Tag: https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-flight

Countries, Flying, UK

Concorde by a nose in Scotland

funtime65

And because you can still board the greatest plane ever built without shelling out a fortune, we mark 50 years since its inaugural flight and how it’s always been Concorde by a nose in Scotland.

Because, here on our doorstep at the National Museum of Flight in East Fortune in East Lothian, east of Edinburgh, Concorde still holds pride of place in its own hangar.

Which you can board, and enjoy, for just £14.50 of your Earth money.

And see how the other half lived, and flew, back then.

It wasn’t inevitable, of course, that Scotland would house a Concorde, in this case Golf-Bravo Oscar Alpha Alpha, the first of her kind to go into service with British Airways.

Since her maiden flight in January 1976, she has flown 22,768 hours and 56 minutes, landing 8,064 times and going through 6,842 supersonic cycles.

Concorde’s most dramatic journey

Circle of life: Your co-pilots

In almost 25 years of service, she traversed the globe, touching down in New York, Paris, Bahrain, Miami, Calcutta, Auckland and Barbados.

Its most dramatic journey perhaps though was one where it never got off the ground.

When G-BOAA took to the water instead.

On an unforgettable week-long journey from Heathrow to a bunch of fields east of Edinburgh.

Aisle be looking after you: In-flight entertainment

Concorde was loaded onto a specialist barge, the Terra Marique, at the Thames port of Isleworth.

And sailed up the Thames and north,.

Before being rolled ashore at the British Energy jetty at Torness, East Lothian.

The pipes are calling

Pot of gold: In East Fortune

She was then guided by members of 39 Engineer Regiment’s 53 Field Squadron (Air Support), with a helicopter hovering overhead.

Before, in true traditional Scottish style, was greeted by two pipers on arrival.

Which is a little bit extra.

And not what you’d get at any of the four Concorde sites in England.

Worth the journey then.

 

 

 

 

Countries, Deals, Flying

The Mile High Club

funtime65

In 30 years with my own jet-setter I’ve only ever been to bed with one person on a flight, and it didn’t qualify for the Mile High Club.

Now neither bald boy Brian nor I, a beardie bandanaman, would have ever have chosen each other as priority sleeping partners.

Flying high: Onur, Bandanaman and Brian

But lying next to each other on the fold down beds in Turkish Business class was, of course, a treat.

And with a full belly and a woozy head from the flowing fizz we had the sweetest dreams.

And landed refreshed and ready for the Maldives but that’s another story.

EasyJet loving

Signalling: Flirty flighing

All of which daydream recollections came flooding back when learning of the overamorous pair.

Who were chucked off an EasyJet flight to the Balearics.

A case of woah, we’re going to Ibiza, all right.

Now the Mile High Club came to be known over the years as the ultimate expression of cocking a snook at authority.

 

And who can forget the tale of Michael Hutchence supposedly making sweet music with Kylie Minogue on his knee?

Underneath a well-placed coat.

These days, of course, cabin crew would certainly pull up such behaviour on the grounds that the seat belt light was on.

Loo love ya, baby

Cabin fever: High jinks at the National Museum of Flight

The alternative, of course, the rest room would require the dexterity of Harry Houdini.

Yesterday’s airplane loos must have been more spacious affairs.

While passengers would also have been able to enjoy that post-coital cigarette too as smoking was allowed too.

And even encouraged as you can see if you are fortunate enough to board a Concorde as we are at the National Museum of Flight, near North Berwick.

And see the dainty ashtrays provided for the great and good who went supersonic.

One can only imagine which of the famous celebs enrolled in the Mile High Club when they went transatlantic on that bird.

Suite loving with Etihad

Glass act: Etihad living

Today it requires a little more imagination and a lot more money to get into the Mile High Club.

By either flying on your own private jet or booking a private suite.

Now we’ll leave you to do the heavy lifting here.

But we’re told that they can range from $7,000 to $12,000 for a one-way trip and can even reach up to $23,000 depending on the amenities.

Loving in Residence: Elite air travel

And it’s probably no coincidence that it’s pitched at the dollar market.

We’re told too that Etihad’s Residence, a three-room suite, can cost around $32,000 for a trip from Abu Dhabi to New York.

Perhaps outwith our loved-up couple’s budget who’ll likely face a hefty fine and ban for their few minutes of fun.