Airport Live
StandupfortheUlstermen
Join Date: Dec 2001
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she did let herself down with a "I don't actually really like airports" comment at one point!
Planes, aeroplanes, aircraft, smartie tubes or planeythings. Take yer pick who cares, no point being poncey about it.
Join Date: Jan 2013
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Speaking from the perspective of someone who doesn't work in the aviation industry, I think it's an OK programme.
If you ignore the accidental insults (I don't like airports, So you pilots actually do something then) and the kids observations (The 747 is the one with the big fat nose, i've been swatting up [whilst the cameraman pans the airport because he's got no idea which one the 747 is], and 'Dallas has got his table tennis bats') then it's not too bad.
I'd prefer it if they didn't repeat things quite so much (How tall the tower is, which terminal is which, the names of the ATC people).
I think it would be interesting if they showed what a pilot had to do before the actual flight, instead of pretending he just stumbles in, walks around the plane and flies it off.
I do like it though, i'll watch the last few episodes.
If you ignore the accidental insults (I don't like airports, So you pilots actually do something then) and the kids observations (The 747 is the one with the big fat nose, i've been swatting up [whilst the cameraman pans the airport because he's got no idea which one the 747 is], and 'Dallas has got his table tennis bats') then it's not too bad.
I'd prefer it if they didn't repeat things quite so much (How tall the tower is, which terminal is which, the names of the ATC people).
I think it would be interesting if they showed what a pilot had to do before the actual flight, instead of pretending he just stumbles in, walks around the plane and flies it off.
I do like it though, i'll watch the last few episodes.
Join Date: Jun 2000
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Great to see the big Mr. Palmer get his moment of fame tonight.
Met him a few times over the years, both in his capacity as a Civilian Instructor with the ATC, and if I recall once when he was down at RIAT helping to park some big jets.
A real gent.
Yes, some of us know that Easy 319's have 2 over-wing exits, but that really is too much detail for the large percentage of the audience who aren't TAP's like most of us on here.
Met him a few times over the years, both in his capacity as a Civilian Instructor with the ATC, and if I recall once when he was down at RIAT helping to park some big jets.
A real gent.
Yes, some of us know that Easy 319's have 2 over-wing exits, but that really is too much detail for the large percentage of the audience who aren't TAP's like most of us on here.
Last edited by Wycombe; 18th Jun 2013 at 22:28.
Join Date: Aug 2002
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For the 99% of the viewing audience who don't work in aviation it was fine
With knobs on.
Really enjoyed it, mindset knew it was pitched at Joe Public so had fun watching the behind the scenes.
I still have Airport 90 at Gatwick on video somewhere.

Join Date: Apr 2009
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Then there was the engineer talking us through the engine run with a newly installed engine.
"up to full power"..
What power? Even at maximum thrust there is zero power if the aeroplane is not moving.
I shall not watch any more, but my wife loves it - works for NATS you see.
"up to full power"..
What power? Even at maximum thrust there is zero power if the aeroplane is not moving.
I shall not watch any more, but my wife loves it - works for NATS you see.
As someone with a little knowledge(a dangerous thing I know) but as pax and enthusiast I think overall its pretty good , sure there are a few cringeworthy moments but if Kate h had to sub for the more technically minded Dan Snow then that's more understandable.
Its also semi live which means scenes like the the SIA 380 guy saying -when the plane arrives we start at the nose and do a thorough post flight walk around is then asked-and where do you start that?
The views in and from the tower are great and lets face it after years of reality series about airports which focused on animals and bust ups at check-in any attempt to look at the core issues has to be applauded.
PB
Its also semi live which means scenes like the the SIA 380 guy saying -when the plane arrives we start at the nose and do a thorough post flight walk around is then asked-and where do you start that?
The views in and from the tower are great and lets face it after years of reality series about airports which focused on animals and bust ups at check-in any attempt to look at the core issues has to be applauded.
PB
Join Date: Aug 2012
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Any colour hi-viz is allowed in theory as long as its highly visible as far as I know.
Lord Spandex Masher - you might be able to get your aircraft on the line but trust me, many pilots that Air Ops marshal where I work dont seem to be able to find the centreline, let alone stop at the right point.
Though it would have been nice if the marshaller had used and taught the signals correctly.
Lord Spandex Masher - you might be able to get your aircraft on the line but trust me, many pilots that Air Ops marshal where I work dont seem to be able to find the centreline, let alone stop at the right point.
Though it would have been nice if the marshaller had used and taught the signals correctly.
Last edited by Burnie5204; 19th Jun 2013 at 14:14.
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Though it would have been nice if the marshaller had used and taught the signals correctly.
Care to elaborate? Looked pretty good to me!
As for "do they really think pilots can't follow a yellow line?" ...based on my observations of some pilot's parking abilities over the years, my answer would be no! Granted, this doesn't apply to all pilots, but some of the positions I've seen aircraft end up in when they've self-parked makes me wonder if they've spotted the yellow line at all. And aircraft aren't always marshalled just because the parking systems have failed, sometimes it's to avoid obstructions and hazards, and if you choose not to follow the marshaller "to the inch" then watch them leave you to it as you plough your aircraft into an obstruction.
Care to elaborate? Looked pretty good to me!
As for "do they really think pilots can't follow a yellow line?" ...based on my observations of some pilot's parking abilities over the years, my answer would be no! Granted, this doesn't apply to all pilots, but some of the positions I've seen aircraft end up in when they've self-parked makes me wonder if they've spotted the yellow line at all. And aircraft aren't always marshalled just because the parking systems have failed, sometimes it's to avoid obstructions and hazards, and if you choose not to follow the marshaller "to the inch" then watch them leave you to it as you plough your aircraft into an obstruction.
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and if you choose not to follow the marshaller "to the inch" then watch them leave you to it as you plough your aircraft into an obstruction.
Join Date: Sep 2008
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When you're not being marshalled it means the parking aids are being used, therefore there are no obstructions and the stand is safe for you to park on the aids alone. If you aren't being marshalled and you hit an obstruction, then that's a whole different scenario isn't it.
Last edited by Kimmikins; 19th Jun 2013 at 18:26.
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Kimmikins
It's more of a technical error rather than a signal error - 'Straight ahead' should be from arms level, bending at the elbow through 90 degree to forearms straight up. Not wrist twisting through 180 degrees.
From CAP637
It's more of a technical error rather than a signal error - 'Straight ahead' should be from arms level, bending at the elbow through 90 degree to forearms straight up. Not wrist twisting through 180 degrees.
From CAP637


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At least kAte Humble patronises only the industry by gushing on because it is so so complicated and difficult that no one can understand it whereas the cringeworthy Dan Snow patronises the viewer because the subject is so complicated only he can understand it. Plus the lovely KH doesnt wave her arms around dementedly and act the complete prat.
What a waste to trivialise the industry so. Cor stage kindergarten TV if you ask me.
You'll gather I'm not impressed.
What a waste to trivialise the industry so. Cor stage kindergarten TV if you ask me.
You'll gather I'm not impressed.
