Antonov 225
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Stockport
Passengers
I used to work for the BBC. Some years ago, I think for the Hong Kong handover, BBC Outside Broadcasts sent a large OB truck to televise the event. It was flown out in a 124 accompanied by some of the rigger/drivers who normally drive the thing up & down the motorway here. These trucks cost millions so the guys were very protective but the loadmasters on the plane wouldn't let them drive it on, one of the aircraft crew did that as they were even more protective of the big bird!! I seem to remember hearing tales of the floor being titanium?? Anyhow they all settled in to a cabin upstairs with no windows. The plane started to rumble & carried on rumbling for about twelve hours until they were deposited in HK!!! The guys said they didn't even know if they were on the ground or in the air.........
Russ
Russ
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 64
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From: cheshire
Have just been out and taken the crew off the antonov had a look around its just as big inside! The cockpit is out of the ark all knobs and dials. The crew said they are hoping for a 22 00 departure on tues 3rd with a bit of luck! I can see there being a few disgruntled residents in knutsford! They will be bringing the plane back into man in about 4 or 5 days. If i find out anymore will let you know.
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Manchester
its still in manchester being loaded, just seen it, it still had its nose up. apparently they had difficulty loading its cargo. ive been told that if it does not go tonight at 22:00hrs it will be going in the morning (wednesday).
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 34
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From: Manchester UK
ADB could not meet the 12:00 departure slot today and revised the departure time to 22:00. However, this has now been put back to 11:00 (local) on Wednesday at the request of the Airport Authority, word has it they are not prepared to handle an 'oversized' aircraft during the hours of darkness on grounds of safety, noise impact, etc, etc.
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 570
Likes: 0
From: UK
ADB could not meet the 12:00 departure slot today and revised the departure time to 22:00. However, this has now been put back to 11:00 (local) on Wednesday at the request of the Airport Authority, word has it they are not prepared to handle an 'oversized' aircraft during the hours of darkness on grounds of safety, noise impact, etc, etc.
They better get a wriggle on if Snoop and Beyonce are to have somewhere to perform!
I hear the cargo is to be brought back in a few days, but I guess we'll have to wait to find an approx day and time for arrival.
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: UK
It says on the Ringway Reports website http://www.ringwayreports.co.uk/UR-82060.htm that ramp services for the aircraft were performed by Manchester Handling. Not a bad scoop for the smallest handling agent on the airport, but was not aware they had a ramp section, or are they the same as SAS and sub services out. Whatever the reason, well done Manchester Handling a massive feather in your cap there guys.
Fixed+Rotary (aircraft, not washing lines)
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: Peak District, Yorkshire, UK
I saw this beast on Sunday, around 1400 local IIRC. Out walking in the peak district near home (Holmfirth) on the approach for runways 24, about 22nm distant.
We get all types overflying but this thing did bring all the walkers to a stand still as it turned from a southerly heading onto the approach. Undercarriage already down. A very impressive sight.
We get all types overflying but this thing did bring all the walkers to a stand still as it turned from a southerly heading onto the approach. Undercarriage already down. A very impressive sight.
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco Bay Area
I saw this beast on Sunday, around 1400 local IIRC. Out walking in the peak district near home (Holmfirth) on the approach for runways 24, about 22nm distant.
We get all types overflying but this thing did bring all the walkers to a stand still as it turned from a southerly heading onto the approach. Undercarriage already down. A very impressive sight.
We get all types overflying but this thing did bring all the walkers to a stand still as it turned from a southerly heading onto the approach. Undercarriage already down. A very impressive sight.
A380? Pah!
Fixed+Rotary (aircraft, not washing lines)
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: Peak District, Yorkshire, UK
A380? Pah!
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 570
Likes: 0
From: UK
It is amazing indeed. Got the chance to go around it at EMA last year and it is mindblowingly different to any aircraft I have ever been on before.
Ugly as sin, but huge inside and with an antiquated cockpit and a "granny flat" above the cargo hold for the crew.
Hope to see it when she comes back and and leaves MAN in a few days time.