Hi all

I have been lucky and been working on M4 a lot over the last 2 weeks, very close to Heathrow so get to see aircraft taking off. Now, I am getting to know if there is a 747 over my head, and if there is a smaller plane, but I also know when this plane goes over. It is a 'T-tail' type, engines at the back and is quite small (maybe smaller than an A319?) It makes a huge noise and I am sure is louder than a 747 and almost certainly louder than an A340. I would love to know what type it is and who the carrier is. And before someone says it, no I am not a bearded weirdy!, I am actually genuinely interested.
Also, does anyone have any tips for identifiying types of aircraft from the ground?
I thank you..

Probably an MD80 series aircraft.

http://www.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!/open.file?i...ext_id=1010686

Looks like it could be. Would this be a regional jet?

The MD80 is the last aircraft still operating into Heathrow with old-generation JT8D engines on it. I know they are the refanned -200 version of the engine but the rest of it is still old 1960s technology.

The two remaining substantial operators into Heathrow are Alitalia and SAS. The SAS ones are conspicuous even when at a significant altitude by their red-painted engines.

Do Alitalia still operate them into LHR? I can't say I've noticed any recently.

Still operating about three flights a day, to Linate.

Rhys.

Thanks. I must remember to pay attention and stop doing the Times Crossword.

For anyone interested in Heathrow "stuff"...
www.heathrowpictures.com

Cheers!

Is any thing due in tuesday I missed the BBJ last week!

Anyone know why the Air Jam 16:00 from LHR seemed approx 1500ft/2000ft with Gear down OVER FELTHAM/APEX CORNER M3 area? Was banking left off 09R which was the take off runway.

Thanks
L

taking off??

Spotter query. Why did you post here?

Sorry if I offended anybody by posting in the incorrect Forum although yes I am at times a spotter I do hold a PPL and I am currently working at LHR.

Not all that uncommon. Just cooling the gear before retracting.

Correct. Informed ATC of his intention before departure.

I belive you are wrong, this is done to comply with the MEL.

DreamLand.. you said this

I belive you are wrong, this is done to comply with the MEL.

regarding this :Not all that uncommon. Just cooling the gear before retracting .

Avman is NOT wrong. He merely stated that leaving the gear down tocool the brakes is not uncommon, which it is not, so he is in fact correct is he not !!

How does leaving the gear down to cool brakes 'comply' with MEL??

With all do respect, please tell me how much experience you have in the Airbus, I am currently on the Airbus and we do not leave the gear down for cooling on the A321, maybe the big bus is different?

How would you cool red hot brakes then??

On the A320/321 I fly, we have two choices, turn on brake fans if fitted or wait for the temps to reduce on their own, on the small bus they don't heat up on the taxi out like on a wide body. Also, in the book it's called a takeoff limitation, we do not have the option to takeoff and let them dangle, now should we have a brake deactivated (brakes disconnected fo spotters), we do delay retraction and take the appropriate penalty, other similar MEL requirements also. My guess is that one or two of the brakes were capped off on the A340.