As a graphic designer, I’m always looking at visuals and how they might be improved, if needed. My favorite hobby is flight simulation, perhaps from being raised in a Pan Am family which afforded me uncommon world experiences, and decided to create Pan Am liveries for current passenger aircraft that I could “fly.” This became a self-imposed virtual project handled as if real.The initial problem was that the existing livery was too dated by now. It needed a fresh look, using the existing Pan Am logotype, globe and blue color, as I perceive it might have evolved without creating a new identity, and be recognized.
The wave design on the rear fuselage was inspired by traditional Pan Am “Clipper” themes and also represents air/sonic waves. The ribbing design on the lower fuselage is also nautical.
The real challenge was the rear stabilizer (tail). Keeping the Globe (in this case, an existing variation without the Pan Am type) was important, but had to "blend" with the new wave design. The positioning/use of the vertical line in the globe logo also creates the illusion of a tail shape.
Several more aircraft are nearly completed in the “design hangar” to be submitted individually when finished. All aircraft will have the registration no. N739PA, and long distance aircraft named “Clipper Maid of the Seas”... in honor of flight 103. Your comments will be most welcomed.
