September 11, 2001 was a catastrophic day in American history. Four Boeing jets were hijacked and brought down, precipating the collapse of the World Trade Center and part of the Pentagon, and leaving America in an unprecedented state of shock. Twilight Sky focuses on the cause of these tragic events: the takeover of two Boeing 767 and two Boeing 757 jets from American Airlines and United Airlines. Each chapter of Twilight Sky is devoted to each aircraft that was destroyed, describing the known events on board, how the hijackers might have taken control, the technical challenge they faced, and the flight profiles based on all available data. The text is lavishly supplemented by aeronautical charts and diagrams, as well as photos of the exact planes involved thanks to the contributions of some of aviation's most talented photographers.
The book closes with an overview of the state of the airline and aerospace industry in the wake of the disaster, summarizing national defense security measures and the resulting economic impact. Finally, procedural security lapses are discussed, some not yet touched by the news media, which if addressed and resolved will strengthen and solidify the safety of American skies. Every idea, from steel cockpit doors to "knockout gas", is reviewed and analyzed in detail to consider its weaknesses and viability. With prudent measures in place, tempered by the very liberty that American freedom preserves, the twilight sky will give way to a new dawn.Contains 63 pages, 25 photographs, and 21 maps and diagrams; color cover with b&w content.
About the Author
Tim Vasquez is a writer and programmer residing in Norman, Oklahoma. He draws on 20 years of experience studying and detailing the history of commercial aviation, and has even purchased blocks of time on airline simulators to further his knowledge. During a nine-year period he was an Air Force meteorologist for F-117A, B-1B, and Korean flight operations.
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