Spectators Balcony (Spotters Corner)If you're not a professional pilot but want to discuss issues about the job, this is the best place to loiter. You won't be moved on by 'security' and there'll be plenty of experts to answer any questions.
I did see a Russian looking (ie it had the lower front gunner/nav/bomb aimer position) four engine prop plane on the ramp opp T2 as I came in from CDG last night. I only just noticed it as we went past, and I couldn't get a good look. May have been it or another Russian, possibly an AN12?
The AN22 arrived friday to take a spare engine to Lanzarote for a grounded First choice 757. It returned today with the u/s engine and stays till wednesday. It is the only airworthy civilian AN22, It is operated by ADB. AWESOME
OK (some of you).. this'll make your hearts ache. Friend of mine - one the the Heathrow ATCOs still at London Terminal Control has an interest in flying in as many different types of a/c as possible. I think he's way over 300 and a few years ago he managed to wangle his way on board an An-22 flying from Germany to Russia for a "new type". He told the crew what he did... held a PPL... had his own aeroplane... flew balloons, etc.. and they let him fly the thing manually for a while!!!
After a two day lay-over it departed at about midday. I was in a local park with the brats and heard it trundle past in the distance. ( Damm! why did I take today off.) Had a quick look aroud it yesterday and I must say that it looks FANTASTIC!!!. It could have done with a lick of paint though. Hears a quick question: Is it the only one flying?. I know that it's the only civil one but what about the military?. Please bring it back to Manchester!!!
i was talking to the company that handled the AN22 at manchester and he said that it will be back in the next 2 weeks or so on adhoc flights with outsize cargo
rampman
p.s i have some great photos of it at the night time
rampman
