The Great African Antonov TakeOff

[JanetFlight]

For those who have a FB account...really calm guys over there

https://www.facebook.com/diego.m.ari.../131020585933/

[DaveReidUK]

Viewable without needing a FB Account.

[Phoenix1969]

WOW! Almost the Great African Antonov haircut, eh?!

[RAT 5]

Why would they do this. Is it some kind of strange initiation ceremony? Harden them up Sgt. Major.

[vctenderness]

Hope there was plenty of toilet paper available!

[Wirbelsturm]

Why would they do this. Is it some kind of strange initiation ceremony? Harden them up Sgt. Major.

It's so there's a line of them to catch the bits as they fall off during the take off roll!

[pax britanica]

Great video- I presume there is no phrase for elf and safety in that part of the world nor indeed in the NAtonov flight manual-except perhaps

'expedite raising gear in case of line of soldiers at end of 'runway''.
The runway itself is pretty remarkable-tough old birds from the commie days weren't they