Curious on the backstory behind the photos? This is the place. You'll find not only write ups on local outings, but also reviews of major events I’ve attended.
Jetstar Country
Deep into Southern Oregon can some of the last of the Jetstars be found..
Last year, I had the opportunity to visit the Klamath Falls region of Southern Oregon and stumbled across a truly unique find. Driving down the highway, I came across a rare derelict DeHavilland Heron fuselage on the side of the road - quite the shock. Of course, I stopped and grabbed a few photos to share with you all on Facebook. Little did I know, this would lead to yet another exciting discovery..
After posting the photos online, I received a message from someone asking if I was still in the area. To my surprise, within 30 minutes I had arrived at a nearby airport and was surrounded by three beautiful and rare Lockheed JetStars IIs! The aviation community never ceases to amaze.
Now, you may be wondering what these Jetstars were doing parked in Klamath Falls. Well, back in 2021, there was quite a stir in the classic business jet enthusiast community when it was reported that a Klamath Falls-based company had purchased four Lockheed Jetstars, including two that had been impounded in Conroe, Texas for a number of years. Eventually, the aircraft were flown to the southern Oregon city and parked in a remote corner of the airport.
Initially, speculation was rife among aviation fans that these aircraft would be restored to their former glory and once again take to the skies. Unfortunately, as is often the case, the reality of the aviation market is that engines hold the most value on retired airframes. It was soon discovered that the Jetstars had actually been purchased for their valuable Garrett TFE731 turbofan engines. With four engines on each Jetstar, that is potentially 16 sought-after engines now in the company's possession!
While this may be disappointing news to die-hard enthusiasts, it is important to remember that these aircraft will help other planes fly on for many more years to come. This is just the reality of the aviation business, where cost-savings and financial decision-making are key to thriving.
On my visit to Klamath Falls, I was lucky enough to see three of the four Jetstars parked up:
1976 Lockheed L-1329-25 JetStar II (Reg N72GW/Serial 5205)
1978 Lockheed L-1329-25 Jetstar II (Reg N700RM/Serial 5224)
1977 Lockheed L-1329-25 Jetstar II (Reg N710RM/Serial 5213).
Of the four Jetstars purchased so far, only one, N900DB, has been cut up. It is likely that at least a couple more of these planes will meet the same fate. While it may be sad to see such iconic aircraft destroyed, this is just a normal part of the aviation progression and ensures that others will continue to fly safely.
Addison Airport 06/02/23
Aviation action at the Addison Airport on June 2nd, 2023.
A brief visit to the Addison Airport yielded some interesting traffic, with the highlight being a 1980 Lear 25D that had flown up from Conroe, Texas the day prior and a very rare 1978 Aerospatiale 341F Gazelle that was recently acquired by someone based at the airport. A few other goodies thrown in for good measure!
Endangered Embraer: The Lineage 1000
With around 30 ever built, it was a pleasure to see the Embraer Lineage 1000, the corporate version of the Embraer 190 regional jet.
A rare Embraer Lineage 1000 made a welcome visit to Dallas Love Field this week! The Lineage 1000 is the business jet version of the Embraer 190 regional jet and is quite the rare bird with around 30 built.
Launched in 2006, the Lineage 1000 was advertised as an ultra large business jet that can comfortably seat 19 passengers. Unfortunately for Embraer, sales of the Lineage 1000 were fewer than expected with the onslaught of competing products such as the Global 6000, Falcon 7X, and G550s which also boast superior economics. As a result, in 2020 Embraer announced they would be discontinuing the Lineage 1000 and consolidating all its efforts into its Praetor and Phenom line instead.
This beautiful Lineage 1000 is owned by Los Angeles-based fashion designer James Perse and is seen here departing Dallas Love Field for Opa Locka, Florida after a short visit.
