Since returning from holiday everyone’s been asking, “What’s with the cheesey grin?”

Well if you have to know, I just lost my Virginity, and to be really honest, I can’t wait to go back for more. I’m not a pushover you understand, but after hearing all the rumors, I had to find out what all the fuss was about for myself. So one minute I was innocently working away at my desk, and the next minute I was on the telephone to my travel agent booking a seat to Hong Kong for a couple of nights of serious shopping, and sightseeing.

I’m not one to tell, but as soon as I arrived at the Virgin Atlantic counter at Sydney Airport they were already waiting for me and inviting me to a special priority check-in for Premium Economy passengers, where a really friendly agent quickly checked me in with a big smile, remarking that I still had plenty of time to drool over the duty-free goodies before take off. Pretty fresh of her I know, but that’s just the start of it.

As I boarded the aeroplane, one of the crew suggested I slip into something a little more comfortable – like my seat – while she poured me a drink. Looking around with excitement I discovered it wasn’t just a line; Premium Economy really did only have eyes for me, and twenty-seven others people.

Not only were the seats wider than regular economy class – think, Beyonce dancing next to Kylie – the chair configuration of two, three, two across the aircraft provided just the right amount of personal space for me. Also, they’ve added extra padding, leg rests, and a generous seat recline. This baby was definitely built for comfort and just for me.

To put me in the mood before take off, I was offered a  wide selection of drinks, and a glass of champagne. I wasn’t going to let my guard down so early, but I’m having real glasses of French champagne, not just plastic picnic cups of Spumante you usually get. What did they think I was, a Business Class passenger?

Sipping noisily on my glass of bubbly, so they could hear me back in economy, I couldn’t help but notice a well-stacked set of amenities bursting out of the seatback pocket in front. I have to say I’m a legroom man myself, however, these colourful kits were more than a handful to say the least. Each one was stuffed with socks, eyeshades, pens ,notepads, tissues, and big enough to dry your dirty laundry in on the way home.

Once airborne, the crew really started to put on the moves. More drinks, unbeleivable meals (by airline standards anyway, although I did tell them it was the best I’d ever had), refreshing hot towels, and tempting snacks like ice cream and chocolate bars.

Shortly after dinner, the crew quietly dimmed the lights and lowered the shutters. However, this was not the time to roll over and go to sleep. The flight was still young, and the fun just beginning. Both Premium Economy and Economy seats are equipped with large seatback video screens. Being sensitive to our individual needs, Virgin offer 50 movies to choose from. I could play, pause, go faster, take it slow, back a little, and, of course, stop if the film was just not doing it for me. Whenever I felt like a break between the action, massive selection of TV shows, computer games, and audio channels awaited my every command.

After some initial fiddling around, I saw that each seat has its own phone and email address access. Naturally, I could have communicated with the outside world, but why bother when the real enjoyment was dialling seat numbers to prank call and heavy breathe other passengers for free until I learnt that my seat number appeared at the receivers end ( Damn). For those who would rather fly by the motto “all work and no play”, Premium Economy also provides an in-seat power supply for your laptop computer.

While gadgets might be a mans best friend, no airline gets far with me unless they can back it up with a great personality. That’s where the experienced and friendly Virgin Atlantic crew really made my first time really  special, even announcing over the PA system that they would be delighted for me to fly with them again! They haven’t phoned me yet, but I’m sure they will.

Now you know how I lost my Virginity and still have the big grin to prove it. But don’t take my word for it, give your travel agent a call and tell them “I want what he’s having”.

Brett and Steve

Mr. Piper introduced the Piper Cub in 1937; he had a dream, which he felt that everyone should be able to fly. And he believed that Piper could provide everyone with that freedom.

Still keeping his dream alive today, Piper Aircraft is the only general aviation manufacturer to offer a complete line of aircraft to help realize the flying dreams of most any pilot. From rugged, reliable trainers to high-performance turbo-props, and the new Piper Jet, Piper creates the highest quality craft for everyone — from new pilots to adventure-seekers to serious business travelers.

There is a feeling that everyone at Piper shares, a torch that has been passed from generation to generation. From the head office to the factory floor, there is an understanding that we at Piper are not just making a thing – we’re making magic. We’re making freedom. We’re making dreams come true. We’re giving them wings.

And that feeling has engendered a deep personal commitment to quality in everyone here. Their know the value of what we make. And we’re determined to make it the best it can possibly be. Their build quality in every step of the way so our owners are sure of it in the end. It is our shared passion to ensure that every one of our customers is totally satisfied with their Piper experience.

A new level of excitement, a new set of guidelines and standards, new products and innovations, Piper has now become a name that will help ensure consistently outstanding treatment of our pilots at every stage of their ownership experience. Their know we don’t just make airplanes. Their create the freedom of flight. That’s why we give our absolute best to everything we do.

Embraer has become one of the world largest aircraft manufacturers by focusing on specific market segments with high growth potential in commercial, defense, and executive aviation. Their have develop and adapt successful aircraft platforms and judiciously introduce new technology whenever it creates value by lowering acquisition price, reducing direct operating costs, or delivering higher reliability, comfort, and safety.

As a result, their aircraft provide excellent performance with day-in and day-out reliability, while being economical to acquire and cost-effective to operate and maintain. Equally important, their provide a superior product package, with comprehensive aircraft and after-sales support for parts, services, and technical assistance.

Embraer was Brazil’s largest exporter from 1999 to 2001 and the second largest in 2002, 2003 and 2004. It currently is employing more than 17.237* people, 87.7% based in Brazil.

Cirrus was founded in 1984 with a dream to design and build affordable airplanes, which deliver greater control, more comfort, and unprecedented levels of safety.

Today, Cirrus is the world’s leading innovator of single-engine, piston-powered aircraft. In fact, for the last five years our SR22 has been the world’s best selling airplane in its class.

Cirrus has revitalizing general aviation by designing and building affordable personal aircraft that are safer, more comfortable and easier to operate.

Cirrus Design began in 1984 as a kit airplane design and manufacturing company in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Their first airplane, the VK-30, became an inspiration for developing technologically advanced production aircraft.

In 1994, their moved our headquarters to larger facilities in Duluth, Minnesota, and began research and development of the SR20, a four-passenger, single-engine composite aircraft. In 1995, their were contracted by is aviation to develop, design and build the “proof of concept” prototype of the turboprop ST50. A year later, their manufactured the fuselage, wings and tail section of a Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) for the U.S. Department of Defense, using composite technology in all three components.

The SR20, with composite construction and advanced aerodynamics, was awarded FAA Type Certification in 1998. It incorporates flat-panel, multi-function display technology and state-of-the-art safety innovations, including a final level of protection known as the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System™ (CAPS).

Their added more speed and performance to the SR20’s formidable flying qualities and created their next generation model – the SR22. It was FAA certified in 2000 and is today the industry’s best selling model. In April of 2007, Generation Three of the SR22 made its debut and shook up the General Aviation industry yet again. With nearly 700 changes and systems improvements, the SR22-G3 represents the culmination of virtually everything Cirrus has learned about engineering and design since their first opened our hangar doors.

Today, their are over 950 talented individuals dedicated to delivering airplanes that fly beyond your expectations. If you haven’t already experienced the Cirrus difference, their invite you to request a complimentary demo flight and find out why owning Cirrus truly is PLANE GENIUS™.

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Does anyone know a good website for aviation jobs? Pub-4937145807549033

My friend wants to re-enter the industry Aviation as an aircraft mechanic, or by states and even abroad (Iraq, etc..) Any suggestions would be much appreciated !!!!!!!!

Boeing. Any aircraft manufacturers website. Airline websites such as Alaska Airlines. http://www.alaskaair.com/as/www2/Company/Careers.asp

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