Airport geeks

astanley

astanley

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Andrew Stanley
I have a favorite table at Wagamama in Heathrow's Terminal 5.

This table sits right about the low A gates, looking at the satellite stands for the BA 747's.

I count 10 of the biggest, most beautiful Boeing birds sitting there right now.

How could someone not love the 747? It really is the most beautiful Boeing still flying (I have a soft spot for the 727's styling) for a major first world airline.

Cheers,

-Andrew
 
You are an airport Geek, How do I know I am one too!

Hi my name is Adam and I'm an airport geek.
 
74? Nawww.... The DC-9 moving forward is more sleek and beautiful. When it got to the Stretch 80... now, that was sexy! Now we have the 71 and it's simply... hot!

I'm Ken. I'm an airport geek.
 
I still loved the stretched DC-8! I got to fly in one to Europe once. Cool plane, love the narrow body. Anyone ever just drive to an airport to watch planes take off and land?

My name is Scott and I am an airport geek
 
astanley said:
I have a favorite table at Wagamama in Heathrow's Terminal 5.

This table sits right about the low A gates, looking at the satellite stands for the BA 747's.

I count 10 of the biggest, most beautiful Boeing birds sitting there right now.

How could someone not love the 747? It really is the most beautiful Boeing still flying (I have a soft spot for the 727's styling) for a major first world airline.

Cheers,

-Andrew
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I agree. If you've ever got to spend the night at LHR, stay at the Renaissance Hotel and request a room with runway view and Concierge Lounge access. It is a favorite hotel for planespotters (I was in the lounge one evening - and a planespotter came in looking like the proverbial tourist with binocs and a camera).

As for me, the L1011 is one of my favorite designs - far nicer than the DC-10/MD-11 three-holers.

As for places to sit.... at BWI, outside security there is a (semi-hidden) enclosed observation deck - rarely full, always a great view. At ATL, the mid-A concourse Crown Room has a great view. The Admiral's clubs at ORD (H/K), DFW (new terminal), and LAX are pretty good, too.
 
wsuffa said:
I agree. If you've ever got to spend the night at LHR, stay at the Renaissance Hotel and request a room with runway view and Concierge Lounge access. It is a favorite hotel for planespotters (I was in the lounge one evening - and a planespotter came in looking like the proverbial tourist with binocs and a camera).

As for me, the L1011 is one of my favorite designs - far nicer than the DC-10/MD-11 three-holers.

As for places to sit.... at BWI, outside security there is a (semi-hidden) enclosed observation deck - rarely full, always a great view. At ATL, the mid-A concourse Crown Room has a great view. The Admiral's clubs at ORD (H/K), DFW (new terminal), and LAX are pretty good, too.
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My absolute favorite location is the top of the B parking deck at Logan / BOS. Go there when they are using the 22's, and arrive about 3:30, just before the evening push. When you see the LH 747 roar by at 160kt, you will have found Airport Geek Bliss.

I never had much of a jones for the L1011, but I do like the MD11, especially in FedEx livery.

DFW Terminal D Admirals Club is a great place, because of the density of long haul (777 and 767), but also a clear shot to the west cargo area, which is full of 747's and similar (I saw a AN-124 or whatever it is called last time I was in DFW).

BDL has a nice parking area at the end of the runway, too.

Cheers,

-Andrew
confirmed airport geek
 
When I was in college ('80s) there was an abandoned floor in the Boston tower - my roomate and I would ride the T out, take an airband radio, and sit on the rotten carpeting and watch the traffic move.

Now I'm lucky to live in the DC metro area, where I can visit Gravelly Point (just off the north end of DCA) or Potowmack Landing (just off the south end of DCA), or go up to BWI for either the previously mentioned observation deck or a really nice little park on the approach to 15L. I'm still looking for a good place to watch IAD, but haven't found anything as good as DCA and BWI. The observation tower at the Smithsonian Museum on the south end of Dulles is fun, and parking is free after 4 PM so you can get in an hour there for free.
 
astanley said:
My absolute favorite location is the top of the B parking deck at Logan / BOS. Go there when they are using the 22's, and arrive about 3:30, just before the evening push. When you see the LH 747 roar by at 160kt, you will have found Airport Geek Bliss.



Cheers,

-Andrew
confirmed airport geek
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I know exactly the spot you're talking about!! For the last year and change I've been flying in and out of the B terminal. When we have a long layover, that's where I go. Norfolk has a great little observation spot...about a dozen or so parking spaces right along the 500 footers of runway 5. I've gone there three times this week with my radio. The best is when the NW DC-9 or the Delta MD-83s launch...nothing beats the noise and vibration those things make (except, maybe, the 727).

Hi, I'm Teller and I'm an airport geek.

astanley said:
How could someone not love the 747? It really is the most beautiful Boeing still flying (I have a soft spot for the 727's styling) for a major first world airline.
Click to expand...

For you:http://picasaweb.google.com/matt.teller/Speedbird5BravoHeavy#

Speedbird5BravoHeavy

Speedbird5BravoHeavy
 
There is a great playground outside the wire at BWI. I used to take my daughter there all the time to "play." The observation deck is nice too. Too many 737s for my blood, but I would get really excited when the FineAir DC8 freighter would come in, smokin' out everything in its path. The Ghana Air DC10-10 and the World Airways DC 10-10 were fun too -- loud as all getout.

I'll vote Connie for piston airliner. Gotta go with the 747 for jet - there's just nothing like that, floating in on short final. All these look-alike 2 engine ETOPS planes like the 767, 777, 330 are boring.
 
There used to be a great spot to plane watch at the end of the runways at LAX, between the airport and the ocean. I'd drive up there on my motorcycle and just hang out, watching the heavy iron take off overhead. After the NY/DC stuff, they started chasing people out of there (for "security") and I think they eventually buttoned up the road so you can't watch anymore. I moved out of LA a few years ago, dunno if it's still like that. <sigh>
 
Yesterday's great spot was on US 50 east, approaching Easton, MD, at 0830 on the way to the an appointment with the vet: "Ladies and Gentlemen, if you look to your right, you will see, sitting on the ramp, a B-17, a B-24, a B-25, and a P-51."

Aviation Viagra, it 'twas . . .
 
pookies has a good view indeed.

I have a reasonable view from poolside at my house of the DAL and ADS approaches. (depending on the winds), never both the same day.

I also enjoy going to ADS to watch planes fly around. the No Touch and Go rule doesnt help my entertainment however. I usually run around the airport to give me something to do while i run. That can give me problems b/c my eyes are skyward while my feet make haste on the ground. That means i trip and fall alot while watching airplanes.

I enjoy the old warbirds and the new VLJs in and out of addison regularly.

My name is Allen, and I'm an airport geek.
 
TMetzinger said:
When I was in college ('80s) there was an abandoned floor in the Boston tower - my roomate and I would ride the T out, take an airband radio, and sit on the rotten carpeting and watch the traffic move.
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Now this is creepy.

My grandfather was a Chief Engineer at Raytheon. Did tracking radar for AEGIS, the pre-public PATRIOT work, and other projects that I don't know about since he never told anyone. (He traveled a fair amount).

Anyways, when I was very, very young, he would take me up to the tower. The last time he took me, I was barely 2 1/2, but I have a very, very distinct memory of it. We started out in an empty room, which had windows overlooking the field, and were met by someone (a male), who brought us up to the live ATC tower, where we watched planes for a looooong time. He (my grandfather) died two weeks later.

So... odds are, if you saw a 2.5 year old who could talk and had a skein of curly hair, it was me.

Cheers,

-Andrew
 
Teller1900 said:
I know exactly the spot you're talking about!! For the last year and change I've been flying in and out of the B terminal. When we have a long layover, that's where I go. Norfolk has a great little observation spot...about a dozen or so parking spaces right along the 500 footers of runway 5. I've gone there three times this week with my radio. The best is when the NW DC-9 or the Delta MD-83s launch...nothing beats the noise and vibration those things make (except, maybe, the 727).

Hi, I'm Teller and I'm an airport geek.
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When the 22's are live, one of the most thrilling things to do (assuming you are with someone else), is to ask them to turn around, watch the LH or BA flights rotate, and then have the person turn back around. If you've never seen a 747 go by you that close, at that speed, well, it's a life experience!!!

The MD's do make a great deal of noise, but the best I've ever heard was a pre-hush kit GIII at BED one day. I'm pretty sure the loose fillings they found at my last dentist appointment started that day.

For you:http://picasaweb.google.com/matt.teller/Speedbird5BravoHeavy#

Speedbird5BravoHeavy

Speedbird5BravoHeavy
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Man... I love that plane. Especially in the BA livery.

Cheers,

-Andrew
 
I agree with Andrew - 747!

I like BA but I also really like Virgin Atlantic - they name their planes. A plane I flew home on shortly after 9-11 was named Tinker Belle. I've also been on Lady Penelope and I can't remember the others. For a while Virgin was my airline of choice. I haven't been to London in a while though.
 
ANC is also great, if you can find the right spot. Lots of different aircraft, cargo hub for the pacific, etc.
 
Teller1900 said:
Not that you're partial or anything, right? :no::goofy:
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OK, maybe just a little. There is a perimeter road that runs around PANC that is great for viewing departures. Lots of cargo 74's and UPS and FedEx MD-11's. If I had to pick a non-707 pax hauler, I would have to say I'm pretty fond of the DC-10.
 
wsuffa said:
ANC is also great, if you can find the right spot. Lots of different aircraft, cargo hub for the pacific, etc.
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I think the best place here is off the departure end of Rwy 32
 
Revolving restaurant at the Marriott in IAH (Houston). Takes about an hour to make the full circuit. Get to see an un-obstucted view of the whole airport. The food is surprisingly good as well. Dang... we all spend way too much time on commercial flights!

Gary
 
C-5's doing T&Gs is pretty impressive...
 
Bob Noel said:
C-5's doing T&Gs is pretty impressive...
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I got to observe that from above a few times while flying traffic in Atlanta. I passed by Dobbins AFB two to four times during each flight.

Other times was watching a C-130 in the pattern. The one I never did see which the controller wanted me to stay away from was a Raptor. I didn't see it until I was about to flip to the next tower.
 
I'm more partial to the 777, rather than the 747, if I'm riding in it. UA 777s have better seating and IFE systems.

And the UA RCC at NRT is a nice place to sit and watch airplanes go by, too. October 30 I'll get plenty of "quality time" there on my way home. Short layover at SFO tomorrow on my way to Osaka.
 
LAX SUX.

Well, pretty much anyway.

I got done with some meetings around 4:00 and headed back to the airport. My plan was to eat early dinner at the Encounter restaurant (that's the observation level in the "space" building at the entrance to LAX) - and watch the comings and goings from a nice central location. No dice - restaurant closed... it's now only open for dinner on Thurs, Fri, Sat, and Sun nights. It is a great viewing location, irritating that it was closed.

So I'm sitting instead in the Admirals club, choking down a $9.50 pannini and watching what I can of the aircraft. Only 2 - count 'em 2 - 747's thatI've seen tonight. Used to be a LOT more....
 
wsuffa said:
LAX SUX.

Well, pretty much anyway.

I got done with some meetings around 4:00 and headed back to the airport. My plan was to eat early dinner at the Encounter restaurant (that's the observation level in the "space" building at the entrance to LAX) - and watch the comings and goings from a nice central location. No dice - restaurant closed... it's now only open for dinner on Thurs, Fri, Sat, and Sun nights. It is a great viewing location, irritating that it was closed.

So I'm sitting instead in the Admirals club, choking down a $9.50 pannini and watching what I can of the aircraft. Only 2 - count 'em 2 - 747's thatI've seen tonight. Used to be a LOT more....
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I'm back at Heathrow T5 right now, and there are about 6 747's over at the satellite terminal, with another 6 in the maintenance bay as I taxied by.

Only 25 minutes from T1 to in the lounge T5. That has to be a record of some sort, and we hit every red light on the access road in between.

Cheers,

-Andrew
 
My favorite place of all time, to take dates and to watch planes was in Manchester, NH, right by Delta Road. Park in the dirt lot there and the planes come overhead.
 
Ghery said:
I'm more partial to the 777, rather than the 747, if I'm riding in it. UA 777s have better seating and IFE systems.

And the UA RCC at NRT is a nice place to sit and watch airplanes go by, too. October 30 I'll get plenty of "quality time" there on my way home. Short layover at SFO tomorrow on my way to Osaka.
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You been upstairs in the First Class lounge there?

Also a nice view but with free drinks and food!
 
Saw the 380 in the wild on Monday - parked next to a 737 at LAX.

My all time favorite to fly inside was the L1011 that had the control system mods. Nothing like the sound of those Rolls engines spooling up.
 
wsuffa said:
Saw the 380 in the wild on Monday - parked next to a 737 at LAX.

My all time favorite to fly inside was the L1011 that had the control system mods. Nothing like the sound of those Rolls engines spooling up.
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Annioka likes the Rolls Royce Engines too
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wsuffa said:
Saw the 380 in the wild on Monday - parked next to a 737 at LAX.

My all time favorite to fly inside was the L1011 that had the control system mods. Nothing like the sound of those Rolls engines spooling up.
Click to expand...

Mmm. I've seen SQ A380's at LHR a number of times now (6... my god I've been to Heathrow too much this year).

Speaking of sounds... is it just me, or is the A319/20/21 family have the most ungodly sounds? The engines (which I think are the Trents, but may be SNECMA's?), the hydraulics... in fact, there is something (that I postulate is some sort of hydro accumulator) that is right under the Club Europe seats on BA that, when the APU kicks off and they go to ground power, makes a noise that sounds like a drill is about to come through the cabin floor. I hear it all the time now, and it still unnerves me.

Cheers,

-Andrew
 
astanley said:
Mmm. I've seen SQ A380's at LHR a number of times now (6... my god I've been to Heathrow too much this year).

Speaking of sounds... is it just me, or is the A319/20/21 family have the most ungodly sounds? The engines (which I think are the Trents, but may be SNECMA's?), the hydraulics... in fact, there is something (that I postulate is some sort of hydro accumulator) that is right under the Club Europe seats on BA that, when the APU kicks off and they go to ground power, makes a noise that sounds like a drill is about to come through the cabin floor. I hear it all the time now, and it still unnerves me.

Cheers,

-Andrew
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And their brakes. That incessant clunk-clunk, clunk-clunk as they taxi. Gimme a Boeing any day.
 
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