Anywho, I went to my Econ. class and then Dale and I went back to the airport to a "po-po free zone" as I like to call it. Dale and I both agree that we had our best SLC spotting experience ever. The highlights were seeing the take-offs of the DHL 727 (although it has a "hush package") ,the Fed-Ex DC-10 (the biggest plane scheduled to land at SLC. Also pictured below.), and several 737's and 757's. Included in these highlights were the landings of several 737's, 757's and a Fed-Ex A300-600F. It was a great night of spotting! Added to all this, we found a guy named Dave who is also a spotter, and knows WAY more about planes than Dale and I (he's the reason I knew the 727 had a hush package!). He was complete with a walkie-talkie to listen to the Air-Traffic controllers clear all the planes.
So, the time came for me to take Dale to his flight. He had about 40 minutes before his flight left, so we had to boogie. We finished the night off with the usual talk about how we wish that we could see BIG planes take-off and land, like 747's, 777's, A-340's, etc. As we are driving over a bridge to drop back into the terminals, Dale yell's "NO WAY! 747!!!". Instantly we both break into ravings about how we can's believe there is an Air France 747-400 parked on the tarmac of the airport. The chance of being there while a 747 landed unexpectedly is not good! We felt lucky! It was obviously there for an emergency landing because of the Fire trucks that were around it. I still don't know why it landed. To make a long story short, Dale had to go, I tried to stay to watch it take off, and then left at 10:15 with it still sitting there. I found out today it left at 11:25. I don't think it would have been worth it to wait. Nevertheless, it has always been, and still is my dream to watch a 747 take-off in person. Maybe one day?
5 comments:
Now that's a time I would loved to have been a "fly on your car window". To see both of your faces when you saw those planes. I'm just glad Dale didn't miss his plane. I'm surprised you stayed that long in SLC to watch the AirFrance plane take off (or at least wanted to see it) How fun for both of you and too bad Dale sent his binoculars home with me.
Dude...LAX. You'll see 747 after 747 land/take off. Take your pick. I have seen countless 747s land and if you go to Dockwiler beach, you'll see countless take off. It may be worth the trip based on how much passion was oozing from your post!
Dude, that was a night I will remember for a very long time. I'm bummed for you that you didn't get to watch it take off. Easily the best time I've had spotting in SLC. I can't wait to get back to LAX though and I hope it is with you brother.
P.S. It was more like 25 minutes before my plane took off. It was cutting it a little too close even for me.
I had no idea you were such a lover of the plane spotting sport! I think that is hilarious. Sounds like you had a fun and educational evening.
What a fun window into you. Let's set a goal to fly on a 747 some time.
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