Skyliners 2

To borrow the promotional slogan for the film 'American Graffiti', where were you in '62? As we will see, photographer Mel Lawrence was in a variety of locations that year. Once again, those of us with an interest in the piston-to-jet transition era of the 1960s are fortunate that he had not only the interest in photographing the airline scene during these years, but also the opportunity to visit airports in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, as well as those in the United States and Canada. Skyliners, the airline aircraft of the 1950s/1960s piston-to-jet transition era, were not unique to North America, of course. In fact, one of the better places to observe the machines in their glory was on the continent of Europe, and most certainly, on an island located immediately to the northwest. There was the opportunity to see different carriers and liveries, as well as types such as the Viscount and Caravelle that were not especially widespread in the States. In addition, there were other types represented only rarely, if At all, in North America, which could be observed at Heathrow (then frequently just referred to as LAP, or London Airport) and across the Channel at Le Bourget and Orly. Latin America was also a place to see different liveries displayed on familiar aircraft types, and, in a number of cases, familiar aircraft, as well. In addition, exotic airport locales, with prominent local scenic landmarks in full view provide another reason for at least a brief visit to South America. As in our first volume SKYLINERS: MAINLINERS, FALCONS AND FLAGSHIPS, Mel's persistence in pursuing airliners as a photographic subject lets us view, again in full spectacular color, what was a supremely interesting period in the annals of worldwide airline history. So, get yourself ready for another fascinating journey; this time, don't forget your passport!