I remeber many fond memories flying with USAir as a child to Florida and a few other places from LaGuardia airport and I think I fell in love with US almost immediately. I always thought the blue tail with red stripes was the most attractive scheme at LGA. I remember one particular round trip for some reason that stuck with me and locked me in as a US fan for life. It was late 1992 LGA-TPA-LGA to go to the house down there as well as to Disney and Bush Gardens. The terminal was BRAND NEW at that time.
I remember that every gate from 17 across to 6 had a visible tail on it and every one of them was mainline metal. I remember the professionalism of the people. The best airline employees that I could remember even to this day as far as being kind and professional. I also remember that when we boarded the flight and I got to my window I was a little upset that I could not see the "guns" (I thought every thing on the wing of a plane was a gun or other combat device thanks to Top Gun as a kid) because as we all know the MD-80 is a tail mounted plane. I remember the smell onboard and that I enjoyed it for some reason. I am not sure if it was recirculated air or new panels etc etc but I still have not smelled that smell in many years on a plane with any airline.
I remember an amazing chicken salad I had during the flight and I have been trying to get ahold of one that tasted just as good for a long time. (Ask Ron about me and the salad bar)
I recall the professioanlism of the crew, and how sharp they looked in their uniforms. I love the old red/blue combo.
I recall thinking that I wanted to be a USAir Shuttle 727 captain one day and than fly the MD-80 as well for US. Than I can remember that one the return I got to go to the flight deck of an almost new 737 and suddenly I wanted to fly the USAir plane with the "guns" on the wings instead. That changed again when we landed in NY and the shuttle 727's came into sight again though.
I think that US probably has the most profound impact on me as a kid in terms of one particular carrier making me love aviation. It is funny because the exact individuals that unknowingly inspired me as a child are people I get to share a cup of coffee with or buy lunch for on a daily basis and most do not even know that I would not be where I am at current (and still advanceing) had it not been for some of their impressions. I can even recall a few faces of the people but I think it might be a tad weird if I walked up to them and said "I know you but I do not think you know me. I am here thanks in part to you." Not to mention that they would then certianly begin to feel as old as they are. :lol:
What airline or experince sticks out for you in your head as an inspiration that led you toward your passion for the airlines? What carrier or group of people gave you your fondest experince as a child when flying?
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