V-Flyer

There I was watching a bit of the Red Nose Kilimanjaro exhibition when I noticed out of the window a big plane heading towards me, I thought that is too big for a 744 and rushed for the binoculars...

...it was indeed too big; it was a Qantas A380 which had just lifted off from LHR on route for Singapore and then onto Sydney.

It was in bright sunlight and I must admit it looked fantastic - I could not stop watching as it banked gently to starboard eventually disappearing into the clouds. I should have rushed for the camera but I was too job smacked to move - she may be a bit of an ugly duckling on the ground but boy is she graceful in the air!

This was not the first time I had seen an A380 airborne but each time it has the same effect - how nerdy is that?

Bazz

Very interesting.

I know that whenever Concorde flew above me, wherever I was in London, I would gaze up into the sky - it is interesting the 380 has the same effect[y][y]

Pity I am not often in the Office that has the view of the flight patch into LHR these days[:(!]

buns

quote:Originally posted by buns
Bazz

Very interesting.

I know that whenever Concorde flew above me, wherever I was in London, I would gaze up into the sky - it is interesting the 380 has the same effect[y][y]

Pity I am not often in the Office that has the view of the flight patch into LHR these days[:(!]

buns


Saw the Qantas A380 today too when it took off over me as I was driving along the M25 [8D]

I remember stopping to watch a 747 coming in to land or take off.

As for Concorde, at one stage we were in the ROI departure area parallel to the runway which was being used for landings. I was aware there was a lull in traffic and I was also aware that it was roughly the time for Concorde to depart. (We could hear the sonic boom at home so had a rough Idea of departure times) All of a sudden we could hear a roar and the shout went up. Concorde!! There was a stampede to the windows to watch its take-off. Nearby was a group of Americans who were playing cards, had seen the dash to the windows and commented 'It's only a plane!' Peasants!! They were left for dead!

quote:Originally posted by honey lamb
I remember stopping to watch a 747 coming in to land or take off.

As for Concorde, at one stage we were in the ROI departure area parallel to the runway which was being used for landings. I was aware there was a lull in traffic and I was also aware that it was roughly the time for Concorde to depart. (We could hear the sonic boom at home so had a rough Idea of departure times) All of a sudden we could hear a roar and the shout went up. Concorde!! There was a stampede to the windows to watch its take-off. Nearby was a group of Americans who were playing cards, had seen the dash to the windows and commented 'It's only a plane!' Peasants!! They were left for dead!


Great story [y] peasants indeed. I was once in a BA737 on the taxiway waiting to take off, Concorde in front, our plane could have been jelly with the roar and vibration created by those Concorde engines. The flying pencil case as the no. 1 and I used to call it inside, but outside it stopped heads from almost any angle.

Agree the 380 is fantastic to watch in a different way to Concorde. We now see Singapore, Emirates and Qantas flying them to London though and they're likely to become a but more common than Concorde.

after 25 years going to LHR Concorde always made me stop and stare made even better at dusk on take off with reheat on WOW what a sight and the sound !!!! . but the A380 is not in the same league it seems slow and ponderous not at all inspiring.

quote:Originally posted by buns
Bazz

Very interesting.

I know that whenever Concorde flew above me, wherever I was in London, I would gaze up into the sky - it is interesting the 380 has the same effect[y][y]

Pity I am not often in the Office that has the view of the flight patch into LHR these days[:(!]

buns


It happens to me every time I pass a shoe shop [y]

Not nerdy at all, Bazz. I saw the 380 last yeat at MCO when Airbus was doing a promotional tour. But haven't been aboard yet.

Chuck-

quote:Originally posted by thejohn
after 25 years going to LHR Concorde always made me stop and stare made even better at dusk on take off with reheat on WOW what a sight and the sound !!!! . but the A380 is not in the same league it seems slow and ponderous not at all inspiring.


I lived under the flight path of Concorde and you could always set your watch to when she flew over.