Just a point of order. With things like this it's important to be accurate, although I agree with your point overall.
warbird1 wrote:
About knowing the difference between a B-17 and a B-747 - Europe already went through that. Although the root of their regulatory laws were more tax/liability based than threat based, two B-17's were effectively grounded because the B-17 was lumped into the same category as Commercial airliners. I believe that the French B-17, Pink Lady, was permanently grounded from this.
Not so. It was an insurance/liability issue, rather than 'tax', and only (IMHO) indirectly to do with the so-called anti terrorism activities. I'm not sure what Pink Lady's status is, but it will continue to be operated, I'm sure. The UK's B-17 Sally B is still operational, after intensive lobbying.
warbird1 wrote:
Also, recall that the last commercial flying DC-3's in Great Britain were recently grounded in England because they would have had to adhere to new legislation regarding anti-terrorist measures such as new cockpit doors, etc. The cost was so prohibitive to modify the old DC-3's that the company just went out of business instead. Score one for the terrorists.
Not so. The Air Atlantique Classic Flight are STILL operating, and offering pleasure flying in de Havilland Dragon Rapides as well as other aircraft. The issue was more the mandatory evacuation items like slides etc. that were the issue for the Daks. UK and continental legislation for pleasure flying in ex military aircraft (rather than old airliner types) has always been more restrictive than the US.
The only 'secure door' issue with DC-3s I've heard of was the Alaskan operators. (My memory may be at fault.)
This is a quick comment from memory; I'm sure those in the UK and Europe can provide more accurate data, but the situation there is not, IMHO, a good case study for argument. HTH.
warbird1 wrote:
Dave Downs wrote:
*How many of you can remember when airliners flew with the cockpit door open, and passengers would sometimes be admitted to the cockpit during flight? I can.
I can remember numerous times when I was a little kid growing up in the early 70's, when I got to go up in the cockpit on commercial airliners during flight. I remember one instance when I was about 8 or 9 when the Captain let me fly the 727 we were on. Granted, I didn't actually touch the controls, per se, but he let me turn the Autopilot knob, which turned the plane. Can you imagine what would happen today if that occurred? You would not only get fired, but probably go to jail for breaking Federal TSA and/or FAA regulations.
From 6 up to the age of 20, I'd never actually landed in in airliner still in the cabin; I usually was invited back for a view from the jump seat after a chat during the flight.
And another general caution - this is a public forum, and we need to also be careful about (political) name calling those we might not agree with or respect - only appropriately made responses and actions will be useful. However tempting it may be to let of steam with what you really think.
