2014 Oklahoma Commercial Aviation Discussion

[Celebrator]

Since this is the aviation thread, I thought about a little airport I recently visited in Duluth. For a small operation, their airport was first rate. It is a great example of what I wish we'd accomplished here in OKC when we redid Will Rogers. Small, but very nicely done with good attention to detail and quality construction.

I think our airport is nicely done, has good attention to detail and was built with quality construction. And I travel a lot. Although I have not been to Duluth's airport, I have to say.

[catch22]

I would disagree heavily with attention to detail.

I have OCD (which means I REALLY pay attention to details) and our airport drives me insane.

[Celebrator]

I would disagree heavily with attention to detail.

I have OCD (which means I REALLY pay attention to details) and our airport drives me insane.

Like what? Can you give some examples of where OKC gets it wrong and examples of how other airports get it right. I mean, I pay attention to details, just go to any of the Disney parks and resorts and you'll be finding beautiful details everywhere you look. So I get what you are saying, but what is the expectation for an airport, something that seems fairly utilitarian to me...I don't expect details there, just get me in and out easily, have pleasant architecture and clean restrooms. In those areas, I think our airport is better than most.

[no1cub17]

Like what? Can you give some examples of where OKC gets it wrong and examples of how other airports get it right. I mean, I pay attention to details, just go to any of the Disney parks and resorts and you'll be finding beautiful details everywhere you look. So I get what you are saying, but what is the expectation for an airport, something that seems fairly utilitarian to me...I don't expect details there, just get me in and out easily, have pleasant architecture and clean restrooms. In those areas, I think our airport is better than most.

The gates/concourse area at WRWA isn't bad at all -quite airy, spacious, inviting too. I'm not a fan of the green/black signage, but that's more personal preference probably. However the parking garages/tunnel/elevators are disgusting IMO. The finish and decor there is more fitting for a factory or hospital basement, not the gateway to our fine city.

[venture]

The gates/concourse area at WRWA isn't bad at all -quite airy, spacious, inviting too. I'm not a fan of the green/black signage, but that's more personal preference probably. However the parking garages/tunnel/elevators are disgusting IMO. The finish and decor there is more fitting for a factory or hospital basement, not the gateway to our fine city.

I really don't understand why they don't fix up the tunnel and elevators. That is probably the worst part of the terminal right now.

[LakeEffect]

I really don't understand why they don't fix up the tunnel and elevators. That is probably the worst part of the terminal right now.

I think design is underway on a tunnel re-do...

[catch22]

I think design is underway on a tunnel re-do...

Yes I believe so. They will also be painting the exterior of the 5-story garages. Both are much needed.

[catch22]

Also, effective in the May schedule for United (6MAY-4JUN) united will run 2x daily mainline (including weekends) to IAH. In addition to the 8 regional jets per day. Equipment will be A319 (128 seats) at 0630 and 1515 departures. On Sundays the 0630 will be a 737-900 (167 seats).

June schedule not constructed yet, but I imagine this will continue into the summer.

[no1cub17]

Just curious if anyone knows what happened to F9 187 this evening? Got cancelled - saw the plane parked away from the gate with airstairs attached. Pax were all lined up at the podium, no agent in sight.

[catch22]

They pushed it into the grass between the ramp and the taxiway.

This is current...

[venture]

Ooops.

[catch22]

My company assisted Frontier but unable to recover. Will sit until a professional recovery team can get it out.

[catch22]

Poking through the United May schedule indicates EWR-OKC will be run with an E170 on Tuesdays. It will be a one way up gauge, but it is important to note that as more E170's come online, OKC-EWR may be a potential route served daily. A much needed and desired route to have a better airplane on than the 145s. Again, this is just a day of week up (Tuesday) gauge and not a daily up gauge.

[HangryHippo]

My company assisted Frontier but unable to recover. Will sit until a professional recovery team can get it out.

I know this is going to come off sounding completely ignorant and most likely stupid, but can they not just power up the engines enough to get the wheel back on the concrete?

[HangryHippo]

Poking through the United May schedule indicates EWR-OKC will be run with an E170 on Tuesdays. It will be a one way up gauge, but it is important to note that as more E170's come online, OKC-EWR may be a potential route served daily. A much needed and desired route to have a better airplane on than the 145s. Again, this is just a day of week up (Tuesday) gauge and not a daily up gauge.

That's very good news and hopefully a sign of things to come. That 145 is too cramped.

[catch22]

I know this is going to come off sounding completely ignorant and most likely stupid, but can they not just power up the engines enough to get the wheel back on the concrete?

The left main gear sunk directly behind the concrete about a foot or so. It's effectively a foot tall cement curb to climb. The pilots ran the engines up to about 70% and could not break free.

The second method was to transfer as much fuel as structurally allowed from the left wing into the right wing to get as much weight off the left main and try to pull it out with a pushback. Unsuccessful. The tires are too deep into the soil to make it over into the concrete.

[HangryHippo]

The left main gear sunk directly behind the concrete about a foot or so. It's effectively a foot tall cement curb to climb. The pilots ran the engines up to about 70% and could not break free.

The second method was to transfer as much fuel as structurally allowed from the left wing into the right wing to get as much weight off the left main and try to pull it out with a pushback. Unsuccessful. The tires are too deep into the soil to make it over into the concrete.

Interesting. I didn't realize it sunk over a foot.

[Tier2City]

Saw this on a.net. Starting July 2nd.
US Airways adding flights from Charlotte to Oklahoma City and Tulsa | CharlotteObserver.com

[s00nr1]

Was hoping for an E170 or E175 but I guess I will take a CR9 to start.

[no1cub17]

Saw this on a.net. Starting July 2nd.
US Airways adding flights from Charlotte to Oklahoma City and Tulsa | CharlotteObserver.com

Just saw it too! Good stuff. Now let's hope OKC-PHL is next!

[no1cub17]

Was hoping for an E170 or E175 but I guess I will take a CR9 to start.

I don't hate the CR7/CR9 like some people do. Still alright up front. AFAIK AA/US don't have ovens on the Embraers either, so it's not like you're getting a hot meal on those.

[s00nr1]

I don't hate the CR7/CR9 like some people do. Still alright up front. AFAIK AA/US don't have ovens on the Embraers either, so it's not like you're getting a hot meal on those.

Its comfort I am concerned with -- Seat width on a CR9 is 17.5" compared to 18.25" on the E70 and E75.

[venture]

Just saw it too! Good stuff. Now let's hope OKC-PHL is next!

CLT is the focus first, up to an additional 50 nonstop flights are being added. PHL is still a possibility down the road.

[bradh]

I'd rather have PHX before PHL, but I guess WN already serves PHX non stop right?

[ljbab728]

I'd rather have PHX before PHL, but I guess WN already serves PHX non stop right?

That's correct. We also had previous nonstop service between OKC and PHX on America West which merged with USAir. It was discontinued long ago.