View Full Version : Virgin Atlantic 406B49 U-turn right above me
BobbyHowie
18th Dec 2017, 12:09
Strange. Trying to print screen!
Nup, anyway strange U-turn at 40,000ft above Ayr flying up from London.
wiedehopf
18th Dec 2017, 12:27
looks like a test flight.
especially because of the missing history for that tailnumber for the last few days.
hints that repairs were done.
also if it were passenger service flightradar normally displays a destination.
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/g-vnew
https://www.flightradar24.com/VIR789T/fdede8c
KelvinD
18th Dec 2017, 16:32
And it rocked up at LHR at 13:56.
DaveReidUK
18th Dec 2017, 17:16
Virgin's (and other 787 operators') recent Trent engine problems are well documented, but I'm surprised that an engine change, even if it was a double one, warranted a test flight.
dixi188
18th Dec 2017, 18:39
Used to be mandatory for test flight after double engine change on a twin.
Had to do in flight shutdown and relight on both.
(UK CAA requirement in the 1980's)
spannersatcx
18th Dec 2017, 19:33
A verification flight is necessary after a single or double engine change according to EDTO. A verification flt may be a revenue flt, in light of the problems with the engines it may of been more prudent to do a test flt, as I would imagine the a/c has been on the ground and probably had numerous other maintenance activities c/o on it.
BobbyHowie
19th Dec 2017, 12:52
Thanks for the info people.
Groundloop
19th Dec 2017, 14:39
And it rocked up at LHR at 13:56.
Was there a strong crosswind?!!!
HEATHROW DIRECTOR
19th Dec 2017, 16:04
I was wondering what "rocked up" meant. I was in aviation for nearly 37 years and I've never heard it.
dixi188
19th Dec 2017, 16:49
HD,
I think "ED Force 1" may "Rock Up" at airports.:)
But otherwise, I know what you mean. Lots of terms in aviation but this isn't one of the familiar ones.
KelvinD
19th Dec 2017, 18:32
To rock up somewhere was a very common term in the Army.
wiedehopf
19th Dec 2017, 20:58
And it rocked up at LHR at 13:56.
For anyone wondering it landed at 13:56 so i guess that's what this means.
edit: you may all know i was merely guessing until i looked at when it landed.
Groundloop
20th Dec 2017, 08:28
For anyone wondering it landed at 13:56 so i guess that's what this means.
We all know what it means - we are just pointing out it is a pretty silly way to describe a landing! Why do some people think they have to try to be smart?
Brian 48nav
20th Dec 2017, 08:35
"Rocked up"" - perhaps Bruce Dickinson was flying it! HD please don't tell me you don't know who he is!
Lighten up Groundloop!
DaveReidUK
20th Dec 2017, 08:56
"Rocked up"" - perhaps Bruce Dickinson was flying it!
Who, coincidentally, has just been on BBC Breakfast recounting some fascinating anecdotes for his (other) flying career.
Dockwell
26th Dec 2017, 04:32
Collins English dictionary
"rock up"
verb
(intr, adverb) informal
"to arrive late or unannounced"
KelvinD
26th Dec 2017, 06:10
Thanks for that, Dockwell. Let's see what rocks up at Heathrow today!
RAT 5
26th Dec 2017, 08:21
Thanks for that, Dockwell. Let's see what rocks up at Heathrow today!
Could be The Rolling Stones private tour B767.