RAAF 707 @ YMML - 07/03/02
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RAAF 707 @ YMML - 07/03/02
Hey guys, . .. .Just been to YMML and noticed that a RAAF 707 landed there at around 1930 LMT. On final approach it had brown smoke coming from what looked like all four engines. I know smoke is normal for a 707 but for it to be landing at YMML?? The reason going there was to pick someone up and they said that their flight was forced to slow down about 30mins out of Melb, which makes me think there was some sorta emergency or problem with it. Didnt get to see the serial number but it didnt appear to have any AAR equipment on it, though i could be mistaken.. .. .Any news or thoughts on what happened and why?
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Quite possible nothing abnormal at all. As you said, the 707's engines are very 'dirty', so what you saw could have been normal. As for being forced to slow down, well that may have been an ATC requirement. These days with TAATS and Maestro etc, they work out an arrival sequence reasonably early and rather that getting aircraft to hold, they get aircraft to speed up or slow down in the cruise to get in their allocated arrival slot.
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Fair enough Mr McGoo. .. .If it was a normal landing and all that, why was it there?? Dropping off a VIP or somoone else important?? After its landing it was parked just near the threshold to runway 17, or thats how it appeared from where i was.
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There could be a thousand boring reasons why it went to Melbourne. 33 Sqn (the RAAF's 707 Sqn)doesn't just do VIP flights. It's prime role is transport. VIP flying (and air-air refuelling) are secondary roles. The RAAF operate a regular service called the Southern Service between Sydney and Melbourne for routine Defence Force pax and freight movements (C130's and HS748's are also used). It used to go between Richmond and Laverton, but since Laverton was closed down to aircraft operations, the RAAF uses Tullermarine. Maybe you saw it parked down at the freight area where it possible always parks when doing one of these Southern Services.
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BREAKING NEWS. .. .Cessna 172 spotted flying into YSBK at 1930 LMT. On finals, it's propellor appeared to be spinning, and may have even smashed a few bugs coming down finals. Does anyone know what the reason for this flight was as it is quite out of the ordinary don't you think? Also, a Piper Archer was forced to turn base 1 mile late to accomodate this 172, perhaps there was an emergency?. .. .Has anyone got any inside info as to what was happenig, as after landing it appeared to taxi onto the GA apron.
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Luca,. .. .My experience of 707s is limmited to SLF, SYD-LHR-SYD in the early .70s and observations from time to time, around the traps.. .. .The most memorable by far was watching one conduct a RWY 14 NDB/DME at Bundaberg in about '89. . .. .On final there was a signifficant amount of 'smoke' trailing behind as it powered in against (ldg I think) flap & undercarriage. This however paled into insignifficance during the ensuing missed approach.. .. .The beat up of Bundy aerodrome and town which followed <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" /> was quite spectacular and was in the local rag (better quality than the NT News! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> ) for about a week afterwards!
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The 707 was always a dirty burner. I remember climbing out of Sydney one day for Butterworth many years ago - doubtless we were leaving our usual brown wake behind us. A well-meaning pilot called us up on guard and told us we had 'smoke' coming from all four engines. The captains reply - 'I certainly hope so'.
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Ahhhhhhhhhh!. .. .DC3, DC4, DC6, DC7, Super Connie, L1049 Starliner?, B707, DC8, CV880, CV990.. .. .When men were men, connected directly to the aircraft and real dinky di steam driven stuff. Lots of real noise and real smoke. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="cool.gif" /> . .. .God they were the days, Loran, Decca chains, VLF/Omega, Doppler Nav then the wonders of the Carousel INS, when "strap down" in those days actually meant, ahem, 'bondage' what ever that was. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" /> . .. .Howgozit plots just in case the 'kit' fell over or went DR for more than 'x' minutes.. .. .None of this nancy boy creampuff stuff we have today eh. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="tongue.gif" /> . .. .How lucky we are. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" />
Woomera. Just the excuse I needed. And how about Lucero homings in Lincolns (betcha don't know about those!) And Convair Metropolitans with big exhaust mufflers and frightening exhaust fires with over-priming. Asymetric, limited panel aural null NDB let downs in Dakotas. Four Rolls Royce Merlins in a Lincoln at plus 18 boost and 3000RPM on take-off. So they stuffed my hearing 50 years later - but what the hell. First solo in a single seat Vampire with no dual beforehand - whistling down the Williamtown runway like a runaway Formula One - no ejection seat -and pneumatic brakes. Flicking violently off a roll-of-the top in a Wirraway with a screaming instructor in the back seat. I could go on, but modesty and sanity forbids...
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Thanks for the replys, well the sensible ones anyway. .. .Sorry woftam i meant 16 not 17, got confused with essendon, thanks for pointing it out though . .. .To put into context, i have never seen a 707 on finals before and now i can see why they have been banned from most other airports
