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  John Slemp 4:49 am on March 16, 2011 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: recombobulation area   

  TSA Has a Sense of Humor…? 

  

  

  The "Recombobulation Area" at the security checkpoint at Mitchell Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. ©2010 John Slemp/Aerographs™

  With the tough job that the Transportation Security Administration has on their hands, and their (mostly deserved) reputation, imagine my surprise recently at the Milwaukee Airport just after going through security.  As I was putting my shoes back on, rethreading my belt, and stuffing the change back in my pockets, I happened to look up at a sign near the security area exit.

  Knowing that many folks dread going through the security routine at any time, it was with a bit of satisfaction and yes, amusement, that I noticed the sign above it all…”Recombobulation Area”.

  I suppose this is because everyone had just become “Discombobulated” while going through the mill, so it only seemed appropriate that there be a “Recombobulation Area”.

  Of course, I asked for and received permission to photograph the sign.  Although not a State Secret, it never hurts to ask these days.

  It took me a few minutes to quit laughing…and I think the TSA folks actually enjoyed watching our reaction too.

  Who knew that the TSA has a sense of humor?

  
   

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  John Slemp 9:47 am on March 15, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

  US Airways…Strong Arm Bandits 

  

  

  ©2011 John Slemp/Aerographs™

  A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to fly a US Airways jet to Reno, Nevada for a conference.  Usually I’m a customer of AirTran or Delta, as I live in Atlanta, so this was a new carrier for me.  Since the media regularly broadcasts the latest shenanigans of the various airline “brain trusts”, I was aware of the baggage surcharges that probably awaited me.  And since I was going to the conference to shoot, I had a bit of photo gear in my bag, which put it over the 50 pound limit.

  Imagine my disappointment when I was told at the ticket counter that unless I could get my bag to the 50lb. limit, there would be an additional $50 charge, on top of the $25 “first bag” charge.  It was suggested that if I could remove some items to get the weight at or below the 50lb. limit, and carry them on the plane, then there would be no $50 charge.

  Being the student of logic that I am, I had to ask the question.  ”So let me get this straight…if I carry on the excess weight, there is no additional charge?”  ”That’s correct sir,” was the reply.  The twisted logic of their policy suddenly became crystal clear.  I asked “so what you are telling me is that this is a “penalty shot”?”  The response was a muted agreement…

  This routine was repeated on my return trip.  Since I carry about 35 pounds in my camera bag (camera, lenses, laptop, etc. it all adds up!), carrying more weight wasn’t really an option.

  Being the business owner that I am, it really galls me when a “gotcha” is perpetrated, under the guise of “Policy”.  Why this doesn’t count as a monopolistic practice, I’ll never know.  If there was an alternative to paying the 50 bucks, such as a way to remove the excess weight, and send it via FedEx/UPS or US Mail, then it wouldn’t be so aggravating.  But when you are standing at the ticket counter, with the clock ticking, and no real alternative, you whip out the plastic and get it over with. A smiling bandit is still a bandit. Obviously, it didn’t leave me with “warm fuzzies” towards US Airways.

  So what alternatives does one have ?  Well, I could’ve gone through the bag, pulled out 10 pounds of stuff, and carried that on the plane.  That wasn’t a real good alternative.  The other alternative was to write about it here, and to let you, and US Airways know (if they care) that I’d rather walk next time, than ride on their airline.

  Even though I thought their employees, pilots, and planes did a fine job, their business policies stink.  All other things being equal, I’ll choose another airline next time.   When confronted with a policy that just isn’t right, I”ll do what many do…that being to vote with my feet…and not be back.

  
   
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  John Slemp 1:54 pm on April 13, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: airport behind the scenes   

  Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport…Behind the Scenes 

  

  

  Handlers load an Air France Boeing 777 on the ramp at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. © 2010 John Slemp

  Most of the time when we visit airports, we see the usual facade of the operation…check-in, security, our assigned gate, the gift shops, baggage claim, etc. Rarely do we think about, much less get to see the other aspects of a large airfield operation…in this instance the busiest airport in the world! In a behind-the-scenes tour recently, I had the opportunity to visit Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, with the local Women in Aviation chapter.

  We didn’t get to see all of the normally unseen areas, but we saw plenty. A visit to one of the five fire stations on site was most interesting, as well as a briefing by one of the Atlanta Police Department’s Bomb Squad techs. We also met one of the dog handlers, with his $55,000 explosive sniffing dog. A little rise known as “Radar Hill” was a great viewpoint to overlook two of the active runways, and we then visited the “ramp tower”.

  This was followed by a quick overview to the cargo operations area. There was a funky BMW suv, and a Peugeot racing car among other “high dollar” items awaiting air transport to Europe, and an MRI machine destined for Africa. The question was asked of our guide (who works at the airport) about plans to increase cargo traffic at the airfield. The current airport manager (who is leaving soon…) is not in favor of it, but the new city mayor is, as it will increase revenues for the city coffers. It will be interesting to see what transpires in the future. We were told the airport can handle much more cargo traffic. However, there are no plans currently to accommodate the enormous Airbus A380, mainly because of the expense involved in upgrading jetways, ramps, taxiways, and other aspects of the facility needed to make it ready to receive such a large aircraft.

  It was also quite interesting to hear of the considerations that go into gate assignments. They are determined by the type of aircraft involved, the airline, the traffic at that time of day, and whether the gate can handle the aircraft physically. Also, since Atlanta is in the south, de-icing capabilities are very limited…which really plays havoc when it actually does get cold and nasty here, and leads to monumental congestion on the ramp. But apparently de-icing equipment is very expensive, and there’s always the cost/benefit equation to consider.

  Lastly we got a close-up look at one of the taxiways. All in all, it was a very educational way to spend the afternoon. If you ever get the chance to see your airport behind the scenes, I would highly recommend it!

  

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  John Slemp 10:44 pm on November 5, 2008 Permalink | Reply  

  The Mail Bag… 

  

  One of the “cool” things about my job as a commercial photographer (and it’s definitely work, believe me…) is the sheer variety of subjects that come before my lens. Just last week I had the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Grant Wainscott, the Executive Director and Chief Curator of the newly created National Museum of Commercial Aviation, located just south of Atlanta. It’s mission is to preserve the rich history of commercial aviation, with a primary focus on Eastern and Delta Airlines.
  

  

  A cotton bag used to carry letters at the dawn of Air Mail delivery in the United States. Courtesy of the National Museum of Commercial Aviation. ©2008 John Slemp

  
  As we discussed how to record/archive the more than 28,000 artifacts they’ve already had donated to the museum, he suddenly asked if I had my camera with me. I said “yes”, and he said “would you do me a favor?”. It turns out that he has several “flat files” that are used to store maps, pictures, posters, etc. and opening one drawer in particular, he pulled out (wearing archival gloves of course!) a rather non descript, rough cotton bag, with frayed edges.
  Having no idea what it was, or what the faded orange letters on the side of the bag meant, he went on to explain that it was one of the earliest known examples of a real honest-to-goodness airmail bag. One used in the early days, the days around the time that Charles Lindbergh first flew across the Atlantic in 1927, before there were paved runways, before there were reliable weather forecasts, before closed cockpits.

  He had been trying to get it accurately dated for some time, but did not have a photo with enough resolution that would allow the folks at the Smithsonian to have a reasonable look at it. Well, we fixed that in short order, and he was delighted, as was I. He also mentioned that it is probably one of the most historically significant artifacts the museum has to date, and that the fellow who donated it had at one time used it for a pillow case. The hole just above the “N” is from a careless cigarette burn…

  In any event, I believe the process to accurately date the bag is now underway.
  Oh, and the letters? The “BNF” is for Braniff Airways, and the “MSY” is the old airport designation for New Orleans.

  Now you know…

  
   
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  John Slemp 10:43 pm on October 15, 2008 Permalink | Reply  

  Oshkosh…and What It Means 

  

  

  The Boeing Dreamlifter sits center stage at the 2008 Airventure, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. ©2008 John Slemp

  For those in the know, just the mention of “Oshkosh” brings an instant glimmer of recognition. It is simply the “Mecca” of aviation, at least in the United States. The largest General Aviation (GA) show in the country, it is said that at any one time, 10% of the GA fleet in the USA is at Oshkosh during the week of the fly-in. It is a fly-in, a trade show, an airshow, but it is also much more.

  I didn’t fully realize this until I went for the first time this year. Not only are there several thousand (yes, thousand!) GA planes in the area, but the scope and variety of aircraft covered is just about limitless. Everything from pontoon equipped sea planes to single-seat paragliders, to all manner of current and past military aircraft, from the very small to the gargantuan. The Boeing Dreamlifter is the largest aircraft in the world, by volume, and is just overwhelming in a visual sense. Who knew you could cut the fuselage in several different places, and then add to it? The folks at Boeing obviously did, and by creating this aircraft have also created a market for it’s use. Smart thinking…

  Although the aircraft on the grounds are of all shapes, sizes, vintages, and are meant for different missions, the variety of people is equally fascinating. Many have attended every year, for many years, and wouldn’t be anywhere else this time of year. There are even a fair number of volunteers that come a week early, just to get ready, and stay throughout the show. I”ve been around passionate people before, but I’d have to say that airplane people rank right up there with artists, musicians, actors, and the like. They are just “nuts” about aviation, and everything associated with it.

  It might even be classified as an addiction, or a sickness…take your pick. But one thing is for certain, the passion is real, and they love sharing that passion. Did I mention that they are a bunch of genuinely nice people too? I haven’t met anyone in aviation that I haven’t liked, and they are ready to share their favorite tip, trick, advice or story at the drop of an aviation hat. It’s a well-mannered, generally well-educated group too, and leadership seems to run deep throughout. Find out who the aviator’s are in your community, and you’ll find the leaders too…

  I made about 1100 pictures this year over the course of the week, which is a “light” week for me, visually speaking. I’m already planning on what to shoot next year. If you get the chance, grab your camera and come along too…

  
   
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  John Slemp 10:40 pm on July 27, 2008 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: electra junior, lockheed 12, lockheed 12a, Lockheed 12A Electra, lockheed 12a electra junior   

  The Lockheed 12A Electra Junior 

  

  

  Lockheed 12A Electra Junior...at the gas pump. Fayetteville, Georgia. ©2008 John Slemp

  
  After one has walked on this earth for a few years, we accumulate a set of experiences and memories that we often draw on to put in context our new experiences. Many times those new experiences must be of a truly “memorable” nature to cause one to emit an audible gasp…or better yet to voice the only word that comes to mind…”Wow”. Such was the case last Thursday evening as I had my first glimpse of a true aviation icon, the Lockheed 12A. With lines that I’m sure make a lover of fine aircraft just drool, the smaller version of the Lockheed 10, which is famous as Amelia Earhart’s airplane, is no less striking.
  

  

  Joe Shepherd, a retired Northwest Airlines pilot, fuels his restored Lockheed 12A Electra Junior. ©2008 John Slemp

  
  As the owner, Joe Shepherd, pulled it over to the gas pump, he mentioned (and not without just a bit of consternation) that it is often confused for a Beech 18, even by those who should know better (air traffic controllers!). While the lines are similar, if one will look closely, the differences become readily apparent. I’m not gonna spoil it for you here by telling what those differences are…you’ll have to discover that for yourself!

  I will share that this aircraft has been lovingly restored to it’s former glory as an everyday working airplane. Joe said that there are some folks out there who pointedly believe that this airplane belongs in a museum. I was stunned, and asked him if he was serious. “Yes” was his reply. I mentioned that in my youth, I had owned a very nice sports car, and used to park it as far away from humanity as possible, and had just about shined the paint off. After a time my attitude changed, and it became an everyday car, something to be treasured for sure, but enjoyed nonetheless. I’m sure that Joe feels the same way about this beauty, and in fact, just the next day after our shoot, he flew it to California, in an effort to resurrect another Lockheed 12 from oblivion.

  There were only about 130 of these aircraft ever built, as World War II came along, and the focus shifted to producing military aircraft. Until I had done some homework, I was unaware that this aircraft was very much ahead of its time. An all-metal skin, and retractable landing gear were new developments in aircraft of the 1930’s. It was also faster than just about every fighter plane in the US military inventory, with a maximum speed of 225 mph. She had a crew of two, and could carry six passengers, with a total payload of about 2885 pounds. The prototype first flew in June, 1936, and Joe’s aircraft bears a data plate production date of 3 December, 1936.

  If you ever have the opportunity to see this aircraft up close, perhaps at Sun ‘n Fun or Oshkosh (where it has been an award winner by the way…), I’m sure that it will conjure up memories of how aviation used to be. It did for me…

  

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  John Slemp 10:51 pm on March 26, 2008 Permalink | Reply  

  Women In Aviation International – Atlanta 2009 

  

  

  Attendees walk the floor at the 2009 WAI Conference in Atlanta. ©2009 John Slemp

  Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend the Women in Aviation International (WAI) Conference, held here in Atlanta. To say it was an “eye-opening” experience would be an understatement. Not only was it a good chance to network for the attendees, but it was a celebration of everything positive in aviation. One thing that I noticed right off was the fact that probably a third of the attendees were military flyers. While this is no surprise to me, having been in the military in the 70’s and 80’s, the ratio to the overall number of attendees (about a third…) was a bit of a surprise. It is obvious that the military has come a long way in offering positions of leadership and responsibility to women, and it was also obvious that they have more than met these challenges.. Rarely have I seen a more intelligent, competent, and motivated group.

  It was a real treat to have a conversation with a young Captain (which I once was…) who flies the C-5 Galaxy, the largest cargo aircraft in the world. She flies from the US to the “middle east” in support of the US military mission on a regular basis, and talked about it as if it were “routine”. Another young woman (a lieutenant commander in the Navy) was a helicopter pilot that had twice deployed on an aircraft carrier. Her job was to provide security to the carrier, in the form of hunting for submarines, and to occasionally conduct search and rescue operations.

  

  NOAA Hurricane Hunter shoulder patch. ©2009 John Slemp

  Quite interesting also was the young woman (another Captain) who routinely flies into hurricanes (on purpose!) to gather weather information for the NOAA. Again, it was just “her job” to do so, and I’m sure these ladies don’t expect any great fanfare or accolades because of the fields they had chosen to enter.

  The fact that so many capable people, who happen to be women, are flying for our military services, is not overlooked by the civilian workforce either. Many of the major airlines (Delta, Northwest, Airtran, FedEx, UPS) were in recruiting mode, as they have apparently recognized the excellence and dedication these young people bring to their profession.

  All in all, I was quite impressed with the organization, and the members. And did I mention that I made a few images for them? They published a small newsletter during the conference, and I was happy to contribute. Aerographs had a small booth also, which offered our aviation-related wares, and the work was enthusiastically received. That was a good feeling too.

  

  Jessica Cox, pilot and motivational speaker. ©2009 John Slemp

  
  As a testament to the power the WAI now enjoys, several high visibility speakers made the trip to Atlanta, including the new AOPA President, Craig Fuller, who presented the rebuilt “glass” Archer to an attendee in the audience, Karoline Amodeo. Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue, himself an aviator, welcomed the group to Atlanta, despite having a wicked cold. And a young lady, Jessica Cox, literally “wowed” the group when she tied her shoes on stage. Why, you ask is that such a big deal? Jessica was born without arms, and has become a private pilot too. Such is the stuff heroes and role models are made of, just a bit of which was exhibited at the WAI 2009 Conference. If you have the chance, you should plan on being there next year in Orlando. Otherwise, you’ll miss a good opportunity to be inspired…

  Blue Skies!