Trip Report: LHR-BCN & Return with BA
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Trip Report: LHR-BCN & Return with BA
No.: BA 482
Date: 27/04/2009
Route: London Heathrow (LHR/EGLL) – Barcelona El Prat (BCN/LEBL)
Operator: British Airways
Departure Time (Scheduled): 1820 PM
Arrival Time (Scheduled): 2130 PM
Aircraft: Boeing 757-236
Registration: G-BPED
It was time for me to finally go on another flight again. After first of all discovering that I probably wasn't going on, I found it pleasantly surprising to be picked up from school after lunch and learn that I would soon be in sunny Barcelona!
For this trip, I would be flying from London Heathrow with British Airways on flight 482 Barcelona El Prat airport.
The journey to LHR wasn't too bad, but I was still relieved to get through the doors at Terminal 3. Check-in was a breeze, with no queues at-all at the desk. Security was much the same. There was a small wait but everything remained under 100% control and straight after it was time to finally relax and look forward to the flight but more importantly, a well-earned holiday!
After a short wait at the departure gate, the British Airways shuttle bus arrived, which would then take us out onto the apron and to our aircraft, which meant that boarding would take place in true aircraft buff fashion – air stairs!
The journey didn't take long at-all, and it was a nice surprise to see that the aircraft operating our flight would be a Boeing 757-my first flight on a 757 in over 2 years, a shocking fact!
The crew weren't quite ready; a few minutes passed before the ramp agent came down the stairs, giving us the all clear to finally board the aircraft.
The machine that would be flying us to Barcelona would be G-BPED and according to airfleets, she was first delivered to British Airways on 30/04/1991. An old aircraft, and sadly BA will be phasing out the rest of their 757's later on in the year, with Airbus A32X aircraft acting as a much more modern and efficient replacement.
Our Aircraft
Anyway, the Male Purser greeted us at door 2L and welcomed us on-board. Despite the aircraft being nearly 18 years of age, it has been very well cared for, and it really did show. The cabin was probably only refitted a few years ago and appeared very clean and tidy; the leather seats were also very comfortable.
Today I would be sitting in seat 23F, which offered a very nice view of the right-hand wing and the apron. It looked somewhat & very cold out there!
View from my window. AA 777-2 was going to NY (I think)
It started to rain (no surprise there then!) and our Captain made an announcement welcoming us on-board and said that there would be a short delay due to Air Traffic Control. Very little information about the flight itself but he did say that the weather in Barcelona was clear and at 15 degrees centigrade. Not that warm!
The cabin crew then started to offer a wide range of different newspapers, all complimentary-a very nice touch.
Engines were started up and after a quick pushback from the remote stand; it was time to make the short taxi to the active runway for departures-runway 27R. I was surprised again, I thought that we would have to wait a bit for other traffic to go but we soon found ourselves turning onto the runway and making a powerful departure. Rotation came very quickly; I forgot how fast the 757 accelerates!
We were soon above the cloudy, grey skies, and the sunshine that we now had was more than welcome!
The crew then started the cabin service, offering a complimentary sandwich and a drink. The sandwich tasted quite nice and British Airways coffee is really good!
I couldn't see much outside due to the intense sunlight, so to make the time pass; I decided to read the paper and then the on-board magazines-Highlife and BusinessLife, both were quite interesting with lots of information.
No announcements at-all from the flight-deck, but we soon started to make our descent and the speed brakes were deployed for a while and we made a firm touch-down ahead of schedule at 2115 PM, 15 minutes ahead of schedule.
We de-planed via door 1L with an airbridge. No flight-deck visit on this flight, my parents seemed keen to get away quickly, besides, the captain looked a bit tired!
In conclusion, the flight was great, and it was nice to fly with BA again!
=======
RETURN FLIGHT
No.: BA 477
Date: 04/05/2009
Route: Barcelona El Prat (BCN/LEBL) - London Heathrow (LHR/EGLL)
Operator: British Airways
Departure Time (Scheduled): 0715 AM
Arrival Time (Scheduled): 0840 AM
Aircraft: Boeing 757-236
Registration: G-BPED
My holiday was excellent, very warm too, despite having to spend a whole day in hospital!
The journey to El Prat wasn't too busy at around 4 am and after dropping off our trusty, new hire car, it was time to check-in. Check-in was fairly quick, and again, we didn't have to queue!
Security took a bit longer, and as always, I managed to set off the scanner:L
We then headed straight to our departure gate, gate 11, I think. Aircraft spotting was possible on the way, thanks to the large windows overlooking the apron and stands.
There wasn't much to do at the gate, but after 20 minutes or so we were allowed to board our aircraft. Today G-BPED would be flying us to London Heathrow. It was bit surprising and also irritating that it was the exact same aircraft on the outbound flight!
I would be sitting in seat 28C on this flight, near door 3L which meant that I wouldn't have a window to look out of, so taking pictures of the outside was out of the question
the flight was also very full
Never the less, our Captain, Ian Barlow came made an announcement welcoming us on-board and that we would soon be pushing back from the gate and that our Senior First Officer would be flying the aircraft and would give us more information when we were up in the air. From my point of view not much else happened as I couldn't see outside!
Again, we took off straight away and I was surprised at how quickly we rotated off the runway, considering the flight was nearly full. Sheer power from the Rolls Royce RB211 535E4 engines!
Breakfast was served, consisting of either a Ham or a Cheese roll and a drink, all complimentary. Again, to pass time, I read the newspaper and both in-flight magazines, which were slightly more interesting than the ones on the outbound flight.
Not much else happened at-all, but there was an announcement over the flight-deck saying that we would have to hold for a bit over London.
We soon descended and circled over the skies of South-East England, and although I was in an aisle seat I could at one point see another aircraft very close-by outside, also circling.
We were eventually given permission to land, and did so using runway 27L. We would be at a remote stand again at Terminal 3, which meant air stairs and a shuttle bus.
Before disembarking, I kindly asked one of the crew if I could visit the flight-deck, my request was granted and the captain sounded very cheery and seemed more than happy to chat to a teenager with a massive passion for aircraft and straight away told me to sit in the F/O's seat.
It turned out that the reason why we had to hold over London was because the Air Traffic Control tower had been evacuated due to a fire alarm going off, they had found out whilst flying over Northern France and then had to slow right down!
The captain was more than happy for me to take a photo of the flight-deck and then gave me lots of interesting paperwork that they didn't need!
Sadly, the time came for me to go, but the bus had just gone, meaning that we had a 10 minute wait for another one.
The SFO was outside on the apron and chatted to me & my parents about flying and other subjects. Captain Barlow also took the time to reside from his normal duties and come outside!
It was rare for me to be out on the apron for a long period of time so I made the most of it by taking many pictures.
Our a/c
Sister a/c, G-BPEE
Our a/c, again
Comments Welcome
Date: 27/04/2009
Route: London Heathrow (LHR/EGLL) – Barcelona El Prat (BCN/LEBL)
Operator: British Airways
Departure Time (Scheduled): 1820 PM
Arrival Time (Scheduled): 2130 PM
Aircraft: Boeing 757-236
Registration: G-BPED
It was time for me to finally go on another flight again. After first of all discovering that I probably wasn't going on, I found it pleasantly surprising to be picked up from school after lunch and learn that I would soon be in sunny Barcelona!
For this trip, I would be flying from London Heathrow with British Airways on flight 482 Barcelona El Prat airport.
The journey to LHR wasn't too bad, but I was still relieved to get through the doors at Terminal 3. Check-in was a breeze, with no queues at-all at the desk. Security was much the same. There was a small wait but everything remained under 100% control and straight after it was time to finally relax and look forward to the flight but more importantly, a well-earned holiday!
After a short wait at the departure gate, the British Airways shuttle bus arrived, which would then take us out onto the apron and to our aircraft, which meant that boarding would take place in true aircraft buff fashion – air stairs!
The journey didn't take long at-all, and it was a nice surprise to see that the aircraft operating our flight would be a Boeing 757-my first flight on a 757 in over 2 years, a shocking fact!
The crew weren't quite ready; a few minutes passed before the ramp agent came down the stairs, giving us the all clear to finally board the aircraft.
The machine that would be flying us to Barcelona would be G-BPED and according to airfleets, she was first delivered to British Airways on 30/04/1991. An old aircraft, and sadly BA will be phasing out the rest of their 757's later on in the year, with Airbus A32X aircraft acting as a much more modern and efficient replacement.
Our Aircraft
Anyway, the Male Purser greeted us at door 2L and welcomed us on-board. Despite the aircraft being nearly 18 years of age, it has been very well cared for, and it really did show. The cabin was probably only refitted a few years ago and appeared very clean and tidy; the leather seats were also very comfortable.
Today I would be sitting in seat 23F, which offered a very nice view of the right-hand wing and the apron. It looked somewhat & very cold out there!
View from my window. AA 777-2 was going to NY (I think)
It started to rain (no surprise there then!) and our Captain made an announcement welcoming us on-board and said that there would be a short delay due to Air Traffic Control. Very little information about the flight itself but he did say that the weather in Barcelona was clear and at 15 degrees centigrade. Not that warm!
The cabin crew then started to offer a wide range of different newspapers, all complimentary-a very nice touch.
Engines were started up and after a quick pushback from the remote stand; it was time to make the short taxi to the active runway for departures-runway 27R. I was surprised again, I thought that we would have to wait a bit for other traffic to go but we soon found ourselves turning onto the runway and making a powerful departure. Rotation came very quickly; I forgot how fast the 757 accelerates!
We were soon above the cloudy, grey skies, and the sunshine that we now had was more than welcome!
The crew then started the cabin service, offering a complimentary sandwich and a drink. The sandwich tasted quite nice and British Airways coffee is really good!
I couldn't see much outside due to the intense sunlight, so to make the time pass; I decided to read the paper and then the on-board magazines-Highlife and BusinessLife, both were quite interesting with lots of information.
No announcements at-all from the flight-deck, but we soon started to make our descent and the speed brakes were deployed for a while and we made a firm touch-down ahead of schedule at 2115 PM, 15 minutes ahead of schedule.
We de-planed via door 1L with an airbridge. No flight-deck visit on this flight, my parents seemed keen to get away quickly, besides, the captain looked a bit tired!
In conclusion, the flight was great, and it was nice to fly with BA again!
=======
RETURN FLIGHT
No.: BA 477
Date: 04/05/2009
Route: Barcelona El Prat (BCN/LEBL) - London Heathrow (LHR/EGLL)
Operator: British Airways
Departure Time (Scheduled): 0715 AM
Arrival Time (Scheduled): 0840 AM
Aircraft: Boeing 757-236
Registration: G-BPED
My holiday was excellent, very warm too, despite having to spend a whole day in hospital!
The journey to El Prat wasn't too busy at around 4 am and after dropping off our trusty, new hire car, it was time to check-in. Check-in was fairly quick, and again, we didn't have to queue!
Security took a bit longer, and as always, I managed to set off the scanner:L
We then headed straight to our departure gate, gate 11, I think. Aircraft spotting was possible on the way, thanks to the large windows overlooking the apron and stands.
There wasn't much to do at the gate, but after 20 minutes or so we were allowed to board our aircraft. Today G-BPED would be flying us to London Heathrow. It was bit surprising and also irritating that it was the exact same aircraft on the outbound flight!
I would be sitting in seat 28C on this flight, near door 3L which meant that I wouldn't have a window to look out of, so taking pictures of the outside was out of the question
the flight was also very fullNever the less, our Captain, Ian Barlow came made an announcement welcoming us on-board and that we would soon be pushing back from the gate and that our Senior First Officer would be flying the aircraft and would give us more information when we were up in the air. From my point of view not much else happened as I couldn't see outside!
Again, we took off straight away and I was surprised at how quickly we rotated off the runway, considering the flight was nearly full. Sheer power from the Rolls Royce RB211 535E4 engines!
Breakfast was served, consisting of either a Ham or a Cheese roll and a drink, all complimentary. Again, to pass time, I read the newspaper and both in-flight magazines, which were slightly more interesting than the ones on the outbound flight.
Not much else happened at-all, but there was an announcement over the flight-deck saying that we would have to hold for a bit over London.
We soon descended and circled over the skies of South-East England, and although I was in an aisle seat I could at one point see another aircraft very close-by outside, also circling.
We were eventually given permission to land, and did so using runway 27L. We would be at a remote stand again at Terminal 3, which meant air stairs and a shuttle bus.
Before disembarking, I kindly asked one of the crew if I could visit the flight-deck, my request was granted and the captain sounded very cheery and seemed more than happy to chat to a teenager with a massive passion for aircraft and straight away told me to sit in the F/O's seat.
It turned out that the reason why we had to hold over London was because the Air Traffic Control tower had been evacuated due to a fire alarm going off, they had found out whilst flying over Northern France and then had to slow right down!
The captain was more than happy for me to take a photo of the flight-deck and then gave me lots of interesting paperwork that they didn't need!
Sadly, the time came for me to go, but the bus had just gone, meaning that we had a 10 minute wait for another one.
The SFO was outside on the apron and chatted to me & my parents about flying and other subjects. Captain Barlow also took the time to reside from his normal duties and come outside!
It was rare for me to be out on the apron for a long period of time so I made the most of it by taking many pictures.
Our a/c
Sister a/c, G-BPEE
Our a/c, again
Comments Welcome
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I agree, It will be sad to see the 75' & 76' go!
The guys & girls that get to fly the 757 are so incredibly lucky, they have the best job in the world!
The guys & girls that get to fly the 757 are so incredibly lucky, they have the best job in the world!
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15 years old? Wow what maturity and what a well written report.
You obviously have a real interest in aircraft and i'm sure you'll go a long way based on your work here. Keep it up!
I have the pleasure of flying the 757. And when i say pleasure i mean it. If you think it gets off the ground quickly with a light load, try it with just two pilots! We struggle to keep up with the thing!!
Good luck with the school work. Not sure if you want to be a pilot but carry on at this rate and you won't have a problem.
You obviously have a real interest in aircraft and i'm sure you'll go a long way based on your work here. Keep it up!
I have the pleasure of flying the 757. And when i say pleasure i mean it. If you think it gets off the ground quickly with a light load, try it with just two pilots! We struggle to keep up with the thing!!
Good luck with the school work. Not sure if you want to be a pilot but carry on at this rate and you won't have a problem.
Thank you for a very informative report
Thank you for a very informative report. BA always has a good selection of free newspapers, as you mentioned. My problem is, I always purchase two or three of my favourites before I board; usually on the Sunday. Then, I ask myself, Why did I spend my money when they are free?
Next time, I am booked on a European carrier, and I do not purchase the newspapers because they will be free on board (as was BA). However, the very few newspapers are not British, and I cannot read the language. (Ha Ha).
Best wishes for your future success!
Next time, I am booked on a European carrier, and I do not purchase the newspapers because they will be free on board (as was BA). However, the very few newspapers are not British, and I cannot read the language. (Ha Ha).
Best wishes for your future success!
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A question for anyone who flies the B757 for BA: what will you do once the 757 fleet is retired? Will BA retrain you for a new type-rating on another fleet such as the 747? Do you get a choice between long-haul and short-haul?
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The flight crew on the 757 are dual rated on the 767 too, so they will continue to fly those for as long as we have them in the fleet.
Great post aiviatordom, I am really pleased that you enjoyed the British Airways experience. I hope to serve you on one of our long aircraft very soon.
Great post aiviatordom, I am really pleased that you enjoyed the British Airways experience. I hope to serve you on one of our long aircraft very soon.
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Thankyou very much for all the replies everybody!
To Nicholas49: Some of the crew might go on to the 777, and work themselves up so that they evntually fly the A380?
I'm not entirely sure, Off-Stand probs gave you a better aspect than me!
To Nicholas49: Some of the crew might go on to the 777, and work themselves up so that they evntually fly the A380?
I'm not entirely sure, Off-Stand probs gave you a better aspect than me!
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A few might transfer over to the 777 fleet as we will have had 4 new a/c delivered this year. Also, there are still A320/1 to be delivered too. So, they may well be an opportunity for them to transfer over to that fleet.
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Off Stand, thanks for that. Out of interest, how many weeks / months does it take to retrain on a different type? Moving from the B757 to A320 must be quite a switch. Does the airline pay you as a regular employee during the transition phase?
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Without sounding condescending, that was an excellent report, very well written considering you're fifteen. Not only was it interesting, it didn't go on too long, I get bored easily and I read the whole thing!
You focused on the interesting bits and some great photo's there too; I never knew the 757 had brake temp indicators for example! I was working a day shift on the ground at Gatwick on the day you flew back; I know because I walked out the door just as the first couple of Heathrow fire alarm diverts were coming in!
Couple of points:
First, since when did fifteen year olds drink coffee?!
Second, if you decide not to become an airline pilot, consider writing for publication. You have got off to an excellent start already.
All the best
Andy
You focused on the interesting bits and some great photo's there too; I never knew the 757 had brake temp indicators for example! I was working a day shift on the ground at Gatwick on the day you flew back; I know because I walked out the door just as the first couple of Heathrow fire alarm diverts were coming in!
Couple of points:
First, since when did fifteen year olds drink coffee?!
Second, if you decide not to become an airline pilot, consider writing for publication. You have got off to an excellent start already.
All the best
Andy
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Glad to hear that you enjoyed the report Andy!
Since when did fifteen year olds drink coffee?
One of my favourite drinks. British Airways Coffee tastes really good! My only concern though, was that the paper cup was tiny, I could of easily drunk 5-10 more!
If I decide to not to become an Airline Pilot?
I think the CAA will be deciding that. I would love to be able to eventually pass my Class 2 & Class 1 medicals, but only time will tell, I have an MRI scan next week which should find out what type of Epilepsy I have, whether I could eventually grow out of it, or if I actually have Epilepsy or not!
I'm also considering becoming an Emergency Medical Technician, and eventually becoming a Paramedic. Sadly, due to the UK requirements for driving an Ambulance, I won't be able to do this for 10 years. This means that I may have to move abroad for a few years and work as a Medical Technician, where the rules/procedures are a bit different.
So, when University time comes, I wouldn't mind studying Paramedic Science, an Engineering Foundation course and a module in a foreign language.
I haven't thought much about working in Publication/Media, but it is something that I will definitely consider!
Sorry if I bored you with this post!
Regards,
Dominic
Since when did fifteen year olds drink coffee?
One of my favourite drinks. British Airways Coffee tastes really good! My only concern though, was that the paper cup was tiny, I could of easily drunk 5-10 more!
If I decide to not to become an Airline Pilot?
I think the CAA will be deciding that. I would love to be able to eventually pass my Class 2 & Class 1 medicals, but only time will tell, I have an MRI scan next week which should find out what type of Epilepsy I have, whether I could eventually grow out of it, or if I actually have Epilepsy or not!
I'm also considering becoming an Emergency Medical Technician, and eventually becoming a Paramedic. Sadly, due to the UK requirements for driving an Ambulance, I won't be able to do this for 10 years. This means that I may have to move abroad for a few years and work as a Medical Technician, where the rules/procedures are a bit different.
So, when University time comes, I wouldn't mind studying Paramedic Science, an Engineering Foundation course and a module in a foreign language.
I haven't thought much about working in Publication/Media, but it is something that I will definitely consider!
Sorry if I bored you with this post!
Regards,
Dominic
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I feel kind of miffed looking back at a/c photographs. I've been trying to distract myself from reading & looking at videos/photos of aircraft, because I know that i'll feel annoyed about my current medical state
I want this job so much, not just for the money & glamour but for the true thrill of hurtling along the runway, the stunning views, the amazing machines that aircraft and just knowing that oceans can be crossed in a matter of hours!
I want this job so much, the best job in the world!
I want this job so much, not just for the money & glamour but for the true thrill of hurtling along the runway, the stunning views, the amazing machines that aircraft and just knowing that oceans can be crossed in a matter of hours!
I want this job so much, the best job in the world!
