From the Flight Deck: Flying Scotsman goes into blogging holding pattern

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Flying Scotsman goes into blogging holding pattern

Ian - The Flying Scotsman

Looks like Captain Ian ran into some moderate turbulence while cruising on his blog. Apparently a certain union took a disliking to some of his posts.

"Following the advice of management, and I use the word loosely, my blog because of its political content has had to be removed. For now, you are having to take the baton in blogging. I will email you and let you know the scoop.I believe they cant muzzle me completely - but you'll see the blog is almost gone!

I know Ian is regrouping and printing a new flight plan as I post. In fact, I took a quick peak and things are resurrecting quite nicely from the ashes. Ian loves aviation and it's clearly depicted by his well writeen posts.

Here's Ian's new address: http://www.ian-theflyingscotsman.blogspot.com

and watch his new blog get airborne.

13 comments:

mlesser said...: quick question - how do you two know each other? just curious? i know i will probably get a sarcastic response... i prob would give on if asked, but anyway just curious.; February 19, 2010 8:29 AM
Ian said...: The wonders of cyberspace.

I saw Doug's blog. He inspired me to set up my own. We share a passion for aviation and have Celtic blood.

As far as I know, we're not related.

:); February 19, 2010 2:52 PM
From the Flight Deck said...: mlesser. Last fall Captain Ian came upon my blog. I think he had intentions of starting a blog himself so he decided to give it a go. It took off! Ian and I have gone back and forth with comments on each other's blog. He is still a "virtual" pilot friend. Early this month Ian and I were going to rendezvous - he has relatives in Canada- but as you know he took sick.; February 19, 2010 2:55 PM
Ian said...: Doug,

thank you for the PR.

I learned my lesson - the union, yes, and some comments about a couple of incidents made the hairs stand up. Not sure why, the commentary was pretty benign and based on AAIB reporting.

So, we're currently on climbout on the SID, and hopefully the blog will be back at cruising height before long.

I do have a check-ride to talk about too remember...!

thanks a million, Ian; February 19, 2010 2:55 PM
From the Flight Deck said...: Ian. Just noticed you posted within three minutes of mine. Maybe we are related? :); February 19, 2010 2:56 PM
Ian said...: ...and bids for cyyz re-open next month as the blue, red and white B777s will be heading into Lester B. Pearson one more and the virtual will become "confirmed"...

I still have long-johns to pass on ;)

Ian

PS What does the "B" in Pearson stand for anyhow??; February 19, 2010 2:58 PM
From the Flight Deck said...: Ian. Not a problem regarding the P.R! Just heard the union in question lost their battle in court.

Funny, the only defamatory comment my blog received was from a flight attendant.

Yes, I see you are airborne on the SID.

Doug; February 19, 2010 3:07 PM
From the Flight Deck said...: Ian. "B" stood for Bowles. And speaking of SIDs, CYYZ did have a BOWLES SID. Interestingly enough, we now have a DOUGLAS THREE departure. When I see it on the flight plan, I jokingly say to my F/O, I see they named a SID after me. All I get is a grunt. :)

90% of our SIDs is the LESTER. The prime minister's first name. And yes there is a PEARSON SID as well.

Doug; February 19, 2010 3:17 PM
S.O. Lukas said...: Speaking of SIDs, rumor has it that they released a new one, the WINDY ONE? I've heard it has something to do with MAPs of 23, did AC update their Jepps yet? Any idea as to why the addition?; February 21, 2010 1:09 AM
From the Flight Deck said...: S.O Lukas. You're right on the money. I'm looking at the WINDY ONE departure (runway 23) in my Jepps charts. We are to climb runway heading to 1100' then turn right heading 245 and maintain 5000feet. Not sure why they implemented it but from the name of the SID and the heading I'm willing to guess it contends with a strong north-Northwest flow so the aircraft don't drift south. Anyone?; February 21, 2010 8:04 AM
stuart said...: Probably not the right place to ask this but I've ben reading both this ad the flying scotsman. I see Ian's blog has now gone invite only. any idea how I can request an invite, always a good insight onto airline ops and something i'm interested in as i spend so much time in the air (in the passenger seats sadly)
cheers; February 23, 2010 12:49 AM
From the Flight Deck said...: Stuart. You are the fourth person to ask. I too am "kicked" out. I sent Ian a personal email saying he has lots of fans out there trying to get in. Doug; February 23, 2010 3:17 AM
Christopher said...: Hi Captain Doug,
I too am sorry to hijack your blog but I also would like to be able to read Ian's excellent blog. (It's is almost as good as yours!)

I want to read how things go with the cabin service!; February 23, 2010 3:23 AM

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Feedback

Jan. 07/2010

I found your blog by accident, and I have to say it's the best aviation blog I've seen by far.
I noticed on the right hand side of your blog a link to a youtube video about Northwest 188, and thought you might like to see this descent parody if you haven't already. After reading yours and the FL250 blog about what it's like to work up in the cloudmines, and after one or two long flight sim sessions over the pond, (I sim the 320 and 330,) well it made me chuckle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0_9TIi76a4
All the best, and I hope to keep reading your excellent posts :)

Jan. 8/2010

Dear Capt. Morris, I have to start off like many others have: "I have stumbled on your blog by accident" after googling something along the lines of "plane talk" or "modern aviation stories". Thanks Google! I have been joyfully reading along for the past four months now and as a first year student enrolled in Seneca's flight program, more importantly (what I would like to consider) as a big aviation enthuthiast your blog reminds me why I must work so hard to get to my flying dream. (Trips to YYZ for spotting works just the same but can be inconvenient on time and gas, it can be a fair drive from Scarborough) From the not so great "perks"; Company airline passes. To the joys of the job; Check Ride!/Weekends in the "Box"...(I say this jokingly of course, sounds like they aren't that great after all). I can only get excited with the road that lies ahead. It also gives a little insight in the workload coming along with it!

Jan.10/2010

Hi there Doug: I'm an Emirates B777 skipper based in Dubai ....(entire comment found in post "Competent or Not.") Great blog Doug - enjoy reading it

Jan. 18/2010
Doug Best aviation blog I've ever seen. Especially enjoyed the latest entry from St. John's. Having been stationed in Newfoundland for several years, I'm very familiar with the challenges of weather on the Rock the Rock and flying! Small and large planes. Keep up the good work in the air and on the blog!

Jan.18/2010
Capt Doug. Many thanks for answering my enroute question on "the age of aircraft", published in this months enroute magazine. Also congratulations on getting through the check ; )I am another avid follower of yours and 'The Flying Scotsman's' blogs, always looking forward to the next postings. As well as the interesting technical info, they give us 'we wish we were pilots' an insight into the life of an airline pilot.

Feb. 01/2010
Just a quick note of appreciation and to compliment you on your book. I finished it already and found myself wanting it to continue! I have read alot of aviation books and websites but I found your approach really unique, and learned alot of new things. I especially enjoyed the meteorology aspect of the book. Just like in your blog, I find your writing makes me feel like I'm inside the flight deck with you - especially the take-off part you wrote about.