Aviation History and Photos Blog | PlaneTags™
Howard Hughes’ A20G Havoc: A Tough And Dependable Airplane
The Douglas A20 Havoc, also known as DB-7 (Douglas Bomber) among other names, was a light bomber/attack aircraft used in every theater by nearly every Allied nation during WW2. Because of its superior handling during take off and landing, its ease of use with minimal instruction, and its reputation for being tough and dependable it was referred to as a “pilot’s airplane”. It’s no wonder then why SN 43-22197 was a personal plane of famed pilot and aviation pioneer Howard Hughes. And why MotoArt owner Dave Hall was so excited when he came across this plane.
MotoArt's Functional Art: MD-80 Fuselage Bar and DC-8 Cowling Desks
MotoArt was challenged to create three stunning pieces of furniture for a client in the Czech Republic. Check out the DC-8 Cowling Desks and MD-80 Fuselage Bar that were custom made for a very happy customer.
SR71 Blackbird: A New Perspective
MotoArt shares exclusive photos from the production of SR-71 PlaneTags. The photos were taken during the dismantling of the stabilizer and upcycling the airplane parts into beautiful handmade collectible keepsakes.
SR-71 PlaneTag: A Keepsake From An Amazing Aircraft
The Cold War was an era filled with geopolitical strife. Tensions escalated as changes in leadership, mounting espionage, and the threat of nuclear aggression cast a shadow across the globe. During this turmoil, Lockheed’s famed Skunk Works development team was tasked with developing a strategic reconnaissance plane that could not be shot down. Their work launched several innovative aircraft, including the SR-71 Blackbird, which remains to this day the fastest manned, air-breathing aircraft ever. It was an exciting moment, then, when MotoArt owner Dave Hall found out about an SR-71 in his own backyard.
China Airlines A340-300: Luxury and Long-Haul
China Airlines was founded in 1959 with just one C54 and two PBYs. As the 2000’s began, the airline had six A340-300s, including Tail #B-18801. Learn why this luxurious, long-haul plane was vital to China Airlines’ success in expanding its international route.
Southwest and its 737s: Soaring to New Heights
Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest domestic air carrier, as well as being recognized as one of America’s top companies with the public and its employees. Exclusively using Boeing 737 aircraft, Southwest has been a profitable business for several decades, and consistently ranks number one among U.S. airlines in fewest customer complaints. Learn more about this innovative carrier and find out more about the PlaneTag.
MotoArt Transforms A 747 Cowling Into A Grand Chandelier
MotoArt was asked by FedEx to build a chandelier for their new location in Memphis, Tennesee. To match the grandness of the building space and the client, the project called for an equally grand fixture. They chose an inlet cowling from a Pratt & Whitney 747 jet engine nacelle and went to work.
Eastern Air Lines Workhorse: The DC-9
The Douglas DC-9 took to the skies on February 25, 1965 from Long Beach, California, and became one of the most popular and successful passenger jets for several reasons. N8990E was one of 81 that powered the Eastern Air Lines fleet and helped make it one of the most successful and dominant airlines for decades. Let’s take a look at why this plane was so unique, and why Eastern, among other carriers, chose it as their workhorse.
"Flagship Tulsa": A Legacy of Beauty and Innovation
The 1930s were arguably the decade that made commercial air travel a household word. The decade started with 6,000 Americans flying commercially in 1930. By the end of 1939, over 1 million Americans had traveled aboard an airplane. The Douglas DC-3, built in 1939, revolutionized transport during the 1930’s and 40’s and is considered by many as one of the most significant transport aircraft ever produced.