EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & FOUNDER - SEATTLE, WA. David has written, consulted, and presented on multiple topics relating to airlines and travel since 2008. He has been quoted and written for a number of news organizations, including BBC, CNN, NBC News, Bloomberg, and others. He is passionate about sharing the complexities, the benefits, and the fun stuff of the airline business. Email me: david@airlinereporter.com
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I was super excited to be heading once again down to LAX to participate in Dorkfest and SpotLAX. Sure, a big chunk of the weekend was all about watching planes, but for me it was also about seeing old friends and making some new ones. I have to admit that I ended up missing more than one exciting aircraft because I was socializing, but that was not a bad thing (especially since we were mostly talking about airplanes anyhow).
With the combined events, there was a pretty tight schedule from about 4pm Friday until around 11am Sunday. But it was fun and it was not like you had to do all the things. One of my favorite aspects of the weekend is it’s open for anyone and everyone to experience. You do not need to be media, an influencer, or work for an airline. Sure, some things you need to sign up for, but it’s not a huge challenge if you are prepared.
My AvGeek adventure started on my flight down to LAX. I noticed that seat 18A on my Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-800 had no seat in front of it. I opted to change my assignment to check out that extra legroom (for science!). Being 6’1”, it was nice having unlimited legroom. One downside is my tray table was in the center armrest. That would have been a pain if there was someone sitting in the seat, but luckily, it was empty. Overall, the experience felt pretty VIP (for economy anyhow).
When Flexjet recently reached out asking if I would like to tour their first Gulfstream G500 (N200FX), how could I refuse? I tried to act cool, but of course I was giddy to have the opportunity to check out one of the most premium private jets on the market today (I guess the cool kids are calling them “PJs”).
Long ago, I had the opportunity to fly in the Very Light Jet Phenom 100 and also on the Executive Airliner Boeing Business Jet. Those were glorious experiences, but the aircraft are on opposite ends of the private jet spectrum. The G500 is considered a Heavy Jet and lies somewhere in between the two.
I met up with the Flexjet representatives at the FBO at King County International Airport (KBFI) and we walked out to the tarmac where N200FX awaited us. Of course there was no security, no lines, we just walked out to the plane when we were ready to go. I have to say that Flexjet has a beautiful livery and the fact that part of its paint design has “chameleon” paint that changes color depending on the sun’s angle, made it all that more special.
After spending some quality time with the outside of the G500, I was delighted to board and check out the interior firsthand!
What is Dorkfest, you might ask? It’s a fabulous event created by our friend Brett Snyder (aka Cranky Flier), where a bunch of AvGeeks get together at the In-N-Out by LAX to look at airplanes, eat some chow, win airport/airline giveaways, and be around a great group of people. Sound interesting? Here are the deets:
What: Dorkfest
When: Saturday, September 19th 11am to 1pm
Where: Airport Landing View Point, right across from the In-N-Out
Cost: Free
There is no registration required for the main shindig, but if you want to be in the raffle to win awesome aviation-themed prizes or take a possible ramp tour of LAX, you will need to pre-register for those. To learn more about Dorkfest or sign up for the extras (as of publishing, the RSVPs are not yet open), then head to the main Dorkfest page.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) recently unveiled a $399 million, 145,000-square-foot expansion of the C Concourse and I had the opportunity to explore the space. I think passengers will be impressed and there is one new addition that AvGeeks will love!
Over the years, I have covered quite a few inaugural flights into Seattle. They are always a hoot, but often there aren’t many surprises. Well, when Cathay Pacific Airlines did an inaugural flight to Seattle (SEA) from Hong Kong (HKG) on March 30, they did things a bit differently, and in a grand way. Not only did I get to experience the normal excitement of being on the ramp to greet the aircraft, but there was also a fun surprise at the gate; plus the airline held a grand gala event later in the evening. The day started when I awoke and opened FlightRadar24 to see which aircraft was en route. As expected, it was an Airbus A350-900, and it had registration B-LRJ. Then I noticed the photo: it was the retro livery. Booya!
I quickly got some AvGeek goose bumps (yes, that is a thing). The airline calls it the “lettuce sandwich” retro livery and it has a special place in my AvGeek heart. Long before the internet was a thing, I remember looking at L1011s in that very livery in one of my airline books. It was one of my favorites. I never got the chance to see it in person, so here was my opportunity. And, it was extra special because this was also the first time that this retro livery would be flying to the U.S.
