Florida 2011

If it's February, it must be Florida!

Brian and I met up at Heathrow on Feb 14th to catch the Virgin flight to Miami. Our A340-600 this year was G-VFIT. We pushed back at 12:29 and were airborne off rwy 27L at 13:01. Who says Heathrow doesn't need a 3rd runway? Quite a few empty seats so Brian disappeared forward early on and I didn't see him again until I got to the terminal. We arrived on rwy 9 (past cargo) at 17:19 local after a 9hr 18min flight. Usual queues from immigration and for a change I was in the right queue and had to wait for my companion to finally appear at the carousel. There is a single company operating the car rental shuttle as they're all in the same block now. We had ordered a compact but were upgraded to a Chrysler Town and Country which is probably the biggest 'tank' yet.

Back at the Motel 6 at Ft Lauderdale. It's fairly cheap and you get what you pay for. As usual, the first night means a run up to Walmart at Margate to pick up some steps and dinner at Denny's.

Tuesday 15th - An easy day today just staying at Lauderdale Hollywood. Spirit now have A-320s and it didn't take long to see these. As usual a good mixture of liners and biz although DC-3 N15MA was great to see departing.

Wednesday 16th - A comprehensive look around Exec. The usual collection of old jets here with a Dominican Republic Saab 340 being a bit different. Back up to FLL for a couple of hours before heading down to Opa Locka on the way to Miami where we stayed until dark.

Thursday 17th - All day at FLL with plenty of biz arriving.

Friday 18th - Started at Miami before heading up to Palm Beach which we reached at about 10am. Fridays are usually pretty good and I have pages of numbers to prove this.

To be continued

Zurich and the WEF 2011

Had to give Zurich a miss last year due to clashing with the Superbowl but there again this year to brave the cold.

An 06:50 flight from Gatwick on Thursday 27th meant an early start. An e-mail from Easyjet saying you should allow 3 hours to go through meant I met up with Brian about 05:00. We passed through the formalities in about 5 minutes but only having hand luggage helped. Still dark when we boarded A-319 G-EZAU for our flight to Zurich. Pushback was 2 minutes early and we were airborne off 08 at 07:10. A cup of coffee and a chicken bun later, we landed on Rwy 14 at 09:24L.

Headed straight to the security post where you catch the bus to the spectators terrace. Worth allowing plenty of time here as was busy each time we went through. This may be the last year that the Terminal E terrace will be used as the old terrace should be reopening at the end of this year.

The 12:15 ramp tour coincided with the departure of 2 Ilyushin 76s and the arrival of an Ilyushin 96 so the rest of the tour was a bit of a rush when we got to the end.

There didn't seem to be as many aircraft parked up this year. Many aircraft drop off their passengers and fly off to park elsewhere. They then return later to pick them up. You therefore need to spend several days to see most of the visitors.

Plenty of normal airliner traffic as well as biz jets coming and going. Everything departs on the runway in front of you (28/10) and good pics can be obtained as long as the sun is in. Most arrivals are on 14 and tend to just appear round the terminal unless you keep your eyes open. The terrace closes at 5 and we headed for a quick bite to eat before going to car park 6 to finish the day. Departures on 28 can still be monitored and some biz park in front of you which is why I lugged my tripod with me.

Stayed at the Ibis again and their shuttle bus is very punctual. A bite to eat before crashing out.

Friday morning and no sleeping in on these trips. Breakfast was a reasonable buffet at the hotel before catching their shuttle to the airport. Each morning we would start on CP6 and then head for the security hut to join the queue of spotters for the terrace. The 11:45 ramp tour today. This one coincided with the arrival of an Ethiopian B737 so we were taken down alongside the fast taxiway off rwy 14. This duly arrived in front of us but took up a lot of our tour plus we went round the end of rwy 16 from here to start the tour proper. It again ended in a bit of a rush but we got some more nice pictures. Last ones off the terrace and back up CP6. Adjourned for dinner in the terminal. I was up for another stint in the cold but Brian headed back to the hotel to thaw out. He didn't miss much.

Saturday morning and the usual routine. No ramp tour today so stayed on the terrace. Met up with a lot of friends today which was nice. A bit after 13:30, decided to move to CP6 as the sun had come out and the view was facing south. Got to the security hut to see a nice German Legacy (D-ATRI) starting up. Decided I was going to get a shot so set off leaving Brian to follow. Came out of the lift with camera ready and it was at the end of the runway so just caught it. It's a good spot here but don't think I could manage a whole day as the wind whistles through the slats. Dinner again in the terminal when the light went but returned later for some tripod shots. Some were pleased to see the Korean G550 (HL8200).

Sunday was our last day so checked out of the hotel after breakfast. A nice hotel and have no complaints. The staff were particularly helpful. A bit expensive though so might try somewhere else next time. Back up the car park until time to check in. Formalities fairly straight forward and we were soon through. Was hoping to catch a shot of my G4 frame (N585D) sitting in the cul de sac and as luck would have it, was the only one left. Little did I know I would catch this in Florida 2 weeks later. Headed for the train to our terminal where a few more numbers went in the book, including our first SAS CRJ-900. A nice Korean BBJ arrived just as we boarded G-EZIZ for our flight home.

Pushback was 13 minutes late at 11:08. A stop in the de-icing bay before departing rwy 28 at 11:27. Landed at Gatwick (rwy 08) 74 minutes later.

A good trip with 118 new numbers. Cold as you'd expect but worth the effort.

Geneva and EBACE 2010

It's May so it must be Geneva again. This time it's the 10th EBACE and my 7th consecutive visit.
An early run round the motorways found me at the Gatwick long term car park at 06:20 and shortly after meeting up with Brian at the North Terminal. Usual travelling companion Peter was spotted in the security queue and we all got together for an early morning coffee. The 4th member of the group, Paul, was travelling from Heathrow and would meet us there.

Our flight EZS8570 was again departing from the satellite so we had to cross the bridge for the best view of the airport. Various based liners fell in the book plus a Norwegian Shuttle B738 but not the Cubana Il-96 which had gone tech. Our plane was A-319 HB-JZT which pushed back at 08:22 (7 mins late) and we headed for a rwy 08R departure at 08:35. 84 mins later, we were touching down on rwy 05 at Geneva.

The immigration boxes have been moved nearer the gates which I'm afraid has not speeded up the process. It was not long though before we were picking up our show passes and getting in the static park. Quite cold today but dry which was an improvement on the forecast. More than ever in the static this year but only the CJ4 was a new type.

Weather was cold but the threatened rain just about held off. Stayed in the static park until closing time and on the way out accepted an offer of cakes and champagne. Headed for the car rental where Paul had again booked a car for our stay. The long term parking area were checked before Jet Aviation was explored. Finished off at the flying club where dinner was taken. Our hotel was again the Campanile.
Wednesday started wet and didn't get much better. Brian and Paul decided to stay at the garage at the end of the runway while Peter and I were dropped off by the exhibition hall. Driest place with a view was the terrace where the helicopters parked. I tried to get in the static park whenever the weather eased but even I couldn't cope with the grim conditions. A good opportunity to get on board a few planes as business was slow. Did catch G450 N5113 arrive plus the Ghanaian Jetstar 2 (9G-ABF) so worth making the effort. Peter was going home this evening and I was picked up to finish again at the flying club.

Thursday was dry and much better so spent the day in the static. Still plenty happening to hold the interest. Early kick out of the static on the last day but held out as long as we could. Time to kill before the flight so went up to the Altitude Restaurant in the terminal. Flight home (EZS8577) was on HB-JZF which taxyed away at 19:35 (25 mins late) and was airborne off 23 at 19:44. Just 56 mins later we touched down on 08 at Gatwick.

Florida 2010

If it's February, it must be Florida. This year, the Superbowl was being held in Miami so plans were made to bring the trip forward to cover this although this meant missing out on Zurich as they were too close together.

The flight this year was with Virgin which meant a later departure although I think I met up with Brian at about the usual time in T3. We checked our bags in which was painless and we proceeded through the security checks. Again painless although one wonders what effect full body scanners will have when they're brought in.

As usual, double figures fell in the book with ease before boarding A-340-600 G-VMEG (Mystic Maiden). Flight VS 005 is scheduled to depart at 12:30 and we were 17 minutes late pushing back (12:47). The usual queue to get out and we finally were airborne off 27L at 13:19.

The flight was uneventful but the food was OK and the crew were friendly. It seemed to go on forever though as due to strong headwinds we finally landed at 18:10 local after a flight of 9 hours 51 minutes (45 mins longer than usual). It was therefore just getting dark as we landed and headed for the stand.

The usual queues at immigration as they took another copy of my fingerprints and we still had to wait for the bags. Once picked up though, outside just as the Budget car hire van came round the corner. Not long before we took command of a Kia Soul, a type I don't think I've even seen before let alone driven. As with all US cars, got a reasonable amount of 'poke' and we were soon back in the swing of it, heading up the I-95 to Fort Lauderdale. We were back in the Ramada Plaza so no problem finding it.

Wednesday 3rd Decided that as we arrived at Miami at sunset, we'd start our first day back here. The obligatory look round Signatures which resulted in a few words with the lady in Fed Ex next door. After explaining the facts of life, she agreed to leave us alone for 10 minutes. Saw our first TACA ERJ-190 before heading round to El Dorado by the south runway. Arriving here, we met some German photographers who told us this was the best weather they'd had in 4 days and had almost considered going home early. Good to get some heavies here. Just caught a LAN B777F and a pair of MD-11s (World and ex Alitalia). Went quiet about 1:00 so we decided to head over to Opa Locka.

ex ATI MD-80 of Insel Air landing rwy 09

Opa Locka is a fascinating field. The Antonovs are still here but less of them appear to be active. You can still see a line up of a DC-4 and a DC-6 and now there's a DC-7 (N836D). More biz about than I remember but these may be early visitors for the Superbowl. This is the nearest field to the stadium. After seeing all there was, we headed back up to Fort Lauderdale for the rest of the day. The Bombardier ramp provided some interest with Lear Jet 45 YV2567 parked outside.

Thursday 4th Started with our first visit to Exec. Always a good place to get older types and today produced a 'new' Falcon 10, Lear 25 and a Sabre 65. The rest of the day was spent over at the main Lauderdale airport. Highlight for me was the arrival of the San Diego Chargers Gulfstream 5. A Kentucky ANG C-130 was also a little different.

Friday 5th Back to Miami first thing so breakfast in Denny's. Caught our 3rd TACA EMB-190. One seems to depart regularly at 08:00. The usual selection of biz and liners (which included an Air France A320 which is based in this part of the world). Left here just after 9 and headed up to Opa Locka. Nice to see the all black G3 N734TJ but unfortunately the weather didn't do it justice. Managed to meet up with some friends who were being shown round some Jetstars. Getting quite busy here now with the Superbowl only 2 days away. Back to Miami by 12 where we stayed until it got dark. Plenty more biz and liners in the book.

Saturday 6th An easy day today. Started at Ft Lauderdale which was getting full of biz. Movements were in a westerly direction so the viewing area isn't that good. Decided at 10am to head for Opa Locka where we stayed until the light went. Found a nice spot to get pictures of arrivals.

Sunday 7th Breakfast at Miami again. Glorious sunshine so more pics in the NE corner. A G2 caught my eye and thought this would be better in the afternoon when the sun goes round. Up to Lauderdale Exec to find this was full with biz too. The cross runway had been closed so that aircraft could park here. The Dallas Cowboys G5 was a highlight for me but plenty more. Landing from the east here so decided to find a spot for landing shots. Found an area that was suitable but not long before we were chatting to security, police and even army. Was told it was OK for us to stand there but not the car. As it was a Sunday, easy to park over in the estate the other side of the road. We were here from noon for about an hour and caught several arrivals including a Westwind 2 which made it worthwhile.

You can't park here! Our Kia Soul

Back to Miami to shoot that G2 with the sun on it. Worth going back as a Falcon 7X had appeared and several new biz fell in the book. Ventured round to the south side of the airport (past El Dorado) and wondered why we'd never done this before. The road goes right next to the runway and we found the 94th Aero Squadron car park where many spotters go. Back up to FLL for the rest of the day.

Monday 8th After the exciting game last night (New Orleans won) it came as a bit of a shock how much biz had departed in the middle of the night. The overflowing ramps were almost deserted as we viewed FLL from the park. As they were still landing from the east, decided to sit on the Habiscus car park here and get some shots. Still a few biz departing including the once elusive G4 N857ST. At about 12:30, it was obvious that they were changing ends so we headed for the usual viewing area. The departure queue took ages to clear. A couple of G2 departures before it got dark.

Tuesday 9th Back to Miami for another TACA 190. Never seen as much military here. A C560, Lear 35 and C-12. Off to Opa Locka to just catch a departing G3 I needed. Up to Exec where 2 Sabres and a Jordanian CJ1 were good for me. On to Lauderdale for the rest of the day. A Mexican G2 was a highlight.

Wednesday 10th About time we went to Palm Beach as been here a week now. Stopped off at Boca Raton and past experience said we went to the fence on the campus side. Here a little after 7am so no problems although heard later that campus security was stepped up and were making it difficult. Palm Beach was a little on the quiet side so decided to have a look from the multi story car park. On the way round, stopped briefly by the crash gate only to look round to see that Homeland Security vehicles had pulled up behind us. We were quizzed and eventually 6 official cars became involved. We were finally released and allowed to continue to the car park. All a bit depressing so found ourselves back at Exec by 13:30. An Argentinean and Brazilian Lear were seen along with a Venezuelan Lear so spirits raised. Finished at Lauderdale where another dozen went in the book although mainly airliners.

Thursday 11th Back up on the car park at Lauderdale as still landing "the wrong way". Mid morning, decided it was time to have a look at Opa Locka. Got there just in time to see one of the new HC-144A (CN-235) of the Coast Guard arrive. Lovely weather so stayed here for a couple of hours. On then to Miami. Back to our new location on the south side to get a few liners in the book. Finished back at Lauderdale as a good G450 was due in. Nice shots of N178SD as she went out. A Marines UC-12B was also of interest. Anyone got a con for Cess 500 YV2245?

Friday 12th 2 new Gulfstream frames at Lauderdale was a good start. Left here about 10 and headed north to Palm Beach. Much busier for biz being a Friday and we stayed here until last light. Made about 50 here which is more like it.

Saturday 13th Started at Exec where nearly half of what I logged was Venezuelan. Back up the Hibiscus car park at FLL for an hour or so before deciding to head for Opa Locka. Not a lot happening here so on to Miami where I saw my first USAF C-130J. Back up to FLL but not before a quick stop at Opa Locka where I got a bit excited when I saw a G550 on approach but turned out to be just HB-JEV. Rest of the day at FLL. Missed a Brazilian Sovereign so went looking for it in the dark only to find new G450 N1DW which was nice.

Sunday 14th A quick look to find the Brazilian Sovereign (PR-BNP) at FLL before heading west along Alligator Alley to Naples on the Gulf coast. A good selection of biz here. Spent about an hour up on the bank overlooking rwy 5 to catch a few movements. Headed north to find Ft Myers - Page Field for the first time where a few more biz went in the book. Didn't stay here long before heading for Ft Myers RSW. Concentrated on the biz area but a few airliners were noted. Saw a few Gulfstreams in the big hangar but decided to come back when the sun had gone down as an Indian AF one was supposed to be in there. Back down to Naples where we spent over an hour by rwy 32. Highlight was an arriving G2. As the light started to go, headed back up to RSW and yes, you can see better in the hangar when the lights are on. Saw both sides of the Indian G3 but as the reg was scrubbed out both sides, it didn't make the log. Back down Alligator Alley in the dark which was fun. Over 400 miles done today.

Monday 15th A quick look at FLL where we were photographed by a woman in a car. Not long here before up to Palm Beach for the hoped for President's Day rush. Got here to find the gate hadn't been opened to the viewing area but we managed to park the car outside without anyone saying anything which really surprised me. Still able to walk in (with ladders) so no problem. The man finally arrived at noon and took all the stick well. Plenty going on here to keep the assembled crowd happy. Alex had been chatting to a chap who invited us at last light to have a look at his Falcon 2000 N18MV which of course we took him up on.

Not the typical response from FBOs

Tuesday 16th Last day so checked out of the hotel. Up on the car park at FLL for an hour or so before heading to Opa Locka for the last time. G550 N768JJ was just caught before it departed and then a Herc landed. Turned out to be Bolivian (FAB-65) which even taxied past our cameras. On to Miami where a Brazilian Falcon 7X finally got in the book. Round to the 94AS for a couple of hours before deciding it was time to give the car back and check in. A total of 1958 miles were done this year. Our flight was a little late and A346 G-VWIN pushed back at 2115 and was airborne off rwy 30 at 2128. We landed at Heathrow on 09L at 1011 local, 7 hours 43 mins later.

Logged nearly 1300 biz and made about 500 of them.

Thanks again to Brian who wants to do it again next year. Oh, alright.

Pics at http://www.bob-holland.fotopic.net/c1816660.html

Lisbon, Portugal

An email from my contact in Lisbon set in motion plans to visit this city (and country) for the first time. A summit of the Ibero-American heads of state and government was to be held which should involve representatives of most of the Spanish and Portuguese speaking nations i.e. all of South America.

Managed to talk my mate Brian in to going with me and flights were booked as was a hotel.

I was told that Sunday should be the best day to be there so the Saturday afternoon flight from Gatwick looked favourite. Not being regulars here, we decided to spend a few hours at LGW under the approach for some pictures. The sun shone and although movements seem to be down, 18 new numbers fell in the book. Our flight was departing from the north terminal and we passed through rapidly even though the e-ticket scanner wasn't working and we had to get boarding cards. Flight Easy 8719 was scheduled to depart at 13:40 and A-319 G-EZBH pushed back at 13:38. We were airborne off runway 26 at 13:47.

2 hours and 27 minutes later we were touching down on rwy 03 at Lisbon. The taxi in was past Falcon 900 CS-TFN and Ecuador Legacy FAE-051 which sports a terrific scheme. The usual queue at passports before bumping in to our host Joao who was going to chauffeur us around. As there was still some light, he took us to the main spotting area at the threshold of 03 but unfortunately we were probably the last to land on it before changing ends. As the light faded, we headed for our hotel, the Ibis Lisboa Saldanha, located in the city but only about 10 to 15 minutes from the airport. There is no restaurant here so a short walk to find a nice little place called the Portugalia which we used both nights.

Joao was working during our visit so had to pick us up at 06:30 (just as breakfast was starting so we had to stock up at the supermarket round the corner the night before). It was raining and runway 21 was still in use so Joao took us to a position midway along the runway which looks down on movements. There was also a degree of shelter here whereas the other position is in the open. The downside here is that there are bushes and trees blocking the runway so pictures had to be timed right. It wasn't long before they changed back to 03 but the odd shower made us glad we were here. Also, some locals turned up and kept us entertained.

The based fleets of TAP and Portugalia were knocked out along with the usual European visitors. Only US carrier seen was Continental with B757. First arrival for the meeting was Colombian BBJ FAC0001 followed by Argentinean B757 T-01 (which was on Brian's wish list). Today's Air Europa was EC-KRJ which we'd seen at LGW and it was this one twice a day for 2 days. Nice to see the TAP A-330s as not seen any previously. Another highlight was the Angolan B777 which was D2-TEF both days. Angolan Challenger VP-BES was pulled from a hangar and was put on the flight line. Joao picked us up about 3 and took us to the 03 end. Spanish Falcon 900 T.18-3 was another meeting visitor. One of their A-310s arrived after we left for the day.

Same plan for Monday but this time the weather looked better so spent the day at the southern end. The odd shower but I managed to talk a local in to letting us sit in his car. A Maersk 767 arrived on a freight flight but still dark. A Swiftair ATR and a DHL 757 were other freighters. Vueling A-320s seen this day along with a few biz including G550 EC-KUM. Pictures are difficult here until the afternoon when the sun goes round. Joao had to leave us a bit early but new friend Rui had offered to take us to the terminal for our flight home once the light went. Worth staying on as a Global Express landed and a LAN B767 which was the first of this type I'd seen with winglets.
Arrived at the terminal to find our flight was delayed. Brian planned to go in to work the following morning but this wasn't going to happen. Had something to eat and then just waited. A Brazilian EMB-190 was spotted arriving. Turns out that the flight from LGW had a problem closing the baggage door so an aircraft change was required hence the delay. New A-320 G-EZTM turned up for us and pushed back at 21:57, just over 2 hours late. 2 hours and 34 mins before landing at Gatwick. Thought we were never going to land as still hadn't touched down as we went past the 140s (where the biz park) but obviously we did. At this hour, the queues were light at passports and with a delay in scraping the ice off the windscreen, finally got home after 2.

Lisbon is a fairly quiet airport but a few goodies made it worth while plus everyone we came in contact with was very friendly. A nice experience. Thanks Joao.

Pics at www.bob-holland.fotopic.net/c1787462.html

Out of Africa

Saturday 19th Sept saw me heading down the M25 for Heathrow, this time Terminal 4, to meet up with Alpha Mike Tours for my first trip to Kenya and then on to South Africa for a week's visit. Check in and security checks were fairly easy and we were soon at the window where good views over the airport can be had.

We were flying Kenya Aw for the whole trip and our first sector was on B777 5Y-KYZ which pushed back just 5 minutes late and taxied out to runway 09R (past the Ugandan G550) and we were airborne at 10:51 for an 8 hours and 3 minute flight to Nairobi. Although this is the newest Triple in the fleet, the IFE system still has gremlins and I never did see a film all the way through. Kenya is 2 hours ahead of the UK so it was gone 21:00 when we cleared customs and found our local guide. Coaches then took us to the Holiday Inn in downtown Nairobi.

Sunday was a touristy day and we did a morning safari at the National_Park . We were taken round in a fleet of minibuses and it was a wonderful experience, never to be forgotten.

Monday was back to work with a full day at Wilson (Kenya's biggest GA field) where we were guests at the East Africa Aero Club where a buffet had been arranged. They also served a nice chilled Tusker lager here. Our ramp tour was delayed as the President was departing in Dash 8 304 and we weren't allowed on the ramp until there was no chance of him turning back. Once we got the word, we were bussed to the main gate and passed through security. A complete walking trip of the field was then undertaken. An interesting assortment of types here, the Congo registered Buffalo probably being the biggest followed by Dash 7, Fokker 50/F-27s and Dash 8s. 3 of the 4 Kenyan registered biz were seen. Good to see the old British types, 748s, Skyvans and an Islander.

Pics at www.bob-holland.fotopic.net/c1761502.html

Tuesday saw us back at Wilson for another walk round. Met one of the crew of Turbo DC-3 N467SP who was happy to let us view the cockpit. Lunch again at the Aero Club before we headed for the main airport for our next flight. A ramp tour had been arranged but were told no photos. Once on the ramp we pulled up behind 748 5Y-BVQ and were asked which side we wanted to take our pictures. The sunny side of course which enabled us to shoot a few others. We parked up further along to shoot a DC-9 and were nearly run over by F-27 5X-FFD that had just arrived. Thought we'd blown it at this point but our tour continued and we were dropped off opposite the active ramp. We were then taken to the terminal to check in. Spent until it got dark at a window taking pictures without any hassle. Then had to find a bar where another Tusker beer was enjoyed. Our flight KQ764 to Jo'burg on B738 5Y-KYC pushed back 15 minutes late and we were airborne at 21:04. The flight lasted 3 hours 47 mins. South Africa is only 1 hour ahead of the UK so we gained an hour arriving at 23:51 local in the pouring rain. The terminal is much bigger than my last visit, presumably beefed up for next year's World Cup.

Wednesday was a drive to Lanseria which took about 2 hours. There is plenty of construction work going on everywhere so the road network in a year or so should be really good. Lanseria is said to be the busiest GA field in Africa and there are certainly a good proportion of the ZS registered biz jets here. The airport allocated a security guard to us and he ensured that nearly every hangar was visited or at least peered in to. Also here is a large facility that works on Boeing 737s and Fokker F-28s. A China Southern A-300 (B-2329) dominated the long term parking area. Believe this has since gone Iranian. Like Wilson, a large number of Beech 1900s were seen so a very popular type in this part of the world. Most of the hangars are on the terminal side and when completed, we adjourned for lunch on the nice terrace for a toasted sarnie and a cold drink.

After lunch, we took the bus round to the other side and continued to look round the hangars. A few closed the doors when they saw us coming but most people are happy to chat when you show an interest. The visit finished with a walk round to the dumped aircraft area but must confess I was wilting by this time and didn't go the full distance.

Thursday began with an easier start so went on the roof of our hotel (Southern Sun) which had been arranged to be opened at first light for the duration of our stay. Good views over the domestic ramp and the nearest runway. First stop on today's coach trip was Grand Central where the highlight for me was Jetstar 2 ZS-ICC. We then continued to Rand where we were met by a fireman who took us round the whole field. Less stored machines than my last visit although there is now a museum, dominated by SAA 747s. DC-3 ZS-NTE is being prepared for flight while An-32 sits outside a hangar containing an An-24 that I managed to miss. Carvair 9J-PAA is still here. Got back to JNB for a few hours in the domestic observation area where reasonable pictures can be taken. Good to see my first Angolan B777 depart and we stayed on until it got dark and the arrival of a Mozambique E190.

Friday was a comprehensive tour of JNB starting with a visit round Denel Aviation. We were shown a pair of Cheetah fighters and the helicopter maintenance facility. Before leaving, we had a look at the area where they break up airliners. A SAA 747 was being broken up as we watched. Several B732s looked likely to be next. We then moved on to Safair and were shown their whole ramp where many old 737s and MD-80s look like they will end their days here. A good view over the departure runway from here so sometimes difficult to know where to look. Saw my first Arik A345 go (CS-TFW). We then got on the ramp at Federal Air and then in the hangar of Anglo American which contained several biz.

Some of the group then took the bus down to Lanseria for a couple of hours. A slightly disappointing visit with just a few new biz going in the book. Back to JNB to wait again for the Mozambique after dark. A B732 this time but ex Braathens. Dinner these evenings were taken in the terminal which kept expenses down.

Saturday was our last full day in South Africa. Our bus today first took us to Wonderboom. A complete walking ramp tour was done here. Mainly light aircraft but a few goodies scattered about. Before leaving, we were taken in groups in the back of a fire truck over the runway where a pair of Convair 340s of Rovos Air are parked along with a dumped UN F-27 and a pair of Gulfstream 1s. We then moved on to Swartkop for the museum which has a comprehensive collection of SAAF machines. A few active aircraft here as the nearby SAAF field is closed for runway maintenance. Again, we finished the day in the viewing area at JNB for an hour or so.

SA pics at http://www.bob-holland.fotopic.net/c1762047.html

Sunday was checking out of the hotel and checking in for our flight. Good views from the gates so still taking pictures. Our flight to Nairobi (KQ761) was on B738 5Y-KYB which pushed back 15 minutes early. The flight lasted 3 hours 29 mins. It was spitting with rain when we deplaned but this didn't last long. A couple of hours at the same window until it got dark. Then retired to the bar for a beer or two and watching the cricket on TV between England and SA (which we won but missed the end). Our final flight was B777 5Y-KYT (KQ102) which pushed back 9 mins late and took off 5 minutes after midnight. Flight lasted 8 hours 11 minutes and didn't get much sleep. Landed Heathrow on 27L at 06:16 and taxied to Terminal 4. The IRIS scanner was working which just means you wait longer for your bag.

Geneva and EBACE 2009

Held this year between 12th and 14th May, this was my 6th visit to this annual event.

Pretty much the usual routine with an overnighter at Horsham the night before meaning some time at Gatwick the day before. Decided that as I'd 'done' Gatwick recently, would only do an afternoon so only 8 new numbers in the book. Highlight was new Air Europa ERJ-190 EC-KYO.

Not too early a start as Peter and I headed for the North Terminal to meet up with Brian who was doing EBACE for the first time. Flight to Geneva this year was on A-319 HB-JZJ which pushed back at 08:15 (spot on time) and was airborne 19 minutes later from runway 08R. Flight time was 1 hour 18 minutes landing at 10:52 local. Parked on a remote stand this year so needed a bus to the terminal.

Easy entry formalities as usual and we were soon in the static park where we spent the day. Security is much easier getting through as they're only looking in bags and not scanning everything. Landing runway all week was 23 (from the right) so good pictures from this spot. We also met up with the 4th member of the group, Paul.

New types in the static park were the Phenom 100 and 300.

Baboo are the based airline and now have 3 Embraer 190s along with 2 Dash 8-400s. Myair are new and operated CRJ-900 EI-DUY (twice). Malev operated a Dash 8 which I think is different and Egyptair operated 737-800s which were my first of these. Finnair operated an ERJ-190 on one of the flights and Qatar Aw used a 319 so a good mix of airliners again.

As last year, Paul had booked a car which certainly makes life easier. The car rental desks have now moved to the end of the terminal (west end) and they operate a shuttle bus. We started off at the long term park area (east end) which was full of jets. Highlight was new Manx Global M-SALE. We then had a look at Jet Aviation which resembles a building site with a new hangar just gone up. We then adjourned to the flying club for dinner (and a beer).

Hotel this year was the Campanile across the border in France. Not bad although full of British spotters from the Alpha Mike trip so lots of familiar faces at breakfast.

Wednesday continued in a similar vein although without the showers of the other 2 days. First visit this year to the roof of the garage that overlooks the Jet Aviation ramp. Would be good for pictures when the other runway is in use. Peter was only doing a 2 day stint this year so left us mid-afternoon.

Thursday was our last day so check out, a look round the airport and back to the static park. Had made a comment about not seeing a Mustang move so to make up, the following duly arrived; OK-FTR, D-ISRM, F-HDPY, OE-FMZ and LX-FGL. The only Eclipse of the trip also arrived in the shape of N502TS. Good to see Alex, looking even smarter than me.

The static usually closes at 3 on the last day but didn't get kicked out until 3.30 this year when we then headed for the new restaurant above the terminal which is just about where the old terrace was. Drinks are not cheap but the view is very good from here. It was then time to head for the gate where spotting continued. In fact, had to leave the boarding queue when G4 N1086 arrived which was my 5th G frame of the trip which was very pleasing.

Our flight home was A-319 HB-JZG. The door was closed at 7.25 (15 mins late) and we were airborne at 7.42, landing back at Gatwick just 61 minutes later. Spotting still not finished as saw my first Norwegian 737-800 while crossing the bridge.

7th visit next year? A fairly good chance I'd have thought. Dates are 4-6 May.

Pics at http://www.bob-holland.fotopic.net/c1697849.html