RA1

I have nearly been arrested and certainly threatened with expulsion from at least 3 different aviation museums largely because of the limitations you mention above. Once the AP's stopped me at Wright Pat because I was beyond the ordinary bounds of visitors. I was merely looking for the storage place of the LGM (Little Green Men) who everyone knows are housed or stored on this AFB. They politely but pointedly insisted that I return to where the other visitors were having fun. At this very same museum my friend and I were looking at the B-70 Valkyrie on display there. It is a big and tall aircraft. We could see the 6 tail pipes of the so called 6 pack of jet engines but we could see nothing of the cockpit or the intakes, etc. Therefore I went to a nearby wall and brought over a work stand that would elevate us 20 or more feet into the air. We had no intention of touching the aircraft, merely looking at the interior. That lasted about 2 minutes before someone came over, asked what we thought we were doing, suggested we return the work stand to its former location and report to a desk he pointed out. At that desk was a docent who produced a book about 1 foot thick and commented, what do you boys want to know about this aircraft. 1 hour later we said uncle. We were happy to learn about the aircraft but their point was made. The last time (that I remember or am willing to disclose) happened at Boeing Field in Seattle at the aviation museum there. They had an SR-71 (Blackbird) on display. I had seen one up close and touchable on the Intrepid in NYC so I was trying to point out some things to my friend about this aircraft. Unfortunately it was roped off and the only way to see what I had in mind was to go past the ropes and under the aircraft. We did this. The guards or officials took exception to our viewing. Come out from under there. As soon as they left, we went back under there. They were not amused. Next time you do this we will call the cops, etc. We said sorry and did not further ingress. Exhibits should be meant to enjoy with close observation. If they cannot withstand being touched, OK, but, still very close observation should be permitted or so I think. Best regards, RA1 Thanks for the above.

If OTHERS break your heart, then different OTHERS might fix it. Also cool. Best regards, RA1

I thought the words were self explanatory. Best regards, RA1

Wow. So much verbiage, so little information. Best regards, RA1

Probably FF flyers already know this but there is a free app called mobile passport on which one can fill out their passport information and join another, presumably quicker line at (currently) 13 US airports. Best regards, RA1

I did not realize that the Enterprise had closets. I was mildly surprised that it even had doors. Some sort of opaque energy screen seems more in order. Yes, I know the "automatic" doors were opened by stage hands because the producers could not figure out how to have them open automatically (something every grocery store does matter of factly). Best regards, RA1

OF COURSE. RA1

Sorry, but sounds very stereotypical to me. Best regards, RA1

How true. However, many would not try to do or be better without formal or informal religion. Alas, many also so not try to do or be better, regardless. Best regards, RA1

BO has not said this before and I know of no reason that he might now. I am very afraid that Hillary will carry on the same course should she be elected. Best regards, RA1

Suckie- I think it more likely that Oz will take head and then fix the problems. Best regards, RA1

Yes to all of the above. Many times I can read the posts but cannot or do not reply because of the numerous times it takes to log on. It took 5 tries to log on this time. Best regards, RA1

You got it but don't be so gruesome, please. Best regards, RA1

I don't believe that anyone who has made well over 10,000 posts can be discounted, at all. I, for one, enjoy your contributions. Should I bottle up any potential results and FEDEX them to you? Best regards, RA1

I would be more than pleased to join you on the veranda, with or without the mint julep but WITH your friend. Best regards, RA1

Here it is the 5th day of June, 2016 and already we seemed to have reached the doldrums of Summertime. As others have lamented and commented upon many times in the past, there seems to be a surcease of new material present, to include me. Well, I am not dead (yet) and hope to contribute more sooner rather than later. Perhaps others will do likewise. Local note. It is amazing to me that this late in the season that MEM has not yet reached 90 degrees even once. It MUST be global warming. However, the folks in the SW will not agree. They are having unusually hot temperatures for this time of year and of long duration. There seem to be several MIA's lately. I hope they are doing well and are just otherwise engaged with their lives and will return shortly. Just chatting. Best regards, RA1

With friends like that...................... Best regards, RA1

I agree these two mentioned examples do not indicate 100% participation, but, they did resist. I am suggesting a goal of 100% participation, although I realize the unlikelihood of achieving that goal. Still, goals and challenges are to be embraced if mankind is to advance. You should know by now I am no Pollyanna but I do ordinarily have high expectations for folks, especially if given the proper and correct leadership and inducement. Best regards, RA1

I suppose you have forgotten Todd Beamer who led the resistance on the UA flight. Never to be forgotten for his bravery and heroism during this trying time. Please reconsider. Best regards, RA1

Yes, the skies in the US are safer than those elsewhere but I attribute it more to luck than skill, at least as far as the "security apparatus" is concerned. I know for a fact that it is all too easy to get past the TSA. Why doesn't it happen? Because the folks who can easily do it have no interest in doing so. They are loyal US citizens who believe in protecting the US. I have thought for a long time the real cure for terrorists on airliners is passengers willing to take them on. With near 100% participation there would be little to no need for Air Marshalls or pilots behind locked doors with guns. But, that would mean folks taking responsibility for themselves, and to some extent, others. Not necessarily modern life. Best regards, RA1

Of course I don't feel safer. The TSA (thousands standing around) is all show and little go. However, I am not sure that I am willing to take as the absolute truth a blogger whose credentials are, "points, miles and business travel". His comments smack of things he read in a scandal sheet tabloid. Pilots are familiar with a saying about the FAA that goes, I am from the FAA and I am here to help you. Sometimes that is true but, unfortunately, the FAA has been tasked with not only promoting aviation but also enforcing any violation of the rules. Therefore, many feel that as soon as they "promote" safe operations among pilots, they turn around and violate them. It would be an easy comparison with the TSA, Air Marshalls, etc. Developed to make traveling safer but interfering because of human nature. One solution would be to privatize the screening of passengers which was done before the US government stepped in and created this bureaucracy. Best regards, RA1

I don't recognize that image but come back to me in about 12 years. Best regards, RA1

You may rest assured that I will not "elect" to shuffle off in mid flight. Even if I were about to involuntarily depart, no doubt the noise of screaming passengers would revive me. Thus far I have not lost a passenger during flight and my intention is to not start now. Once is too often. There are any number of folks that I would miss should they demise in an untimely fashion. AS and you being two. Best regards, RA1

Snow or blow? Best regards, RA1

Obviously you are a victim of the current political season. No one likes any of the current leading candidates and vice versa. So, there. Also, obviously, one cannot be in two or three or more places at the same time, so quit trying. Best regards, RA1