Travel Calendar

The latest in a string of bizarre events involving air travel — and in some cases, flight crews — comes in the form of a loaded gun. At the center of this incident, which involved a .357 Magnum, was a pilot for Piedmont Airlines.

The pilot was detained and charged Friday for allegedly trying to board a flight in Buffalo for New York City with a loaded revolver in his bag, the Associated Press reported.

Brett Dieter, 52, of Virginia was charged with the possession of a concealed firearm when a Transportation Security Administration agent noticed a .357 Magnum loaded with five rounds of ammunition in his bag at Buffalo Niagara International Airport, according to the Buffalo News.

A spokesman for US Airways, which contracts with Piedmont for its US Airways Express fleet, told the Los Angeles Times that the company would conduct an internal investigation and referred all other questions to Buffalo law enforcement.

Investigators believe Dieter had made seven flights with the gun since Wednesday, when he flew from Charlottesville, Va., to New York City without running the bag through X-rays, the AP reported.

The year has been off to a rough start for airline employees and travelers alike.

On April 19, a Delta Air Lines jet bound for Los Angeles made an emergency landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport shortly after taking off when birds were sucked into one of its engines.

Five days later, a JetBlue flight bound for Florida returned to Westchester Airport north of New York City minutes after it hit two Canada geese upon takeoff.

On March 9, an American Airlines jet returned to the gate in Dallas after an attendant let out a blood-curdling scream and began ranting about a crash as the plane prepared to take off.

On March 28, Jet Blue pilot Clayton Osbon began ranting and acting erratically as his flight headed from New York to Las Vegas, forcing the copilot to lock him out of the cockpit and make an emergency landing. Osbon was removed from the flight after having been tackled by passengers and strapped down with their belts.

As for this week’s case, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said Dieter could face a maximum 10 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine if convicted.

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BY DANIEL GILBERT AND JOANN S. LUBLIN

Chesapeake Energy Corp. said Friday its board members will take a 20% pay cut and no longer have personal use of company aircraft, the latest move by the embattled natural-gas company to placate critics of its compensation and board oversight practices.

Meanwhile, Chesapeake directors are actively recruiting several prospects to become the company’s independent chairman, a person familiar with the situation said Friday.

“They have a couple people in mind” who the board members are approaching without using a search firm, the person said. “They will know in the next week or so if that is going to pan out.” …

Michelle Nichols and Louis Charbonneau

Reuters

3:50 p.m. CDT, May 18, 2012

Editor’s note: Meg Urry is the Israel Munson professor of physics and astronomy and chairwoman of the department of physics at Yale University, where she is the director of the Yale Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics. This article was written in association with The Op-Ed Project.

(CNN) — On Saturday, a company called SpaceX is scheduled to launch the first private mission to the International Space Station, demonstrating a freight-carrying capability NASA gave up when it retired its fleet of space shuttles in July.

Some NASA supporters are mourning what they see as the decline of U.S. leadership in space. But they should really be celebrating the dawn of a new era.

After all, we’ve been stuck in low Earth orbit for several decades now, at considerable cost. Visionary plans for genuine space exploration have gathered dust at NASA, the National Research Council and other space-savvy places. They advocate relearning how to land on the moon or figuring out how to travel to Mars, an asteroid or the special orbital location where the James Webb Space Telescope will eventually operate. But after more than two decades of talking that talk, the U.S. has yet to walk that walk.

Turning over routine space trucking to private industry has important benefits. It frees NASA to innovate and to develop a new heavy-lift capability commensurate with real space exploration. At the same time, it empowers private industry to play a significant role in the nation’s space future.

Liftoff of the Falcon 9 rocket, its Dragon capsule filled with food, supplies and science experiments, is scheduled for 4:55 a.m. ET from the SpaceX launch site at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Three days later, astronauts will use a robotic arm to attach the Dragon capsule to the station. Cargo will be unloaded, return cargo loaded in, and the capsule will return to splash down in the Pacific.

Light Years: SpaceX Dragon to launch Saturday

This is to be the third launch of the Falcon 9 rocket; the second launch of the Dragon capsule, the first with components needed for space station docking; and one of 12 planned SpaceX flights to the International Space Station.

SpaceX admits the riskiness of its endeavor. The current flight has been delayed several times because of problems with the flight software. Space-flight veterans in the company are well aware of the trial-and-error nature of technology development, but they also know risk is an essential part of innovation.

NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program is funding a handful of private companies — including SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corporation); Orbital Sciences Corporation, which built the Pegasus rocket launch system 20 years ago; Blue Origin; Boeing; and Sierra Nevada — to carry cargo to the International Space Station.

ATK (Alliant Techsystems Inc.) plans to use its Liberty rocket to launch humans into orbit by 2015.

CNN Explains: Commercial space flight

Many of these private companies have goals far beyond servicing the space station. Taking over space trucking from NASA allows them to pay the bills as they develop increasingly capable space vehicle systems. Then, providing they can reduce space launch costs by a large factor, they may be able to exploit new business opportunities, including passenger traffic to outer space.

Still, they are not motivated by purely commercial concerns.

The financial backers of these companies — Elon Musk of SpaceX or Blue Origin’s (and Amazon’s) Jeff Bezos — have invested hundreds of millions of dollars of their own fortunes. They doubtless would like their space adventures to turn a profit, but at heart they are modern-day pioneers who want to do something profoundly important for the future of humankind.

Follow @CNNOpinion on Twitter and Facebook.com/cnnopinion.

Take the example of Planetary Resources, a company that recently announced plans to investigate and eventually mine rare metals from asteroids.

The news stories emphasized PR’s business plan, but their goals are far broader. They will first build small space telescopes to observe asteroids, so they can understand these building blocks from which Earth formed. Asteroids larger than about 100 meters (328 feet) in diameter are a potential hazard for the Earth, and understanding their composition will allow better prediction of their impact on the planet.

Should we ever need to deflect an asteroid, we’ll need to travel to it. So, while Planetary Resources might have a plan to make money down the road, they will first contribute critical knowledge to humankind, perhaps helping save the planet from destruction.

Furthermore, with an asteroid visit and perhaps even a sample return, Planetary Resources will discover whether materials essential for human sustenance (hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, water) can be recovered from these deep space objects. If so, they could set up interplanetary supply depots to enable human colonization of space. So there is a lot more to space commerce than mining asteroids for rare metals.

Private space companies describe a vision that sounds like the original NASA: big goals, with small but steady steps toward those goals, and much support but little interference from the nation.

People who have visited SpaceX say its employees are among the best and brightest and that they mean to change the world. This is just what NASA did in the 1960s when humans moved out of low Earth orbit and ventured to the moon.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Meg Urry.

SAN FRANCISCO |
Fri May 18, 2012 10:46am EDT

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – You’re in the final phase of revision before exams and the glorious release from academia. Soon it will be time for graduates to celebrate the successful completion of their degrees. In that spirit, online travel adviser Travel Ticker (www.travel-ticker.com) offers its top 10 graduate destinations. Reuters has not endorsed this list:

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is not only home to some of the best historic and artistic attractions, but it’s also one of the most fun and young European cities on the other side of the Atlantic. This makes it a great destination for recent grads to experience a fantastic mix of culture and nightlife. Some notable attractions include the beautiful canals, Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and old Heineken brewery. Also, with welcoming locals and bicycle-friendly streets, it’s easy to seamlessly fit into Amsterdam while enjoying all that it has to offer. The best time for grads to get a great deal and avoid crowds will be October through April.

2. Havana, Cuba

Great news! The island of Cuba is no-longer off-limits to Americans, which means they can finally experience the city of Havana’s thrilling nightlife, lively culture and Cuba’s sunny beaches. With a tropical climate year-round, travelers can expect great temperatures to follow them as they wander through the colorful streets, explore the beautiful colonial architecture and cathedrals, and enjoy exciting Cuban music all in sandals and shorts. But nothing says celebration like visiting one of Cuba’s famous cigar factories or treating yourself to dinner and a cabaret show at the original Tropicana Club.

3. Dublin, Ireland

Let’s be honest, the first thing many recent grads are hoping to do is to mark the occasion with a party, and nobody knows how to celebrate like the Irish. Dublin, one of Europe’s most youthful cities, is not only known for its abundance of pubs, but also for its locals who are famous for making any day a day to party. And with its beautiful green scenery, maritime climate and cool summers where the sunniest days are directly after graduation (May and June), Dublin is a great city to raise a glass to your new degree.

4. Ibiza, Spain

As one of the party capitals of the world and Spain’s most stunning island retreat, Ibiza is known for its exotic nightclubs and warm, turquoise waters. This makes it a great getaway destination for grads looking for a young, hip crowd and lots of beach time. More importantly, starting right after graduation (in May) the island has its best summer weather with beautiful, clear, sunny days – perfect for those wanting to unwind and people watch on the beach or just frolic amongst the waves. The summer months also attract some of the best DJs from all over the world, so at sunset the island transforms into a vibrant party that’s fun for all.

5. Prague, Czech Republic

For recent graduates looking for a destination providing a more laidback experience, but still with the charm of old Europe and a young crowd, Prague is the place to be. Prague, which is popular among many young backpackers, has plenty of winding historic streets to get lost on and gothic structures to explore. With its warm summers, it’s also the perfect time to enjoy the famous Vltava River lounging on a boat while passing the cities beautiful architecture and bridges. And let’s not forget the one thing that Prague might be best known for – its beer. Known as the city that “invented” beer, grads can indulge in a variety of brews on the cheap.

6. Paris, France

Those looking for a romantic vacation after graduation often look right at Paris. This city is always a favorite among graduates looking for that quintessential European experience. Filled with art, fashion, food and culture, the City of Light offers a broad range of experiences. Visitors can luxuriate in an afternoon at a Parisian café, visit the Eiffel Tower or pay their respects to Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde at Pere-Lachaise cemetery. Wine enthusiasts should also visit Willi’s Wine Bar with over 300 wines and a hip atmosphere. Even better, right after graduation the climate is mild, with warm and pleasant days.

7. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok’s tropical climate and truly exotic setting make it one of the world’s most traveled-to spots, and it’s surely on many graduates’ wish-lists. A destination that is full of surprises and adventures, it’s no surprise that it attracts so many young adults. The city ignites the senses with its striking skyscrapers, delicious street foods and bustling tuk-tuck taxis zipping through traffic. Renowned for its nightlife on Khoa San Road, Bangkok is also known for its all night Full Moon beach parties. It is also not uncommon for travelers to see Elephants parading through the streets.

8. Rome, Italy

Warm, dry summer days, amazing food and colorful locals makes Rome a fantastic post-graduation destination. Combining the old and new unlike any other destination can, this city encapsulates the history and culture of Italy, with sites like the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi fountain and the Vatican. But more importantly, graduates can celebrate with the tastes of Italy by spoiling themselves with pasta, pizza, gelato and wine. Even though there is a bustling club scene, do as the Romans do and enjoy an evening at a local piazza or café to mingle with locals over a glass of wine or a cappuccino.

9. Bali, Indonesia

With over 17,500 islands, Indonesia is the perfect pick for graduates who’ve been cooped up in libraries for the last four years and are now ready to escape. One of the highlights of Indonesia is certainly Bali. With long days, hot weather, crystal clear waters, Bali is the perfect beach getaway. The island also offers great waves and colorful coral reefs for the more adventurous grads looking to surf, dive or snorkel. And if those outdoor activities are not entertainment enough, come midnight, the island transforms from a quiet retreat to an all night dance party.

10. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

For those who don’t follow the typical graduating schedule and happen to exit university in December, Dubai is a great destination to fly off to. Dubai’s warm weather and status as a regional luxury shopping and tourism hub creates an extremely diverse set of activities that are sure to please even the most indecisive of recent grads. It’s the only place in the world where you can cool off at the Wild Wadi Waterpark and then bundle up for snow sports at the indoor Ski Dubai attraction. You could also go from a safari through the Arabian Desert right to lounging on a white sand beach with a fruity cocktail. Like to shop? Visit one of Dubai’s tax free malls or Eastern Markets for a bargain.

(Editing by Paul Casciato)

NEW ORLEANS — A former BP engineer charged with deleting text messages about the company’s response to the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is asking for a federal judge’s permission to travel freely throughout the U.S. while he is free on bond.

Earlier this month, a magistrate in New Orleans ordered Kurt Mix, 50, of Katy, Texas, to limit his travel to Louisiana, Texas, Massachusetts and New York after a prosecutor claimed he had intended to leave the country for a job in Australia and wouldn’t return.

But in a court filing late Thursday, Mix’s attorneys argue the travel restrictions aren’t warranted because prosecutors haven’t shown he poses a flight risk.

“Throughout the entirety of the Government’s investigation, Mix has gone to great lengths to comply with the Government’s request that he remain in the United States, oftentimes at great personal sacrifice to him and his family,” the lawyers wrote. “Simply put, Mix’s conduct over the course of the Government’s investigation utterly refutes the Government’s assertion that he presents a risk of flight.”

U.S. District Judge Stanwood Duval Jr. didn’t immediately rule on Mix’s request.

Mix, who was freed on $100,000 bond following his arrest in Texas on April 24, pleaded not guilty on May 3 to two counts of obstruction of justice. Each count is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

During Mix’s arraignment, defense attorney Joan McPhee said her client had a job with Apache Corp. waiting for him in Australia but “sat patiently at home for several months” because he knew he was the target of a federal probe.

Prosecutors, however, said they learned from Mix’s lawyers that he was no longer willing to wait and planned to accept the job offer. They also noted that Mix’s wife is a native of China who has family in that country and that Mix had applied for a green card to Canada as recently as March

Mix’s attorneys accuse prosecutors of distorting the facts. They said Mix first applied for Canadian permanent residency status in November 2009 — five months before the deadly blowout of BP PLC’s Macondo well on April 20, 2010 — and received a Canadian visa before he was identified as a target of the government’s probe.

They also said a prosecutor’s claim that Mix intended to go to Australia and never return “lacks any basis in fact.”

“In sum, Magistrate Judge (Daniel) Knowles’s order was based on an inaccurate and misleading factual record,” they wrote.

Mix worked on BP’s efforts to stop the leak after the blowout triggered the nation’s worst offshore oil spill. The criminal charges against him are the first in the Justice Department’s investigation of the disaster.

His indictment accuses him of deleting text messages to a supervisor and a contractor to prevent them from being used in a federal grand jury probe of the spill. The FBI says a text message Mix deleted indicated BP’s blown-out well was spewing far more oil than the company was telling the public.

Q Can I be a greener hotel guest?

A You can and you should. But, as Kermit the Frog noted, it’s not easy being green.

The question for those of us who are environmental novices is what is a best practice? I’d love to know if housekeeping is using environmentally sound products, but I don’t have the expertise to assess that. Instead, experts made these suggestions.

Does the hotel landscaping reflect the area’s climate? “The key is to look around,” Starr Vartan, author of “The Eco Chick Guide to Life,” wrote in an email. “Are lush trees and grasses growing in profusion in natural areas at your destination? Well, then, for the most part, the ecosystem can support similar types of plantings in the hotel grounds too. Usually if a property is using local and native plants for their landscaping, they will tout it on their site.”

Is the hotel designed to adapt to the local climate? This can be especially important at beach destinations, said Emma Stewart, head of sustainability solutions for Autodesk, a company that creates 3-D design software. A smart hotel, Stewart said, will take advantage of prevailing winds and design accordingly. Such a place might have “open lobbies that allow the wind to carry through,” she said. “And they are aesthetically pleasing as well.”

Does the hotel save water and energy? Has it replaced its old light bulbs with more

energy-efficient models? Ask whether it uses low-flow shower heads and water arresters in the taps (water gushes from those without and bubbles from those with, Stewart said). And some hotels — mainly in Latin America, Europe and Asia — discourage wasting energy with key-card light systems that turn things off when you leave your room. Genius.

Is the hotel on or near public transportation? You can leave the car behind. Some lodgings also rent bikes, offer shuttles and provide free tickets for transportation, Stewart noted.

Is its food locally sourced? Like many such issues, this is not without controversy. In his book “The Conundrum,” author David Owen calls locavorism “the increasingly popular but misguided idea that it is environmentally irresponsible to eat food that was produced more than a short distance from your dining table. The number of miles that any food item travels from its origins to your plate is far less ecologically meaningful than how it was grown, what was sprayed on it while it was growing, how it traveled to market and what else was traveling with it.”

Ron Loch, managing director of sustainability consulting practices at Gibbs Soell, doesn’t disagree but notes that fuel costs are saved by local sourcing. “It’s progress,” he said. “Denying that these issues exist is a real problem. But feeling like unless it’s 100 percent it’s no good is a problem. We must celebrate progress.”

Today’s QA comes from Catharine Hamm of the Los Angeles Times.