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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11366 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2008 5:58 am Post subject: Flying just to fly on a specific aircraft type |
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Just wondering if anyone goes out of their way to fly a certain aircraft type. While I'm not lucky (read loaded) enough to sign up for an Air Events style charter flight on an Iran Air 747SP or -100; or a Syrian 727, I try & go the extra mile to fly an aircraft type that I've not been on, especially if it's a classic, or not going to be around for much longer.
I was driven to fly AA's A300-600R before they are pulled from service in 2011 (leases expire then, but they could be pulled earlier), so I bought a ticket for the end of May, with the routing SRQ-MIA-YYZ-JFK-MIA-SRQ; with the JFK-MIA being an A300-600R. Looking forward to flying this classic, with AA being the only US operator of the A300. My last A300 experience was on an AI A300B4, around 15 years ago, & I've never been on this sub-type.
Anyone else do / done this kind of thing ?? |
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sammyk Member
Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Posts: 2719 Location: Austin, TX
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Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2008 6:21 am Post subject: |
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I've done it with Continental to get on a 739, 762, 764, and 757 with winglets. I tried to do with a 753 which is a rare bird to Austin but they had a late equipment change to a 752 so I got screwed.
I also did it with AA to get on an F100. I attempted to get on an EMB-170 with Delta but they switched my flight to a Mad Dog but at least they upgraded me to first.
Oh and I also flew JetBlue to get on an A320 and Air France to get on a A340. |
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11366 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2008 6:36 am Post subject: |
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I once non - rev'd (sub-loaded) on US from SRQ-CLT-ATL, to get on a Delta 732 while it was still in service; doing ATL-CLT runs, only to have the flt. get overbooked in the time it took me to get there
I hate it when the sub the equipment at the last moment!! |
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sammyk Member
Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Posts: 2719 Location: Austin, TX
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Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2008 8:41 am Post subject: |
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I guess you're in the industry so it must be easier for you.
Yah that last minute sub sucked. They even had an extra FA which had to go home instead. Now I don't know when I'll get another chance but at least those planes aren't going anywhere soon. |
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saurabhm_101 Member
Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 529 Location: Mumbai
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Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2008 9:51 am Post subject: |
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well i did it on 9W to fly their new 737-800W with IFE... but the earlier BOM-DEL flight got canceled so they changed it to a 737-900 but that was a first as well... on the way back i got the 737-800W with IFE which was awesome! ive done it even on LH... i forced my mum to fly on LH so i could fly the 747-400 and the A340-600! _________________ Flying High.... You and Me...! |
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avbuff Member
Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 5031
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Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2008 10:24 am Post subject: |
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I deliberately took the Etihad flight in January 2007, just to go by the A340-500. But then it was also the second cheapest fare on that route at that time. |
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deaphen Member
Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 933 Location: India
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Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2008 11:12 am Post subject: |
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A couple for me
Kingfisher for the A321
Etihad for the A340-500
Virgin for the A340-600
Virgin for the A340-300
Kingfisher Demo flight for the A380
TAP for the A310
UA for the 757
UA for the 767
KL for the 747
Actually after some time you realise that all your flights get kind of based around a/c type.
Regards
Nitin |
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11366 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2008 3:32 pm Post subject: |
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sammyk wrote: | I guess you're in the industry so it must be easier for you.
Yah that last minute sub sucked. They even had an extra FA which had to go home instead. Now I don't know when I'll get another chance but at least those planes aren't going anywhere soon. |
I used to work for US so it was much easier (& economically feasable). I guess the key is to fly aircraft types before they disappear for good. That's why I was keen on the AA A300 flts., as these are usually limited to JFK-central america, & hard to get on unless you're flying to San JUan or Punta Cana. I regret not having flown the 732, & DO 328 JET when I had a chance. Didn't want to miss the A300-600 before she leaves North American skies permanently. Besides I believe it's always a shot in the arm to fly on a 'classic' airliner.
Any thoughts on what other airliners might be feasable to get on (besides the ones in Iran) before they fade away ? |
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sammyk Member
Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Posts: 2719 Location: Austin, TX
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Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 6:51 am Post subject: |
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I managed to get on an A300B4 with Continental before they got rid of them and then again with Indian Airlines a couple of years ago. Didn't try for either but pleasant surprises!
I guess chasing Russian airliners is the next I want to get one before they are gone but I don't know how feasible that would be. Il-86/96, Tu-134/54 are still plying the skies although I think the -134 is getting scarce. I'd love to get a chance on the Yaks. |
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11366 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 7:23 am Post subject: |
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It's unfortunate that Aeroflot does not operate it's Russian airliners on the JFK-SVO; or SVO-BOM routes. I had planned to fly them a couple of years ago, only to find that they pulled IL-96 service to BOM & replaced it with a 767, though DEL still has the IL, I believe.
My other plan was to go to BOM with Finnair to fly the MD-11, which used to ply the JFK-HEL sector...(does it still ??). But the 35 minute transit time didn't give me much confidence of arriving at BOM with my bags. I'd love to get the chance to fly the MD-11 ..... another classic soon to be gone !! |
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11366 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 5:59 am Post subject: |
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sammyk wrote: | I attempted to get on an EMB-170 with Delta but they switched my flight to a Mad Dog but at least they upgraded me to first. |
You got that thought in my head, & I had to do it !!!
Just booked TPA-CLT-ORF on US on labor day weekend, to fly the EMB 175 (CLT-ORF). My first time on one of the E-Jets; US has the 170, 175, & 190 series so I guess start with the 175.
I also get the fly the CRJ 900 on the way back (ORF-CLT), to round off my CRJ series (having already done the CRJ 200 & CRJ 700).
My AA A300 (-600R) flight is on memorial day...hopefully it'll be a memorable one... will try & get some pics, if possible. |
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sammyk Member
Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Posts: 2719 Location: Austin, TX
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Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 6:16 am Post subject: |
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Heh nice. I'm thinking of taking a JetBlue flight out of AUS as they bring their E-Jets here and they just expanded their ops here so more choices other than JFK/BOS. |
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yash777 Member
Joined: 12 Jun 2007 Posts: 901 Location: Chicago, IL
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Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 5:29 pm Post subject: |
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I had flown a tu-134 on the SVO-SIP(moscow simferopol) route last year....Cramped aircraft...Worse than a BEST bus....but a nice experience though _________________ Jetphotos Flickr gallery |
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11366 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 6:00 pm Post subject: |
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yash777 wrote: | I had flown a tu-134 on the SVO-SIP(moscow simferopol) route last year....Cramped aircraft...Worse than a BEST bus....but a nice experience though |
Lucky Guy !!! What was the flight time?? And was it a Tu-134 with a Glass Nose Cone (older type) ?? |
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11366 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 2:52 am Post subject: |
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Ok here are a few pics from my AA1555; JFK-MIA on the A300-600R, May 26.
Last edited by 747-237 on Mon Feb 23, 2009 3:43 am; edited 1 time in total |
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yash777 Member
Joined: 12 Jun 2007 Posts: 901 Location: Chicago, IL
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Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2008 7:02 pm Post subject: |
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Yes 747-237 it was the older one...the flt was at night...and guess what i am flying the il-86 on the simferopol-moscow route on 21st june...pity i dont have my canon s3 is _________________ Jetphotos Flickr gallery |
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11366 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2008 8:49 pm Post subject: |
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yash777 wrote: | Yes 747-237 it was the older one...the flt was at night...and guess what i am flying the il-86 on the simferopol-moscow route on 21st june...pity i dont have my canon s3 is |
Again...you're one lucky guy!!! What airline are you flying (for the IL-86)? |
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sammyk Member
Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Posts: 2719 Location: Austin, TX
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Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2008 10:25 pm Post subject: |
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Just out of curiosity, how much do these "domestic Russian" flights cost? |
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sreenath_y Member
Joined: 27 Apr 2008 Posts: 528
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Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2008 10:54 pm Post subject: |
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sammyk wrote: | Just out of curiosity, how much do these "domestic Russian" flights cost? |
Is it that tuff to go to an airline website and find out the fares? |
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sammyk Member
Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Posts: 2719 Location: Austin, TX
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Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 2:14 am Post subject: |
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sreenath_y wrote: | sammyk wrote: | Just out of curiosity, how much do these "domestic Russian" flights cost? |
Is it that tuff to go to an airline website and find out the fares? |
Tell me which airline and I'll go to its site, smart guy. |
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sreenath_y Member
Joined: 27 Apr 2008 Posts: 528
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Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 10:55 am Post subject: |
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sammyk wrote: | sreenath_y wrote: | sammyk wrote: | Just out of curiosity, how much do these "domestic Russian" flights cost? |
Is it that tuff to go to an airline website and find out the fares? |
Tell me which airline and I'll go to its site, smart guy. |
Ok. U got me there!!! LOL. |
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yash777 Member
Joined: 12 Jun 2007 Posts: 901 Location: Chicago, IL
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Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 10:33 pm Post subject: |
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I am flying on aeroflot don' il-86...checked out the cabin shots of it....better than the tu-134 _________________ Jetphotos Flickr gallery |
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TKMCE Member
Joined: 27 Feb 2007 Posts: 957
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Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 10:50 am Post subject: |
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I did try to get onto a CRJ (return on a Dash 8 -300) when I chose my flights on Fly Be, but then unlucky for me three days before the flight they pulled out the CRJs from service and I ended up with Dash8-300 both ways!!!
Guess - where the CRJs ended up??? Air Sahara- but I have so far not made it on one of those!! |
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kc sim Member
Joined: 11 Jul 2008 Posts: 12 Location: Singapore
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Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 11:47 am Post subject: |
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The opportunity to fly on an exotic airline or airliner type exerts a strong pull on any hardcore aviation enthusiast . . . and this could derail any normal sense or judgement.
I too have been afflicted by this syndrome . . . and flew on :
1. Ceskoslovenske Aerolinie just for the experience on their IL-62M (and transited Mumbai both ways), TU-154 and IL-18 (this replaced a TU-134 that went technical);
2. Jatayu Airlines from Singapore to Medan . . . simply to fly on their B727-200;
3. Aeroflot from Singapore to Bangkok just for their IL-96-300 . . . wasn't disappointed as they pull out of Singapore less than a year later;
4. Northwest Airlines from SIN to NRT and LAX . . . mainly for the DC-10-30s that operated between SIN and NRT;
5. Air India from SIN to BOM (A310) and DEL to BKK (B743 Combi);
6. Phuket Air from BKK to LGW and back . . . for their B747-300;
7. Air Bagan F100 and ATR72;
8. Lao Airlines A320 from BKK to Vientiane and back . . . they returned the A320 after operating it for a fairly short time;
9. One-Two-GO just for their B757-200;
10. Olympic Airways from BKK to ATH and back . . . just for their A340s and I fully regret this choice (bad service experience both ways) but still happy to count this airline/aircraft type combination in my log.
My next madness will be a flight on the Dash 7 of Berjaya Air from Singapore's Seletar Airport to Redang Island on Malaysia's east coast on 22 Jul 2008 . . . rather timely as this workhorse will be replaced by the ATR72 in less than a year.
KC Sim |
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sammyk Member
Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Posts: 2719 Location: Austin, TX
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Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 5:07 am Post subject: |
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747-237 wrote: | Ok here are a few pics from my AA1555; JFK-MIA on the A300-600R, May 26.
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Good thing you got a ride on this bird as AA has announced they will accelerate retirement to end of '09 instead of '12. |
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11366 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 5:11 am Post subject: |
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sammyk wrote: | 747-237 wrote: | Ok here are a few pics from my AA1555; JFK-MIA on the A300-600R, May 26.
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Good thing you got a ride on this bird as AA has announced they will accelerate retirement to end of '09 instead of '12. |
Yeah, I saw that this morning & for once I lucked out !!!
They've served AA well over the years, & it'll be sad to see the A300 go for good from North American skies. |
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sammyk Member
Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Posts: 2719 Location: Austin, TX
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Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 5:13 am Post subject: |
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747-237 wrote: | sammyk wrote: | 747-237 wrote: | Ok here are a few pics from my AA1555; JFK-MIA on the A300-600R, May 26.
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Good thing you got a ride on this bird as AA has announced they will accelerate retirement to end of '09 instead of '12. |
Yeah, I saw that this morning & for once I lucked out !!!
They've served AA well over the years, & it'll be sad to see the A300 go for good from North American skies. |
Well, at least in pax service. Plenty of UPS A300s toiling around. I actually see them all the time at AUS. |
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11366 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 5:25 am Post subject: |
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sammyk wrote: | 747-237 wrote: | sammyk wrote: | 747-237 wrote: | Ok here are a few pics from my AA1555; JFK-MIA on the A300-600R, May 26.
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Good thing you got a ride on this bird as AA has announced they will accelerate retirement to end of '09 instead of '12. |
Yeah, I saw that this morning & for once I lucked out !!!
They've served AA well over the years, & it'll be sad to see the A300 go for good from North American skies. |
Well, at least in pax service. Plenty of UPS A300s toiling around. I actually see them all the time at AUS. |
Yeah, and perhaps even some flying in DHL colors (??) |
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sammyk Member
Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Posts: 2719 Location: Austin, TX
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Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 5:47 am Post subject: |
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Yes indeed. They fly into my other home airport, EWR, so I need a model of it!!
They only send 767s to AUS though. |
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11366 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2008 7:39 pm Post subject: |
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747-237 wrote: | sammyk wrote: | I attempted to get on an EMB-170 with Delta but they switched my flight to a Mad Dog but at least they upgraded me to first. |
You got that thought in my head, & I had to do it !!!
Just booked TPA-CLT-ORF on US on labor day weekend, to fly the EMB 175 (CLT-ORF). My first time on one of the E-Jets; US has the 170, 175, & 190 series so I guess start with the 175.
I also get the fly the CRJ 900 on the way back (ORF-CLT), to round off my CRJ series (having already done the CRJ 200 & CRJ 700). |
Just got back from the first E-jet flight (EMB 175) and was VERY impressed.... very quiet cabin and great seats (yes, pleather). Also did the CRJ900, & was impressed too, vis-a-vis my experiences on the CRJ200 & CRJ700. The CR9 had America West interiors (cloth seats), with new US colors on the outside. Once again, very quiet cabin.
Thanks to Sammyk for putting the idea of flying the E-jet in my head. I also got the opportunity to visit the Wright Brothers' Memorial at Kill Devil Hills. Will post a few pics soon. |
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sammyk Member
Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Posts: 2719 Location: Austin, TX
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Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 12:19 am Post subject: |
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Nice!
Happy to have provided the inspiration! |
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11366 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2009 3:50 am Post subject: |
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747-237 wrote: | I also get the fly the CRJ 900 on the way back (ORF-CLT), to round off my CRJ series (having already done the CRJ 200 & CRJ 700). |
I guess I was wrong - I notice that DL & NW fly the CRJ 100 and I need to get on that to round of my CRJ Series. (Any difference between the 100 & the 200 besides the engines )? |
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11366 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 6:19 pm Post subject: |
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Just set up a trip SRQ-ATL-ROC-DTW-SRQ, to fly on the NWA CRJ 100 on the ROC-DTW route and finally round off the CRJ series !! |
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vt-ala Member
Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Posts: 440
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Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2009 1:54 pm Post subject: |
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IC used to alternate between a B732 and A320 on the DEL-BBI sector. I extended my meetings just to be able to fly the 732 on both legs.
I was rewarded by issued the last seat (2x2 seating instead of 3x3) and a rejected take off, just before V1 to boot |
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Aseem Member
Joined: 15 Dec 2006 Posts: 2841 Location: YYZ
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Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 11:40 pm Post subject: |
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On my recent visit to India, i took up YYZ-JFK-DXB-DEL, with JFK-DXB on A380. As luck would have it they switched to B77W at the last moment.
On my next trip I am taking afternoon LH flight from FRA to YYZ on A346, just to experience their staircase going downstair to lavatory, else can easily take evening AC B763, and spend the day at FRA. |
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airindia787 Member
Joined: 18 Nov 2007 Posts: 770 Location: DAB & ZTF
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Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 12:27 am Post subject: |
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Not intentional, but when I went to India last year on EK, the return DXB-JFK was operated by the A380, switched from a 77W. I was relieved as I could not stand the 10 abreast seating on EK's 77W.
@Aseem: EK will be sending the A380 to YYZ shortly. Now you have excellent spotting opportunities and a chance to fly the A380 if you have any plans to travel to travel to the Gulf/India. _________________ http://openflights.org/user/akumanduri |
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Aseem Member
Joined: 15 Dec 2006 Posts: 2841 Location: YYZ
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Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 4:48 am Post subject: |
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airindia787 wrote: | @Aseem: EK will be sending the A380 to YYZ shortly. Now you have excellent spotting opportunities and a chance to fly the A380 if you have any plans to travel to travel to the Gulf/India. |
yet to get over their sick seating on 77W, so not in a mood to pay premium when I visit India coming July. Have already booked tickets and got best fare onwards with 9W and return with LH. Here also the idea is to fly LH's B744 before they vanish from the sky.
That reminds me that I was so happy with leg space on AA's B772ERs that wondered whether I really needed to pay premium for business class.
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Aseem Member
Joined: 15 Dec 2006 Posts: 2841 Location: YYZ
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Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 5:21 am Post subject: |
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anybody planning to fly EMB-135? Take my suggestion and book on seat 1A. It is a bit claustrophobic, but take offs and landings are pure thrill. Remember it banking a couple of times while circling over NYC at night, it was as if I am looking down and watching from space. |
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airindia787 Member
Joined: 18 Nov 2007 Posts: 770 Location: DAB & ZTF
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Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 6:59 am Post subject: |
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Aseem wrote: | anybody planning to fly EMB-135? Take my suggestion and book on seat 1A. It is a bit claustrophobic, but take offs and landings are pure thrill. Remember it banking a couple of times while circling over NYC at night, it was as if I am looking down and watching from space. |
I flew it 2 years ago, HPN-ORD return on AA. I was in 7A, which I liked as I was in both a window and an aisle seat. _________________ http://openflights.org/user/akumanduri |
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11366 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 3:58 pm Post subject: |
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While not purely "just to fly on a specific aircraft type", I had to work around the options to get my first A340 flight, and what might be the last 747-400 flight.
VS 6 MIA-LHR <--- A340-600
VS 9117 LHR-BOM
(operated by 9W)
VS 9120 BOM-LHR
(operated by 9W)
VS 7 LHR-MIA <--- B747-400
New airline for me (VS), plus flying aboard a 747 after a gap of 6 years, and a new aircraft type (A340) should help in expanding my signature line _________________ 11000 posts (and counting) on Airliners-India.
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