This classic cockpit adventure offers a detailed, behind the scenes look into the Lockheed L-1011 Tristar … one of the most revered commercial airliners of all time.
The aircraft for the flight is MSN 1012, the world’s oldest operating L-1011 and the first Tristar to be converted to pure freighter. The crew overcomes many obstacles to ready this 36 year old aircraft for delivery to a new operator after a storage period of more than 2 years. AirUtopia is proud to have this opportunity to bring you a rare glimpse into the operations of the L-1011 like you’ve never seen before.
From the sights and sounds of the ramp during the extensive pre-flight inspection to the spacious cockpit for the aircraft’s first flight since July 2006, this is an aviation adventure you can’t miss, and all does not go according to plan …
The Historical Significance of the L1011 Tristar
The Lockheed L1011 Tristar, a pinnacle of aviation engineering during its time, holds a unique position in the evolution of commercial aircraft. Despite being Lockheed's last foray into passenger aircraft, its innovative features set several precedents in the industry.
Technological Innovations - The L1011 Tristar was a marvel of engineering, introducing cutting-edge technology that was ahead of its time. Among its innovations were advanced avionics and automated systems that increased both safety and efficiency. These technologies laid the groundwork for features that later became standard in modern aircraft.
Influence on Future Aircraft Design - Lockheed's decision to implement high-level engineering into even the smallest details, like the coat racks, exemplified its commitment to innovation. This ingenuity was characteristic of a company that also produced pioneering aircraft like the U-2 and SR-71 Blackbird. These engineering feats demonstrated how advanced materials and design concepts could significantly impact aircraft performance, influencing competitors to follow suit in their designs.
Unique Features of the L1011 Tristar's Cabin Design
The L1011 Tristar was designed with an open cabin layout to enhance comfort and space for passengers. Lockheed introduced several innovative elements to make this aircraft stand out, focusing on both convenience and efficiency.
Commuter Lounge and Flexible Passenger Area - One of the most distinctive features was a flexible space below the main cabin. This area, positioned forward of the galley, could be adapted for various purposes based on airline preferences. A noteworthy configuration included a self-contained air-stair for boarding and disembarking, with a lounge area for passengers to mingle and refresh themselves. This setup was particularly useful for airports with minimal ground infrastructure like jetbridges.
Access Options - Although a main deck folding air-stairs system was conceptualized, it was never executed. This would have allowed direct access to the main deck. Additional uses for this space were explored, such as extra seating, sleeping berths, and dining areas, but these were ultimately not adopted by airlines.
Innovative Galley Location - In a unique departure from traditional aircraft design, the galley was relocated to the lower deck, aligning with the cargo hold. This arrangement freed up more passenger space on the main deck and streamlined the loading and unloading of meals by ground crew, potentially reducing turnaround times. Access to the galley was provided via two elevators connecting the cabin to the galley below.
Restroom Placement - The aircraft's restrooms were strategically positioned at both the front and rear of the plane, optimizing space usage by leveraging areas typically reserved for galleys or amenities. The rear included five lavatories placed side by side, maximizing available space for passenger seating and other conveniences.
Thoughtful Coat Storage - Coat storage was ingeniously handled with racks located at entry vestibules, enabling attendants to store coats efficiently. Additionally, an optional enclosed coat rack was provided between seat sets, allowing passengers to access their coats without leaving their seats.
Advanced Window Shades - An interesting feature, albeit optional and never implemented by airlines, was the polarized window shade. Passengers could adjust these shades to dim the window by simply sliding a control, using a dual polarized filter system. While not utilized at the time, this concept anticipated modern solutions like those on the Boeing 787, which features electronically dimmable windows.
DVD Contents:
Run time is about 115 minutes. Format is NTSC DVD and region-free.
