The sleek, twin-engine jet, trimmed in red, white and blue, was ready for takeoff at the Long Beach airport in California, idling on the main runway, when Rene Francillon drove up for work on Feb. 25, 1965, and had to wait. The Douglas Aircraft Co. employee couldn’t pass through the gate and reach his office near the runway until the airplane was airborne.
NEWS From props to jets
Melanie aviation journey began at a young age, earning her first pilot certifications while still a teenager, before she ever held a driver’s license! As lead journalist at AIRLIVE.net, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the voice and editorial direction of the website. Her experience spans flight operations, air traffic coordination and emergency incident analysis.
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