Originally published November 27, 2019
One of my favorite things about flying is when you get to your destination and you exit the passenger boarding bridge and see the airport for the place you arrived in. No two airports are alike, and I love walking by different shops and restaurants and spotting the differences. Now, I have yet to fly out of the United States, but I have flown to a few different places in the U.S.
Seattle/SeaTac: Obviously, being from the Seattle area, most of my flights are either to or from SeaTac. I think it's an awesome airport and I've gotten quite familiar with it. Security is pretty long I've found compared to other airports. But so far I have yet to find an airport with shops and restaurants that I like more than SeaTac.
Sacramento: The first airport I ever flew to was Sacramento. It's got wonderful architecture (I remember a hanging giant rabbit), perhaps the best architecture in an airport I have seen in person. And it has a tram that transports you as well (SeaTac has one as well for certain gates I remember). Once you get out of the airport, it's nothing but flat around with no parking garages, just a big parking lot. When I first landed in Sacramento, I noticed all the California sports teams like the Lakers, Warriors, 49ers, and Raiders were on prominent display in the apparel stores.
Oakland: A smaller airport to say the least. The wait for security for me has been non-existent the few times I've flown out. I also remember the airport is right next to the water/bay so when you fly in to Oakland, it almost looks like the plane is about to land in the water!
Las Vegas: I don't remember much about this airport other than that it has slot machines! And the one time I went on the slots there, I actually came out ahead. However, I do remember getting there and seeing a ton of taxis out in the arrivals area.
Honolulu: Surprisingly, I don't remember a lot about this airport. I remember it's a small-ish airport like Oakland, but as soon as you get outside you're met by palm trees and tropical weather.
Kona: The smallest airport I have ever been to. Want to know how small? The passenger boarding bridge leads you down to the ground. There's also just a bunch of huts that are for different gates. I don't think they even have any restaurants or shops, just vending machines. This is the one pictured in the above image (A rendering).
Showing posts with label Flying. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Flying. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
The long, arduous process of a plane flight
Originally published October 8, 2019
Commercial air travel is the fastest way a civilian can get from one city to another. Thousands and thousands of flights take off every day. But there is a process. Sure, the flights themselves are very quick for getting you from one city to another (quicker than driving, at least), but they require so much preparation and waiting and adhering to rules.
After you buy your plane ticket, which generally are pretty expensive compared to other things you might purchase, you eventually get to the day of your flight. Packing is fairly routine, but you must accommodate TSA regulations and requirements. No bringing liquids over 3 oz. on a plane. No bringing sharp objects, weapons, blades, chemicals. Those have to be in checked luggage. Most people can abide by these rules just fine.
Then there comes the part of travelling to the airport. Some people have to drive a long ways to get to the nearest airport. Myself, it's a fairly quick drive, depending on traffic (30-45 minutes). Then after you get there, unless you got a ride, you have to park. Then after getting there is checking in (if you haven't already) and possibly checking luggage. The wait in those lines can be long, depending on the airline and the time of day.
Then comes everyone's most favorite part: Security checkpoint! Not only is security a bit of a hassle, there's almost always a long wait for it. I'd say out of all the times I've flown, I've had a short or no wait time for security just a couple times. Both were at smaller airports. After the waiting, you get your boarding pass and ID checked by the TSA agent, then off to the actual security checkpoint. I won't get into the details because it varies by airport, but so far by my experience you either go through a metal detector type gate or go to a station where you have to lift your arms up. My favorite part is when someone ahead of me struggles with abiding by the rules and holds up the line. Even more waiting, yay!
After security, you're still not done! Then comes the waiting at the gate. Depending on how early you arrived and how quickly you got through security, you may have some time to kill, especially if your flight gets delayed. Then the time finally comes to board the plane. You board the plane at a speed in which you would get passed by nearby slugs. You finally actually get on the plane and take a seat. But guess what? Even more waiting! This time you have to wait for the plane to fully board, and then pull away from the tarmac. At last, long last, your plane hits the runway and gathers speed and takes off. Then comes the longest wait (usually)--the waiting to get there.
So you finally land, great! Now you must wait to get off the plane. If you're towards the back and/or in a window seat, this can take a while. Then you get off the plane and sometimes (and in my case--usually) have a bit of a walk to get to either the arriving zone or baggage claim. Some airports (Sacramento for one) have you board a tram to get to certain areas. Then, if you checked any luggage, comes the waiting for your luggage to come down the belt. And it never seems to be one of the first pieces of luggage down the belt, no sir. I once waited almost half an hour for my luggage and was starting to get worried before I finally saw it.
Then after getting picked up or getting a taxi, you still have a car ride to get to your final destination. So if you start at waiting in line to check in/check luggage, you've waited a total of six separate times now. Waiting and not doing much is actually pretty exhausting; no wonder flights tire people out so much.
But it beats the alternative (if there even is one), yeah? Driving, if it is an option, takes much longer and adds so much wear and tear to your car, mostly the odometer. Even if you rent a car to drive, the time you'd need the car and the gas you'd have to pay for wouldn't save that much money.
Is flying a plane worth it? Right now it's the most efficient way for travelling distances of over 300 miles. You certainly have to plan around flights. If you have a week off and are spending it flying somewhere for a week, you really only get 5 days there thanks to the flights in and out (depending on the length of the flights). It's not very worthwhile to fly someplace one day and leave the next, although I'm sure some people do that (mainly for their occupations). The longer the flight the more worthwhile and long the stay should be. Until we can develop some alternate form of transportation like suction tubes seen in Logan's Run, air travel and the long arduous process that goes along with it will be a part of our lives.
Commercial air travel is the fastest way a civilian can get from one city to another. Thousands and thousands of flights take off every day. But there is a process. Sure, the flights themselves are very quick for getting you from one city to another (quicker than driving, at least), but they require so much preparation and waiting and adhering to rules.
After you buy your plane ticket, which generally are pretty expensive compared to other things you might purchase, you eventually get to the day of your flight. Packing is fairly routine, but you must accommodate TSA regulations and requirements. No bringing liquids over 3 oz. on a plane. No bringing sharp objects, weapons, blades, chemicals. Those have to be in checked luggage. Most people can abide by these rules just fine.
Then there comes the part of travelling to the airport. Some people have to drive a long ways to get to the nearest airport. Myself, it's a fairly quick drive, depending on traffic (30-45 minutes). Then after you get there, unless you got a ride, you have to park. Then after getting there is checking in (if you haven't already) and possibly checking luggage. The wait in those lines can be long, depending on the airline and the time of day.
Then comes everyone's most favorite part: Security checkpoint! Not only is security a bit of a hassle, there's almost always a long wait for it. I'd say out of all the times I've flown, I've had a short or no wait time for security just a couple times. Both were at smaller airports. After the waiting, you get your boarding pass and ID checked by the TSA agent, then off to the actual security checkpoint. I won't get into the details because it varies by airport, but so far by my experience you either go through a metal detector type gate or go to a station where you have to lift your arms up. My favorite part is when someone ahead of me struggles with abiding by the rules and holds up the line. Even more waiting, yay!
After security, you're still not done! Then comes the waiting at the gate. Depending on how early you arrived and how quickly you got through security, you may have some time to kill, especially if your flight gets delayed. Then the time finally comes to board the plane. You board the plane at a speed in which you would get passed by nearby slugs. You finally actually get on the plane and take a seat. But guess what? Even more waiting! This time you have to wait for the plane to fully board, and then pull away from the tarmac. At last, long last, your plane hits the runway and gathers speed and takes off. Then comes the longest wait (usually)--the waiting to get there.
So you finally land, great! Now you must wait to get off the plane. If you're towards the back and/or in a window seat, this can take a while. Then you get off the plane and sometimes (and in my case--usually) have a bit of a walk to get to either the arriving zone or baggage claim. Some airports (Sacramento for one) have you board a tram to get to certain areas. Then, if you checked any luggage, comes the waiting for your luggage to come down the belt. And it never seems to be one of the first pieces of luggage down the belt, no sir. I once waited almost half an hour for my luggage and was starting to get worried before I finally saw it.
Then after getting picked up or getting a taxi, you still have a car ride to get to your final destination. So if you start at waiting in line to check in/check luggage, you've waited a total of six separate times now. Waiting and not doing much is actually pretty exhausting; no wonder flights tire people out so much.
But it beats the alternative (if there even is one), yeah? Driving, if it is an option, takes much longer and adds so much wear and tear to your car, mostly the odometer. Even if you rent a car to drive, the time you'd need the car and the gas you'd have to pay for wouldn't save that much money.
Is flying a plane worth it? Right now it's the most efficient way for travelling distances of over 300 miles. You certainly have to plan around flights. If you have a week off and are spending it flying somewhere for a week, you really only get 5 days there thanks to the flights in and out (depending on the length of the flights). It's not very worthwhile to fly someplace one day and leave the next, although I'm sure some people do that (mainly for their occupations). The longer the flight the more worthwhile and long the stay should be. Until we can develop some alternate form of transportation like suction tubes seen in Logan's Run, air travel and the long arduous process that goes along with it will be a part of our lives.
Places I Want to Travel
Originally published September 25
I have traveled about the average amount for someone my age I think, but I want to travel more. So far, notable places I have traveled include: Hawaii, Las Vegas, and California (Bay area, Sacramento, Los Angeles). But I definitely want to travel to more places. The following are places I definitely would like to travel to at some point in my lifetime. Doesn't have to be soon; could be when I'm old and gray.
New York: I've wanted to travel to New York as long as I can remember. So many of my favorite TV shows and movies have been set there. And of course, I want to see all the landmarks. Maybe see a Yankees game. Just to experience the bustle of the city and see the One World Trade Center as well. Not to mention see The Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Times Square.
Florida: I've heard about the humidity there and I want to experience it, if only for a little bit. I also would love to go to both Disneyworld and Universal Studios Orlando. And go to Miami and the beach there. I know most of it was shot in California, but I'd also want to go to Florida because of the hit showtime series "Dexter", which is one of my favorite TV shows ever.
Germany: The foreign country I'd probably most want to visit is Deutschland, AKA Germany. I took three years of German in High School, plus a semester in College. I know a basic amount of German (although some has leaked out since then, I'd have to brush up some more), and I think I could get by if need be. A lot of Germans know English as well, which would help. I'd love to see where the Berlin wall was, among other things. Another big reason I'd want to go to Germany is because most of my family's ancestors came to the United States from Germany. I'm roughly 70% German.
England: I'd just love to visit the United Kingdom, and more specifically, England. Being a huge fan of Harry Potter, I'd want to visit all the places referenced in the books that are real life places, such as King's Cross station. I'd of course want to see all of the London landmarks like Millennium Bridge, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben.
Somewhere tropical: I know this isn't specific, but I know I definitely want to go to a tropical/beach location at some point in my lifetime. Any of the popular "B" locations would be good such as Barbados, the Bahamas, Bora Bora, or Bermuda. This would be ideal for my honeymoon after I get married.
Australia: Australia is awesome from what I have seen and heard. I think the danger of poisonous spiders/snakes is vastly overblown. The people there seem really nice. I'd want to visit the Sydney Opera House of course. And if I could, I'd love to go on a tour of the Australian outback/wilderness.
Washington D.C.: It's not particularly high on my list of places I want to go, but D.C. is definitely a place I want to go some day. I want to experience our country's capital firsthand and see all our landmarks such as the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and of course the White House. My dad went there recently on an Honor Flight with my grandfather, a WWII veteran, and his recounts of what he saw made me want to go a lot more.
Mount Rushmore: I have always been fascinated by this landmark and would love to see it in person. It might not be worth it to fly there just for Mount Rushmore, so it might have to be part of a road trip where I see Yellowstone National Park as well.
Wherever the Super Bowl is held: On my bucket list is attending a Super Bowl. I just want to experience the festivities, the game of course, and the halftime show all in person. Only a small fraction of Americans can say they have been to a Super Bowl and I would love to say that I am one of them. I'd first and foremost want to go to a Super Bowl the Seahawks are in, but if not that then one on the west coast, such as Los Angeles or Arizona.
Italy: I'd love to visit Italy if possible some day, and more specifically: Rome. The Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. And I would love to experience authentic Italian cuisine.
I have traveled about the average amount for someone my age I think, but I want to travel more. So far, notable places I have traveled include: Hawaii, Las Vegas, and California (Bay area, Sacramento, Los Angeles). But I definitely want to travel to more places. The following are places I definitely would like to travel to at some point in my lifetime. Doesn't have to be soon; could be when I'm old and gray.
New York: I've wanted to travel to New York as long as I can remember. So many of my favorite TV shows and movies have been set there. And of course, I want to see all the landmarks. Maybe see a Yankees game. Just to experience the bustle of the city and see the One World Trade Center as well. Not to mention see The Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Times Square.
Florida: I've heard about the humidity there and I want to experience it, if only for a little bit. I also would love to go to both Disneyworld and Universal Studios Orlando. And go to Miami and the beach there. I know most of it was shot in California, but I'd also want to go to Florida because of the hit showtime series "Dexter", which is one of my favorite TV shows ever.
Germany: The foreign country I'd probably most want to visit is Deutschland, AKA Germany. I took three years of German in High School, plus a semester in College. I know a basic amount of German (although some has leaked out since then, I'd have to brush up some more), and I think I could get by if need be. A lot of Germans know English as well, which would help. I'd love to see where the Berlin wall was, among other things. Another big reason I'd want to go to Germany is because most of my family's ancestors came to the United States from Germany. I'm roughly 70% German.
England: I'd just love to visit the United Kingdom, and more specifically, England. Being a huge fan of Harry Potter, I'd want to visit all the places referenced in the books that are real life places, such as King's Cross station. I'd of course want to see all of the London landmarks like Millennium Bridge, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben.
Somewhere tropical: I know this isn't specific, but I know I definitely want to go to a tropical/beach location at some point in my lifetime. Any of the popular "B" locations would be good such as Barbados, the Bahamas, Bora Bora, or Bermuda. This would be ideal for my honeymoon after I get married.
Australia: Australia is awesome from what I have seen and heard. I think the danger of poisonous spiders/snakes is vastly overblown. The people there seem really nice. I'd want to visit the Sydney Opera House of course. And if I could, I'd love to go on a tour of the Australian outback/wilderness.
Washington D.C.: It's not particularly high on my list of places I want to go, but D.C. is definitely a place I want to go some day. I want to experience our country's capital firsthand and see all our landmarks such as the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and of course the White House. My dad went there recently on an Honor Flight with my grandfather, a WWII veteran, and his recounts of what he saw made me want to go a lot more.
Mount Rushmore: I have always been fascinated by this landmark and would love to see it in person. It might not be worth it to fly there just for Mount Rushmore, so it might have to be part of a road trip where I see Yellowstone National Park as well.
Wherever the Super Bowl is held: On my bucket list is attending a Super Bowl. I just want to experience the festivities, the game of course, and the halftime show all in person. Only a small fraction of Americans can say they have been to a Super Bowl and I would love to say that I am one of them. I'd first and foremost want to go to a Super Bowl the Seahawks are in, but if not that then one on the west coast, such as Los Angeles or Arizona.
Italy: I'd love to visit Italy if possible some day, and more specifically: Rome. The Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. And I would love to experience authentic Italian cuisine.
In flight experiences
As I mentioned earlier, I have flown many times, mostly to see my (then) long-distance girlfriend. We flew to see each other every 2-3 months (usually for holidays and birthdays). Also as I mentioned earlier, I usually flew Southwest Airlines. They almost always had the cheapest rate to get me from Seattle to either Sacramento (usually) or Oakland. Sometimes I'd get a round trip flight for between $150-$175!
I usually flew on a Boeing 737, I believe, so on the smaller end of commercial passenger aircraft. Just one aisle and six seats in each row, three on either side of the aisle. I would always prefer to get a window seat, but aisle seats were all right with me too, since you get out of those sooner and don't have to bother anyone if you need to use the restroom. Oddly enough, I almost always chose to sit on the left side of the plane for some reason. I just felt most comfortable there.
The worst thing about the way Southwest boards is being a late boarder and having to sit in a middle seat because all of the aisle and window seats are taken. Fortunately, that only happened to me once or twice. Pretty quickly I learned that with Southwest, they board you on the plane in the order you checked in to your flight (but business class first of course). I usually did a pretty good job about checking in as soon as I could, which was 24 hours before my flight time. I would time it to the very second and minute, and sometimes even then I wouldn't get that good of a boarding number.
On the planes themselves, I did a lot of different things to pass the time. I sometimes brought a book or magazine to read. I would use my phone (in airplane mode of course) and play an offline game. I sometimes would bring a crossword or word search to do. I would also enjoy perusing the magazines/catalogs in the seat front pocket. Of course my favorite was the SkyMall, but I also enjoyed the magazines that showed what restaurants/doctors were rated best in different cities. I even would read through the safety information and inspect the barf bags. If nothing was entertaining me, I would just rest my eyes or stare out the window if I had a window seat.
These flights to California would last only about 2 hours each time, if that. No meals would be served, but they would give us a drink and a snack; the snack being either peanuts or pretzels (they eventually would stop handing out peanuts altogether because of allergy concerns). I always liked to get something different for a drink, but my favorites were Coke Zero (for afternoon flights) and orange juice (for morning flights). I even once got sent a voucher in the mail for a free serving of liquor on a Southwest flight, and I used that on a Jack and Coke.
I have used the lavatories on planes before, but one time me and a group of friends flew to Las Vegas. On that flight, I had the urge to urinate a little over halfway through the flight. I wasn't familiar with this flight so I wasn't sure how soon we were going to get there, so I made the mistake of trying to hold it. I was also worried I would be in the bathroom when the captain turned on the "fasten seat belt" sign and didn't want a flight attendant to lecture me for being out of my seat at that time. I also thought I could perhaps hold it until we landed. I certainly underestimated the amount of time it takes to get to your destination and land and get off the plane. After the captain turned on the fasten seat belt sign I knew I had made a mistake, and by the time we were close to landing I felt like I might give myself a UTI because I was in so much discomfort and even pain. I vowed to myself never to make the same mistake again.
The longest flights I have ever taken were a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu and a flight from Kona back to Los Angeles. Both were a bit over five hours. Again, no meals were really served, but drinks and snacks were. I guess you generally only get meals on international flights, then. But I remember from both of those flights that I had to stretch my legs a couple times so they wouldn't get too stiff.
To be honest, nothing that interesting has happened on one of my flights. I've dealt with flight delays, of course. I believe one time flying back home in December, our plane arrived to a snow-covered tarmac. That was fun to see the entire airport just covered in a blanket of snow. I have only experienced mild turbulence. I once had a flight attendant that was very funny while reading out the safety instructions, making jokes like how the life preservers are "very stylish". Made me wish I had recorded him and uploaded it to YouTube to get the views because he was quite entertaining.
Since I started flying (around when I was 20), right now is the longest I have gone without flying. I don't think I've flown for 2 or 3 years now. I have mainly been trying to save up money because unfortunately, traveling isn't cheap. I want to fly again when I can, and hopefully go somewhere I haven't been before, such as the east coast or even midwest. The furthest east I have ever been is that flight I took to Las Vegas. Furthest west would be Hawaii, and furthest south would be Los Angeles.
All in all I really enjoy flying, especially the part in being on the plane. The worst part is the waiting. The waiting to get through security. The waiting to board. The waiting to land. The waiting to get off. But it's so much quicker and easier than driving. Here's hoping I get some more flight experiences to share with the world.
I usually flew on a Boeing 737, I believe, so on the smaller end of commercial passenger aircraft. Just one aisle and six seats in each row, three on either side of the aisle. I would always prefer to get a window seat, but aisle seats were all right with me too, since you get out of those sooner and don't have to bother anyone if you need to use the restroom. Oddly enough, I almost always chose to sit on the left side of the plane for some reason. I just felt most comfortable there.
The worst thing about the way Southwest boards is being a late boarder and having to sit in a middle seat because all of the aisle and window seats are taken. Fortunately, that only happened to me once or twice. Pretty quickly I learned that with Southwest, they board you on the plane in the order you checked in to your flight (but business class first of course). I usually did a pretty good job about checking in as soon as I could, which was 24 hours before my flight time. I would time it to the very second and minute, and sometimes even then I wouldn't get that good of a boarding number.
On the planes themselves, I did a lot of different things to pass the time. I sometimes brought a book or magazine to read. I would use my phone (in airplane mode of course) and play an offline game. I sometimes would bring a crossword or word search to do. I would also enjoy perusing the magazines/catalogs in the seat front pocket. Of course my favorite was the SkyMall, but I also enjoyed the magazines that showed what restaurants/doctors were rated best in different cities. I even would read through the safety information and inspect the barf bags. If nothing was entertaining me, I would just rest my eyes or stare out the window if I had a window seat.
These flights to California would last only about 2 hours each time, if that. No meals would be served, but they would give us a drink and a snack; the snack being either peanuts or pretzels (they eventually would stop handing out peanuts altogether because of allergy concerns). I always liked to get something different for a drink, but my favorites were Coke Zero (for afternoon flights) and orange juice (for morning flights). I even once got sent a voucher in the mail for a free serving of liquor on a Southwest flight, and I used that on a Jack and Coke.
I have used the lavatories on planes before, but one time me and a group of friends flew to Las Vegas. On that flight, I had the urge to urinate a little over halfway through the flight. I wasn't familiar with this flight so I wasn't sure how soon we were going to get there, so I made the mistake of trying to hold it. I was also worried I would be in the bathroom when the captain turned on the "fasten seat belt" sign and didn't want a flight attendant to lecture me for being out of my seat at that time. I also thought I could perhaps hold it until we landed. I certainly underestimated the amount of time it takes to get to your destination and land and get off the plane. After the captain turned on the fasten seat belt sign I knew I had made a mistake, and by the time we were close to landing I felt like I might give myself a UTI because I was in so much discomfort and even pain. I vowed to myself never to make the same mistake again.
The longest flights I have ever taken were a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu and a flight from Kona back to Los Angeles. Both were a bit over five hours. Again, no meals were really served, but drinks and snacks were. I guess you generally only get meals on international flights, then. But I remember from both of those flights that I had to stretch my legs a couple times so they wouldn't get too stiff.
To be honest, nothing that interesting has happened on one of my flights. I've dealt with flight delays, of course. I believe one time flying back home in December, our plane arrived to a snow-covered tarmac. That was fun to see the entire airport just covered in a blanket of snow. I have only experienced mild turbulence. I once had a flight attendant that was very funny while reading out the safety instructions, making jokes like how the life preservers are "very stylish". Made me wish I had recorded him and uploaded it to YouTube to get the views because he was quite entertaining.
Since I started flying (around when I was 20), right now is the longest I have gone without flying. I don't think I've flown for 2 or 3 years now. I have mainly been trying to save up money because unfortunately, traveling isn't cheap. I want to fly again when I can, and hopefully go somewhere I haven't been before, such as the east coast or even midwest. The furthest east I have ever been is that flight I took to Las Vegas. Furthest west would be Hawaii, and furthest south would be Los Angeles.
All in all I really enjoy flying, especially the part in being on the plane. The worst part is the waiting. The waiting to get through security. The waiting to board. The waiting to land. The waiting to get off. But it's so much quicker and easier than driving. Here's hoping I get some more flight experiences to share with the world.
My ties to the Aviation Industry
Originally published October 4, 2019
Aviation has always fascinated me: It's humanity's fastest way of commercial travel. Anyone can get from one point on the planet to another within a day or so. If you're referring to the contiguous United States, you can go from anywhere in the U.S. to another spot in the U.S. in under six hours. Driving would take over eight times that. To me, it's stunning to think where our country and our world would be without the invention of air travel. People that have needed to get from one end of our country to the other can do so in a few hours, rather than over a day.
I have flown many times in my life, but not until I was 20 years old. I had a long distance relationship (with my current girlfriend), and I had to go to California to see her, and she had to come up here to Washington to see me. We would fly every couple months to see each other when we were long distance. Now that she's moved up here, we still on occasion fly down to California to see her family.
My most memorable flying experience would have to be flying to Hawaii with her. We flew down to Los Angeles, then to Honolulu, where we stayed for a few days, then to Kona on the big island, then back to L.A., then back home. These flights were the first time I had flown on an airline other than Southwest Airlines. We flew Hawaiian Air between the islands of course. I believe we flew Delta from between Hawaii and Los Angeles. The flight that was the worst was from Kona to Los Angeles, because it was so early in the morning and we were both running off very little sleep.
Not only do I have a bit of experience flying, my dad used to work for Boeing. I don't remember his job title or exactly what he did, but he worked on a computer and dealt with plane parts. He didn't work for them too long, but he picked up some knowledge there he still on occasion tries to share with me. Let's just say it's hard to retain.
My uncle, my dad's brother, currently works for Boeing and has for a long time. He is more on the manual labor sector. Again, I don't know his job title, but I know he transports a lot of plane parts.
Not to mention both my grandfathers flew planes in World War II. My paternal grandfather flew a B-17 in the navy and is still kicking at 93 years of age.
Aviation is, in a way, in my blood. It's kind of fitting I would work at an Aviation company. I don't know if I'll ever pursue a career in the aviation industry further, but I can say that I am fascinated by it. I have a lot to learn about it, however.
Aviation has always fascinated me: It's humanity's fastest way of commercial travel. Anyone can get from one point on the planet to another within a day or so. If you're referring to the contiguous United States, you can go from anywhere in the U.S. to another spot in the U.S. in under six hours. Driving would take over eight times that. To me, it's stunning to think where our country and our world would be without the invention of air travel. People that have needed to get from one end of our country to the other can do so in a few hours, rather than over a day.
I have flown many times in my life, but not until I was 20 years old. I had a long distance relationship (with my current girlfriend), and I had to go to California to see her, and she had to come up here to Washington to see me. We would fly every couple months to see each other when we were long distance. Now that she's moved up here, we still on occasion fly down to California to see her family.
My most memorable flying experience would have to be flying to Hawaii with her. We flew down to Los Angeles, then to Honolulu, where we stayed for a few days, then to Kona on the big island, then back to L.A., then back home. These flights were the first time I had flown on an airline other than Southwest Airlines. We flew Hawaiian Air between the islands of course. I believe we flew Delta from between Hawaii and Los Angeles. The flight that was the worst was from Kona to Los Angeles, because it was so early in the morning and we were both running off very little sleep.
Not only do I have a bit of experience flying, my dad used to work for Boeing. I don't remember his job title or exactly what he did, but he worked on a computer and dealt with plane parts. He didn't work for them too long, but he picked up some knowledge there he still on occasion tries to share with me. Let's just say it's hard to retain.
My uncle, my dad's brother, currently works for Boeing and has for a long time. He is more on the manual labor sector. Again, I don't know his job title, but I know he transports a lot of plane parts.
Not to mention both my grandfathers flew planes in World War II. My paternal grandfather flew a B-17 in the navy and is still kicking at 93 years of age.
Aviation is, in a way, in my blood. It's kind of fitting I would work at an Aviation company. I don't know if I'll ever pursue a career in the aviation industry further, but I can say that I am fascinated by it. I have a lot to learn about it, however.
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