[cc2k]

About three minutes into the flight -- or 107 seconds

What kind of minutes are those? I thought a minute was 60 seconds and 107 seconds was slightly less than 1 2/3 minutes.

How many other "facts" in this article are as good as this bit of math.

[seeker41]

Last A Check: Nov. 11, 2001 - Air Frame Inspection.

Hmmmmmm

[Mat_Helm]

Flight begins at gate departure. It took 3 minutes to taxi into position. The discussion relates to CVR and DFDR data related to timing of all flight related activity. The airborne reference for 107 seconds starts from V2 or after rotation and than wheight off wheels.

[KirklandJunction]

"Three minutes into the flight" may start with tower clearance for takeoff.

"(JFK departure control)American 587 cleared for departure runway 31"

Then it might take 73 seconds to taxi onto the runway, line it up on the centerline, turn on the landing lights, and THEN apply take-off power.

Pure conjecture of course.