

1) As usual and frequently here at airliners.net someone keeps putting down Boeing, in particular, (seems to be now) the once loved 747. Now, we keep reading how old the design is, etc. etc. Same with the 737. It was one day on flight from Seattle to Boston on a new American 737-800, that I was reading a magazine. I believe it was Air International (?) (not sure, I'm sure one of you have read it). The article was about Airbus turning 30!! Happy birthday! Congrats and all that other good stuff. I decided to look back… and find info on my 'puter about Airbus' first jet. The A300, which emerged in 1968 and flew for the first time in 1972. I remember the first time I saw it. It was such a pretty bird. Anyhow, what I fail to see from any Boeing fans when the 47 or 37 is attacked about their age and what I never seen from an Airbus fanatic is the age of the Airbus design? I guess people don't to see it but minus a few engines here and there, new materials, redesigned wing, etc., the A340-600/500/300/200 A330-300/200 and even the A310 is derived from the good ol' 300. I mean the fuselage is the same except some changes and upgrades in the cockpits and new technology, the over all appearance of these jets are similar. So why is it okay for Airbus to do it, but when Boeing does, its too old ,30 year old design etc. Airbus is just as old. What's wrong with Boeing taking a proven airframe, updating it and possibly making it better (like they did with the 737NG)…nothing. Just because people are tired of they way it looks?

2) As I mentioned before I recently experienced an American 737-800 between Seattle and Boston with the more room in coach which was greatly appreciated. I've doing a lot of business traveling between Seattle and Boston, New York, Newark, Chicago, Minneapolis, Detroit, Las Vegas and Phoenix. Flying with American (7378), Continental (7378/7) and Northwest (A320s) and America West (A320s). Now this might be just my opinion but this so much praised (by Airbus and Airbus fans) wider cabin than the 737s might be a fact (what are we talking about though 3 inches?), but it is completely, totally, for me of course, unnoticeable! Except on Americans 'more leg room' coach there was no difference. Continentals 737NG, were just as comfortable as Northwest's and America West's A320s. I just didn't see the big advantage, not even in the aisle. Oh…just in case anyone wonders about my stats?: I am in good shape, my queer peers and other people in the States would call my type a 'gym bunny' or a 'muscle queen', I work out J . I stand 5'10" , 32" waist and have broad shoulders and big arm (hence the muscle queen label


3) Moving away from the controversial A vs. B let's go to all planes overall. Many say, that they way planes looks are getting rather old. A tube with two triangles coming out of the sides and triangle coming out of the rear top, is one way it has been describe. Bring the topic up of a proposed blended wing concept and people freak out! Oh my god no windows!!! THE HORROR!!!

Finally, I promise, with Airliners.net now being advertised on Airways magazine and I read something about CNN and being included in The Best Aviation Websites book, it's kind of sad to see the quality of the forums keep going down. New members join every day and there are more to come. What I don't understand is how (especially) older members (400 days + or since A.net came to life and never logged off) sometimes completely ignore the forums rules, bash other members and complain that a topic has been discussed too many times. Well, that's your fault if you spend every day in here. They might not know about the search button but sometimes this doesn't even help with all the varieties of post titles. Older members can sometimes throw this cocky attitude as if they own the forum because they've been here longer.

Johan has a great site here. What do you say we bring back some quality into these forums and start respecting each other. Like somebody once said "Can't we all just get along?" Because I think most of us are mature enough to have serious conversations without insulting each other.

Peace & Love
Ricardo Pellegrini

Alright bring it on!