I've posted about my beloved Bose Quiet Comfort Headphones before. When you live half a world from everywhere they make flying a pleasure.
On the flight home from Viet Nam I noticed one of the Y arms on my much travelled set had cracked. I purchased them on my first trip to AU and since then they've been to Seoul, Malaysia, Orlando (twice), Vegas (3 times), New Orleans, Korea and Vietnam. In addition to several laps of the world they've also had plenty of use at home.
Once home, I fired off an email to Bose New Zealand to see if these components were serviceable. They responded promptly instructing me to take them into their service centre for assessment. It was the other side of town so a week or so later I walked in and the conversation went something like this;
And they were, no charge, no hassle
Thank you Bose New Zealand, your exceptional service maintains my peace.
A recent issue of NZ Today Magazine covered the wonderful, remote, Great Barrier Island. While searching for some old car photos I found one which reminded me of a memorable journey home from "The Barrier" back in the early 80's. I'd sailed out with my Dad but had to return, I think for tech, before the boat was due to come back. In addition to todays ferry or aircraft service there was another, far more exciting, option; a sea plane.
I met the "See Bee" Grumman Widgeon at Fitzroy. The takeoff from it's calm sheltered water was my first, and un-eventful, then we headed down the coast to Tryphena. It's an open bay and it was one of those "El Nino" summers with constant 20-40 knot westerly winds. I don't know what the landing speed of the plane was, probably 80 knots, but touching down with the swell running into the bay was far from smooth.
Once on the beach quite a bit of mail, freight and a few extra passengers added to the takeoff burden. The new arrivals were Japanese and began getting their SLR cameras out, metal body ones with large lenses, ready to take photos. As a "veteran" of one take-off and landing I tried to tell them it would be quite rough but the language barrier meant the message didn't really get through.
We taxied, wallowing, into the bay and as the pilot pushed the throttles forward all hell broke loose. The plane appeared to turn into a submarine as the windscreen was covered in green water. Once the nose rose we thumped across a heavy swell while the side windows were pounded by ever increasing spray plumes. My fellow passengers carefully planned take-off shots were abandoned as they battled to just hang on to their cameras, while exchanging worried glances. That was probably due to the apparent self destruction of the plane they'd just boarded as the noise & pounding were dramatic. Even with the headwind we must have been doing 40 or 50 knots across the, not smooth, water before getting airborne. It was probably just "a bit of a rough takeoff" for a sea plane but that's far from most normal flying experiences!
The flight back to Auckland was without drama but as we came up the harbour the pilot mentioned that the approach would be "a bit steep" to avoid a long taxi into the ramp. Apparently it wasn't uncommon for people to get sea sick during that part of the flight on rough days! It probably wasn't as dramatic but whenever I see film of dive bombers attacking I remember that approach. Soon after I took the photo (below) we plunged down into the harbour landing near the container wharf. After a short taxi into the Mechanics Bay ramp we were back on dry land with just a single snapshot and a head full of memories to record my first sea plane flight.
"A shower of spray and we're away" was the cry of legendary sea plane pilot Fred Ladd
Josh Hallett has some awesome images of a sunrise at Buffalo Airport. Click through for the full image, it’s worth it.
Air New Zealand will be a twin engine long-range when Joe Sutter's Jumbo, and aging 767’s, are retired to be replaced by a new 777 & 787 fleet. The first 747 replaced Air New Zealand’s first “widebody” aircraft, the DC-10, back in the early 80’s. The current fleet is later model 747–400’s.
New fleet comes at discount - Stuff.co.nz
Air New Zealand will buy four Boeing 777-300 extended-range aircraft as part of a revamp of its long-haul fleet, which will phase out 747s and 767s...
Have Air New Zealand backed a winner?
Given it won't be making its maiden test flight until next year I suspect it maybe a little premature to be picking Air New Zealand’s 787 buy as a good deal.
Aircraft are sold on a promise. It’s perhaps the biggest gamble in commerce that the manufacturer has to predict performance, load, range, to very fine tolerances while the aircraft is just a paper & digital dream.
While Boeing are historically superb at meeting, or exceeding, those promises (from what I’ve read of the 747 & 777) there is much that’s new, and untested, in the 787. Even if the test numbers stack up it’s pioneering new construction methods & materials that could impact delivery. I’m waiting for the results from the certification programme before I pick a winner.
Having said that, from what we’ve seen, it looks stunning & I can’t wait to try it! The good thing is although we’re a tiny market, at the end of a very long haul, it looks like both the 787 & A380 will be visiting here regularly.
The Air NZ 787 shown flying over Auckland is in Microsoft Flight SimulatorAir NZ's gamble looks like a winner - NZ Herald
When Air New Zealand became one of the first airlines to order the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner three years ago, it was betting that the future of air travel was to fly direct and to fly more often…
If you fly, professionally or as a passenger, you’ll love this podcast. I’ve listened to it for years but the real & podcast worlds collided on a flight earlier this year.
It was in the middle of my never ending trek from Auckland, New Zealand, to New Orleans.
Leaving Auckland about 6pm Tuesday means arriving in L.A. about 13 hours later at 10am Tuesday (thanks to the dateline). I was heading for Dallas, then New Orleans but found my anticipated 4 hour stopover extended to 12 hours thanks to storms at Dallas.
Then all flights through Dallas were cancelled. After a frantic call to American Airlines the only route that would get me to NOLA on time was from L.A. (about 10pm) to Miami, sit around there till 11am, then back to New Orleans landing about 1pm, 39 hours later.
On the Miami flight I’d finished my book and was listening to podcasts. There was an AA crew member sitting next to me who was transferring to Miami to start her shift the following evening. She’d never tried the Bose QC headphones I was using (yes I’m one of those recently teased by Betty 
) and asked to try them. I happened to have Betty’s podcast playing at the time & she loved what she heard, took note of the URL to subscribe, and told the other crew on the flight. I like to think Betty gained a few listeners from that.
I don’t do many US flights but one day hope I’ll hear a familiar voice as I board the plane. It would neat to meet Betty “at work”. Until then I’ll just keep listening to the podcasts and looking for a flight attendant carrying a recorder...
Betty in the Sky with a Suitcase! – http://betty.libsyn.com/
The new Abarth Division of Fiat have launched an on-line TV channel. Loads of good content already and sign-up for email newsletter to keep up to date with the return of the Scorpion.
ABARTH TV
The first interactive TV dedicated to the Abarth legend: on air from 5th March – online only – with previews, videos, interviews and in-depth information about the cars, races, and the personages of the Abarth world…http://www.abarth.tv/ or http://www.abarth.tv/en.html (English)
Found Via SFC
I went for a couple of bike rides last weekend in an effort to get a few km’s practice in before the trip. Saturday’s had an aviation theme as headed up to Whenuapai Airforce Base to watch, from the road, the Air Force Open Day display. I didn’t seen the morning activity but the afternoon display had most the airforce “types” in the air. This included the Kiwi Blue Parachute Team, Iroquois helicopter, Hercules, Harvard, Seasprite helicopter, Boeing 757, Orion, Red Checkers Aerobatic Team and a RAAF F-111.
While all were good I think the most impressive was the extreme flying by the RNZAF Boeing 757. It was obviously lightly loaded but the short take-off – maybe 3/4 of the 6600 ft runway – then pulling into a maximum rate climbing turn was cool to see. I’ve flown in a 757 but can’t imagine what it’s like being in one thrown around like this!
It wasn’t all aircraft as there were a few nice classic cars on the road. If anyone knows what the red one below is I’d like to know. It appeared to be American, rear engined (vents on the trunk/boot), but not sure what it was – a Corvair?
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This is an amazing video, especially the ascent of the Matterhorn!
via A welshview
It reminded me of a stunning, if less dramatic, helicopter flight I did around Milford Sound in 2004.
There should be a law against this…
Fiat 500? Relax, it’s just a Japanese replica based on the Nissan Micra - CARSCOOP
Ah, doesn’t this Fiat 500 replica bring back those glorious days of the 70’s and 80’s, well, ok early 90’s too…
By 2011 Air New Zealand will have at least eight 787–9’s in the fleet.
Air NZ Buys Four More Boeing Dreamliners - Xtra Business
Air New Zealand said Tuesday it has bought four extra Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to service its international routes.
How Do Airplanes Fly? Really?: BLOG: SciAm Observations
For a century since Orville and Wilbur lifted off at Kitty Hawk, airplanes have been carrying us through the air, so you would think by now we could explain how that happens…
Flight International get to ride on the A380 giant.
Flight International : Riding shotgun on an A380 flight test
Having been reporting on the A380 and its predecessor the A3XX for a decade, it was with much anticipation that I climbed aboard to undertake my first flight on the giant…
I only know of Alan Mulally, new Ford CEO, from Karl Sabbaghs book “Twenty-First-Century Jet” about the building of the Boeing 777 and some mentions on the Boeing Blog (which has been silent about this so far) but think Ford is in good hands.
Although his background is aviation it’s apparent that traditional motor industry thinking isn’t going to fix Ford. They’ve tried all the easy things so being an “outsider” with another point of view may not be a bad thing. While working at Boeing he drove a Lexus so at least knows what Ford have to match!
Perhaps the question isn’t “Can Mulally fix Ford?” but “Will Ford [establishment] let him?”
TIME.com: Ford Motor's New Chief: "I Think It's a Tough Situation" -- Page 1.
In an interview with TIME, Bill Ford and Alan Mulally talk about the automaker's bold change at the top…
“At Boeing, Mulally had a reputation as an ace engineer and turnaround guy. He helped develop hit models like the 777 jetliner, launched in the early '90s, and the 787 Dreamliner, expected in 2008”
What is Mr. Mulally thinking? - IAG Aviation News
Alan Mulally, Boeing's ex-CEO, has decided to jump ship (or is that plane?) to take on one of the biggest and sickest companies in the world. No doubt he is going to get a bucket of cash to offset some of that risk.
It is interesting to speculate on why he made the jump and why now…
Microsoft have released a preview of the upcoming Flight Simulator X. Only a 640mb download away, it’s an impressive look at what the release will offer. The trial version includes two airports, three missions, and three different aircraft all based around St. Maarten in the Caribbean.
It installed and configured itself seamlessly, defaulting to medium-low for most graphics, on my machine. In that mode it seems to run at least as well as FS 2004 & most things seem to work, even ATC. The only glitch I’ve noticed is the losing the view on 3D cockpits and naked cars (model with no texture). Reading Tdraggers post it’s apparent I’m not the only one seeing this but it’s not complete, work is still in progress. The interface has some nice, glassy menus but the layout is familiar which makes for an easy transition.
Noticeable are increased levels of scenery, moving traffic, boats, airport service vehicles, and even flocks of sea-birds. As Mario shows, Flight Simulator has come a long way in 25 years! Can’t wait for the release version, the hard work is appreciated!
Flight Simulator X Website: http://flightsimulatorx.com
Flight Simulator X hits the web as the build up to the launch begins.
Flight Simulator X
Microsoft® Flight Simulator X is the culmination of nearly 25 years of the landmark Flight Simulator franchise—the most significant addition to date…
Some Flight Simulator related blogs..
Charts be gone!
RobiNZ CAD Blog: Digital Paper takes flight
Electronic ink, digital paper, takes to the air….
Much is being made of Singapore Airlines spreading orders between Boeing/Airbus with 787 and A350 XWB orders. Maybe it’s just a matter of the right plane for the right role, or are they hedging against possible delays with the new technology or production.
Seems sensible to me that you’d have an option should either program have an unexpected delay. Aircraft are complex products and both, the 787 particularly, are debuting new technology and production techniques. As the A380 has recently shown, there are many hurdles on the journey to that first commercial flight. I’d have a bob each way…
Airbus surges at Farnborough - IAG
“The headlines are:”SINGAPORE AIRLINES ORDERS 20 AIRBUS A350 XWB-900s AND 9 AIRBUS A380s.” Amazing. Singapore has just ordered 787s and the aviation world believed that was it, Airbus’ A350 was out of the game.”
The comparison between the A350XWB proposal and 777 / 787 is interesting, especially after spending 25 hours last week in a mix of Boeing and Airbus product. I flew to Korea on a 777–200 and back on a both Airbus A330 & A340.
The 777 is currently my favourite commercial aircraft, the fuselage diameter and seating layout making it much nicer than the 747. The Air New Zealand 777’s I’ve been on are brand new, which helps, but the Korean was an older plane. I found the A340 felt much more crampt, the smaller fuselage is noticeable, but also quieter. I had a similar seating on both planes, maybe the location/size relationship of the engines makes a difference?
It will be interesting to see how this tussle develops, different product directions and big investments mean it will be a tough fight. Both have much to gain if they get it right, everything to lose if wrong.
LONDON -- “The new Airbus A350 will be four years behind The Boeing Co.'s 787 in getting to market, but Airbus will use that time to make its jet superior to the Dreamliner and Boeing's 777”“That was the spin coming from Airbus on Monday as it finally unveiled details about what it is calling the A350 XWB -- extra wide body.”
Wellington Airport has adopted the unusual slogan “Wild at Heart”. Sometimes landing can be “interesting”…
According to One News Air New Zealand are about to extend the re-branding exercise, which began with new uniforms, to the aircraft livery. The new brand will incorporate a redesigned tail, Koru and logo. I liked the clean white fuselage introduced with the last re-design but I’m not keen on the “Pacific Wave” faded stripes which were added to the logo.
I hope the distinctive Koru used on the tail survives this exercise without major changes. For a Kiwi traveller heading home arriving at a foreign gate to the sight of the Air New Zealand Koru and, perhaps, familiar kiwi accents makes it feel you are nearly home even if it’s still a long-haul flight away.
Air New Zealand Boeing 777 with the current “Pacific Wave” Livery – San Francisco – December 11, 2005
This is amusing, I’ve always thought air travel should be sold by the kilo. As a skinny little squirt it’s always made me wonder why the baggage allowance is the same for me as someone considerably larger… 
A room in this hotel would cost me € 32.50.
Joe Bennett: Where Underpants Come from
I'll disclose I'm reading this because it's, in a strange way, about where I work and because I love Joe's writing.
The Best of Car Magazine
A blast from the past but still great reading today. From supercars to not super cars (Ford Capri), tales of CANAM and Formula One from the 60's, and when will the oil run out from the 70's (hint, it should have already) this is a great mix of nostalgia. One of the best articles is a "behind the scenes" look at filming the racing movie "Le Mans". Another highlight is the faithfully reproduced totally sexist advertising!
George Dyson: Darwin Among the Machines: The Evolution of Global Intelligence
I was shocked this book, about the evolution of artificial intelligence, began in New Zealand!
Karl Pilkington: Happyslapped by a Jellyfish: The words of Karl Pilkington
The sticker on the front says "If you think he's a genius, you're an idiot -Rricky Gervais". Karl writes about what he knows, which isn't much but he's been on a few holidays...
It's genius!
Karl Kruszelnicki: Great Mythconceptions: The Science Behind the Myths
Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki is an Aussie "celebrity scientist". This book is a collection of his columns which expose the truth behind many commonly quoted "facts".
Do we really use only 10 percent of our brain? Read this book and you'll find out...
Spike Milligan: Silly Verse for Kids
A classic for children of any age...
Change is Good
Jean-Michel Jarre : The Symphonic Jean-Michel Jarre (2CD Set)
I've always liked Jarre's work, his live concert DVDs especially, but the thought of it done by a symphony orchestra had me wondering: "elevator music"?
This disc proves I was wrong. The symphonic nature of his compositions is expressed brilliantly by superb arrangements. Recommended for more than elevators! You can hear samples, or buy as mp3's, from the Amazon page.
Greg Johnson: Here Comes the Caviar
Brilliant Kiwi artist, now resident in L.A. If you have the chance to see Greg live, don't miss it.
Rudy Sunde: Chants de Marins/Sea Shanties
Rudy is a local artist, writer and bugman (entomologist)
Pat Metheny: One Quiet Night
I liked Norah Jones hit track "Don’t Know Why", but not a fan of hers. Pat's solo guitar version on this album is lovely.
Anna Maria Jopek: Secret
Anna Maria Jopek's first English album is a mix of original and covers. The voice is pure rather than powerful but refreshing.
Rudy Sunde: Songs of New Zealand
Traditional Kiwi music. Rudy is a westie, folk composer/performer and expert on aphids!
Shane Jacobson: Kenny
To say it's Aussie Toilet humour is, well it's accurate, but doesn't do this film justice. Wonderful script, brilliant acting and finely balanced, like a teetering porterloo, mix of humour and pathos. It's nearly as good as "The Castle", my favourite Aussie film.
Christopher Nolan: The Prestige
I didn't know anything about this movie before seeing it but it's one of the best for years. About illusionists, it is packed with constant twists and surprises. Add a great cast, direction and production and you have a must see.
Nick Park: Creature Comforts - The Complete First and Second Seasons
Brilliance of "person-on-the-street" interviews coupled with aardman's outstanding claymation and subtle visual gags
Pat Metheny Group: The Way Up - Live
It's their best performance, their best composition - recorded live in Korea.
Kevin Macdonald: The Last King of Scotland
Great performance by Forest Whitaker. Not pleasant viewing but much more interesting than I expected.
Todd Field: Little Children
Don't expect a happy childhood story. It's confrontational and disturbing but also rewarding. Worth seeing for Kate Winslets performance alone.
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