Fort Lauderdale, FL

We've departed Detroit southbound, in search of Fort Lauderdale at 0700. As we approach Columbus, OH the sun pokes up over the eastern horizon, fog begins to form on the surface and lights appear, as humans below start to move about. A pilot can learn much about atmospheric conditions by paying attention to fog formations. I've purposely avoided using the PA this morning because most of the 184 people behind me are asleep. I'm sure that they're not interested in how high and fast we're traveling, nor of my weather theories, so I'll leave them alone, sip my coffee and enjoy the view.
We've left cruising altitude and descended via the FORTL FOUR ARRIVAL and will soon expect radar vectors for a visual approach to runway 27R. Even though it's a visual approach, we tune, identify and fly the approach much the same as we would an ILS. We use all available information to identify the appropriate runway. The scene before us combines desolation and incredible beauty, as we fly overhead the Everglades National Park. Encompassing nearly 1.5 million acres, this is the third largest national park in the contiguous U.S.
What do you think? Are we encroaching upon the Everglades? Every year I fly down here, much like in Phoenix, the housing developments just seem to continually expand. That's fine, we should be able to live where we want I suppose. But when residents complain and want something done about those "pesty" alligators on their front lawn I'm bemused. I liken it to those who purchase a home near a small, established airport and then complain about "airplane noise."
We're approaching Florida's east coast, just north of FLL on a right downwind to runway 27R. The developments are packed in as we look down upon the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, that meanders from Key West to Boston. We're number two for landing, so have slowed to 170 knots with flaps 15. Shortly, a few miles out over the Atlantic, we'll turn right base and final over the outer marker, extend the landing gear and remaining flaps, slow to Vref+5 and complete the landing checklist. Pretty routine just another safe, on time, airline arrival.
I've got a little time to kill before returning to DTW, so enjoy lunch, go over my paperwork, load the computer and then stand outside on the jetbridge and participate in one of my favorite hobbies. Airline photography. Have we stepped back in time? No, (although I wish I could) this is one of US Airways retro paint schemes, reflecting its merger with San Diego based PSA (Pacific Southwest Airlines) in 1987. This is an Airbus A-319.
Airbusses Galore! A USAirways A-321 lands on 27R, while a Spirit A-319, taxis on Bravo taxiway by the T1 intersection. Notice that the Spirit registration number ends in NK. The N is for Ned, but I can't remember Ned's last name!!! Many USAir and previous Allegheny aircraft had registrations that ended with VJ. Do you know its significance and the first aircraft to carry this suffix?
More Airbusses, jetBlue and Ted this time. I flew the A-319 and 320 for exactly a year before returning to the 757. A rather liked the airplane, its instrument layout, side-stick controller, and well laid out creature comforts. Many complained about its crosswind landing characteristics. But put in a little stick, a little rudder, land it on one wheel and fly the other one down. It worked fine and is a nice airplane, but for solidness and for a stable platform, I lean towards the 757.
A DAL 767 landing on 27R. Notice how his gear trucks cant forward. On the 757 they cant backwards, which to me has a better appearance. When the 767 lands, it looks like its stubbing its toe! They were designed at the same time; I'm curious as to the circumstances or restrictions that led Boeing engineers to chose different characteristics. These truck positions on both airplanes, are not by chance, but by design and included in the air/ground logic system. If the trucks aren't in the prescribed position after liftoff, the landing gear will not retract.
This 757 isn't landing at FLL... you can probably tell by the snow on the ground. But I included it here to demonstrate what I've been saying about gear truck positioning. Wouldn't you agree that the 757 looks better?
A couple of Boeings; SWA 737 landing and a DAL 767 holding short. Boeing announced today (1/4/07) that it enjoyed a banner year with 1,044 orders worth more than $114 billion dollars. This is the first time they've out sold Airbus since 2000, who, as of November of this year, has taken 635 orders. Their star once again, was the 737 with 729 ordered. I'm pleased for Boeing and its employees that they've found their stride, improved their product and have regained prominance in the marketplace. I just wish that they'd restart the 727 line! Do you know how many 727's were built? Hint: The number is the same as the year Horatio Alger Jr. was born. That should help!
An American 757 taxi's past as I shoot over my own wing and by ramp traffic. I think that this is a former TWA airplane.