police after being “bumped.” The following is not a defense of United Airlines’ policy, nor a full review of exactly took place on Flight 3411, but is instead an explanation on overbooking, bumping, passenger removal, and regional airline operations. Take this information and draw your opinions from that.
Overbooking, Bumping, Removal, Regional Airlines, and Your Rights
Though operated by one of their regional carriers, United Airlines is facing public backlash following a viral video of a removed passenger. (Photo by David Xian, All Rights Reserved, via NYCAviation Photo Hangar. Though operated by one of their regional carriers, United Airlines is facing public backlash following a viral video of a removed passenger. (Photo by David Xian, All Rights Reserved, via NYCAviation Photo Hangar.
Not So Fast: Would 3rd Runway on Rikers Island Alleviate LaGuardia’s Ailments? - NYCAviation
Now with the blessing of Mayor Bill de Blasio, New York City is one step closer toward closing Rikers Island, the infamous prison that has had a history of trouble; as far as correctional facilities can go. The 148-page document, presented by the Speaker of the City Council Melissa Mark-Viverito, explains not only its reasons for the intended closure, but the more alluring idea of LaGuardia Airport expansion.
Not So Fast: Would 3rd Runway on Rikers Island Alleviate LaGuardia’s Ailments?
Now with the blessing of Mayor Bill de Blasio , New York City is one step closer toward closing Rikers Island, the infamous prison that has had a history of trouble; as far as correctional facilities can go. The 148-page document , presented by the Speaker of the City Council Melissa Mark-Viverito, explains not only its reasons for the intended closure, but the more alluring idea of LaGuardia Airport expansion.
FRIDAY PHOTOS: The 787-10 Takes Flight
of the week’s best photos from the NYCAviation community. Each Friday afternoon, the NYCAviation editorial staff will pick some of our favorite shots of the week. After all, we can’t think of any better way to kick off the weekend than by looking at some great airplane pics. Want your photos considered? Upload them to the new NYCAviation Photo Hangar This week, we’re featuring David Lilienthal’s photos of Boeing’s new 787-10 in North Charleston, SC.
No Punishment for Harrison Ford: A Positive Sign for Aviation Safety Culture - NYCAviation
In February, actor Harrison Ford made headlines when he accidentally landed on a taxiway at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, Calif. Many were surprised after an announcement from his attorney on Monday saying he would face no fine and continue to hold his pilot certificate without restriction. Once the surprise subsided, many wondered if he was receiving special treatment because he was a celebrity.
Alaska Airlines Announces Three New Transcon Routes
Alaska Airlines has announced route expansion by adding three new transcontinental routes, utilizing both their own aircraft, and that of 2016-acquired Virgin America. The new routes will launch between August and November of this year. Portland, Oregon will add routes to Detroit and New York’s JFK using Alaska’s Boeing 737 aircraft, while a Los Angeles-Philadelphia route will be served by Virgin America’s A320-family aircraft.
No Punishment for Harrison Ford: A Positive Sign for Aviation Safety Culture
when he accidentally landed on a taxiway at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, Calif. Many were surprised after an announcement from his attorney on Monday saying he would face no fine and continue to hold his pilot certificate without restriction. Once the surprise subsided, many wondered if he was receiving special treatment because he was a celebrity. Personally, I not only believe that he received none, but also that it is an example of everything that is right in aviation today.
Misused Aviation Terms, Part 1: Airlines and Accidents
and in general conversation among fellow aviation geeks that is misused or misunderstood. There are some words and terms that are not colloquial, but instead are official, technical terms that are defined by official agencies or even federal regulations. Below are some of the most common, broad ones that I have seen misused in the last few weeks. Major Airline: A major airline is an airline that generates over $1 billion in revenue annually.
Breaking: U.S. Sets Records in 2016 for Most Airline Passengers and Safety
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) told of a record-breaking 928 million people having flown in the United States during 2016. The number includes any domestic or international airline that has flown passenger to, from or within the United States. Annual traffic numbers have been climbing annually since 2010 (after emerging from a recession), but this is the first time that the 900 million passenger mark has been met and surpassed.
The Patrouille de France Soars Into New York, Launching Their US Tour
The Patrouille de France arrived at Newburgh-Stewart International Airport (SWF/KSWF) north of New York City on Thursday, the first stop on a 6-week North American tour. The tour commemorates the centennial of the United States’ entry into World War I. The tour brings with it a variety of aircraft, many of which are not often seen in North America. The performance aircraft are Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet E two-seat trainers.
The Forgotten Victims of Alaska Airlines Ending the Virgin America Brand
to Alaska Airlines plans to euthanize the Virgin America brand, likely by 2019. I, too, have been struck with emotion about this news breaking. But out of the dozen pieces I’ve read, no one seems to share the same reception as mine. It was not a feeling of surprise, and I’m in fact baffled by anyone that didn’t see this coming — did you really expect Alaska to keep Virgin around? Two totally different brands, one competitor eating another as they battled to plant a flag in the West Coast.
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