Forty-Years Ago Today, Space Shuttle Enterprise Took Its First Voyage.

Shown here, on its very first trip, from Palmdale Site 1, to Edwards Air Force Base.

Photo courtesy Commander John Flores, Ret.

Twofer Tuesday: Shootin' Fire-Bombers Shootin' Approaches.

Shot location: MCC (Photos courtesy of Commander John Flores, Ret.)

Graphic Evidence Aviation Photographers Get Absolutely No Respect.

Shot location: ZRH (Photo courtesy of Bob Holland)

The Closest You Can Get To Landing On A Postage Stamp.

Shot location: SAB (Photo courtesy of Gert van Dulman)

Another Effect Of The "Southwest Effect."

Shot location: LGB (Photo courtesy of Randy Caldwell)

The Immortal Carole Lombard.

Shot location is believed to be the old Grand Central Air Terminal in Glendale, California.

While the original photographer seems to be lost to antiquity, this photo slipped under our door courtesy of the "Mad Archivist."

Twofer Tuesday: This One Was Just Too Funny To Pass Up.

Label this one under, "Things you could do before invention of the TSA," or "Ready in case of a water landing," or even "The family that Scuba's together stays together."

Shot location: MIA (Photo courtesy Florida Board of Tourism)

In Honor Of The New Commander-In-Chief.

Shot location: PSP (Photo courtesy of Dave Jackson)

And Now, We Bring You A Classic From 1959 - "Mooney Down."

Shot location: SMO (Photo courtesy of Lawman, Ret.)

Saturday Night "Special."

We bring you the finest in Real-World flight testing, as you can see from the throttle positions on this 737-800.

Shot location: Inflight over IAH (Photo courtesy of our Texas Technical Team)

Perspective: "You Know, That Drone Really Looks Like An Actual Police Helicopter."

Shot location: Near SMF (Photo courtesy of Commander John Flores, Ret.)

"Flying" Through Kansas.

Shot location: Kansas City, Missouri

Proof Those Lynden Cargo C-130's Really Get Around.

Shot location: THU (Photo courtesy Jurgen Bleache)

Twofer Tuesday: "Here It Comes, And There It Goes."

Shot location: SNA (Photos courtesy of Suzanne Dunnaway)

God-Speed Gene Cernan: March 14, 1934 - January 16, 2017.

Commander Apollo 17, last man to walk on the surface of the Moon.

We don't make 'em like you anymore, Gene.

Old Connie's Never Die. They Just Retire To Palm Springs.

Shot location: PSP (Photo courtesy Constance Miller)

Let's Get "High."

Shot location: LAX (Photo courtesy The Captain)

From The Archives: G-Men.

Shooting though the prop, we see N43RF (WP-3D) rolling out on RWY 26L, as we hold at TWY P aboard N2421V (C-140), destined for dinner at RIR.

Ah, those were fun days.

Shot location: ONT

Rotor Heads!

Shot location: SAN/NZY (Photos courtesy L. Bone)

Home Of The Goodyear Blimp.

Shot location: 64CL (Photo from Interstate 405 courtesy of The Toecutter)

"Objects In This Viewfinder Are Much Farther Than They Appear."

Shot location: SNA (Photos courtesy of Suzanne Dunnaway)

Threefer Tuesday: Snohomish - Just Try And Say It Without A Smile.

Shot location: S43 (Photos courtesy of Emerald Dreamer)

Oops!

Shot location: LHR (Photo courtesy Air Girl)

For All Of You Visual People Out There; This Gulfstream Butt's For You!

Sexy looking G-IV, N113AR, belonging to Baseball Star Alex Rodriguez.

Shot location: ONT

Timing Is Indeed Everything.

Shot location: Elizabeth, New Jersey

Aviation Art?

Shot location: MYJ (Photo courtesy Moondoggie)

A Whole Lotta' Stuff Goin' On In This Pic.

Shot location: LGB

"Chilling" Tales From Winters Past.

Shot location: THU (Photo courtesy of Klaus Willaims)

Twofer Tuesday: Chicks 'N Airplanes & It's Time For A Change Of Direction Around Here.

What can I confess, other than the whole screwed-up photos thing was a really fun shtick all these years. However, it alone has begun to get a little old around here.  See, Aviation is a really exciting, dynamic entity, and not only has much been told about it, both in photos and in words, it is time for a whole lot more to get told about it - Right here.

Yes, going forward, your Totally Jacked Up Aircraft Photos will still be graciously accepted, however, it is time to “Step it up a notch” and include news and commentary regarding the madness we all love so much (yes, Aviation is completely maddening).  And, no, it is not going to be the juvenile all-cut-‘n-paste stuff like other websites, this is going to be real-world experiences, and opinions, from the school of personal Aviation-Hard-Knocks – No bullshit. 

Whether you work in Aviation, or are just a sick fan, the passion we have for all things flying is indeed an experience that is wrought with thrilling, amazing Ups and painful, ugly Downs.

A lot of those Ups and Downs are going to get told here – Both painful and funny.

Let’s roll!

Photo locations: MLH & SAN (Photos courtesy Manfred Rossi & Kenny Spencer)

Trains "Flying" Across The Prairie.

Shot location: Crescent Bar, Washington

Stone-Cold Nostalgia.

Shot location: YYR (Photo courtesy Herald Hedd)

2017: Starting The New Year Off Right - Glamorous Women & Airplanes.

Shot location: LTN (Photo courtesy Aviation News Bureau)