Post by Deleted on Dec 6, 2020 19:35:51 GMT 1
Some random images out of the files, all taken during visits to Miami and Opa Locka during 1984.
American took over many of the routes from Eastern down to the Caribbean and South America. Personally, I much preferred Eastern, but the alternative was often an airline you didn't want to fly on. Is that my suitcase there? No, probably not. American didn't have a stellar record when it came to mishandling baggage.
Crew are on board, just a few last minute bags to come. "Say Joe, where are we flying to today?"
"Caracas."
"Uh, huh - isn't that somewhere near Venezuela?"
(I feel justified in posting that dig. Twice when I flew with AA the flight deck announcement either got the destination wrong(!) or put the destination in the wrong country!
"American 742, you're cleared to push. Hold clear of taxiway bravo to await clearance." (Note that this was pre hi-viz days!).
A couple from Opa Locka now:
N3395F, HU-16B still carries it's USAF serial and barely disguised markings as it sits unloved far from the terminal. I gather it later moved to Carson City, Nevada, where it appears to have been even less loved.
An anonymous DC-7F, probably used for carrying freight down to the Caribbean, with a hush-kitted 1-11 in the background.
Back to Miami now and a rare photo of a couple of Pacific East Air DC-8s in corrosion corner. Seems to have been something of a mystery operator...
A United 737-200 N9011U taxies onto stand past an Air Canada 727-200.
One Aero Peru DC-10 taxies past another at the eastern end of corrosion corner. In the background is the Holiday Inn, the preferred choice of those who wanted to hang out around there to see what would limp in on three engines.
"Any chance of a room overlooking the airfield?"
"Yes, sir - that will be an extra $15 per night." Well worth it, when you can sit with your duty-free gin and tonic in hand and watch a Dominican Republic registered B377 start up, taxi and take-off
No trip to Miami was ever complete without a visit to Watson Island to watch the comings and goings of Chalk's. Here are a few photos from inside the aircraft:
Over MacArthur Causeway for a gentle touchdown onto the main channel...ah the memories!
American took over many of the routes from Eastern down to the Caribbean and South America. Personally, I much preferred Eastern, but the alternative was often an airline you didn't want to fly on. Is that my suitcase there? No, probably not. American didn't have a stellar record when it came to mishandling baggage.
Crew are on board, just a few last minute bags to come. "Say Joe, where are we flying to today?"
"Caracas."
"Uh, huh - isn't that somewhere near Venezuela?"
(I feel justified in posting that dig. Twice when I flew with AA the flight deck announcement either got the destination wrong(!) or put the destination in the wrong country!
"American 742, you're cleared to push. Hold clear of taxiway bravo to await clearance." (Note that this was pre hi-viz days!).
A couple from Opa Locka now:
N3395F, HU-16B still carries it's USAF serial and barely disguised markings as it sits unloved far from the terminal. I gather it later moved to Carson City, Nevada, where it appears to have been even less loved.
An anonymous DC-7F, probably used for carrying freight down to the Caribbean, with a hush-kitted 1-11 in the background.
Back to Miami now and a rare photo of a couple of Pacific East Air DC-8s in corrosion corner. Seems to have been something of a mystery operator...
A United 737-200 N9011U taxies onto stand past an Air Canada 727-200.
One Aero Peru DC-10 taxies past another at the eastern end of corrosion corner. In the background is the Holiday Inn, the preferred choice of those who wanted to hang out around there to see what would limp in on three engines.
"Any chance of a room overlooking the airfield?"
"Yes, sir - that will be an extra $15 per night." Well worth it, when you can sit with your duty-free gin and tonic in hand and watch a Dominican Republic registered B377 start up, taxi and take-off
No trip to Miami was ever complete without a visit to Watson Island to watch the comings and goings of Chalk's. Here are a few photos from inside the aircraft:
Over MacArthur Causeway for a gentle touchdown onto the main channel...ah the memories!
