Lotus

And this is why pilots earn the big bucks. When the **** hits the (turbo)fan.

There hasn't been much to rave about in movies this year, but I'm watching this and it's riveting. Well-filmed footage, no CGI. Did you know the 8th Air Force lost more men than the Marines in WW2? Sad but true. The Deep Blue (2019) trailer https://youtu.be/Tmwm4VPW7RY

Interesting article on the topic of SAA pilots being "overpaid". Seems like the DPE narrative is designed to shift the blame for failure. Are SAA pilots really overpaid? (dailymaverick.co.za)

Nothing does https://youtube.com/embed/Bz4ji-00QV8 https://youtu.be/Bz4ji-00QV8

I guess this was the engine(s) that made the earth shake next to the runway at Heathrow. Best part of dropping off the rental car was doing it next to that departure runway, and seeing/hearing/feeling those 747s departing.

Be interesting to hear from everyone what the best (in your view!) engines are in different categories - jet, rocket, piston, automotive, motorcycle (no, they're not aviation-related but a great engine deserves mention, whatever the category) I'll start by nominating: Rolls Royce Merlin BMW N54 in the auto category. BMW N54 is a twin-turbocharged straight-six petrol engine that was produced from 2006 to 2016. It is BMW's first mass-produced turbocharged petrol engine and BMW's first turbocharged petrol engine since the limited-production BMW M106 was discontinued in 1986. The N54 debuted at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show and was launched in the 335i model of the E90/E91/E92/E93 3 Series range.

Great news - there's a new Draco in the works. This is going to be interesting. Time to Wake the Dragon. Rebuilding the Monster Bush Plane has begun | DRACO X #1 (youtube.com)

Kelly's dad?

Up there (literally) with the Wright brothers and other legends of aviation. Never really cared about the space program. When asked about the moon he said "It's there".

True. Some of the best ships in Nelson's fleet were French prize ships.

Good thing they didn't use that approach to Bikini Atoll later on.

Reminds me of Peter Sellers and The Party.

Saab? (Draken)

I'll bet some of them even have gym memberships.

That can't be right?

I enjoyed it. Kind of a Band of Brothers vibe.

I honestly can't recall. An old school friend (Rob Horn) was announced with the flight crew, so I sent a note to him. Right after dinner the air hostess told me that I was being invited to the flight deck. We chatted all night and the next morning as we passed over Angola I got up to return to my seat, but the crew said stay put. I was amazed how fast things happen once you get near Hartebeespoort. And when the wheels hit the runway the cockpit seems so high up still. Side note about aviators and fancy watches. I asked Rob why he was wearing a Swatch and not a fancy chronograph. Reply: If I can't get the right time from this flight instrumentation then we're in more trouble than a Rolex can solve.

I had the privilege of sitting in the cockpit of an SAA 747 all the way from from JFK to JNB in the mid-90s. Unforgettable experience, especially the final approach and landing.

And speaking of which (again!) - just started watching this: Enjoyed these guys in their earlier adventures, and this one has an interesting twist.

Very enjoyable, way better than the other Deon Meyer books were filmed. I had a panic attack when I got to the final episode and thought "no way, that's not the end!". But happily it wasn't - Sonarr messed up the episodes and I didn't get Ep 6. Got it this morning!

Especially with those "spliff windows".

I've been following this since he started a couple of years ago. The attention to detail and craftsmanship (shipbuilding) is inspiring. Also following these guys - another great build.

From one of Deon Meyer's great books.

@BenReaper - there will be very few here who don't envy you. Even the "surprise" adds to the experience.