Piedmont Airlines Charlotte Hub (1985)

A look back at a connecting bank at Piedmont Airlines' Charlotte hub from around 1985. Lots of great shots of PI aircraft arriving, on the gate, and departing.

[@dieseldriver7663]

My father flew for Piedmont 40 years. 1944-1984 he started on the DC-3 and retired as captain on 727-200 he truly loved that job and that airline. I was on his last flight, it was a sad day for him

[@bigtarheelfan]

Brings back some childhood memories. In the early 80's my brother and I flew from Charlotte to FL when my dad and stepmom lived there. Then Christmas day 1985 we flew to Chattanooga TN we they lived there. Flew that day with the William and Mary Basketball Team. Then News Year Eve 1985 flew back to Charlotte.

[@sian2337]

My first trip from London to Orlando was with Piedmont, with a stop at Charlotte. My family and I still think of it with fondness, I remember their bags of peanuts and I still have my wings from going into the cockpit and meeting the pilots. I love their logo. I’m feeling very nostalgic watching this. We went to Disney almost every year, starting in the mid-80s, all with different airlines, but this one was the best.

[@dennisprice3672]

I loved Piedmont Air Lines I flew a lot in the 70,s

[@farristolesome4419]

It’s just so sad a lot of these planes today don’t look as gorgeous as these birds did back in their days.

[@saxachewon8062]

Thank you for posting. My mom was a flight attendant based in CLT with Piedmont from 1984-1992. It is very possible that she was working on one of these flights.

[@db60615]

I just love the nostalgic 80's music. Such a shame to see what Piedmont has turned into.

[@richschindler8731]

Great footage of a fantastic airline and even better real aircraft. I never worked for Piedmont but flew on them a few times. Always an enjoyable experience. Now I’m involved restoring one of there original DC-3’s, N56V at the North Carolina Transportation Museum. A true labor of love.

[@NoMoFlts]

I had the great pleasure to work as a Flight Attendant for Piedmont Airlines from March 1964 to March 1994, beginning with a DC3 charter flight as my very fist flight, finishing a 30-year career as Lead Flight Attendant on Piedmont's beautiful B767-200 ER back and forth from CLT to London's Gatwick Airport.

[@pip12111]

Love the 727,and 737 200. Such beautiful birds with those magnificent JT8Ds

[@JOSESANTOS2612]

EL MEJOR 727-200 Y 737-200

[@tpain5402]

The music is perfect. What a lovely look back at how great things once were.

[@mikemitchell9421]

I flew Piedmont in 1985 loved them service was great planes where clean.

[@jodihepler6202]

I flew on Piedmont Airlines out of Winston-Salem to DC twice in the 70s as a kid in the 5th and 6th grade. In 87, I was a temp at the training center in W-S. That August, I was hired and worked 18 years. Mostly in the Frequent Flyer/Dividend Miles dept. Most of that time in the old headquarters/hanger building. I really do miss it.

[@leokimvideo]

I loved Piedmont Airlines, flew with them in the mid 80's across the southern routes in the US. The pilots always sounded like Elvis Presley. Airline staff were always polite and had that southern US charm. A reminder of much nicer times. Sadly it's so different nowadays.

[@Springbok295]

Man do I miss these days. No glass cockpits, no TSA, no Scairbus, no regional jets, no 737NGs. Just the great 727, 737, DC-9, DC-10. 747, BAC 1-11s, L1011s. Glad I lived through it and experienced it first hand so many times.

[@m.hstudioproductions6642]

Not to mention the MD-80 Series, BAE 146, HS-748, Vickers VC-10, DC-8, Convair 580, ATR 42(Earlier models) and SF-340!

[@JCT442]

I few Piedmont lots in the mid-80s, usually on military tickets. I recall good food, and every crew member I ever heard spoke with a southern accent... my favorite airline.

[@robertogonzales2188]

Fantastic video of PIEDMONT AIRLINES. Great of been part of them. Beautiful memories...

[@61drumbum]

This is incredible! I get chills watching this video. I miss my friends and co-workers from 1983-1985 at CLT. Our gate agent team on gates 1, 3 and 5 was one of the best at the CLT Hub. It did not matter if hot or cold, rainy or clear, this was the best job ever and the sense of pride was overflowing. Up and Coming Airline for sure. They were the BEST! Thanks Mr. Davis. lancaster- gates 1,3, and 5 in 1983/85. Check out 61Drumbum's channel on youtube.

[@MrMBARRY6]

It is with much Pride that I remember my days at Piedmont Airlines, You had pride in your Company and the Service you provided the flying public........

[@cn9073]

I loved working for them 87-90

[@robertleewhitt6241]

I loved my airline ! These are great memories !

[@Northeastern292]

Who knows, I still think there could have been a PI 777 flying NRT-CLT if they were around today. And that'd be neat!

[@MTLTV-eu4nv]

Kinda reminds me of the days RCA was one of the best TVs you can buy. Nowadays they are a budget brand.

[@Tracon9er]

Wow!!! My 1st airplane ride was on Peidmont in 1984, I was 8 years old and my little brother was 5. The captain gave my brother and I Peidmont wings because it was our 1st time flying. It was fall/winter season. (KBOS to KRDU) (BOSTON, MA to RALEIGH, N.C.) Now that I know so much about aviation, I remember the airplane. (Boeing 727-200 series) I ended up on this video because my mother gave me my Piedmont wings today after saving it all these years. (I'm now 41) Thank you for uploading this video , THANK YOU to the Peidmont crew on that particular day, and to whole Peidmont family. Happy Mother's Day to all Moms!!! ✈✈✈✈🌹🌺🌸🌹💯💯💯

[@27hfd]

Here was an airline that showed the whole industry how it should be done. I never met nicer airline employees or had better service. Every time i see a US AIR tail, I think of how it should have been the other way around. Will keep this vid in my favorites. Thank You.

[@user-ty6do8yz4l]

I was right there, at the make out spot beside the Charlotte airport. With all the other South Blvd , and west side kids. 1985 was a wonderful time in Charlotte, possibly the only time as good as the 70s were. Charlotte was just perfect then, a big town. By 1987, it started getting weird, and changing, it hasn't stopped changing since. Last time I was there, 2019, I didn't even hear southern accents. Sad

[@OutlanderShaelyn]

This was a real airline... one who cared about the passengers...

[@Leylandman1]

I flew with Piedmont in 1973, from New York to Roanoke.

[@askhowiknow5527]

My three favorite planes are the 727, 737-100 and 200, and the DC-9 family Piedmont gets my dripping, smelly seal of approval

[@boeingtrijet]

I was there then! Washing Piedmont Commuter (Henson) aircraft for the then 4 man operation Executive Airwash. Great video lots of good memories of the greatest airline ever!

[@ezHiker35]

My first airplane flight ever was on a Piedmont 737 from Tri-Cities, TN to Atlanta, GA when I was 9 years old. After that, my family flew them whenever they could. I still remember how great the service was and how happy the employees seemed to be. What a great airline that went away too soon. The only other airline that comes close might be Southwest.

[@paulw4310]

All of those classic 7-2s and 7-3 200s! CLT long before 18L/36R even existed. Nearly 40 year old video viewed 13 years after the fact...man I love time travel!

[@1972Cathy]

Great documentary on Piedmont. The older 737's look like canisters under the wings but they could still get up and go. Looks like a classier group of people working back in the early 80's.

[@db60615]

People actually gave a damn about their jobs back then. Now everybody feels entitled.

[@ROYNEPTUNE]

Cathy Meyer (PI) Piedmont was a class act.

[@Evan-ed7pu]

Those are straight low bypass turbojets on the original 737, extremely loud, guzzle fuel, but a lot of power!

[@kennymackie4518]

I flew Tri- Cities Tenn. to Myrtle Beach S.C.1983, I flew into Myrtle BC and my Friend flew out on the same ticket. Wow! things have Changed!

[@francissmith9443]

Piedmont were serving my hometown airport, Fort Wayne Municipal-Baer Field (FWA, now known as Fort Wayne International) in Fort Wayne, IN, back in the day. Piedmont flew 737-200s from DAY to FWA (and I don't know if FWA got Piedmont flights from other cities besides DAY).

[@lv2surf]

Used to love to fly Piedmont...Excellent service..

[@KCFlyer2]

1985, Piedmont and CLT - first time I was ever afraid on a plane. I guess they were doing a reduced power takeoff in a 727. All I know is that the takeoff roll began...and kept going..and kept going...just rolling on the runway. The gal beside me looked at me and said "shouldn't we be in the air by now?" I said "yes" We finally took off but it scared the hell out of me. But Piedmont was the second airline I ever flew. The first was a Delta Super DC8 from MCO to ATL. From ATL to TRI and was on an aircraft that was a bit different - NAMC YS-11.

[@KevinMeno2008]

N558PS a coincidence! A 727 went from PSA to Piedmont, both of which merged into USAir (later US Airways, now American Airlines) in 1987-1989

[@jteaguelll]

Great Airline....without it CLT would not be the number 8 in he US...miss them and USAIR.....gone but not forgotten...AA lets do this .....CLT ROCKS....

[@InFltSvc]

I worked and flew for the then USAir. When we merged with them I felt so bad for all of the employees because they were a much better Airline then we were. We adopted their FC service and China. I think that says something. I remember seeing terrible things written in the galleys about them from our crews and it always pissed me off. We got the 767 from them and started flying to Germany from PIt....those were the days... now the business has gone strait to hell ...

[@Rexag]

Beautiful livery! 😊

[@frtguy80]

Wow I remember when I was a child flying on Piedmont to Florida

[@Magnolia7647]

Beautiful video! Many, many thanks for sharing this. Only problem; it's hard to see through tears . . . Piedmont Proud Forever:-)

[@kennymackie4518]

Enjoyed Flying with this Airlines. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@2009korz]

I flew Piedmont occasionally to Norfolk when I was in the Navy. Flew it out of LaGuardia

[@MrBlakeSprenger]

Proud Piedmont Airline Employee :D

[@sureshbharadwaj2779]

I was a regular on Piedmont from Newark to Charlotte. Loved it. Great memories!!

[@jimbranca1565]

piedmont "the up and coming airline" great airline!!!

[@michaelconley6138]

Best airline ever!

[@bobbypaluga4346]

We now have four carriers, all are happy to limit capacity and keep fares high. We have lost some wonderful airlines, Piedmont, America West, PS,A, North Central, Midwest Express, TWA, PanAm, National, each unique with real people who liked their jobs. U S Air, US Airways was awful for a very long time I don't miss them, just the airlines the merged with. To those who worked for the great airlines named, you were all terrific, thanks for the memories

[@db60615]

Yup modern day monopoly. It's a shame what flying has turned into, but it's just one of the things we just have to accept.

[@ShadesOClarity]

Back in the day when my late uncle was an FO for UPS on the 727. I always fly into Charlotte before heading elsewhere.

[@philipemma2359]

Never had the pleasure of flying Piedmont. But saw then soar many times in my childhood. Hopefully one day they can be revived again!

[@avioncamper]

I know my father worked on every one of those planes, either at INT or GSO. There were a lot of employees who never got over the merger. I guess they all have retired by now. Winston Salem was never the same. Yes I am still bitter.

[@ColinYapp]

Outstanding customer service is what I remember about Piedmont. I only flew them a couple of times because I mainly flew TWA but every flight with them was memorable.

[@robertnagan5572]

Ahh! The good old days:)

[@chrisnizer1885]

One of the best airlines ever. I flew them when I was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC. Couldn't ask for better customer service from a domestic airline. Shame they aren't around anymore.

[@charlieredleg1582]

Chris Nizer thing is, they are still around.....regional carrier for American Airlines and they only operate the Dash 8 and the EMB-145

[@erik_griswold]

CharlieRedLeg That’s just Henson Aviation sporting the Piedmont name so that USAir and now American can keep the rights to it.

[@er1073]

Chris Nizer--Semper Fi Brother. A couple of times I flew Piedmont but they weren't jets YS-11 props I guess turbo prop? Thery did have great customer service though and they really took care of the military.

[@josefmd]

Only by name...The regional partners were renamed after the old bigger airlines that USAir bought and destroyed!! PSA and Piedmont (Jetstream Airlines and Henson)

[@Lex5576]

Best airline ever. The airlines of today would have to improve leaps and bounds over many years to get even remotely close to Piedmont's level of service and professionalism.

[@tylerprufer7066]

Love watching this video!

[@mattterranova2654]

I can remember how they used to give single and two digit flight #'s to the 767's, which they used for flights to LA and London, and I think Tampa. And then four digit flight #'s were given to their reginal commuter flights, like Henson who flew those what we used to call "lunch box" prop planes with the wings that went across the top of the plane. I sometimes had to fly on those and hated them. I always wanted to fly on their 727's but those were only used for longer flights like from one of their hubs (BWI, CLT, DAY, or SYR) to LAX, SFO, TPA, MIA or DEN. I also flew on their Fokker F-28's or the 737-200/300's. They served the best roast beef sandwich lunches in these boxes that had the logo all over them. And a few times actually got served hot breakfasts or dinners. And on only hour long flights too. Their flight attendants were terrific and had every cup, empty lunch box, or food trays picked up and packed up just in time for landing. I can remember one flight where the FA was literally walking up the aisle with a bag of trash moments before we touched down. In fact she had her jump seat seat belt fastened as we touched down. And I can remember another flight where they got up from their jump seats right after take off so they could start getting breakfast ready and one of them walking up the aisle from the back holding onto the seats because were in a steep climb and she needed the help of the aisle seats to get her up the incline. All in heels and smiles on their faces !

[@Kayodleman]

I remember flying on a Piedmont DC-3 from CLT to FAY in the late 50's - early 60's. There was a Coca-Cola top opening drink box up against the left rear of the cockpit door. Rode them many times, always a good experience and they sponsored the 1984 NASCAR champ, Terry Labonte. That race car looked good too.

[@Northeastern292]

I'll probably get hate mail for this, but bring back Piedmont, and the other locals! I think the airline mergers of the '80s are the reason the industry is so dysfunctional today. 9/11 has only made a bad situation worse.

[@davidguzman5112]

Back in the 80’s and 90’s, you could ask to sit in the cockpit for a few seconds and get your picture taken with the pilot during the boarding process once you got on the plane.

[@NMMakster]

I worked briefly for Piedmont in the early 80s at Denver Stapleton

[@trepo757]

imagine...almost every single airliner at that time was powered by a JT8D! It must have been amazing!

[@johniii8147]

Nathan Caldwell no it was noisy and a gas hog

[@mrblujet]

This is a great video ! Thanks for sharing. Please post more if you have any.

[@lojosol]

you have to associate Piedmont with US Airways, Piedmont's spirit still lives on today inside US Airways, and US Airways proudly wears the insignia of their 4 legacy carriers on every single Mainline, Express, and Shuttle aircraft. Don't believe me? look at the fuselage of the aircraft as you board a US Airways flight today, you will see the speedbird logo along with the logos for America West, PSA, and Allegheny. They all live on!

[@LSNMVIDEO]

I'm completely impressed by the photography - very well thought-out shots, some are spectacular. And best of all, the spirit of that company comes through loud & clear. Workmanship and pride can't be missed in what you captured on the ramp. A most appropriate sound track too, so good on ya and thanks for producing this.

[@Mario-re2qp]

Beautiful

[@cynthiacrossland8277]

TY Piedmont! You rock!

[@AcepilotC172]

GREAT VIDEO

[@michaelgrant4493]

I used to fly them from Roanoke or Greensboro to O"hare, they used Eastern's gates there.

[@boredmillionaire9914]

I remember in 2nd grade for career day a Piedmont f/a came and talked to us. That was the coolest most magical thing. Then she gave us little styrofoam Piedmont planes and that was so epic. Always feel the nostalgia when I see the old Piedmont brand.

[@videotest71]

The first time I got to see the pilot and the cockpit and they gave me my plastic wings was with this airline. Most people don't realize these are turbojet engines vs the modern turbofan engines.

[@sian2337]

What’s the difference?

[@Retailman100]

@@sian2337 the ones in the video ARE turbofan engines, just the old, low-bypass type. The modern, high-bypass engines are quieter and more efficient than the old low-bypass.

[@sian2337]

Mike Niebauer - ah, it’s all gone over my head a bit, I’m afraid ☺️ I will always remember loving this airline though, taking me on my first transatlantic journey

[@jimcone8422]

I remember flying this airline out of BWI

[@sharkheadism]

Anyone know the music used from 8:15 to 9:45?

[@ColinYapp]

This was actually one of the better airlines of that period. Very good service and their planes were kept well. However, like Continental, when you link up with gutter snipes eventually your service deteriorates to their level.

[@DannyEastVillage]

yup. Piedmont got swallowed up by USAir. That was end of great service. how I hated flying to Charlotte from LGA after that - although the American Eagle commuter service was better than US Air because you could check your luggage "curbside" i.e., at the gate, with airline staff, and collect it on the tarmac at your destination. Baggage claim nightmare totally avoided. Those little Embrarer craft aren't too terribly comfortable, but it's worth it to avoid the aggravation.

[@db60615]

I cried when Continental merged with United. They were the last of the mohicans when it came to great service. Those sandwiches and chips in coach were THE BEST!

[@255-southcarolina8]

Wow back in 1985 looks like Piedmont had Charlotte hub lock down what the hell happened

[@tvdan1043]

Mergers happened.

[@cashman83]

you can still pick out the old Piedmont employees that now work for USAir

[@Soccer18188]

i think they moved it to PHl because of its better position for connectiing traffic to USA it was also a better spot for European flights and also a bigger city, they took the chance after midway and eastern failed to make hubs out of them

[@mesocorny4366]

Charlotte - an airline hub before it got a sports team

[@unccmike]

Classy.

[@ryanpilot-xh7lv]

Well today in charlotte they would say American on the tails becuase i love airports and i see a lot of planes go over my house

[@GaryPotocki82]

I know Piedmont acquired Boeing 767-200 then they became US Air but what shocks me is Piedmont never operated the Boeing 757

[@Eric2221]

RIP Piedmont

[@Acc0rd79]

Oh how I remember doing those flights as a kid. I see they are back now as a subsidiary for American Airlines if I'm correct. As a new pilot I dream of the day I can be an airline pilot in the next few years!

[@philipemma2359]

Go after your dream. I'm sure you will be a fine pilot.

[@Acc0rd79]

@@philipemma2359 I know it's a year since this comment but yah I have my pilot's license, instrument rating and am working on my commercial license now. I even own my own plane now as well. Flying is the best!!! Hope to make an airline in the next 2 or 3 years after I get my hours built up.

[@ryanmcminn1981]

Does any one know if peidmont flew from newark to detroit

[@MTLTV-eu4nv]

I didn't know Piedmont was a major airline. Nowadays they are a commuter airline which does American Eagle flights.

[@fosterfuchs]

After US Air (later US Airways) had bought Piedmont in the late '80's, they renamed one of the regional carriers Piedmont, to hold on to the trademark. Of course all that got merged into American Airlines. This way, nobody can take the Piedmont name and "resurrect" the airline, which rarely works. They tried it with PanAm and Eastern, and it failed.

[@flu4pdmt]

You work for the renamed Henson....were talking about the REAL Piedmont :)

[@Eric2221]

My bad, yes you do. Shall I say PI mk 1.0

[@lojosol]

didnt say its the same caliber of airline that it was when it was strictly Mainline. But you have to know that the essence of Piedmont still lives within US Airways, because without Piedmont and the 3 other Legacy airlines (PSA, Allegheny and America West) , US Airways would not exist as it is today. Piedmont LIVES through US Airways!!!

[@danielshon]

French airline?

[@MrBlakeSprenger]

It is still around.. I work for them.. They mostly do Ramp services and Counter/Gate services.. They actually still fly for US Airways Express with the Dash 8 aircrafts.

[@tvdan1043]

The Piedmont you work for is a renamed regional, formerly known as Henson Airlines. It was renamed after the PI-US merger to maintain the trademark.

[@lojosol]

Piedmont Airlines still exists. I Work for Piedmont

[@cn9073]

Not real Piedmont

[@jocelynharris-fx8ho]

The opening music had me laughing !! 😆 It reminded me of those corny 'Airport' movies of the 1970's. Seriously, I do miss Piedmont. The De-regulation Act caused many great airlines to disappear. I miss how so many of them had their own unique personality and style. That was part of what made flying fun.. Not anymore. 😮

[@lojosol]

the Piedmont spirit still lives on today within US Airways. Just because the logo and name have changed doesn't make it a lesser air carrier. Yes the days of free bags, free food and free amenities aboard aircraft are long gone, but that change would have been inevitable. Airline ticket prices have not followed the rate of inflation, so compared to the prices that people pay for air travel today to 1980's, we are paying a fraction of the value. so unless prices go up, dont expect 1980's service

[@Northeastern292]

If Piedmont were around today they'd be flying 777s to Tokyo, something AWE can't get straight it seems. Syracuse would have a little more service than it has today, although the upstate NY economy stinks and Dayton and any other PI city would have ample service. No, deregulation wasn't a mistake, but allowing airlines to have ZERO interference in business decisions has allowed for airlines that are "too big to fail." Bring the locals back!!!

[@johniii8147]

Alexander Ivanoff no they would not have

[@flu4pdmt]

Do not associate PI with USAirways....yes, there are still ex PI employees but never could you ever compare the two!!!

[@Soccer18188]

im sad i missed it i dream everynight of wishing to experience real aviation and not stupid TSA, rude employess and glass cockpits

[@sian2337]

Jeremy Riyanto - What do you mean when you say ‘glass cockpits?’

[@stitch-xx2oo]

I'm glad Piedmont used Boeing instead of Airbus!!!

[@terryleagan7390]

Would only fly Piedmont back in the day. Total class and customer service. Today-garbage.