This specific designation refers to a scheduled passenger flight operated by the now-defunct regional airline, Air Tahoma. The number 185 distinguished this particular route and schedule within the airline’s broader operations. While seemingly a simple label, it represents a specific point in aviation history and potentially holds significance for individuals connected to the airline or its history. This nomenclature is typical within the airline industry, used to track, schedule, and manage flights.
Understanding the context of regional airlines like Air Tahoma provides insights into the development of the broader aviation network. These carriers played a crucial role in connecting smaller communities to larger hubs, fostering economic development and enabling travel for countless individuals. Researching specific flights can illuminate operational details, routes, and the overall impact of these regional services. This information can be valuable for historians, researchers, aviation enthusiasts, and individuals with personal connections to these airlines.
This exploration delves into the broader context of Air Tahoma, its operations, and its role within the regional airline landscape. Further examination of the airline’s history and ultimate fate provides valuable perspective on the challenges and evolution of the industry. This understanding contributes to a more comprehensive view of the airline and the significance of its individual flights within the larger narrative of air travel.
1. Route
The route of Air Tahoma Flight 185 is a crucial element for understanding its operational context. A flight’s route determines the airports served, the geographical area covered, and the potential passenger demographics. This information provides valuable context for analyzing the flight’s purpose and its role within the larger network of air travel.
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Origin and Destination Airports
Identifying the origin and destination airports is fundamental. This information reveals the primary purpose of the flight, connecting specific communities and facilitating travel between them. Knowing these airports allows for further investigation into the demographics of the areas served, the types of connections offered (e.g., connecting to major hubs), and the overall distance covered.
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Intermediate Stops
Some flights include intermediate stops at smaller airports along the route. These stops broaden the service area, connecting smaller communities to the broader air travel network. Understanding these stops provides insight into the regional connectivity offered by Air Tahoma and the complexity of its route system.
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Geographical Coverage
The geographical area traversed by the route provides valuable context. Was it a short hop between nearby cities, a longer route within a single state, or an interstate flight connecting distant regions? The geographical coverage helps to define the flight’s role and the population it served.
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Flight Path and Altitude
While more technical details, the flight path and typical cruising altitude can provide further insight. The path flown might be influenced by geographical features, air traffic control procedures, or weather patterns. The cruising altitude impacts fuel efficiency and flight time. While potentially difficult to obtain for historical flights, such information can add further depth to the analysis.
Reconstructing the route of Air Tahoma Flight 185 provides a foundational understanding of its operational purpose and significance. By analyzing the origin and destination airports, intermediate stops, geographical coverage, and potentially even the flight path and altitude, a more comprehensive picture emerges, placing this specific flight within the larger context of Air Tahoma’s operations and the regional air travel landscape.
2. Schedule
The schedule of Air Tahoma Flight 185 provides crucial context for understanding its operational role and potential impact. A flight schedule dictates the planned times for departure and arrival, influencing passenger convenience, connections to other flights, and the overall efficiency of the airline’s operations. Analyzing the schedule reveals how this specific flight integrated into the broader air travel network.
Several factors influence a flight schedule: the expected flight duration, anticipated passenger demand, logistical considerations such as aircraft availability and crew scheduling, and potential connections to other flights. For instance, a flight scheduled to arrive at a hub airport shortly before the departure of several connecting flights maximizes passenger convenience and streamlines travel. Conversely, a flight scheduled during off-peak hours might cater to a different passenger demographic or operational need.
Specific schedule information for Air Tahoma Flight 185, such as the day of the week and time of day it operated, offers further insights. A weekday morning flight might primarily serve business travelers, while a weekend flight might cater to leisure travelers. Seasonal adjustments to the schedule also reflect fluctuating demand. Understanding these nuances provides a richer understanding of the flight’s purpose and the demographics it likely served. Furthermore, comparing the scheduled times with actual departure and arrival times recorded in historical data could reveal operational challenges or unforeseen circumstances that impacted the flight’s performance.
3. Aircraft Type
The specific aircraft type operated for Air Tahoma Flight 185 is a critical detail for understanding the flight’s operational capabilities and passenger experience. Aircraft type dictates passenger capacity, range, speed, and overall comfort. This information provides valuable context for analyzing the flight’s suitability for the intended route and the level of service provided to passengers.
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Manufacturer and Model
Identifying the manufacturer and model (e.g., Boeing 737, Embraer ERJ-145) provides a foundational understanding of the aircraft’s characteristics. Different manufacturers and models have varying performance characteristics, safety records, and maintenance requirements. Knowing the specific aircraft used allows for comparisons with other aircraft of the same era and provides insight into Air Tahoma’s fleet composition.
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Seating Configuration and Capacity
The seating configuration and passenger capacity directly impact the flight’s revenue potential and passenger comfort. A high-density configuration maximizes passenger numbers but might compromise individual space. Information on seat pitch, seat width, and the availability of different classes (e.g., first class, economy) further refines the understanding of the passenger experience.
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Range and Speed
The aircraft’s range determines the maximum distance it can fly without refueling, directly influencing route planning and operational feasibility. The cruising speed affects the flight duration and overall travel time for passengers. These factors are crucial for understanding the suitability of the aircraft for the specific route assigned to Flight 185.
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Maintenance History and Age
While more challenging to obtain, information regarding the specific aircraft’s maintenance history and age can be relevant. A well-maintained aircraft contributes to safety and reliability. The age of the aircraft can indicate the level of technology and passenger amenities available. This information, if accessible, offers a deeper understanding of the operational context and potential passenger experience.
Determining the aircraft type used for Air Tahoma Flight 185 allows for a more comprehensive analysis of the flight’s operational parameters and the overall passenger experience. By understanding the aircraft’s capabilities, limitations, and configuration, researchers can gain a deeper appreciation for the flight’s role within Air Tahoma’s operations and its contribution to the regional air travel network. This information can be further contextualized by researching typical aircraft used by other regional airlines during the same period, providing a comparative perspective on Air Tahoma’s fleet choices.
4. Passenger Manifest
The passenger manifest for Air Tahoma Flight 185 represents a crucial historical document. It provides a record of individuals onboard a specific flight, offering potential insights into demographics, travel patterns, and the human element of this particular operation. Examining the manifest can connect individual stories to the broader narrative of Air Tahoma and regional air travel.
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Individual Passenger Information
Manifests typically record individual passenger details, including names, ages, and potentially addresses. This information allows for potential identification of passengers, enabling researchers to connect individual stories to the flight. For instance, a family traveling together, a businessperson on a trip, or a student returning home each entry represents a personal journey within the larger context of the flight. This data can also provide insights into the demographics of passengers utilizing this specific route.
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Connecting Flights and Destinations
Passenger manifests may include information on connecting flights. This data reveals travel patterns and the interconnected nature of air travel networks. For example, several passengers might be connecting to an international flight at a hub airport, highlighting the role of regional airlines like Air Tahoma in facilitating broader travel. Understanding these connections places Flight 185 within a larger network of air travel.
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Ticketing and Fare Information
While not always included, some manifests contain details about ticket types and fares paid. This information can shed light on the pricing structures of Air Tahoma and the potential economic demographics of passengers. Differences in fares might reflect booking classes, advance purchase discounts, or other factors. This data can contribute to a broader understanding of the airline’s revenue model and target market.
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Special Needs and Assistance
Manifests might also note passengers requiring special assistance, such as wheelchair access or unaccompanied minors. This information reveals the airline’s provisions for passengers with specific needs and contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the services offered onboard. It also highlights the diverse range of individuals who relied on regional air travel.
The passenger manifest of Air Tahoma Flight 185, if available, provides a unique and valuable perspective on the human element of this specific operation. By analyzing individual passenger details, connecting flight information, and any available ticketing or special needs data, researchers can develop a deeper understanding of the flight’s significance within the larger context of Air Tahoma’s operations, the regional air travel network, and the lives of the individuals who relied on this service.
5. Flight Crew
The flight crew of Air Tahoma Flight 185 played a critical role in the operation and safety of the flight. Their expertise and actions directly impacted the passenger experience and the successful completion of the scheduled route. Understanding the composition and responsibilities of the flight crew provides crucial insight into the operational aspects of this particular flight and the professional standards within the regional airline industry.
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Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
The PIC held ultimate responsibility for the safe operation of the aircraft. This individual’s experience, decision-making, and adherence to procedures were paramount. The PIC managed all phases of the flight, from pre-flight checks and takeoff to in-flight navigation, communication with air traffic control, and landing. The PIC’s qualifications and flight record are key elements in understanding the operational safety and professionalism of Air Tahoma Flight 185.
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First Officer (FO)
The FO assisted the PIC in operating the aircraft, sharing responsibilities for navigation, communication, and monitoring systems. The FO served as a critical support and backup to the PIC, contributing to the overall safety and efficiency of the flight. The FO’s experience and training are also relevant to understanding the operational capabilities of the flight crew.
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Flight Attendants
Flight attendants (if present on the aircraft type used for this route) were responsible for passenger safety and comfort. Their duties included pre-flight safety briefings, managing passenger needs during the flight, handling emergencies, and ensuring a positive passenger experience. The presence and number of flight attendants reflect the level of in-flight service provided by Air Tahoma on this particular route.
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Crew Training and Qualifications
The training and qualifications of the entire flight crew are crucial factors in assessing operational safety and professionalism. Understanding the airline’s training programs, certification requirements, and experience levels provides valuable context for evaluating the crew’s preparedness for handling routine operations and potential emergencies. This information contributes to a broader understanding of Air Tahoma’s operational standards and commitment to safety.
Researching the flight crew of Air Tahoma Flight 185, including their individual roles, experience, and training, adds a crucial human element to the narrative of this specific flight. This information contributes to a more complete understanding of Air Tahoma’s operational practices, safety standards, and the individuals who ensured the safe and efficient execution of this particular flight within the larger context of regional air travel.
6. Historical Records
Historical records pertaining to Air Tahoma Flight 185 offer valuable insights into the flight’s operational context and potential significance within the broader history of the airline. These records, varying in type and availability, can provide crucial data points for reconstructing the events surrounding the flight and understanding its place within the larger narrative of regional air travel.
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Flight Logs and Operational Data
Flight logs maintained by the airline and potentially by air traffic control agencies document key operational details. These logs might include departure and arrival times, altitude, airspeed, route deviations, and any communications between the flight crew and ground personnel. Such data offers an objective record of the flight’s progress and can reveal any irregularities or noteworthy occurrences. Analyzing these records can uncover details about routine operations, weather conditions encountered, and any deviations from the planned flight path.
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Maintenance Records
Maintenance records for the specific aircraft used on Flight 185 offer insight into the mechanical condition of the plane. These records document routine inspections, repairs, and any reported mechanical issues. Examining these records can help assess the aircraft’s airworthiness and identify any potential factors that might have influenced the flight’s operation. Connecting maintenance data with flight logs can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the aircraft’s performance and reliability during that period.
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Accident/Incident Reports
In the event of any incidents or accidents involving Air Tahoma Flight 185, official reports from regulatory agencies like the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) provide crucial information about the circumstances and potential causes. These reports typically involve detailed investigations, including analysis of flight data recorders, wreckage examination, and interviews with witnesses. Accessing and analyzing these reports, if they exist, is essential for understanding any significant events associated with the flight.
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Internal Company Documents
Internal company documents, such as memos, emails, and planning documents, can offer insights into Air Tahoma’s operational procedures, decision-making processes, and overall context surrounding Flight 185. These records might reveal details about route planning, scheduling decisions, and internal communications related to the flight. While access to such documents might be limited, they can provide valuable context for understanding the airline’s operational environment and the factors influencing flight operations.
Historical records, when available and accessible, offer crucial evidence for understanding the operational context of Air Tahoma Flight 185. By carefully examining these various types of records, researchers can gain a more complete picture of the flight, its place within Air Tahoma’s operational history, and its connection to the broader narrative of regional air travel. The availability and accessibility of these records significantly influence the depth and scope of any historical investigation.
7. Operational Data
Operational data provides a factual foundation for understanding the specifics of Air Tahoma Flight 185. This data encompasses a range of quantifiable metrics recorded during the flight’s operation, offering insights into its execution and performance. Analyzing this data allows for a reconstruction of the flight’s timeline and identification of any anomalies or deviations from standard procedures. The correlation between operational data and the flight’s overall narrative is essential for a comprehensive analysis.
Several key data points contribute to this understanding. Fuel consumption rates, correlated with planned fuel reserves, offer insight into fuel efficiency and potential in-flight adjustments. Recorded airspeed and altitude throughout the flight, compared to planned flight parameters, reveal adherence to flight plans and potential responses to changing weather conditions or air traffic control directives. Data from communication logs between the aircraft and ground control, including time stamps and content, document interactions and decision-making processes related to air traffic management. This data provides a verifiable account of the flight’s progression and responses to external factors.
Understanding operational data enables informed analysis of Air Tahoma Flight 185. By analyzing fuel consumption, airspeed, altitude, and communication logs, potential operational challenges or deviations from standard procedures can be identified. This data-driven approach fosters a more precise understanding of the flight’s execution and potential contributing factors to any noteworthy events. The availability and quality of this data directly impact the depth and accuracy of any historical or operational analysis of the flight. This data is crucial for any investigation, whether focused on routine operations or specific incidents. Access to comprehensive and reliable operational data is essential for a thorough and objective understanding of the flight’s history and context within Air Tahoma’s operations.
8. Air Tahoma Context
Understanding Air Tahoma’s broader operational context is crucial for interpreting the significance of any specific flight, including Flight 185. The airline’s history, market position, safety record, and financial stability all contribute to a comprehensive understanding of individual flight operations. Air Tahoma’s overall context provides a framework for evaluating the decisions and circumstances surrounding Flight 185.
Several factors within Air Tahoma’s operational context merit consideration. The airline’s route network and market served define the purpose and economic drivers behind Flight 185. A route serving a primarily business travel market might have different operational priorities compared to a leisure-focused route. The airline’s safety culture and training procedures influenced the flight crew’s actions and decision-making. Financial pressures on the airline could have impacted maintenance schedules and operational practices, potentially indirectly affecting individual flights. For example, if Air Tahoma faced financial constraints, this might have led to cost-cutting measures that influenced maintenance schedules or pilot training, potentially having a ripple effect on individual flights like Flight 185.
Analyzing Air Tahoma’s context provides essential perspective on Flight 185. Understanding the airline’s market, safety record, and financial standing allows for a more nuanced interpretation of the flight’s operational data and any related historical records. Recognizing the interplay between broader company influences and individual flight operations is crucial for comprehensive analyses. This contextual understanding facilitates informed conclusions about Flight 185, its role within Air Tahoma’s operations, and its place within the larger history of regional air travel. The absence of this broader context limits the ability to draw meaningful conclusions about the significance of individual flights like Flight 185. This holistic perspective is essential for a thorough and accurate understanding of the flight’s history and operational context.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding Air Tahoma Flight 185, aiming to provide concise and informative responses based on available information. Due to the historical nature of this topic, access to comprehensive data may be limited. Further research may be required to uncover specific details.
Question 1: What was the primary route flown by Air Tahoma Flight 185?
Precise route details require further research using historical flight records, which may be accessible through aviation archives or regulatory agencies. Understanding the origin and destination airports is fundamental to determining the flights purpose within Air Tahoma’s network.
Question 2: What type of aircraft was used for this flight?
The specific aircraft type used for Air Tahoma Flight 185 requires further investigation. Information regarding the manufacturer and model can be crucial in understanding the flight’s capacity, range, and overall operational capabilities. Fleet records or historical aviation databases may offer relevant information.
Question 3: Were there any reported incidents or accidents associated with this flight?
Determining whether any incidents or accidents occurred requires accessing official reports from aviation safety authorities like the NTSB. These reports, if available, would provide detailed information regarding any events associated with Air Tahoma Flight 185. Absence of such reports may suggest routine operation without significant incidents.
Question 4: When did Air Tahoma Flight 185 typically operate?
Specific schedule information, including days of the week and times of day, requires accessing historical flight schedules, potentially available through airline archives or industry databases. Understanding the schedule can provide insights into the target passenger demographics and the flight’s connection to other routes.
Question 5: How can one access passenger manifests or crew information for this flight?
Accessing passenger manifests or crew information for historical flights can be challenging due to privacy regulations and data retention policies. However, some archival resources or historical societies may hold relevant data. Researching archival practices and contacting relevant organizations is recommended.
Question 6: Where can one find additional information about Air Tahoma and its operational history?
Resources for further research on Air Tahoma include aviation history libraries, online aviation databases, regulatory agency archives, and potentially historical societies or museums focused on regional airlines or the specific geographical area served by Air Tahoma.
While definitive answers to all questions may not be immediately accessible, this FAQ section provides a framework for directing further research. Accessing historical records, contacting relevant institutions, and utilizing online resources can provide deeper insights into Air Tahoma Flight 185 and its place within the larger context of regional aviation history.
This exploration continues with an examination of Air Tahomas operational history and eventual closure, providing additional context for understanding the airline and its role in the broader aviation landscape.
Tips for Researching Obscure Flights Like Air Tahoma 185
Researching historical flight information requires a methodical approach and resourcefulness. These tips offer guidance for navigating potential challenges and maximizing research effectiveness when investigating flights like Air Tahoma 185.
Tip 1: Identify Key Information Needs. Define specific research objectives. Are you interested in the route, aircraft type, passenger manifest, or the broader context of the airline’s operations? Clearly defined objectives focus research efforts.
Tip 2: Utilize Online Aviation Databases. Several online resources specialize in aviation history and flight data. These databases may contain information on aircraft types, routes, and even historical flight schedules. Exploring these resources can provide valuable initial data.
Tip 3: Contact Aviation Archives and Libraries. Aviation libraries and historical societies often hold extensive collections of documents, photographs, and ephemera related to airlines and their operations. Contacting these institutions can uncover unique primary source material.
Tip 4: Consult Regulatory Agency Records. Aviation safety agencies, such as the NTSB, maintain records of accidents, incidents, and operational data. Accessing these records can provide crucial information about specific flights, especially in cases of irregularities or significant events.
Tip 5: Explore Local Historical Societies and Museums. Regional historical societies and museums in areas served by the airline may hold relevant documents or artifacts. These local resources can offer unique insights into the airline’s impact on specific communities.
Tip 6: Network with Aviation Enthusiast Communities. Online forums and enthusiast groups dedicated to aviation history can provide valuable leads and insights. Engaging with these communities can connect researchers with individuals possessing specialized knowledge or access to relevant resources.
Tip 7: Be Persistent and Creative. Researching historical flight information often requires persistence. Utilize multiple research strategies, explore diverse sources, and remain open to unexpected avenues of inquiry. Resourcefulness and creativity are essential.
Effective research combines utilizing available online resources with exploring specialized archives and engaging with relevant communities. Methodical exploration and persistent inquiry maximize the potential for uncovering valuable information regarding historical flights.
This exploration concludes with a synthesis of key findings and a broader reflection on the significance of researching historical flights within the wider context of aviation history.
Air Tahoma Flight 185
This exploration of Air Tahoma Flight 185 sought to illuminate a specific point in regional aviation history. While definitive details may remain elusive due to the passage of time and the inherent challenges of accessing historical data, the investigation underscored the importance of contextual understanding. Examining potential routes, aircraft types, passenger manifests, crew details, and the broader operational landscape of Air Tahoma provides a framework for interpreting the flight’s significance. Each data point, whether readily available or requiring further research, contributes to a more complete picture of this particular operation and its place within the airline’s history. Reconstructing these elements, even partially, illuminates not just a single flight, but also the operational realities, challenges, and contributions of regional airlines like Air Tahoma.
The pursuit of historical flight information serves a larger purpose. It offers a glimpse into the evolution of air travel, the vital role regional carriers played in connecting communities, and the human stories intertwined with these operations. Continued research into flights like Air Tahoma 185 contributes to a broader understanding of aviation history and preserves the legacy of those who built and operated these essential transportation networks. This pursuit encourages further exploration into the rich tapestry of aviation history and the ongoing evolution of air travel.
