Las Vegas 2008

A snippet picked up earlier in the year that Las Vegas was the 2nd busiest biz field in the US (after Teterboro) put in motion an idea to revisit this city for the first time since 1981.

The usual early start on Saturday 15th November found me at Gatwick meeting up with Brian and Alex and checking in for Virgin's flight 43. Initial check in is done electronically which I suppose speeds up the baggage check process. We were told the flight was 30 minutes late but no idea why. In the end, push back was only 35 minutes late so not too bad. B747-400 G-VROS left the gate at 11:22 (STD 10:45) and was off runway 26 at 11:39. The flight was pretty full but then it is the only operator on this route. Leg room was only just adequate but then it usually is when you're over 6 foot.

Our flight lasted 10 hours 33 minutes and we landed on runway 01R at McCarran where the temperature was a lovely 72 degrees (slightly warmer than Gatwick). The moment was caught for posterity at www.airliners.net

Entry formalities were fairly straight forward and as we came out of the customs hall, we were met by the 4th member of the group, Martin, holding the sort of sign that drivers hold for their clients enscribed "B. WEMBLEY" which will give you an idea of our Mart.

Only an hour or so of daylight so we went up to the car park to see what could be seen. The first thing that strikes you from here is the skyline of casinos and hotels. It's quite impressive.

Once dark, we went for our hire car (Dollar) and only just managed to get our 4 suitcases in the boot (sorry, trunk) of our Dodge Caliber. Our hotel was the Motel 6 on Tropicana and the picture below shows how close you are to the action.

Soon got in to a routine with most breakfasts and dinners taken at Denny's just south of the airport. Mornings started at the sports park on Sunset to catch arrivals on 01 until the sun went round at about noon. It's a bit of an art not getting the lampposts in the pictures though. We then repositioned to the crash gate off LV Boulevard until sunset. Most airliner arrivals were on 25R (25L being closed for maintenance). A couple of visits to the 711 garage in the SE corner for drinks and photos although you need a 500mm lens (which is my maximum) and you have to catch them in the gaps.

Brian and Martin did some trips away so an early start on Tuesday to get them to the terminal for their Southwest flight. They were back on Wednesday night and off again on Thursday morning, this time just for the day.

McCarran is dominated by Southwest and US Airways (who took over the former America West) but most of the US carriers visit. A highlight is a daily Horizon DHC-8-400 which gets in at lunchtime. Frontier are also nice to see with their colourful tails. Several operated charters (military?) and operated from Signatures. Quite a few Mexicans with Mexicana (some A-318s) and AeroMexico (plus EMB-145s of AM Connect). Plenty of Alaskan too.

Alaskan B737-800 N560AS arrives 01L as seen from the sports centre

Frontier A-319 N906FR taxis past the crash gate for a 01 departure

Have to confess that after a few days it tends to go a bit quiet in the middle of the day so on Tuesday, Alex and I decided to see if we could find Henderson (KHND). We headed south down LV Blvd and were soon out in the middle of nowhere. After about 4 miles, turn left at the lights and then follow the signs off to the right. There is a nice modern terminal and I can recommend the restaurant upstairs (Landings) where a nice leisurely lunch was taken. The ramp contained a reasonable number of exec jets on each of our visits. Thoroughly enjoyed my visits here especially with 3 different Gulfstreams seen.

A surprising amount of military was seen throughout the trip. Navy F-18s, a C-27, a KC-135R plus a Canadian C-130 and from the RAF, a VC-10 and Tristar supporting 3 Harriers and a Tornado.

On our last full day, most of us decided to have a run up to North Las Vegas (KVGT) to see what could be seen. There is a nice little cafe on top of the terminal which gives good views over the field and serves nice snacks and cold drinks. Vision Air operate a number of Dorniers on pleasure flights so this kept the interest going. There are also some stored ones which we managed to find and photograph.

All in all, a great trip and of course lovely weather. Not sure that I'd want to do a 'proper' holiday as LV is based on gambling which doesn't interest me. A couple of walks in to town after dark to see the lights was nice but that's about it really.

On our last day, we dropped the car off early as Martin was going home a different way and had a much earlier flight. Our flight home was on B744 G-VGAL. We were airborne off 07L at 17:08 and landed at Gatwick on 26 at 10:26, 9 hours and 22 minutes later. Pictures from the trip at http://www.bob-holland.fotopic.net/c1617397.html

Amsterdam 2008

A day trip to Amsterdam and the chance to meet up with old chum Barry sounded like a good idea until I worked out that I'd need to get to Gatwick at 05:00. At least the run round the M25 and M23 would be easy at that time of the morning.

Checking in on-line meant that formalities were easy so was airside by 05:20. Had even bought a new camera in Dixons by 05:30. Flight 5101 was being operated by A-319 G-EZEZ today and it looked as though we might be away early until the captain told us about ATC delays so our 06:20 departure was shot. A pushback at 06:31 looked promising but we were only moved off the stand and we didn't start engines until 06:54. Once on the move though, we jumped some of the queue and were off the ground at 07:06 from runway 26.

Schiphol was reached 40 minutes later arriving on the nearer of the far 2 runways (does that make sense?) The taxi in only took 11 minutes this time as we were parking at the low cost terminal which is the first one you get to. First time in this new terminal and 'no thrills' doesn't just refer to the airlines that use it. No air bridges here and our de-planing coincided with a sharp shower. This terminal links to the others so a quick look round the gates is still possible.

Immigration queues weren't too bad and we were soon up on the terrace where we spent most of the day. Entry is still free and is as good as ever for views over most of the airport. The first thing that strikes you is the number of Northwest flights. I noted 8 A-330s, 4 B757s and a single B744. Only 10 of these were good for me.

Most of the KLM heavies were seen (as you'd expect) along with Transavia and Arkeflys. Plenty of European airlines are represented along with a good selection of freighters including 2 Jade Cargo B744s.

One highlight was the departure of DC-3 PH-PBA, now in Air France colours, which came out over the terrace. Some of Transavia's fleet show signs of the airlines they have been leased to or from and examples were seen in Miami Air, Sun Country and Spicejet colours.

Goes a bit quiet in the afternoon but you still have to keep checking those KLMs for the one you still want. Adjourned for a drink but of course there's never a right moment and ended up dashing out again as something good came round the corner.

Time then came for us to check in or at least go through security as we already had our boarding passes and again this was easy. There are reasonable views from the cheapy terminal although you can really only see some of the arrivals from the far runways. Our flight home (5108) was on A319 G-EZBY and it would have been on time but for some passengers needing the lift to get aboard and of course there wasn't one available. Finally taxied out past the main terminals and more numbers fell in the book including my first Czech A319.

Airborne at 19:05 local and landed on 26 at Gatwick 41 minutes later at 18:46. The walk to immigration always seems to be miles away but no queue at the Iris scanner meant I was through very quickly and soon on my way home.

Pics at http://www.bob-holland.fotopic.net/c1544032.html

Geneva and EBACE 2008

My 5th visit to the EBACE (European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition) so pretty much the same routine as previous years.

An afternoon at Gatwick (Monday 19th) before overnighting at Horsham with Peter and family. Gatwick is probably busier in the mornings but 10 new numbers still managed to fall in the book. 4 different Flybe EMB-190s seen of which 3 were new. A couple of Easyjets were also put away.

The usual early start picking up John Dyer on the way who was travelling with us. John had been told to dress smartly as we were going in the static park but we didn't expect to see him in a suit. An uneventful check in and departure from the North Terminal satellite which meant having to cross the 'bridge'. At the end of the bridge is an excellent view over the runway so unsurprised to find other spotters congregating here. Heard later that we did well to head for the gate when we did as the fire alarm had gone in the main terminal.

Boarded our A-319 HB-JZN for flight 8470 to Geneva. Pretty much on time with a push back at 08:41 and a take off from runway at 08:55. The usual Easy flight had us landing at Geneva on runway 05 just 77 minutes later. Entry formalities much easier this year and we were soon heading for the show to meet up with Paul Seymour on the balcony where they park the helicopters. This is an excellent vantage point and much scribbling was done while here.

Show tickets had arrived in the post so we only had to pick up lanyards so that we were fully legit. The static park held even more aircraft than before although this means it's harder to get pictures. As before, a big plus getting in the show is the view over the runway is second to none especially now that the spectators area on the terminal is closed for refurbishment.

Stayed airside until kicking out time at 6:00 and then the 4 of us went down to the car rentals counter as Paul had hired a car for the next 2 days. This turned out to be a real boon as the route march down to Jet Aviation was done in style this year. There is much change here as building work is going on and the road up the hill by the workers barracks has gone but the views over the ramps are still the same. My one and only Gulfstream frame of the trip (G5 VP-CES) was spotted here along with an A7 dash CJ.

Having the car meant I was able to visit the flying club on the north side for the first time and could see why so many head here. Excellent views over the ramps and a proper look at the G1 that's been stored here for years (TC-SMA). It was soon time to head for our hotels. Peter and I were back in the Novotel as the Ibis was full. John was in a cheapy near the border by the tunnel and Paul was in the F1 just behind us. We all met up again for dinner in the Novotel and as usual, the beer went down well after the first full day.

Paul was waiting for us as we came out of the hotel in the morning and we headed for the long term parking area and then the flying club. This was the routine for the next 2 days and I can't thank Paul enough for his efforts in making it easy for us. Spent the 2nd day round by the end of the runway to catch all the movements. As usual, no hassle at all but then we are in Switzerland. Finished the day at the flying club where we had dinner and I can thoroughly recommend the chicken curry.

The final day was back in the static park until 3:00 when they kick you out. The best weather today and as it's the departure day for most, plenty of pictures. Struggled a bit to find somewhere to eat before the flight and probably made the mistake of going airside for this as not much of a selection here. Managed a plate of pasta and a beer so all was not lost. Reasonable views of the movements from the satellite and numbers were still falling in the book. You can't afford to drop your guard as Falcon 50 3C-LGE went past the window and I managed to point the camera at it just in time. Our flight 8475 (on HB-JZI this time) was again reasonably punctual. Arrival on 08 at Gatwick was achieved 71 minutes after leaving Geneva. We again parked on the North satellite so again had to cross the 'bridge' on the march to immigration. The queue for the Iris scanner was no shorter than the old fashioned passport check so we did it the old way.

A selection of pictures from the trip can be seen at http://www.bob-holland.fotopic.net/c1515600.html

Florida trip 2008

Back to Florida on what looks to be an annual event. An easy run to Heathrow thanks to old chum Peter who got me to Terminal 3 before 06:30. Brian turned up so we checked in with American for their flight 57 to Miami. Long queues through security but they move along fairly swiftly.

Wanted to register with IRIS (Iris Recognition Immigration System) but had to wait until the office opened at 08:00. This one-off 10 minute job means that I won't have to wait in the passport queues whenever I return to the UK. See http://www.iris.gov.uk/ for more info.

We boarded B777 N754AN and pushed back at 09:53 for our 09:45 flight so again quite punctual. We were airborne off 27L at 10:14. Uneventful flight which I guess is always the best kind. After 9 hours and 5 minutes (1 minute shorter than last year) we landed on runway 9L at Miami International and headed for stand E21.

Entry formalities were completed and we headed for our hire car. Alamo was used this year and a more conservative vehicle was waiting for us.

Very quickly in to the old routine and heading along NW36 Street. Our first encounter with the 'paranoia' resulted in our picture being taken while we were looking at the biz. This was Doug who works for Signature who has been instructed to take pictures of everyone taking tail numbers. I expect he has quite a collection by now. The rest of the afternoon was spent here. Again, mainly American Al. but 3 new Gulfstream frames meant I was off to a good start.

Same hotel as last year (Ramada Plaza at Fort Lauderdale) so no problems navigating. The day finished at our usual haunt (Denny's at Margate) followed by a trip round Wal-Mart's where we each bought a set of steps ($26.99 plus tax) which we found invaluable for the trip.

Wednesday - started at our local Fort Lauderdale Exec. Still think this is one of my favourite fields as there's always old Gulfstreams sitting here. A pair of G2s needed their picture taken so a request at an adjacent office resulted in "help yourself" which aren't words you hear too often in this game.

Where else can you see a sight like this?

Off to Ft Lauderdale Hollywood for the rest of the day. Still plenty of roads blocked around the field due roadworks but reached the spectators area promptly. Aviation changes here since last year are Jetblue EMB-190s and Skybus A-320s. Still plenty of biz here.

Thursday - down to Miami first thing for a look round but things didn't go to plan when we were stopped and asked what we were doing. The reply received a "you can't do that" so we were 'invited' in to the Customs and Immigration office and our identities were checked. An hour and a half later, hands were shaken and the only thing we were told when I quizzed what we should or should not do was to "stay this side of the fence". The final question to us was "Have you ever been to Milwaukee?" which made me laugh but that's another story.

Decided after a while to go on to Ft Lauderdale for the rest of the day. A highlight was a Sunwing B738 (C-FTJH). Movements here can depend on cruise ship timetables but there's always plenty happening here.

Friday - usually a good day to visit Palm Beach so that's what we did. The steps are useful here as cuts out the top of the fence from your pictures. No hassle this year in the viewing area but most of us now know to stay away from the fence. Pages of biz and a good number of liners. On the way home (in the dark) we stopped off at Boca Raton for a first ever visit. Had heard they weren't very friendly here so didn't loiter but it probably helped it was raining. Fairly busy here.

Saturday - Miami for the day with most time spent round by cargo where there are holes in the fence for photographers. United Wombles (E170s) were new this year and a Mexicana A-318 was among the many South Americans here. During the afternoon, it started to rain and when it rains in Florida, it chucks it down.

the viewing area at Miami (or is it the swimming pool?)

Sunday - another day at Palm Beach and met up with Gavin here. Loads of biz as always but interesting to note that nearly a third of my new 'numbers' were airliners. You have to be here early to catch the Frontier 319 departing and you only leave when it gets dark. Air Canada used an EMB-175 today and my first United CRJ-700 appeared as the light was fading. Only noted 45 different Netjets here today.

Monday - Started at Ft Lauderdale before following Gavin to Opa Locka. Started round by the side of the runway to look across to see what could be seen. Timed it well as based G550 N51MF arrived. The old Antonovs are still here as are a couple of DC-3s. Just before leaving, a US Coast Guard Falcon 20 was seen being towed out of their hangar. Onwards to Miami where a few nice biz fell in the book. Left Brian here to take some pictures while I went off to Tamiami with Gavin. This was my first ever visit to this field and a few interesting bits were seen. Venezuelan registered types seen were Gulfstream 2, Citation 550, Antonov 26 and 28. Managed to get us out on the ramp as the G2 was my main target here. A Dominican Turbolet was also nice. A smattering of biz here and we only just saw that a G550 had arrived so we had to return to the central area where I managed to get myself on to the ramp again for some pics. Everybody friendly here. Back to Miami for the rest of the day.

Tuesday - Started at our local (Exec) where the highlight was a Brazilian Sovereign (PR-HLW). From there, down the road to Lauderdale where it was a bit quiet even though a Mexican G4 turned out to be a good frame for me (XA-RCM). Left here about 10:30 and headed back north to Palm Beach. Stopped off at Boca Raton and managed to find the vantage point at the back of the adjacent university campus. Day Jet Eclipse 500s bolstered the log but this little field gets quite busy at times. Onwards to Palm Beach which was also a bit quiet. A chance encounter with a local helicopter pilot found me doing a ramp tour while he showed off his S-76.

Weather not the greatest this afternoon so didn't stay until last light this time and headed home in a downpour. Had eased off by the time we were approaching Boca so stopped off round the back until last light. Noted 6 movements during this spell including a based G3 coming home.

Wednesday - Forecast for today was wet and they were right. Boy, were they right! Decided the best place to stay was on the car park at Lauderdale (landing on westerlies anyway) as we had a chance of some shelter. Made a pigs ear of finding the right car park but eventually got it right. The rain was torrential and at times movements came to a complete halt. Improved by mid afternoon and when the sun came out, the biz poured in.

Thursday - Started the day at Miami which at least meant a decent breakfast (Denny's). Filling in the gaps in the American fleet and the many freighters here. Got restless about 11:00 and moved up to Fort Lauderdale which is becoming one of our favourite fields. The usual load of airliners here with the odd exotic biz in between. Several Mexicans arrived and the day ended with us searching out Westwind HR-PHO.

Friday - The last full day of the trip and being a Friday, it had to be Palm Beach for the biz. 105 new numbers here of which a mere 84 were biz (31 were Netjets though). US Aw graced us with their 2 Star Alliance 319s and the PSA coloured one. Stayed in the viewing area until last light and contributed our steps to a surprised local in a white van. On the way home, we had a last quick look round Boca Raton in the dark where yet another Netjets made the log.

Saturday - A last good look around Exec where highlights for me were Toyota's G5 and G4. Star though must be G1 N789G which had arrived since our last visit. A run down to FLL was next where another 25 numbers went in the book. The Air Canada A320 in 65th anniversary colours was nice and was caught in the lens. Left here at about 10:30 to see what was at Miami before returning the car.

I still can't get over how much biz uses Miami. Nearly cleared the American Al. heavies here although left needing a single A-300 and a 737-800. The car was returned with just over 1000 miles since we picked it up. The usual scrum checking in for flight 182 followed by my first beer of the trip. This year the flight was nearly on time and we had the opportunity to see what was in cargo as we went out on the southern runway. Only took 7 hours and 1 minute on B777 N782AN this year landing at Heathrow on 09L at 06:46.

Same again next year? Yes, please.

Pics at http://www.bob-holland.fotopic.net/c1460397.html

Zurich and the WEF 2008

Another year starts and it's off to Zurich again for the World Economic Forum.

Early start on Wednesday 23rd Jan arriving at Gatwick North at 05:30 to meet up with Brian and Alex for the BA 2750. No snow this year so uneventful.

Our plane this time was B734 G-DOCG parked on stand 140R so a short bus trip was required. The flight is scheduled for 07:40 so a push back of 07:52 wasn't bad. Had started the log by then as a couple of Flybes went past us including ERJ-190 G-FBEC which was my first one of these.

Airborne at 08:09 for a 70 minute flight before landing on runway 14 at Zurich where the temperature was a balmy -1 degree in sunshine.

Numbers falling in the book before we parked included new SQ B773 9V-SWJ. Entry formalities were speedy so up on the terrace to join the throng of enthusiasts. Still only 2 SFRs with the same security checks.

In position in time to see a departing Dubai BBJ and arriving Ukrainian IL-62 followed by a USAF BBJ (C-40). Wasn't impressed to see a Blue1 MD-90 as still hadn't started on their 146s. Various other movements held the interest but an offer to be driven to the end of runway 14 for some landing shots was too good to turn down. Many thanks to Alan and Dave for this. The viewing area is a long way from the terminal and does not appear to be on a bus route so a car is essential to reach here. It's definitely worth the effort.

Spent the afternoon here until it got dark. Got some cracking shots (like the above) and plenty of Gulfstream arrivals (14 in all) so the author was happy. Airliners too of interest with many Air Berlins and Air France/Cityjet 146s (the ex Northwest ones). The Thai A-340-600 was really late today and went past the lens. HS-TNA was 1 of the 2 not seen last year. My first Air France EMB-190 arrived followed by a Sevenair CRJ-900 (TS-ISA) which made the jaw drop.

Back to Car Park 6 for a couple of hours in the dark before being driven back to our hotel which was next to Alan and Dave's which was handy. We were again in the Formule1 and had dinner in the Ibis next door. A couple of beers with Dave to end a good day.

Thursday morning looked good with the sky clear. Basic continental breakfast at the hotel (coffee and rolls) before back in the taxi (cheers again Alan) and off to car park 6 to wait for the light to improve. Off to the end of the runway a little before 9. The sun is the wrong side from our spot the afternoon before so of course the Swiss have considered this and have another spectators area the other side of the runway. About 10, we transferred to the other side as the sun moved round.

A steady stream of movements although only 4 Gulfstreams before heading back to the airport at about 11:30 as we all had a ramp tour booked for 12:30. Back up to the terrace to find a Brazilian AF Embraer parked below us. One of my airliner highlights was my first Blue1 146 (OH-SAL) which was very pleasing.

Tickets were exchanged for yellow jackets and a 2 hour tour commenced. As always, the tours are run by enthusiasts so they go to all the right places. Didn't seem to be as many visitors on the ground this year. Many aircraft dropped off their passengers and then flew off to park somewhere else, returning later in the week. May be something to do with increased airport fees. Quite a few aircraft are regular WEF visitors but nice to get pics in the sunshine.

The terrace and the car park finished the day. Had to use the hotel shuttle bus tonight as Alan and Dave were going home. These run every 30 minutes so not long before we were dining again in the Ibis.

Friday was a bit of a disappointment weather wise as the sun had gone. This was the usual Zurich weather at this time of year so no real surprise to the regulars. Left the hotel for the last time on the 07:25 shuttle. The car park was a bit chilly so a coffee stop was taken on the way to the terrace. Turns out the terrace was closed as the Pakistan A-310 next to the terrace was being loaded but was open by the time we got there.

We were again on the 12:30 tour but my first Air One CRJ-900 and 2nd Blue1 146 arrived first. Each tour is slightly different and we got shots that we'd missed the day before. The Egyptian Sovereign was outside the hangar this time.

A late lunch was taken in the terminal before passing through security and heading to Terminal E for our flight home. There are good views from here and numbers were still falling in the book when it got dark. My first Finnair ERJ-190 was nice to see. Thought the trip would begin and end with this type but made a new BA A-321 while boarding B733 G-LGTG. Flight 2755 was 30 minutes late leaving. 72 minutes after leaving R28 we were landing on R26L at Gatwick. Parked on Stand 112 which meant a walk over the 'bridge' which was made even more impressive by the Oman Air B767 taxying below us as we crossed.

A great trip with even more ticks in the book than last year so definitely on my calendar for next year. The terrace may be different next time as I understand they're demolishing the end of it to make way for a new parallel taxiway.

My pics at http://www.bob-holland.fotopic.net/c1447731.html

Next year's event will be held between 28th Jan and 1st Feb.