In the above photo, the TWA hanger is at top while the lower hanger belongs to American Airlines.
Don't know if anyone out there actually reads Airport Master Plans (AMP), or their little brother the Airport Layout Plan (ALP), however, we here at Totally Jacked Up Aircraft Photos actually do read the things. Not only are they interesting to peruse, but they are also chock full of information for the aviation buff. Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX) is no exception.
Buried deep in the LAX AMP are some very ambitious projects, not all of them sensible, nor even required. However, in this case, it seems the Los Angeles World Airport (LAWA) peeps are jonesing for a new Midfield Satellite Concourse, along with a proposed Taxilane Tango (T). Well, lo' and behold, the plans run smack dab through the old TWA hanger. To hell with history, "It's got to go," they say! Eventually, even its counterpart for many decades, the AA maintenance hanger, will be bulldozed, too. If you have the time (and coffee), the "Description of the Proposed Project" is well worth the read.
Thus, if any of youse have been to LAX as of late, you will have noticed a flurry of construction activity at the western-most end of the airfield (southwest corner), adjacent Pershing Drive. Well, that is the future home of the new Qantas Maintenance Center, expressly erectred to care for the airlines A380's on this side of the Pacific. It is slated for completion as soon as possible, being Qantas will be fined up to $50,000 USD for everyday they occupy the old hanger past December 31, 2015.
Built in 1958, we're going to miss the old hanger. There was a lot of aviation history there, and we bet if one listens very carefully, wafting on the cool, evening, ocean breeze, you can still hear the voice of Joe Patroni.
Top photo courtesy of CaptainVector, lower photo courtesy of Sam Chui
2 comments:
My dad's office was in front of the hangar. I can't count the times we got to go in and look at the planes in there. I remember the telex ladies and good things that happened in there. My dad was the regional director of communications and when my mom married him, the region was from Hong Kong to Kansas City, so lots of travel. Those were the days of nylons and skirts and heels to travel.
Bunny, thanks for sharing that story. We love to hear from people who have been embedded deep in aviation, and your father's story, plus your personal experience, is something we would really love to hear more of, and would be happy to write about if people wish to share.
"Those were the days of nylons and skirts and heels to travel."
100% agree with you regarding the attire of passengers back then. Today's traveling public seems to have no personal pride in their own appearance. Seeing a Lady dress like a Lady, and Gentlemen in shoes slacks, dress shirts, coats, and ties - Those were the days.
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