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Articles by Shea Oakley
Announcing Our Plans For #SpotLAX2021 - NYCAviation
We couldn’t be more excited to announce that NYCAviation’s #SpotLAX is back! Our fun-filled weekend of great planes, great views, and great people will run this year from September 17 through the 19th, 2021. Just like in prior years, we’re tag-teaming with Brett Snyder’s Cranky Dorkfest, held that Saturday at the park across from the iconic Sepulveda In & Out. While we are thrilled to be back, it will not be without some changes.
United Airlines Returns To John F. Kennedy International Airport - NYCAviation
California here we come! United Airlines returned to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on March 28, 2021, resuming service to both San Francisco (SFO) and Los Angeles (LAX). Back in 2015, United left JFK to consolidate service to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) but only a few years later Scott Kirby CEO of the airline said it was a mistake to give up their premium slots to competitors.
Solar Impulse Comes To New York: A First Hand Account
I have been tracking the Solar Impulse flight across the United States for quite a while now, and when word finally came down on the date and time of the landing at New York, I was excited. Not much keeps me up at 3am, but the chance to see a totally solar powered aircraft was most certainly one of those things. As soon as the date and time was announced, I signed up for a chance to win access at JFK to see the aircraft land, not knowing if I would have media access.
On Time, On the Hour, and On the Money
Written on November 3, 2020 - Posted in Captain's Log, Historical Written by Shea Oakley If you are an older traveler and airline enthusiast living along the so-called “Northeast Corridor” of the U.S. it is likely you have a story about the Air-Shuttle. When I use the term “Air-Shuttle” I’m not referring to those run today by Delta or American.
#SpotLAX2020 Has Been Cancelled. Here’s Why: - NYCAviation
Over the past several months, I have wrestled with a difficult decision: whether or not we could safely hold #SpotLAX2020 in September. With different parts of the country experiencing the crisis brought on by COVID-19 differently and at different times, it was not an easy decision to make. Initially, I was hopeful that we could somehow manage to sneak it in.
Flying Back to the Future Aboard the British Airways Airbus A318 - NYCAviation
When returning from London after the inaugural Dreamliner flight from Newark, I opted to try something different, and a Club World flight from London City is about as different as you can get. It combines modern comforts with just a taste of luxury travel from days gone by. When aviation enthusiasts mention the flight number BA 1, the Concorde naturally comes to mind.
SWISS Shows Off Its Revamped JFK Lounge - NYCAviation
On Thursday, February 27, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) opened the doors to media and invited guests to introduce its newly renovated lounge at JFK Airport’s Terminal 4 in New York. A telescope in the SWISS lounge looks out over the proceedings. The lounge remains in the same location as before, but now has an entirely new look. The SWISS design concept consists of light parquet flooring, gently hued furniture, and an updated layout.
Awesome Vintage Aviation Photos: New York International Airport - NYCAviation
(Editor’s note: Welcome to Time Travel Tuesday, a nine-part series celebrating the airports, airlines, and aircraft of yesteryear, through the vintage aviation photos of William J. Armstrong. In Part One and Part Two, we explored the airports of the Midwest, while Part Three explored the airports of the Western United States. Then we went international, with Canada in Part Four, and Europe in Part Five. In Part Six and Part Seven, we toured airports along the East Coast.
United's Fantasy Flight Makes Holiday Wishes Come True - NYCAviation
There’s no better way to spend a day at the airport then being part of United Airlines’ Fantasy Flight to the “North Pole”. For more than three decades, United Airlines has been bringing holiday cheer to children in need from around the world by taking them on a special trip to the North Pole. United conducts Fantasy Flights in several cities and it is a popular event for their employees. The airline has so many volunteers they have to turn some away.
American Celebrates The Super 80 Send Off As Its MD-80s Fly West - NYCAviation
With heavy hearts and fond memories, American Airlines bid farewell to their final McDonnell-Douglas MD-80 series aircraft on Wednesday morning. The aircraft type was long referred to as the “Super 80” by American. The name paid homage to the type’s original marketing designation as the DC-9 Super 80, a super stretched, more fuel efficient version of the original DC-9 family of aircraft.
What’s Happening This Week At The 2019 Paris Air Show - NYCAviation
The 2019 edition of the Paris Air Show is happening this week. The biennial show is traditionally a place where new aircraft are launched and new orders flow in. Follow along here all this week as we recap each day’s happenings. Day 1 The big news of the day was Airbus’ launch of the A321XLR. With a range of 4,700 nautical miles, the aircraft becomes the narrowbody with the longest range ever. The XLR expands on the A321LR that was launched in 2015.
Finnair Celebrates 50 Years in New York - NYCAviation
The year is 1969, the Mets have won the World Series, Man has walked on the moon and in aviation related news Finnair began service to New York. This year the airline is celebrating 50 years of service between Helsinki and New York. To commemorate the occasion Finnair hosted a birthday party in Manhattan at the residence of the Consul General of Finland. Invited guests included employees of the airline, airline partners, frequent fliers and media.
United Airlines Moves to its New LaGuardia Home - NYCAviation
The 6:05 AM departure of a CRJ-700 to Washington Dulles International Airport on Sunday morning marked both a beginning and an end. It began a new chapter for United Airlines at LaGuardia Airport. At the same time, it marked the completion of the next phase of construction on LaGuardia’s new Terminal B. The opening of United’s five new gates marked the completion of LaGuardia’s Eastern Concourse.
Emotional Baggage: Passengers Taking Their Bags During Airline Emergencies - NYCAviation
Over the past several years, there have been multiple instances of air passengers retrieving their belongings before exiting an aircraft while under evacuation orders, despite instructions to leave these items behind. This has often brought swift rebukes from airline staff, industry professionals, media commentators, as well as fellow passengers. With the recent videos taken from inside Emirates Flight 521 as it was evacuated in Dubai last Aug.
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.
Photos: First Look at ANA's First Boeing 787, Inside and Out - NYCAviation
After Boeing and All Nippon Airways revealed the first 787 Dreamliner to be delivered, we got some close up looks at the new state-of-the-art aircraft, from the unique paint scheme outside to the economy class seats in the main cabin. (Photos by Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren)
Join Us at LAX In September For #SpotLAX2018 - NYCAviation
The last few weeks have brought hot, unstable air. Summer thunderstorms have been at their peak, bringing with them long flight delays. But in a few weeks it will be Autumn, and that means it is almost time for our annual planespotting weekend at LAX. This year, the event will be held Friday September 21st through Sunday September 23rd. Just like last year, this weekend also coincides with Cranky Flier’s annual Cranky Dorkfest on Saturday morning at 11am.
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 Disaster That Wasn't: Saving Eastern Air Lines Flight 902 - NYCAviation
Student pilots are taught very early on to recognize that when an airplane approaches its minimum flying speed, the airflow over the wing will begin to separate or break down, creating turbulence over the tail. The degradation of lift and the associated turbulence over the tail causes the airplane to buffet and alert the pilot to a deteriorating and dangerous situation. The recovery is rather basic – lower the nose some, apply full power to the engine and let the airplane fly out of it.
“The Wings of Man” at Walt Disney World - NYCAviation
Many visitors to the early days of Orlando’s Walt Disney World in the 1970s and 80s may remember a Tomorrowland ride called “If You Had Wings.” Like many of the attractions of that era, it was sponsored by a major American company, and this was no exception. If You Had Wings was a showcase for Eastern Air Lines, the “Official Airline of Walt Disney World from the park’s opening in 1971 through 1987.
Photo Gallery: 25 Awesome Pics to Celebrate Virgin America's 5th Birthday - NYCAviation
Let’s have a little fun! Since March is the season where it seems like brackets get used to decide pretty much everything, why don’t you, the readers, help us decide which aircraft is the UGLIEST of all time? This t...
The Last Martin 202 Lives!
One of the few remaining vestiges of the golden age of piston-powered air transport in the New York area resides in the outside display yard of a small air museum in Teterboro, NJ. The Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of NJ’s Martin 202A also represents the very last of its kind. Of the 48 of these early post-war short to medium range twin-engined airliners constructed only this one remains.
The Mystique of the Boeing SST - NYCAviation
I recently shelled out the most money I have ever paid for an airliner model in a lifetime of collecting. It is a five foot long needle-nosed monster with working variable sweep wings in Eastern Airlines colors. On its tail is a 1960s-modern logo depicting an arrow-shaped form with what look like circular shock-waves arcing off behind it.
A 727? Again? - NYCAviationNYCAviation
In Electra Memories, I mentioned that, as a child growing up in the 1970’s, our family lived in Northern New Jersey and often vacationed in Sarasota, Florida. This meant we had exactly two airline options if we wanted to fly directly into Sarasota/Bradenton Airport (SRQ) and avoid the much longer drive from Tampa International (TPA) to the North. Those options were Eastern and National.
Flight Review: Taking Norwegian's 737-800 Across The Pond - NYCAviation
When I learned over the winter that Norwegian Air International would begin flying from Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, NY this summer, I was equally excited and intrigued. The excitement came from having an airport with international service 30 minutes from home. The intrigue came from the both thought of having international flights from such a small airport and that these flights were to be flown onboard the Boeing 737.
The World's Last Martin 202 Lives... in New Jersey! - NYCAviation
One of the few remaining vestiges of the golden age of piston powered air transport in the New York area can be found in the outside display yard of a small air museum in Teterboro, New Jersey. The collection of the Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of NJ contains a Martin 202A, a short-to-medium range twin-propeller airliner produced just after World War II. The Museum’s 202A is unique in that of the 48 produced, this is the last remaining example of the type.
An Ode to the Observation Decks at JFK - NYCAviation
You might notice the silhouetted figures of several individuals on the roof of the building above and behind the photo of this Pan Am DC-8-33 taken in the 1960’s. They are members of the public enjoying what was once the largest observation deck at JFK International Airport. It encompassed all of the International Arrivals Building (IAB) and its East and West Wing, including piers, for over a decade after the terminal’s opening in 1957.
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.
Electra Memories - NYCAviation
Eastern Air Lines was the launch customer and first operator of the Lockheed L-188 Electra prop-jet. They also were the U.S. domestic trunk carrier that flew them for the longest period, from 1959-77. The latter part of that time corresponded with my childhood. Growing up in Northern New Jersey in the 1970’s often meant a trip to JFK airport in order for my family to catch a flight to our favored vacation spot of Sarasota, Florida.
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.
Proud in the Turboprop Crowd - NYCAviation
Editors Note: In the early morning hours of May 18, 2013, a Piedmont Dash-8-100 operating US Airways Flight 4560 made a wheels-up landing at Newark Liberty International Airport. The following is an account of how the crew flying N934HA prepared for and executed a safe emergency landing, taking advantage of the Dash-8 turboprop’s unique design.
Man Versus Machine in the Aviation World - NYCAviation
The Age of the Computer … Dun, dun, du-u-un! Sounds very Terminator-ish. I have watched aviation technology’s progression. We are all well aware of the advancements in aircraft systems. Pilots have but to dial in the heading, press a button and the aircraft turns; a mechanic will type in a command and the aircraft tests the systems, spitting out the results. Soon to come, the air traffic computers will lay a digital path of breadcrumbs for the plane to follow.
Orbis Unveils Its New Flying Eye Hospital - NYCAviation
The McDonnell Douglas DC-10 has carried out a number of different missions since first taking to the skies in 1970. Most notably it has served as a popular commercial airliner, operating flights all over the globe for over four decades. It has also served in the military as an aerial refueling tanker, as well as a testbed for missile defense sensors .
A Double Dream: Qatar Airways Takes Home Two New 787s - NYCAviation
Tuesday November 4, 2015 was a special day for Qatar Airways. The Middle Eastern airline took delivery of their 24th and 25th Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners (A7-BCX and A7-BCY) at a ceremony held at the Boeing Delivery Center at Paine Field, Everett, Washington. NYCAviation.com was privileged to be part of the festivities that included a great deal more than just the delivery ceremonies.
New York's Greatest Plane Spotting Week of the Year Returns for 2015 - NYCAviation
It has been called “the Super Bowl of plane spotting.” Every September, leaders of the world descend on New York City for the United Nations General Assembly. Others simply refer to it as “UN Week.” More accurately, the ‘General Assembly’ is the name of the largest organization of the United Nations. Each year in mid-September, the General Assembly begins a new session. This year will be the seventieth session. As part of the start of a new session, a General Debate is typically called.
Updated: Could Runway Closures Mean A Summer of Misery at JFK? - NYCAviation
Updated 4/22/15: as of 7:00am this morning, the full length of Runway 13L/31R has reopened to all aircraft. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight inspection aircraft is scheduled to re-validate the ILS 13L approach later today. This reopening marks the completion of stage 2 of the Runway 4L/22R reconstruction project. Tomorrow morning, stage 3 of the project will begin. The full length of Runway 4L/22R will close until at least September.
Solar Impulse Unveils Details of Round-The-World Flight - NYCAviation
If you have followed NYCAviation for a while, you have probably realized that we have somewhat of an obsession with Solar Impulse. The solar powered aircraft project has been steadily gaining attention over the past several years as it has traveled around Europe, to North Africa, and finally across North America The greatest feat for the Solar Impulse project, however, is only just about to begin: An attempt at a flight around the world.
PHOTOS: Air China's 747-8i Lands at John F. Kennedy International Airport - NYCAviation
On Wednesday, January 7th 2015, Air China launched 747-8i flights to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. Flight 981 switched to the 747-8i from the extremely popular 777-300ER. Air China had last operated Flight 981 with a 747 on March 30, 2013, using a -400 model. With this flight, the airline became the second to fly the 747-8i to JFK, following Lufthansa’s seasonal switch from a 747-400 last summer.
Today in Aviation History: November 24th - NYCAviation
2001 – Crossair Flight 3597, an Avro RJ100 registered HB-IXM, crashes on approach to Zurich, killing 24 of the 33 people on-board. The pilot had intentionally descended below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) without required visual contact. The plane crashed into a wooded area 2.5 miles short of the runway. 1990 – China Southern Airlines Flight 3943, a Boeing 737-300 (B-2523) flying from Guangzhou (CAN) to Guilin (KWL) crashes near Liutang, China.
Today in Aviation History: November 20th - NYCAviation
1993 – An Avioimpex Yakolev Yak-42D (RA-42390) enroute from Geneva to Skopje, Macedonia, diverts to nearby Ohrid due to bad weather in Skopje, and subsequently crashes into Mount Trojani 4,900 feet above sea level. Of the 116 onboard, there is only one survivor.
JetBlue Celebrates JFK's New T5i Extension for International Arrivals - NYCAviation
Over the course of its 15 years of operation, JetBlue Airways has been constantly growing. With that growth has come an ever-changing terminal experience at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), the airline’s home base. Initially, the carrier used Terminal 6, the former National Airlines Sundrome. The classic I. M. Pei designed terminal had seen more than its share of tenants over the years. By the time JetBlue took up residency there, it was significantly dated.
Showboating Pilots: The Line Between Fun and Safety - NYCAviation
As long as there have been airplanes, there have been pilots wanting to do fly-by’s, barrel rolls, and all sorts of extreme maneuvers that excite the senses! Probably the most iconic of these are the ones made famous by Maverick in “Top Gun.” What pilot with the right stuff wouldn’t want to have his moment in the sun, ripping down the runway at just 50 feet and 500 knots? Sometimes, fortunate airmen get the opportunity to live out their inner Maverick from the cockpit of a transport jet.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the History of Engine Cowlings
(Editor’s note: This week for Throwback Thursday, we take a look at Columnist David Williams’ article from April, 2011. If you have ever wondered what goes into the structures around an airplane engine, the answer may surprise you.
China Airlines Takes Delivery of First Boeing 777-300ER
China Airlines took delivery of its first Boeing 777-300ER last Friday at Boeing’s factory in Everett, WA. The wide-body jet is the first of ten the airline has on order, all fitted with a brand-new interior including premium economy. The airplane will begin flying regional routes from the carrier’s Taipei hub on October 10. Hong Kong, Hanoi, and Bangkok are expected to be among the first destinations. Long-haul flights will begin to Los Angeles by December 1, after the second jet is delivered.
Ryanair and Boeing to Launch New 737 MAX 200 - NYCAviation
At a New York press conference Monday morning, Ryanair and Boeing announced the European low cost carrier would be the launch airline for the 737 MAX 200 with 100 firm orders, along with an additional 100 options. Set to have deliveries between 2019 and 2023, Ryanair is excited about the increase in passenger seat capacity in the new type, which offer 197 seats.
The Little Airport That Could: La Guardia's Tri-Jet Heavies - NYCAviation
The NYCAviation.com domain name was purchased in the Spring of 2003. That year saw the birth of our message boards, a listing of short news events, and our first article that September. In terms of age, this article is almost the biggest “#ThrowbackThursday” possible for us, being the third-ever to appear on our site over a decade ago. First published on January 4th of 2004, it epitomizes our roots of aviation enthusiast content. Reading this today is just as interesting to me as it was then.
Awesome Vintage Aviation Photos: North of the Border - NYCAviation
(Editor’s note: Welcome to Time Travel Tuesday, a nine-part series celebrating the airports, airlines, and aircraft of yesteryear, through the vintage aviation photos of William J. Armstrong. In Part One and Part Two, we explored the airports of the Midwest, while Part Three explored the airports of the Western United States. This week we head north of the border and visit airports around Canada.) It is indeed an honor to introduce this series of aviation photos taken by my good friend William J.
A Rare Look Inside JFK Airport’s Control Tower
(Editors Note: This week for Throwback Thursday, we revisit an article from August 6th in 2009, when Luke Wasiak visited JFK’s Tower, providing us with a glimpse into a world very few get to see firsthand.) As long as I have lived under the approach paths of LaGuardia Airport in Queens, I have always looked up when an aircraft departing or on approach was caught by my sight or hearing. I remember always being excited when my father would drive me to JFK to pick up relatives or drop them off.
The LaGuardia Curfew Revisited: Why Your Late Flight Ended Up At JFK
Each night in northwest Queens, from now through the end of the year, a little known rule takes effect at LaGuardia Airport that ends up sending passengers to the wrong side of the county. Referred to as a curfew, it gives the Port Authority the right to close down LaGuardia to fixed wing air traffic from 12:01am to 6:00am between April 5th and December 31st. Once the clock strikes 12:01am, the Port Authority has the option of closing down the field, denying any late arriving flight from landing.
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