I have just one question: He brought the inflatable mattress and fluffy slippers — why no blanket? That’s very clearly the Orlando airport, which is overly air conditioned.
Also: Kudos to the Orlando airport’s social media team for this response:
Category: Florida of the Day
A couple of observations from this story, Florida Man Screams at Cast Members and Hits Security With Cardboard Tube Before Arrest at EPCOT:
- While I agree he had to be removed, he did give the fake English pub a little authenticity. After all, what’s more quintessentially British than having your steak and kidney pie and stout interrupted by a drunk and unruly patron flailing with a dumb improvised weapon while getting ejected from the premises?
- “‘From the investigation which has been made, it is the opinion of the writer that this case is not suitable for prosecution,’ assistant state attorney Aseal Morghem wrote in a court filing, and the court case was closed.” He got off lightly, and quite probably, whitely.
This 1962 Lockheed JetStar — an aircraft from the beginning of the jet age — was once owned by Elvis Presley, and it’s up for sale at an auction right being held in Kissimmee from January 4th through 14th.
Here’s a video about the plane:
Avid planespotters will note that it doesn’t have any engines. They were removed a long time ago, and it means that this plane can’t fly. Whoever buys it will have to disassemble it for shipping. This sale isn’t for someone who wants to travel in a classic private plane, but an enterprising individual or group who wants to start (or add to) an aviation museum or an Elvis museum.
From the auction page for the plane:
For decades, Lockheed’s JetStar was the executive jet of choice for countless A-listers, recognized dignitaries and star-studded celebrities, and this 1962 Lockheed 1329 JetStar is no exception, as it was once owned by the king of rock ‘n’ roll: Elvis Presley. Presley acquired it from OMNI Aircraft Sales Inc. on December 22, 1976 for the princely sum of $840,000.
…
When Elvis took ownership of this particular JetStar, registered with the FAA as N-20TF, the entertainer was no stranger to luxurious aviation acquisition. He had already amassed a modest fleet, which included a custom Convair 880 named the “Lisa Marie” that went by the call sign of Hound Dog 1, along with a second JetStar identified by its call sign of Hound Dog 2.
With a busy touring schedule, these crafts were needed to transport the singer, his TCB band, backup groups, Col. Tom Parker and the ever-present Memphis Mafia to venues, concerts and appearances all around the country. Elvis kept several pilots on retainer that were ready to fly him to adoring fans at a moment’s notice.
This JetStar is one of several private jets owned by Elvis Presley, with two currently on display at Graceland. Inside, the cabin features wood paneling and red velvet upholstery with gold-finish hardware. There’s seating for nine by way of six plush chairs that swivel and recline, along with a couch. An onboard entertainment system is tucked away in a media cabinet, featuring a television, RCA VCR player and audio cassette player, and headphone ports with audio controls are located at every seat. A galley contains storage and a meal-prep area complete with a Kenmore microwave and beverage dispenser. At the rear is a lavatory along with additional storage and cubby areas.
In the spring of 1977, the jet was sold, later ending up with a Saudi Arabian company. The JetStar was then moved to Roswell International Air Center (ROW) in Roswell, New Mexico, where it’s been stored for decades and resides to this day. The aircraft will require disassembly to be shipped, and coordinating assistance is available. Documentation joining the jet includes a copy of the Aircraft Security Agreement document signed by Elvis Presley, a copy of the Aircraft Bill of Sale and Official FAA Blue Ribbon documents. While the P&W engines and many cockpit components have been removed and no engines or replacement parts will be included with the sale of Elvis’ jet, it serves as an incredible restoration opportunity and a chance to create a unique Elvis exhibit for all the world to enjoy.
The auction site lists these highlights about the jet:
- Purchased by Elvis Presley on December 22, 1976 for $840,000
- 1 of several private jets owned by Elvis Presley, with two currently on display at Graceland
- 1 of 202 production JetStar airplanes produced by Lockheed
- Includes a copy of the Aircraft Security Agreement document signed by Elvis Presley
- Includes a copy of the Aircraft Bill of Sale documentation
- Official FAA Blue Ribbon Documents included
- Aircraft Serial No. 5016
- FAA Registration No. N-20TF
- Red exterior with silver accents
- Custom interior upholstery featuring red velvet and gold-finish hardware
- Onboard Kenmore microwave
- Onboard television with RCA VCR player
- Onboard cassette player
- Wood cabin paneling and trim including window shades
- Six passenger chairs with swivel and recline functionality
- Onboard lavatory with vanity
- Interior cabin seating for up to nine occupants
- The P&W engines and many cockpit components have been removed
- No engines or replacement parts are included with the sale
- Stored for decades and currently residing at Roswell International Air Center (ROW)
- The aircraft will require disassembly to be shipped (coordinating assistance available)
- An incredible restoration opportunity to create an Elvis exhibit for the world to enjoy
Interested in buy this plane? Check out its auction page for all the details.
It’s true; Tucker did go on a rant about that:
Someone at FLDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) forgot the old “30 days in September…” rhyme.
[ Photo by Mel Hall; found via Florida Memes. The building just past the “Exit 11A” sign is has a Gai Consultants sign on it, so this photo must have been taken a little bit east of there. ]
The combination of many purple-hued street lights (which are the result of a manufacturing defect) and someone’s runaway pet goat have given my neighborhood, Seminole Heights, a Final Destination or The Omen kind of feel.
Fortunately, I am prepared for this eventuality:
