Ask the Captain: Favorite planes of all time

Question: Hi John - what are some of your favorite airplanes (commercial, military, anything) of all time, and why?

-- submitted by reader Nick Piazza, Minneapolis

Answer: Here are my all-time favorites in various categories.

Airliners: The Lockheed Constellation and the Boeing 757, due to their graceful lines

Turboprop: Gulfstream 1, due to its lines and handling characteristics

Business jet Gulfstream II thru 650, due to the lines and handling

Seaplanes: Boeing 314, due to the amazing things it did before there were enough airports

Helicopter: Augusta 139, due to the lines and capability

Military: SR 71, due to the amazing performance

Q: If you were to get offered any aircraft by Boeing, which would you chose and why?

-- Adam, United Kingdom

A: You ask a very difficult question. I spent 15 years flying 737s and it is one of my favorite airplanes. My opinion is biased because of knowing it so well. I would like to fly the 777 or 787 to enjoy the technology and new generation capabilities.

If you forced me to pick a single Boeing, I would pick the 787.

Q: Which aircraft do you personally prefer flying in?

-- Jasin Salo, New Zealand

A: I am very comfortable in most airplanes. The new wide bodies with their features and lie flat seats are probably my favorites.

John Cox is a retired airline captain with US Airways and runs his own aviation safety consulting company, Safety Operating Systems.