Airport Minute Podcast

Summary Joe Patroni is supervising the other ground crew, hammering lumber under the wheels of the stuck 707 on Runway Two Niner. “Get it as close under the wheel as possible,” says Joe. “Then, give it a whack on the other side!” Patroni hears the sound of trucks, and turns around. The plows of the […]

Summary A split screen: Vern on the left, the Chicago ATC in the middle, and Mel, sitting in the MelMobile at right. Vern is loudly complaining to the Chicago ATC that if Trans Global Flight Two is brought in for a landing on Runway Two Two, then there’ll be a broken airplane and “a lot […]

Summary Vern stares off in the distance, considering Gwen’s medical condition. Flight Two continues its descent to six thousand feet over Cleveland. Meanwhile, Doug in the Lincoln tower calls Mel on the radio. “Mobile One, Ground Control,” says Doug. “Yes, Doug, this is Mel,” replies Bakersfeld. “Cleveland just handed off Flight Two to Chicago Center,” […]

Summary Dr. Compagno is briefing Vern and Anson about Gwen’s eye condition. It’s too early to draw conclusions, “but ophthalmic surgery can do extraordinary things.” Campagno says he’d better get back to see her. “Doctor,” interrupts Vern, “Gwen — Miss Meighan — she’s… she’s — she’s pregnant.” Harris looks on. “Does that make a difference?” […]

Summary Mel is talking to Lincoln Tower manager Doug on the radio, about the airport fire chief. “Tell the chief to take a position between Runway Two Niner and Two Two,” says Mel, “so that they can move either way. Will notify which runway later.” “Roger,” says Doug. The fire truck passes in front of […]

Summary Dr. Compagno tells Gwen he’s giving her something for the pain, but not to move her head. Vern, on the intercom, is explaining their plan. “Later on,” he says, “Second Officer will give you instructions on landing procedures. Please do exactly as he says and — I promise you we’ll all get together through […]

Summary Cy is talking to Father Lonigan. He tells the priest he’s putting him “in charge of praying.” Fr. Lonigan replies, “If that’s an order, you’re about thirty minutes too late, son.” In the cockpit, Vern makes an announcement. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he says, “this is Captain Demerest. I want to thank you for moving […]

Summary Mel gets ready to head out to the field while Harry and Bert listen to the aircraft radio. “Global Two,” responds the Cleveland ATC operator,”will relay your condition and request.” Mel grabs his gloves and heads out of his office. “Keep monitoring, Bert,” says Mel. “I’ll be in Mobile One. If any change, call […]

Summary Vern is discussing landing options with the Toronto Center ATC operator. “Everything east of Lincoln on your course is closed due to weather or field conditions,” says the Toronto operator. “However, if you are declaring an emergency, Detroit possible. They report five inches of snow over ice, but they will try to clear.” Harris […]

Summary Cy is updating Vern on the damage to the ship. Vern’s asked if Cy can see damage to the aircraft’s control surfaces. “Possible damage to rudder power,” says Cy. “and it looks like we have stabilizer problems. Most of the blast, thank God, went sideways.” “Can we stay in the air an hour?” asks […]

Summary Mr. Davidson tells Sr. Felice to take car of the injured man behind him. Meanwhile, in the aft entryway, Cy Jordan watches as Dr. Compagno and Sr. Katherine Grace tend to Gwen, who head is bloodied. Dr. Compagno shines a flashlight in Gwen’s left eye while Sr. Katherine Grace takes her pulse. “How is […]

Summary Vern tells Cy to go back and check the damage and report by interphone. And, according to the manifest, “there’s three doctors aboard.” “Let’s hope they’re not dentists,” says Harris. “They’re probably pitching in already,” says Vern to Cy, “and get anybody else that can help.” Cy gets ready to leave the cockpit. “And,” […]

Summary TGA Flight Two is in a steep dive. Captain Harris is trying to bring the plane down to an altitude where the air is thick enough to breathe. Meanwhile, Toronto Center continues to monitor the double bloom of the aircraft’s transponder on their radar screen. As Vern arrives back in the First Class cabin, […]

Summary In the aftermath of the explosion, Stewardess Joan is tending to the Tourist passengers. Vern, in the aft entryway, puts an oxygen mask on the unconscious Gwen, who’s sprawled on the floor of the cabin. Meanwhile, Stewardess Joan removes Ada’s hat, and helps her with her mask. Marcus Rathbone, not wearing a mask, is […]

Summary D.O. Guerrero has locked himself into the starboard lavatory. Gwen rushes to try and open the door. Guerrero takes a final moment, looking at himself in the lavatory mirror. He hears the noise and clamor of people outside. While staring at his reflection, he reaches for the trigger on the briefcase handle. Outside the […]

Summary Vern is standing in the aisle, trying to talk Guerrero out of detonating his briefcase bomb, while the entire Tourist section of Flight Two watches. Vern tells Guerrero that blowing up the plane will hurt his family. “They’ll be hounded and blamed,” says Vern. “Listen to me. Think.” Vern gestures to the passengers behind […]

Summary Gwen and Ada are continuing their play-acting in Row 23. Mr Davidson objects. “Can’t you see the lady is upset?” asks Mr. Davidson. “I told you, keep out of it!” says Gwen, shoving him aside. She grabs the weeping Ada. “Sit down and be quiet!” she says, yanking Ada into her seat. “You hurt […]

Summary Mel, Tanya, Bert Weatherby, and Harry Standish continue to listen to Trans Global Two’s voice traffic on Mel’s aircraft radio. Cleveland Center approves Flight Two’s descent to flight level Two One Zero. Commissioner Ackerman steps into Mel’s office, inexplicably from Mel’s work room. “Mel,” says Ackerman, “I’ve just talked to the other commissioners, and […]

Summary Ada is explaining to Captain Harris why she boarded a flight to Rome when she wanted to go to New York. Ada says that, according to the schedule, the next flight back from Rome “is to New York, and it’s your Number Five, and I thought they’d — want to get rid of me […]

Summary In front of a plane full of passengers, Gwen tells Ada what’s going to happen when they land in Rome. “You’ll be handed over to the authorities,” says Gwen. “Now, come with me. The Captain has to make a report on you, but first he’d like to see you.” Gwen turns to Mr. Davidson. […]