by ·0 Comments

Introduction
Delivery Dinner
Seattle to Doha
Exploring Doha Day 1
Exploring Doha Day 2 & 3
Doha to Seattle
Conclusion

Friday 16th November 2012

There wasn’t much at all planned for me over the next couple of days. I had some time free on both mornings in the original plans but this changed once I got to Qatar as I had an opportunity come my way. In the end it was pretty relaxed couple of days. After a morning run in the Qatar morning warmth (first time worn my sunglasses running in months) around the airport perimeter for a bit, I got to spend the first part of my day doing some stuff for work. I was on assignment to investigate Qatar as a stopover destination for our clients travelling to Africa. So my job was to go and check out a few hotels, get a quick idea of what is here what isn’t.

I negotiated a taxi for the morning and spent some time exploring a list of hotels I had managed to put together after chatting to a number of people (including the taxi driver). Some pretty decent hotels out there, I was seriously impressed and if I get a chance to go back, I know a couple of hotels I wouldn’t mind staying in (New Intercon comes to mind).

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

After visiting the last hotel, I got the Taxi driver to take me out to the Katara Cultural Village where I was due to have lunch and attend some events for the Dhow Festival. Things didn’t go quite as planned but it was still a good afternoon. Katara has a pretty nice location, right on the water with its own beach but it was the surroundings that got me. Also playing “Spot the Commodore” was a bit of fun.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

The amphitheatre, the Golden Mosque and a whole heap of other buildings just made it seem like something out of Lawrence of Arabia. It was pretty good to explore and to make the afternoon better the Qatar Defence Forces Band was performing along with the Belarusian Honor Guard. There was a heap of events underway for the Dhow Festival including some rowing events (think Dragon Boat/Outrigger) but I was pretty beat and the sun was setting so I left early and headed back to the hotel to do a bit of work.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

After a couple of hours working I was pretty hungry and decided to head to the Souq for dinner. I had a desire to have some indian food as with a good population of Indians in Qatar, I figured there had to be some good indian food. Sadly the one and only place around the Souq was a solid hour wait to get in, even for 1 person. So I broke one of my rules and headed back to the hotel for dinner. BUT this turned out to be pretty great. I knew they were having a special Indian buffet for the Diwali festival and the food was REALLY good. I really enjoyed it and I tried so much stuff I had never had before. What made it definitely the right decision was that they mistook me for someone who worked for Qatar Airways so gave me their discount which was 20% of the normal rate. Not 20% off, 80% off! Dinner cost me about $15! For a hotel buffet that’s pretty damn good pricing! By the time I finished dinner, I was full and ready for bed!

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

Saturday 17th November 2012

A Saturday morning run around the airport, in the sun but this time I remembered to take a sticker with me for a fun little game I play with a mate 😉

From Qatar Trip

My morning was to be spent pretty relaxed actually. After breakfast I was being picked up by someone from Qatar Executive Jet to go and be introduced to a few people and also see one of their aircraft (only 1 aircraft was free and even that was only for 30 mins). We cleared the airport security as I wore my shiny new Airport pass (which I couldn’t keep unfortunately), and headed out around the Tarmac on a mini tarmac tour of sorts.

From Qatar Trip

Getting down low with all the aircraft is always fun for an Avgeek but this was even better. As at the other end, I was getting out on the tarmac in front of the hangar where a Challenger 605 was being prepped for departure. When we arrived they offered us something truly awesome. We didn’t need a lift back to the terminal, as we were getting a ride onboard the aircraft as it was being positioned over to the other side of the airfield (to the same bay we arrived at on the 787 actually). What an opportunity!!

From Qatar Trip

The ride around was good, watching the ground crews do their setup of the aircraft and tow it around to the bay. Onboard the Challenger is truly the best way to fly. You have enough space for 8 or so people comfortably, 4 of the seats turn to two HUGE single beds, the couches turn into a double bed and you still have another Divan. Add onto this that you can come and go when and where you want, eat what you want, drink what you want, stay connected in the air & Smoke if you desire. It has to be the best way to fly!

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

After that I had a couple of hours free before I was scheduled to head over to Katara again for more stuff on the Dhow festival, so I ended up sitting by the pool, catching up on life and doing some plane spotting as the pool had a truly awesome view of the aircraft as they rotated off the runway. I managed to get a couple of decent shots and the sun was just awesome to be out sitting in. Did I really have to head home to Seattle? Please can I stay?.

From Qatar Trip

While I was spotting I got a message telling me I was free for the afternoon If I didn’t feel like going to the stuff that was planned, so I took that opportunity to explore the city some more. I jumped in a cab and headed out to the Qatar Grand Mosque. I had never visited a Mosque before so wasn’t sure what to expect. I made sure I wasn’t there during call to prayer as I didn’t want to be disrespectful. I made sure I kept my sleeves down as well.

The taxi ride over was eventful after the driver took me in the total wrong direction (he thought I said “Green Mosque” not “Grand Mosque” and we fought a little till I told him to drop me off and ill walk the rest of the way, gave him less money than he wanted and I left. Not the best thing to do, but I wasn’t sure if he was trying to rip me off or truly didn’t know where he was going. After a 10 minute walk from where I was dropped off (I could see the mosque) the sheer size of the place just stuns you.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

When I turned up a security guard showed me around, answering my questions (first time that has happened) about how big, how old, etc He told me that on a Friday at Midday prayer, they get over 15,000 people there. That was a huge shock and he explained (in his limited English) that they spread everywhere even outside above the car park (which had escalators to mind you, a thing you don’t expect to see).

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

I took a mountain of photos, some panoramas and just soaked in the sight of this massive building before heading off in search of a taxi to take me downtown. I was aiming for city centre mall, which I could kind of see in the distance (I could see the buildings near by it, so figured if kept walking that way and was careful I would be ok). Pretty soon I had been walking for half an hour and no sign of empty cabs. So I gave up on the cab and kept on walking.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

I walked for a solid hour and a half all the way from the mosque to downtown (About 4-5 miles) all the while trying not to die. I did manage to get some directions from a lovely expat couple at a gas station who showed me which way to keep going. Heaps of weird sights but I eventually found one mall which had a Breitling store in it, so I quickly fled out before I wasted all of my money 😉

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

After that mall I headed over to City Center Mall which was my intended destination to check out a few things, see what passes for a mall here in Doha and get some lunch from the supermarket. It wasn’t all that bad the mall but it wasn’t all that good either. They had some of the usual stores you would expect to see, a whole random weird range of other stores but the main draw card to me was Carrefour. I am a big fan of just wandering through local supermarkets in new countries/areas and seeing what the locals eat. This was an eclectic mix of Arabic, American, British and European stuff all rolled into one crazy mix. Pretty mind blowing to be honest.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

After City Centre I decided I had more time to kill till my intended destination (the post office) opened at 5pm, so why not keep walking. It hadn’t failed me yet. So I did. Walked for another hour or more all the way to the Sheraton, to the Corniche and along the Corniche (did I mention yet that I didn’t have a map and was navigating by guessing and kind of remembering things I had checked online before leaving the hotel). It was good to be walking again, I was feeling bad being cooped up in a taxi.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

By the time I got to the post office, got some stamps for my mum and one to post a letter to someone (I never did get any postcards sadly) it was dark so time to head back to the hotel for dinner cause I was being lazy and it was meant to be an early morning tomorrow for my flight home. Dinner that night was a Japanese themed buffet and it was pretty damn good even if it was in the middle east 😉 Hit the sack early ready to prepare for a LONG LONG day.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

by ·0 Comments

Introduction
Delivery Dinner
Seattle to Doha
Exploring Doha Day 1
Exploring Doha Day 2 & 3
Doha to Seattle
Conclusion

Thursday 15th November 2012

My first full day in Qatar was busy with arrangements made with Qatar Airways to not only see the city but also to visit the New Doha International Airport (hereby referred to as NDIA) under construction. It was an earlyish start to head over to NDIA but to be honest, I try to keep a normal routine when I am travelling to help beat the jetlag. This means that no matter what I am always up around normal time (530-630) to have a work out. So this morning was no different and I hit the hotel gym for a run nice and early. Pretty decent gym to!

From Qatar Trip

Breakfast at the hotel restaurant was pretty spectacular as well with no end to the options and after seeing “Porridge” on the menu I couldn’t help but try it and it was British style as well. Still a bit runny but made on milk not water. With lots of goodies on offer, it was a tough call on what to have but I kept it under control, kind of.

From Qatar Trip

After breakfast we headed off to NDIA for our brief and tour of the facilities. Unfortunately no cameras could be taken with us on the tour of NDIA so lugging the big camera bag around felt like a waste (but in the end we were allowed to take photos on the outside, just not the inside). We got a full brief by the project manager of the airport on everything and some of the figures were just staggering. The new airport expects to handle 24 million passengers a year with a Minimum Connect time of 30 minutes between flights. That is a BIG call considering most flights start boarding at that time!

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

The facilities were impressive; especially the new Amiri Terminal (still couldn’t get a quote out of them about the 747-8). The Amiri terminal is the new replacement to the Ministerial lounge we had arrived at the day before. This facility was way more impressive, surrounded by water; large domed style facility which I’m sure on the inside would be truly epic. Even on the outside it has a full jet bridge that is open to the air, but can be covered and allows people to step off the aircraft onto the red carpet with no stairs involved.

From Qatar Trip

The Mosque at the airport was just as impressive with a beautiful design. It would have been stunning inside if we had of been allowed in. I would be a very happy person to spend some time in that airport considering what it was. The biggest thing that startled me was just how finished it is, however it’s not scheduled to open anytime soon due to delays in the construction. During our tour we got taken through the immigration area which was eerily empty (sure it won’t stay that way) and also went past all the baggage testing that was being done, with test bags and all (where they got so many god awful looking suitcases I’ll never know).

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

After the tour we dropped a couple of people off at the Premium Terminal as they were heading home, before heading to the hotel for a brief pit stop and to pick someone else up. It was good to have a bit of a rest for one where nothing was required and I surfed the net a bit on my phone thanks to the Wi-Fi. Eventually we got back on the road and headed to the Museum of Islamic Art. Designed by I M Pei who also designed the Louvre the place is just beautiful.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

It is full of pieces of Islamic art and culture from all over the Islamic world (Egypt, Iran, Iraq, and Turkey etc.) and some of the pieces dated back to the 10th century or earlier. Just looking at some of the pieces was amazing, sadly we only had about 30 minutes or so here before we had to go to lunch (since we were running late… as usual). One thing I will give the museum is it is on a damn prime piece of real estate. The views towards Downtown Doha were incredible. Breathtaking would be a good way to describe it.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

From the Museum we did a bit of a quick tour of a few places before heading off to the Souq area for lunch. Unfortunately the Souq was closed as they seem to close between 12 and 4pm daily, pretty much cause in summer, there is no way you could be out during that time!

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

We had lunch on the balcony overlooking the now closed Souq and it was again, more Arabic cuisine, but our entertainment was provided by one of our fellow lunch guests and some Sheesha. Pretty good food to, I do like some of the Arabic food, especially the bread. Yummmm.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

After Lunch we were picked up by our driver Mustafa and we headed out to the Desert about 45 minutes from Doha where we were going to go off the highways and roads, let down the tires and hit the sand. I hadn’t been sand driving in years (last time I was on Fraser Island) and even then that was on a huge bus. We were in a Landcruiser (which funnily enough is the number 1 car in Qatar, and I think they sell them all with the same stripe down the side to). Mustafa was pretty cool and told us a lot about living in Qatar and being a local born Qatari. How life differs here to back home in Aus or the USA. Always good to learn these things from a local in a more relaxed setting.

From Qatar Trip

Once we hit the desert we were both stunned by just how many people were out and about in the dunes by that time (it was around 415-430 by now) and just how beautiful it could be. The light was fading, the sky was changing colors and the photos were getting snapped like crazy. I did manage to get a couple of videos and it was a heap of fun going up and down the dunes. Some of the dunes you looked at and you just looked at it thinking “Am I really about to do this?” They were just looked like the dumbest thing to do. But we were fine and Mustafa was in his element.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

After making it all the way out to the Inland Sea where we only there about 5 minutes we headed off via the dunes to the Bedouin Desert Camp where we were to have some time relaxing and some dinner. We were told we could go swimming (neither of us did) and when we arrived that we could do as we pleased. What we didn’t expect was that the Desert Camp normally holds 150 people. Myself and Ben were the only two people there! It was a bit overwhelming. We got waited on hand and foot and kind of felt a little bad that all these staff were looking after us.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

After a lovely relaxing sit by the water chatting, dinner on a carpet sitting on pillows and a bit of a lie down, we navigated our way back through the dunes in the dark. How they can do that I have no idea because it was pretty much pitch black. Once off the sand we pulled up by the side of the road at some shops where a couple of guys were refilling people’s tires with air. Great service, you rock up, tell them the tire pressure, hand them some rials and your tires are pumped up without you even moving an inch.

We got back to the hotel and Mustafa dropped us off, Ben was leaving around 1am but it was only around 9pm and I wasn’t all that tired. Mustafa had mentioned that the Souq (which we missed out on seeing) was open till around 11pm. So I headed out to explore and get some souvenir shopping done. The Souq Waqif was pretty pumping. People were enjoying their “Friday” night (even though it was Thursday, but the Qatar working week is Sunday through Thursday) out in the Souq, eating, drinking tea and smoking some Sheesha.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

I explored the laneways, looking, browsing, and bartering. I bought a couple of things (and an extra bag to carry all the swag home in) and found the spice Souq (but couldn’t take anything home with me since I doubted I could bring It back) and also the animal Souq where you can buy a lot of different animals including fluro colored chicks.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

After shopping to my heart’s content (and not costing me all that much) I headed back in a cab to the hotel where I passed out pretty soundly. My first day in Qatar had been a success.

by ·0 Comments

Introduction
Delivery Dinner
Seattle to Doha
Exploring Doha Day 1
Exploring Doha Day 2 & 3
Doha to Seattle
Conclusion

Tuesday 13th November 2013

Thanks to the later departure this morning it meant I could have a bit of extra sleep. The gym at the Fairmont was pretty packed this morning but I still managed to get a machine. It meant that after the workout I still had plenty of time to relax and explore the hotel a little if I wanted (I didn’t). What I was able to do was get some email work and last minute things done before flying out this afternoon so that was helpful.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

I checked out of the hotel and headed the 2 blocks down to the Sheraton, dragging a heavy suitcase and camera bag (most of the weight was in the camera bag though). The short walk was good and as soon as I got to the Sheraton I had priorities. COFFEE! Within minutes of getting in the door, I was able to get the coffee in my hand and get those first few sips going. It was fantastic, exactly what I needed to get me perked up on this cold Seattle morning.

From Qatar Trip

We waited as the group slowly began to arrive and at one point a mutiny may have occurred on the bus, however it was calmly put down. We left the hotel and headed back to Boeing Field. Our departure today was going to be my first time Airside at BFI so that was going to be just as much fun. On the way in there was several 787s on the ramp (the test aircraft ZA002 and ZA005) another test aircraft (I think it was a 777 or the test 767) as well was sitting there but I couldn’t see what it really was. This would be an eventful day it seemed.

We arrived back at the 3-390 Hangar and the aircraft had been towed out of the hangar ready for the flight that day so now it felt quite desolate with just a handful of people and a whole HEAP of food for our breakfast. A Good spread had been put on as well and I managed to have the weirdest porridge I have ever eaten. It was tasty, but quite a weird texture, and after speaking with one of the staff it seemed that with the obvious differences between the words “Porridge” & “Oatmeal” even this didn’t quite fit.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

A trip to the Boeing Store was conducted, & although I didn’t buy anything it was good for a laugh. Got to see some awful merchandise but some of the people on the trip just lapped it up, with someone spending well over $450 at the store. As we returned from the Boeing store, it was time to head over to security for our pre departure inspection and then bussed down the ramp to the aircraft. The security was fantastic. No TSA, just Boeing Security. And although my liquids and laptop could stay in my bag, I had to remove my shoes, belt & jacket. Love the dignity dance.

From Qatar Trip

Once I had redressed the billion layers and gotten my shoes and belt back on without my pants hitting my ankles it was out onto the ramp, snapping as many pictures as I can of all the 737s around us. Apparently one of the GOL 738s was going to be delivered today; there were a number of others with 2 Ryanairs taking pride of place right in front of me. We turned left in the Van heading back up the ramp to the Qatar 787 sitting there, waiting, beckoning me forward. As we approached the excitement was everywhere. You could see others were just as excited.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

Qatar Airways QR3787
Boeing Field to Doha
1300-1400
Boeing 787-8 (A7-BCB)
Business Class – Seat 4K

Boarding: 1230
Push Back: 1306
Take Off Roll: 1326 (Runway 13R
Top of Descent: 1324
Touch Down: 1356 (Runway 33)
Shut Down: 1401 (Bay A6)

At the base of the steps, many people were taking photos (which is pretty much what I did for most of the flight actually) with the aircraft, with their boarding pass, with the aircraft & the boarding pass. Anything and everything, it was getting photographed. We got ushered onto the aircraft (pretty much given the hurry up signal), as we walked up the steps, we were handled a little jewelry box, containing a key with the inscription “Qatar’s First 787”. I doubt it opened or did anything, but that was a symbolic item. I had just been handed the keys to the plane! I walked up the steps, got my name ticked off the security list to say I was onboard, and headed through the grand entryway to the far right side… to my seat… in Business!

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

I was totally excited to be on the plane anyway, to have a seat in Business was even more epic. I snapped photo after photo, barely even sitting down at all. The Cabin Crew probably hated it as everyone was doing the same, and they had trouble getting around to do their service. Speaking of which their service was great. The Qatar crew were all so friendly and accommodating. Showing us things in the seats if we needed to (they showed me a couple of hidden places even I didn’t know about from exploring the seats the night before).

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

Once I finally sat down at my seat (still snapping photos) I was offered a pre departure beverage. I went with some water (as expected) but the Champagne was already flowing (Billecart for those wondering). As we were about to close the door, we got a ramp buddy. The United 787 touched down and taxied through to the parking spot next to us. Nice for another 787 to come say goodbye.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

Pretty soon we were buttoned up, safety briefing underway and pushing back to head to the north end of the field to the starting of Runway 13R. We were taking off to the South so this meant a nice big curve back to the north as this would be a Polar Route (not that far north unfortunately but close enough really.) As we were taking off I noticed the 757/F22 Test Bed was actually moving, I managed to get a really awful picture of it, because I was shocked it was moving. I had always thought it just sat there.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

Once we got the double dings to say seatbelts were released (it didn’t take long), It was up and about taking more photos (my instructions had been, behave yourself, have fun, and take so many photos you think you have taken to many, then take some more) finding all new things in the seat (didn’t realize there was a hidden spot for my shoes until I had been shown. We were then told once we cleared American Airspace into Canada, they could switch on the Wi-Fi. Why we had to wait that long I don’t know but who cares. Internet on the delivery flight, where do I sign up!

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

I collected my free 50MB voucher (not realizing I could have as many as I wanted so I was going to keep it slowly and not use to much) and took a heap more photos, chatting to some of the others around me, heading up the back into Economy for a scout out of who was sitting back there (everyone in Economy got a row of 3 seats to themselves and also full Business Class service). Economy really didn’t look all that bad and the seats were pretty damn comfortable. Plus add on a row of 3 to yourself and I would be super happy. I didn’t spend too much time down the back or I know I would miss dinner, so I headed back to the front. I got a tweet from a mate saying that since I missed out on the first tweet overall (2nd by 37 seconds) that I should get the first laviator shot. So I did. Cause I mean why the hell not.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

By the time I got back, dinner service was starting, so it was time to settle into my seat, put the laptop away for a little (tweeting with the phone was easier anyway) and then also watch a movie. The IFE system on the Qatar 787 was pretty awesome. Touch screen based but unlike most other systems, this one was Android Based so the remote was touch screen as well. You could easily manipulate the two devices separately so you could have the airshow running on the remote while watching a movie on the main screen. So that’s what I did. Chose the latest Batman movie, started it up and settled in for a 5 course dinner that by the time it was finished, took 2 hours to serve (but had that been a normal movie, would of finished then perfectly but the new batman goes FOREVER).

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

A relaxing dinner of fine dining by Celebrity Chefs, good wine (if I drank), amazing service, a good movie. Man I could go for a nap right about now. I settled in to finish the last of the movie off, and then once that finally finished it was now almost 4 hours into the flight. It had flown by and didn’t at all feel that way. Most of the front cabin was asleep, so the windows were all blacked out (something that would come to bite us later) and there was only 1 or 2 of us awake. I figured it was the perfect time to get the laptop out and do some work.

From Qatar Trip

For the next 4 or 5 hours it was pretty much the following on the flight so I won’t bore you too much. Working on Vegas Trip Report, Working on Vegas Photos, Working on Airline reporter articles, working on photos from Delivery dinner, Blogging, tweeting, watching some TV shows and more tweeting. O intersperse that with eating more (not that I needed it) just because you the readers would demand it of me. So I had a bit of a midflight snack. Some Coffee & Biscuits (if I must), for the midflight snack (which you can have at any time, anything you want from the menu) I had the Chicken Wrap which was quite tasty and the Lemon Curd Tart which was just awesome!! Qatar really knows how to pull off their desserts.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

The flight just flew by and before I knew it we were well over Europe. When the sun came up I headed down the back to say hi for a bit, chatting to the Social Media guys and seeing the crazy “Social Media Command Center” located way down the back in Economy (row 31 I think). Seeing the set up put me to shame, I should have done something like that! Then I got told after that if I wanted more data vouchers to just “help myself”. Dammit I could have been tweeting photos like crazy! Ah wells! Too late now (in the end Rupa from Aviation Week Magazine ended up using 450mb of data. In the vicinity of about $500 worth of data).

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

As we approached Turkey and changing our continent over to “Asia” well, that heralded everyone waking up, grabbing some breakfast and getting themselves ready for what was to be a crazy arrival. With press conferences scheduled for our time on the Ground, it was sure to be more crazy times. As we crossed over Iraq I was quite excited to be there for some reason. I don’t know why but I just want to get an Iraq or Afghanistan stamp in my passport.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

As we started our descent over the Persian Gulf, the Wi-Fi was cut off (without warning) and we all got ourselves settled. Everyone was back dressed again after changing out of their PJs (not that I wore mine) and was all dressed ready to impress again.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

No need for a jacket with a temp of 30C in the humid Qatar desert. I was looking forward to some warmth. After 40 and 50F days (8-15C) for the last month or so in Seattle, I was dying for some warmth. Something to get me going back into the real heat like home in Aus.

From Qatar Trip

As we turned final over Doha I got my first glimpses of Qatar and to say I was shocked was just an understatement. It was Sand as far as the eye could see. Yellow all around with some Blue/Green of the Persian Gulf/Arabian Sea. Wow… just wow! As we came into Doha Airport I snapped away like crazy as I knew I probably wouldn’t get the chance again to see so many of these Qatar Airways aircraft or some of the middle east carriers.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

They didn’t disappoint either but as soon as we turned onto the Taxiway I was distracted by the scenes awaiting us. Row after row of people. All awaiting the 787. It was surreal. So many people around! As we pulled into Bay A6 right in front of the Ministerial Lounge (where the press conference was to be held), the mass of people around was crazy. They were everywhere. Seat Belt sign is off and my flight on no sleep, well that didn’t matter. The adrenalin surged and I was good to go. First person off the plane had to be Akbar Al Baker the CEO of course and after that it was a crazy mad dash as we all wanted out into the real world (I wanted to take more photos really). The warmth greeted me and soon enough I was out of the aircraft and walking past the crowds and the throngs of media towards the lounge.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

The ministerial lounge is where the Amir of Qatar hosts all the dignitaries and is pretty much his amazing part of the airport. It was like this true Arabian building, but inside so nice and air-conditioned. I had hoped to get into a good spot for the press conference, that didn’t happen. There was so many local media around (2-3 bus loads) that they just packed it on in. Pushing and fighting their way into any and every space they could find. I got pushed back out of the main area after managing to get 1 or 2 photos, but thankfully I could still hear what was going on. I let the real media do all the questioning and kept my trap shut. Which was the way it should be really?

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

Once the press conference was over and done with, anyone from the Delivery flight (who had been handed a yellow tag) was collected and bussed over to the Arrivals area for immigration which was pretty much just “Look at the Camera”, Stamp, Scribble, Welcome to Qatar. No real effort at all. Crazy++ Just like that it was all over. An epic day had happened and it was all over. I was really in Qatar now though, and it showed the second we walked out of the terminal into the Bedlam that was Doha Arrivals. There were people everywhere. I had never experienced anything like it.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

We got into our shuttle and we were off to the hotel, the Oryx Rotana. This would be my home for the next 4 nights while I explored Qatar. We had plenty of time to do things this afternoon before dinner. But the first thing for me was to get my first experience of the real Qatar as I had to get some passport photos taken for my Airport pass which I would need over the weekend. This was an interesting experience in of itself and really showed just how naïve I was towards something’s outside of the USA/Australia.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

I explored the hotel a bit before getting dressed and ready for dinner as we were being hosted at the Grand Hyatt Doha which was a good 30 minutes away but it allowed us to see some of Doha at night which the lights were extremely beautiful. Dinner at the Grand Hyatt was amazing we got to tour through the Royal Suite which was phenomenal. The meal was a traditional Arabic meal with a modern flair. It was served family style and it tasted fantastic. So many goodies to try and so much to taste. My normal way of living was now on hold till I got back. I was going to try anything!

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

By the time we got back to the hotel I was pretty beat. Wanting to just sleep it off! Almost 36-40 hours solid awake and it was 11pm at night by the time I got some rest. My first day in Qatar was approaching tomorrow.

by ·1 Comment

Introduction
Delivery Dinner
Seattle to Doha
Exploring Doha Day 1
Exploring Doha Day 2 & 3
Doha to Seattle
Conclusion

Monday 12th November 2012

I had spent the morning getting myself back from Vegas, and then frantically getting myself ready for another trip almost immediately. Get home, unpack, clean clothes, repack, prep laptop, read emails etc. Pure craziness behind me and I was on the road again. Today’s pre events plans involved getting the truck down to SeaTac, park it (barely 4 hours after just having left a parking facility mind you) and then get the link back towards downtown and check into my hotel for the evening.

The flight on Tuesday was due to depart around 9am and would require meeting the group downtown at 6am for our transfer to the field. If I had done all of this on the day I would have been leaving home around 3am to get it all done with the truck etc. and I really wanted some sleep. So I would rather deal with craziness during daylight hours and when I am fully awake. So I took that option. The group hotel downtown though was the Sheraton and it was running about $30 higher compared to the Fairmont (got to love industry rates), but I can deal with a little bit of a walk (about 2 blocks) with a suitcase, even if it is up hill from the Link Station. $30 is $30!

So after getting myself downtown I barely had enough time to drop my stuff at the Fairmont and walk down to the Sheraton in time for the coach departure for that evening’s start of events. On the agenda was a reception to begin with, a press conference, access to the aircraft then a transfer to that evening’s dinner at a “secret location”. I met up with the group at the Sheraton and got myself introduced to the other few media who would be travelling as well. It was a selection of some heavyweight reporters including Flight Global, Business Traveler UK, Aviation Week Magazine, USA Today, CNBC Dubai, MBC Dubai and a few other bloggers. I could hardly feel like I was meant to be a part of this group or even referred to as media in comparison.

We hopped on our coach heading for Boeing field and the 3-390 hangar. The same one that the unveiling of the 747-8i was done from. This was pretty cool for someone like me. I got access to the leading aviation media, the heavyweights at Qatar Airways all while getting to go behind security at Boeing Field. I would give good money for something like this. The excitement had to be contained as much as possible. As we pulled into the hangar it was set up like an Arabian oasis in the middle of the desert. Palm Trees dotted the middle of the room and the bar set up around it. Plenty of tables around and a stage and a few rows of seats for the media during the press conference. I was told the seating was reserved for media and that I should take a seat when instructed so that we had a good spot for when the press conference started.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

Mingling, networking and getting to know some of the other media was conducted and I did relax a little which was good, but the press conference started and my brain went back into “don’t fark up mode”. I wasn’t sure what to say or even if I should open my mouth at all, so I kept it shut, no questions from me, I will let the real media do the talking. The press conference started and the CEO of Qatar Airways was joined by a VP from Boeing and also the Ambassador to Qatar based in the USA. A few tough questions were fired at the CEO as you would expect and he handled it pretty well I think. He seemed to be able to handle it all with a quick remark or comeback. Definitely impressive. An exchange of gifts between everyone and the handover was complete. No signing of financial paperwork etc. as this had already been done about a week prior before the flight was sent to Victorville, California.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

The press conference was ended with the screening of a short movie on the Qatar 787 (link to YouTube) on the giant wall screen and when that was finished, the curtain was raised and there she sat. My first shock of the day was that the aircraft we would be flying on would be BCB not BCA. I had figured that the first 787 bound for Qatar would have used the first registration of the grouping. Not so apparently!

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

A ribbon was cut, more photos taken and then we were all set loose on the aircraft. It was time to make myself useful. Out came the camera at full speed this time. Plenty of photos were taken both inside and outside as I explored the 787 and let’s just say I was totally impressed. The new Business Class cabin looked amazingly comfortable, the Economy seats looked fantastic.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

As I explored the aircraft I noticed that the Crew Rest areas were missing. This puzzled me as I thought that they would have deployed this aircraft on the long-haul routes that others are doing. However this was to be a pure midhaul aircraft. Similar to what the 767 does for most operators. 6-8 hours one crew shift essentially. Mind you I didn’t find out till I had been chatting with the Chief Technical Officer of Qatar Airways (which was pretty cool).

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

After a whole heap of photos were taken and I had my fill of dodging all the guests inside the aircraft, I headed back out and got a few photos of the aircraft. The time was eventually over and we all re-boarded the coach, waving goodbye to BCB for now. We headed to our dinner celebration, which it turned out was to be at Seattle Center at Chilhuly Garden. I had been meaning to check this place out but hadn’t gotten around to it. Now not only would I get a chance to see the amazing glass work, I was there as part of this event and got to relax a little (not fully mind you, cause I was still worried about stuffing up).

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

The glasswork was stunning, however the typical Seattle weather (aka rain) prevented to many outside photos (that and I didn’t have a tripod with me) but I managed to get a few of the glasswork with the Space Needle. Inside the pieces were immaculate and the dinner was set up with the airline colors on the tables. Drinks were consumed, more mingling and networking, dinner was consumed and I enjoyed the food which was pretty good and not at all to over the top yet still refined enough for a big dinner. The alcohol was flowing freely and with what was on offer was sure to mean some good stuff tomorrow.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

After a round of speeches, presentation of gifts for those who had worked tirelessly on the event and honoring the hard work of so many people, it was sad to see the night coming to a close, although I would definitely need some sleep. But just as I was heading out to the coach back to the hotel, some good news (kind of). Delay of departure from the hotel in the morning! Though no delay of the aircraft departure itself. So that was good. But it meant I could at least get a decent night’s sleep before the festivities would begin the next morning. A van dropped me back at the hotel and I settled in for a good night’s rest.

From Qatar Trip
From Qatar Trip

by ·2 Comments

Introduction
Delivery Dinner
Seattle to Doha
Exploring Doha Day 1
Exploring Doha Day 2 & 3
Doha to Seattle
Conclusion

From Seattle Spotting 2012

I had read reports and articles in the past of those people lucky enough to get to experience a first flight of an aircraft. A ferry flight from the factory to some far off destination, heralding the start of a new era for an airline or perhaps just an aircraft being sent on its way after emerging with that “new plane” smell.

Well little did I know that I would some day get that chance. I had been doing a bit of work for AirlineReporter.com, writing a few stories for the site every now and then. Getting to see and do all different things. I had reviewed Bolt Bus, witnessed the Super Guppy Arrival, even acted as the “Staff Photographer” for the United 787 launch (or as I was referencing it, I was David’s bitch for the morning). All of this was a dream come true in some way, shape or form. I mean how else would I get access to all of these fantastic things and see or do the most amazing experiences.

The one thing I was truly jealous of though was when David (who runs airlinereporter) got to go on the Delivery flight for the LAN 787. Getting to experience the festivities and the fun that a first flight offers. That was a dream come true. Well my turn was next! David was offered the Qatar Airways delivery flight, but unfortunately he wasn’t able to make it. It was fairly short notice (about a week) and though he wasn’t able to make it, he offered the journey to me. I had to take leave that I had planned on using to go elsewhere but I mean what avgeek would turn down this situation? This was like a dream come true. I dropped everything. It was bad timing though for me as it was due to depart the day after I got back from Vegas so it was going to be tight, but to hell with it. I had to keep it a secret from most people, I told one or two people of course so people knew where/what I was doing. But for the most part, no one knew a thing.

Originally I was due to return the day after we got back, after not really seeing anything at all in Qatar. But work allowed me to add in some extra time after agreeing to do some stuff work wise on the trip, and also Qatar Airways were happy to set me up for a few extra days and let me tour around Qatar. The flights were all booked and the last of the details didn’t come through till a day or two prior to departure (but I guess that’s what happens when your waiting on an Aircraft to be signed off for delivery).

Plans were made, things organized and the excitement just was to much for me at times. I was absolutely over the moon to be able to get to do this, but I also didn’t want to stuff things up on my first ever time as a true correspondant for the site. I wanted to make sure I not only did things right by David and Airline Reporter, but to make sure I didn’t take things for granted with Qatar Airways. I wanted to make sure that their faith in inviting someone from the site would be worth it.

Even though I was going to miss out on a number of events on the Monday that I really wanted to experience (factory floor tour, Dreamliner gallery etc) with my return from Vegas it had to be done unfortunately. So my plans would look as follows:

Monday 12th November: Delivery Ceremony & Celebration Dinner
Tuesday 13th November: Aircraft Departs Seattle 9am
Wednesday 14th November: Aircraft Arrives Doha 2pm – Celebrations and Press Conference on Arrival
Thursday 15th November: Tour of New Doha International Airport, City Tour & Inland Sea Safari
Friday 16th November: Hotel Site Inspections for work, Afternoon at Katara
Saturday 17th November: Free time in the Morning, Aternoon at Katara
Sunday 18th November: Doha Premium Terminal, Depart Doha QR77 to Houston connecting to Seattle

I was booked in Business on the return (even though I was happy to sit in Economy if I had to) so that I could experience the Premium Terminal before departing. I was going to ensure that I made the most of that experience as I had read a few reviews of the facility and they were all very tempting.

What made the experience even more special was the fact that I figured we would be departing from Paine Field, so getting to depart direct from the Factory was going to be a privilege. But the departure ended up being scheduled from Boeing Field instead, so still a pretty great privilege. The crazy thing though. We were going DIRECT to Doha on departure. This is a 7500 mile flight. A True test for the 787. But as it turned out there would only be 90 pax onboard so it could easily make it with the limited weight.

The return via Houston would mean a midnight arrival back into Seattle and a hellish Monday morning after only a few hours sleep but these are the sacrifices you make to have an opportunity like this. The flights when put into a map just added in the most craziest of distances:

Qatar Trip Map

7500 miles from Seattle to Doha, 8000 miles from Doha to Houston! This was craziness. A number of firsts on this trip to. First time flying Qatar Airways, Longest flight so far (Doha to Houston), Three new Airports: Boeing Field (BFI), Houston (IAH), Doha (DOH). Two new aircraft types (787 & 777-200LR) would round out the mix. I did manage to get a trifecta on the delivery flight being New Airport, New Airline & New Aircraft to my collection. An Avgeek trifecta on this epic Journey. Good god!

It was due to be a momentous trip that would I am sure mean lack of sleep, craziness, mingling, networking and just a total lack of diet control (I can deal with it after) and all in the lead up to Thanksgiving. At least I would have a day off mid week to catch up!

by ·0 Comments

Introduction

About a year ago, I made the decision to head to one of the biggest airshows in the USA, Aviation Nation. I figured that no matter what happened with my life I was going to head on over here for it. To make things even better, the show is at the Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, yeah that’s right Vegas Baby.

Fast Forward till about a few months ago and I am living in the USA. Still planning to go to the show, but how do I get there. I was pretty much stuck to flying Alaska Air due to the times and the fact that they pretty much dominate Seattle. So I mean ok the airline decision is made but tickets were not cheap $400-500 return in Coach…. OUCH! And I really wanted to go. Really desperately.

Then Icelandair came to the picture, they decided to run a promotion on buying their points. If I bought enough points for a First Class Award ticket with their partner Alaska Airlines I could end up getting the flight for $350 all in. So I could fly first Class, on Alaska Airlines for less than coach… where do I sign up! It was pretty painless, other than the 24 hours it took for the points to post, that was it, Easy as hell. Mind you 4 days after I booked my flights, Icelandair closed the promotion early and stopped allowing redemptions with Alaska. Apparently it got abused a lot 😉

Next up was where to stay. I scoured the web trying to get decent rates at some of the Strip Hotels. But they were all the same cost, all around the same price. I mean seriously, how do you choose when they all look so awesome and are all so similar. So I took the easy way out. I hotwired it. Hotwire is pretty much a mystery bidding website. So you just hope and pray you get a decent hotel. But there are a few websites around that help you with the bidding process. So with their help, and a prayer to the Flying Spaghetti Monster, I made my booking and out came my hotel. Trump Hotel Las Vegas. Awesome! About half a block off the strip but still close enough.

With a car booked with National again (wasn’t going to select a Camaro again, wanted something different after Dayton) I was all set. Now it was just wait, hope and pray the weather is good.

Friday 9th November 2012

After a full day at work it was time to jump in the truck and head on down to SeaTac. Now I finished at 530pm, right in the middle of Peak Traffic, so I knew it wasn’t exactly going to be a quick trip to the Airport. Meh whatever I have time since my flights not till 930pm. So I slowly made my way south to the airport and dropped the truck off. Pretty soon I was safely in the airport, checked in (which took seconds and heading towards security). Since I had time and the main checkpoint was just full on Busy. So I took the option to walk, and walk a lot.. all the way to the A/B/South Gate security. Which is the far end of the terminal. Eh! Whatever. There was no wait (ok maybe 1 or 2 people) but as usual my 100% hit rate on the backscatter machines stayed intact.

Once through security I walked all the way back to the main area and headed into the Board room (aka the lounge). I didn’t know I had access till earlier in the day when I was on twitter and Alaska Airlines let me know that I had access to the lounge! Awesome, free snacks, drinks and a quiet place to live out the world. What more could I want. It was just as expected, and it was a good way to just chill out in peace. Having an amazing lounge is one thing, getting access to a lounge when you don’t really want all that much. Its fine!

With a solid 30 minutes before departure I headed over to the N gates where my flight would be departing from. Alaska has a habit of board really early and getting everyone on as quickly as possible. I have read stories of flights ready to go 20 minutes before scheduled departure. Low and Behold boarding was early.

Alaska Airlines AS614
Seattle to Las Vegas
2135-2354
Boeing 737-900 (N319AS)
First Class – Seat 2A

Boarding: 2050 (Gate N3)
Push Back: 2133
Take Off Roll: 2143 (Runway 34C)
Top of Descent: 2306
Touch Down: 2341 (Runway 25L)
Shut Down: 2350 (Gate E15)

I wasn’t the first onboard as there was a number of preboards first but I was in the first wave and was safely in my seat settling in, even if it was earlier than we were meant to. But they needed that time as it seemed there was just plenty of people all fighting over bin space, and lots of announcements being made suggesting people clear the aisles quickly etc. The announcements seemed to get longer and longer, but I know that essentially they were just there to make sure everyone understood.

We were doors shut and pushing back before the scheduled departure time. We had to taxi all the way from the N gates down to the southern end of the field but we didn’t wait long at the threshold at this hour and were soon skyward, heading for Vegas. This was not going to be an eventful flight really. It was late, so most people were trying to sleep (for some reason?), and I didn’t expect all that much of a party atmosphere being it was Alaska (if it was Virgin America yeah) but there was a couple in the first row who were getting into the spirit of things (newlyweds maybe?).

Either way my flight was filled with Coffee, snack mix (cant they just load nuts) and a sad excuse for a “Chicken Salad” which was pretty much some lettuce and a piece of cold chicken. Come on seriously? Whatever! Don’t be greedy Malcolm!

The flight was pretty uneventful, I finished my book, had about 10 coffees (hey I had been up since 5 and didn’t expect to get any sleep till 1) and pretty soon we were descending to Vegas. The thing that surprised me most about the descent was outside. Vegas just appeared out of nowhere almost. In the middle of this inky black void there was just lights, and thousands of lights. So many lights. The strip was all lit up, sadly my camera doesn’t handle these shots well, especially out of a moving aircraft, at night, in the bouncy air around the desert. But I can see why people do the helicopter flights now. It was beautiful!

Once on the ground we headed off into the new Terminal 3 at McCarran Airport and it was shiny and new and felt all to devoid of a soul (so in otherwords… 100% vegas). The crappy thing was that Vegas like Seattle uses an off site Rental Car terminal. All the car rentals no matter who you hire with, you have to use that facility. So a good 20 minutes after grabbing my bag I was off the shuttle (due to having to wait 10 minutes, then a slow 10 minute drive to the terminal) at the facility. Thanks to my newly scammed Executive status with National I was choosing my car. Not much to choose from (turned down the offer of the Mustang) and went with a GMC Terrain (aka the Soccer mom mobile) pretty much cause I knew it would be well kitted out, full of all the goodies being a GMC.

Within 10 more minutes I was checking into my room at the Trump and after using the $20 trick (tip the person at check in $20 and free upgrade for you) I was heading up to my Strip View studio on the 53rd floor. The room was HUGE! Just massive. Way bigger than I needed. But I just got myself sorted and hit the sack because I was super tired.

Saturday 10th November 2012

Woke up nice and early after like no sleep and hit the gym, there was already heaps of people in the Gym but it was pretty well set up so there was no problem with getting a machine. The night before had been fairly cold and although I had brought my running gear, was going to take it easy… ish. After my workout, it was clean up time, and work out plans for the morning. I pretty much googled a bakery, found the location and drove their for breakfast, even if it was a bit out of the way from where I was going, but hell I am on holidays and it just makes the adventures all the more fun. Plus who doesn’t love breakfast in a random car park while eating off the bonnet of your car.

I hit the road towards Nellis which was easy since it was essentially straight along I15, keep going till I hit the speedway and that’s where I was to park. They were smart in setting up the parking at the Speedway, unlike the JBLM air show where there was very little of any buses and they were not that frequent. Here at the speedway, they were constantly there, row after row of coaches, not school buses, full on coaches. I guess when you’re in Vegas even the airshows are done in style.

The airshow was great, although the wind was pretty strong, the sun was out (for a while) and the photography was just epic). So many good shots, so much to see, so little time. But the wind picked up really really crazy. So strong that I was absolutely shivering. So after the Raptor demo, I bailed and I bailed quick. I did manage a couple of shots of the Heritage flight but I wasn’t pushing it.

By the time I got back to the car and back towards town it was after 3 so a quick grocery store stop for lunch, and then it was off to McCarran for a little bit of spotting. One big problem. The 3 metre high fence  There was no way I was going to be able to shoot over the fence. I did try to get up on top of the car, but when I heard the roof pop in, well that stopped that, cause I don’t feel like explaining that to the rental company (it popped right back thank god). The spotting was a lot of Southwest but it was such a good spot, if I had the truck I would have been super happy shooting for hours. Even better, no need for liveatc as they pipe the ATC through FM (101.1FM for anyone visiting). I gave up as the sun started setting and figured I might as well head back via the strip a little. That meant one thing. The Vegas sign. There was a bit of a crowd but what I didn’t expect was to be crashing a wedding, at sunset, in the middle of the Strip, underneath the Las Vegas sign. AWESOME!

Back to the hotel, and change, shower, warm up and it was off to dinner. I pretty much found the first place on Opentable at one of the big name restaurants and figured, what the hell. Bad Idea. The food was good at Nob Hill Tavern, but it was such a small serving and at such a high price, well, I bailed, but not before a yummy Pumpkin Soup with Brussel Sprouts. I will pay that! So I indulged a little (I am on holidays right?), I had seen somewhere on the web mentioned this totally out of the way ice cream place. So I headed up there and they had pumpkin ice cream… WIN! Great way to end the night, sitting in bed, watching tv and eating pumpkin ice cream.

Sunday 11th November 2012

More of the same routine this morning, Workout, shower, off to breakfast. A few slight differences though, a 6k run through the Vegas streets with at least 3k along the strip (which was pretty cool). The breakfast was pretty cool though. One of the things I had seen on Man Vs Food was this amazingly crazy place that had just some crazy breakfasts. The usual breakfasts but taken to a whole new level. I was looking forward to this for ages.

It was out of the strip area, way out in the suburbs. Way way out! But it was worth it. Hash House A Go Go is this amazingly crazy, down home breakfast place. The servings are not small but pretty good value. They had pancakes on the menu and when I asked if it was just 1 on the serve the answer was “yes, just 1 but they are 14inches across, they would be bigger but we couldn’t find a bigger pan.” I wasn’t sure if shes was joking or not, but hey I’m down with that. I ended up choosing the “Meatloaf Hash” which came with 2 eggs, a “Biscuit” and some fruit. Heaps of food, and it filled me up so well I didn’t eat again till dinner.

The airshow plan for today was only a part day at the show, but it was going to be time to explore the statics on display. It seemed like a better idea originally. Spend the day when I have limited time due to afternoon comittments, exploring the statics. Well that was a good idea at the time, but the weather was so much better. O well. I missed out  but the statics were still awesome, and I got to explore the Thunderbirds Msusem (which is a story all of its own). With my shopping done as well (supporting the troops and their families) I headed back into town, checking out random places, and just goofing off (Zombie Apocalypse Store anyone?).

At 3pm I had an a appointment though. At MGV (Machine Guns Vegas) to fire some guns, some Automatic weapons. This was gonna be fun. Firing guns, shooting just like I did the last time I was in vegas. One of my favourite sayings has always been “Happiness is a Automatic Weapon with Belt Feed” I was going to keep that memory alive, this time with an M60. An old school, big caliber (7.62mm) automatic machine gun. Happiness!

The shooting was fun, I haven’t had that feeling in so long. But it all came flooding back. The feeling of shooting a belt fed weapon is just crazy, like nothing else. Pretty soon my shooting came to an end and I was heading back to the hotel, to clean up and get ready for tonights entertainment. Blue Man Group!

I was going to get to see the new Blue Man Group show. The show had only started a couple of weeks prior so I was excited to see the new show. I grabbed a quick light dinner (wasn’t all that hungry after breakfast still) and I headed over to Monte Carlo for the show. Before the show though they have a parade through the casino to entice people to the theater. Interesting!

The show was pretty epic, again I had poncho seats and didn’t even come close to any paint (though a flying piece of jello is a whole different story). Some familiar pieces but all in all a new show. By the end of the show I was tired and ready for an early night as it was going to be a very early morning.

Monday 9th November 2012

It was the usual morning adventure for me. Up at O Dark Hundred for a work out, check out and off to the airport. Just getting into the gym was a challenge on its own with security deciding that they didn’t like me accessing the gym before it was open, even though several staff had said it was ok (though the lady working that morning was adamant that was a no and a 10 minute fight on the phone I got my way.

The morning ws a repeat of my arrival, just in reverse. Leave hotel, drop car, get on shuttle to terminal. Then it was just check in (which took ages) and security. Boring boring boring. Because Vegas had no place for me to go other than the gate and nothing open other than Burger King, the gate it was for me. I just camped out at the gate and chilled out. By the time boarding was called I was failing badly. I needed coffee… STAT!

Alaska Airlines AS603
Las Vegas to Seattle
0700-0935
Boeing 737-900 (N320AS)
First Class – Seat 3F

Boarding: 0615 (Gate E15)
Push Back: 0654
Take Off Roll: 0707 (Runway 25R)
Top of Descent: 0853
Touch Down: 0919 (Runway 16R)
Shut Down: 0927 (Gate C16)

After being a gate lice for a few minutes boarding was called and it was off to the front of the aircraft as I boarded to my lovely seat. The sun was rising out the window, giving fantastic views, but the thing that made me happy was the flight attendant was happily serving coffee. Thick, Dark, Black, Strong, Hot Coffee. I was happy+++ While everyone boarded my caffeine levels were being fulfilled and I was trying hard to not get to relaxed. Today was going to be a full on day. I would need it to keep myself going, but I guess a little bit of relaxation up to now, would be a good idea.

We pushed back and following a few southwest aircraft and allegiant we headed to the active runway. With a turn onto 25R, power in the throttles and we were gaining speed, heading home to Seattle. In the air, climbing out, seat belt sign off, photos taken. First thing is first… COFFEEEEEEEEEE. The service began with coffee, plenty of coffee and then a nice warm breakfast quiche. It wasn’t big but it was enough for around what I normally eat.

that was pretty much the highlight of the flight. I read a magazine, drank plenty of coffee and then just chilled out and relaxed, enjoying the peace at 37000ft. Pretty soon we were on descent to SeaTac where as expected, it was cloudy, grey and cold. What else is new. The cloud deck seemed to extend all the way down to the runway as we popped out of the clouds pretty much 30 seconds from touchdown on 16R (first time using that runway). Good times!

We pulled into the C gates after letting the ANA 787 go ahead of us, and I was off the aircraft, scurrying through to baggage claim where my bag was 2nd out, within 5 minutes I was on a shuttle back to the car park and in the truck heading home to more crazy adventures

Vegas Avgeek Style

by ·0 Comments

Part 1 – Introduction
Part 2 – Seattle to Dayton
Part 3 – Dayton
Part 4 – National Museum of the United States Air Force
Part 5 – Dayton to Seattle
Part 6 – Conclusion

Monday 3rd September 2012

OMFG, way to early for this stuff, considering its Eastern Time and i am up at 3am for a quick work out and then head to the airport, this is totally the wrong time to be doing things as my body has been used to Pacific time for so long. God damn. But the work out was worth it, the few little things I had to do at the hotel and I was out of there early, which was good because I couldn’t find a gas station near the Airport and ended up almost having to backtrack to the hotel to find one (took a guess and figured, Car Parks & Car Yards should lead to a Gas station.. I was right).

I waved good bye to the Camaro, I was sad to see it go and dropped it back at the Terminal and within moments I was scanned back out, receipt emailed (have I said how much I love National Car yet?) and bag in hand, on my way to check in. The terminal was desolate, there was a handful of people around and not much else to see, but I checked in and thought I would try for my upgrade. I was told by the person checking me in, that she had added me to the Upgrade List, and after reassurances I was on it and that it will be fine as there are plenty of seats available for me to buy up to, I headed off to security. Security itself had no line at all, the TSA people were nice, but I was nude o scoped… 3 times! Apparently they didn’t like the fact I was wearing pants and told me to try it again after pulling them up (not that I would have that problem If I could wear my belt). But apparently even that wasn’t going to please these guys so I didn’t even have to opt out before getting a TSA grope, sadly he wasn’t in the mood for a cuddle after and just sent me on my way, like a cheap hooker.

The terminal was even emptier than check in (or so it felt anyway) and with out a lounge to head to and get a coffee and totally in the mood to do nothing at all, I found a seat by the gate and started playing with the United App. I then noticed that somehow my seat allocation for my first flight had changed to 1A, oo0o0 maybe the upgrade waitlist had worked, but my 2nd flight was still showing the same seat, maybe not. I got the boarding pass issue resolved (After then seeing another one where it told me the wrong gate, which caused even more dramas for other people). To be honest, I was just about ready to kill someone if I didn’t get coffee soon.

United Airlines
UA5766 (Operated by Expressjet)
Dayton to Washington D.C. Dulles
0555-0715
Canadair – CRJ-200 (N836AS)
Economy Class – Seat 1A

Boarding: 0534 (Gate B17)
Push Back: 0554
Take Off Roll: 0602 (Runway 06R)
Top of Descent: 0640
Touch Down: 0707 (Runway 19C)
Shut Down: 0712 (Gate A3)

Boarding was called once pretty much all the people heading to Chicago were boarded to help clear up the mess, but it didn’t look to be a full flight. I was first through the door onto the Aircraft and then had to jump back out and leave my bag on the jetway to be gate checked as there was no way my bag was going to fit in the overheads. So much for travelling light. I was assured that I would be able to collect it Jetside at Dulles and not have to go to baggage claim as that would of made things totally screwed for my connection (I was cutting it fine as it was). There was 3 crew on board… total… including the pilot and copilot. However the Flight Attendant (Martha) had the strongest Southern Accent I had heard in ages. However she just kept ranting! She was nice and all but at 6am, still dark outside and without coffee in me, there is just so much you can take.

The flight was going to be non eventful for me. I just wanted to tune out and I pretty much did. We took off, we went up, we came down. I read my magazine, listened to my ipod, got 1 cup of coffee and that is about it really. Not much more I can say cause I didn’t pay all that much attention. I did snap a few pictures at one point when the sun outside looked amazing, but they all didnt turn out unfortunately.

We landed in Dulles roughly about when we should have and I expected a long taxi, wrong side of the aircraft to get all the good photos but I did get to see the moon buggies. I’ve only had one ride on them in the past and that may well be my last possibly. After we got to the gate in Dulles I held back a little bit, but not all that much. We had to wait by the side of the plane in the open (which made for a couple of good aircraft shots) before the speed walking began. Probably had to walk almost a kilometre all told by the time I got through all the different tunnels etc, add on a train ride between gates (missed the train by mere seconds) and I made it to the gate pretty much on time.

I had passed the United Club on the way as I figured, if im going first class, no point in getting some breakfast at the lounge. This was my mistake. I got to the gate and it looked horrendous, there were people everywhere. But probably come off connections from Europe or Whatnot, I wasn’t going to judge. This is where things started breaking down. After waiting in line and was then greeted with “what question do you have” it went down hill from here. After 20 minutes of “I don’t see you on the list” and “We don’t have seats available in first” and “the screen is wrong” I should of just walked away, instead I wasted 20 minutes at the counter (time i could of sprinted back to the lounge and got some breakfast) but no, I stood at the counter like an idiot. I am not blaming united entirely for this, I blame myself for it. In the end after she purposefully cleared people who were not on the list with me standing right infront of her ready to buy up. Stuff it. She handed back my boarding pass and said “sorry can’t help” to which she elicited a dirty look from me and a snarkily put comment of “why make me wait then, the least you can do is give me a better seat, since I probably won’t get any space onboard now that boarding is almost over” She reluctantly gave me 7A (which probably would of gone out empty and I walked onboard.

United Airlines
UA194
Washington D.C. Dulles to Seattle
0810-1058
Boeing 737-800 (N39297)
Economy Class – Seat 7A

Boarding: 0740 (Gate C27)
Push Back: 0817
Take Off Roll: 0829 (Runway 30)
Top of Descent: 1033
Touch Down: 1105 (Runway 16R)
Shut Down: 1110 (Gate B11)

By the time I got on board, I was just frustrated, no food, barely anything to drink, 1 tiny cup of coffee. I was not in the mood to put up with crap. As soon as i passed the first class cabin I saw my bulkhead seat and saw the legroom, if I couldn’t have first class it was the next best thing. Then I saw someone sitting in my seat. Just fucking dandy. I was livid, but controlled. I started walking back out and the flight attendant saw me and said “is something wrong”. She resolved the situation quickly as the guy in my seat apparently couldnt tell the difference between a 7 and an 8… probably on purpose.

I totally didn’t even notice the speech about electronic devices to be switched off till I was chastised for using my phone. In my defence I was trying to work out the aircraft registration… hah. I switched the phone off and settled into the seat and just tried to calm the hell down. Which I was by the time I had decided that today was just not going to be my day. I got my first cup of coffee after we were airborne but for some reason they didn’t offer to sell us any food. They didn’t even have it out. Then I saw a deadheading captain with the Breakfast sandwhich (aka sausage and egg muffin) and I was puzzled. So i pushed the button. They never came. I turned it off, she came, but I was reading at this point, so she only spoke to the two young girls I was sitting next to, and by the time i looked up, she was walking away. Eventually I managed to get someone to stick around long enough to ask them if they were selling food, but apparently my accent again caused hassles. I had to point in the magazine at the Yoghurt Parfait and say very slowly. “Me Want One of These Please” which got a “o you want a yoghurt, sure I’ll see if they have any left” I was about ready to break the cabin door open and jump out. But I held back.

After this little incident, I just turned a movie on my ipod on and tuned out. After that finished, I may have fallen asleep for a bit, then I awoke to a failed screen on my ipod, same issue as what happened in Japan last year. So at least i knew how to fix it, aka.. take it to the apple store. But it still played music, I just couldn’t tell what it was. This did not worry me as I got stuck into my book, followed by bouts of photos out the window as we passed random towns I had no idea where we were, bouts of lumpy bits with no seat belt sign, smooth air with a seat belt sign (again no sense here) and just wanting to die as my back was killing me.

Eventually we started descending into Seattle with the most beautiful view of Mt Ranier and it meant that I could be back in my truck soon. I swear I took dozens of photos (After a panic that I had lost my camera but it had fallen under the seat) of the Mountain and Seattle as we approached from the North over Kirkland and Kenmore (sadly wrong side of the plane to see my house or Downtown Seattle) and came in onto the Right of the Tri Runways. Sitting at the South Satelite was ANA’s 777, the United Star Alliance 777 and other goodies, all on the wrong side! Just my luck. But I didn’t let it both me as I would be back in the air in a few weeks for a day trip, so I can’t complain I guess.

We disembarked and before I had even walked out of the terminal I had an appointment at the Apple Store booked for within the hour and was heading for the car park where I was driving out of the lot within 15 minutes of leaving the airport door. I can’t complain about that really!!

by ·0 Comments

Part 1 – Introduction
Part 2 – Seattle to Dayton
Part 3 – Dayton
Part 4 – National Museum of the United States Air Force
Part 5 – Dayton to Seattle
Part 6 – Conclusion

This museum was pretty much the whole reason I came to Dayton. It is apparently the largest aviation museum in the world (definitely the USA for sure) and has a very amazing collection of rare planes and exhibits. One thing that is unique is that the collection is made up of a very limited amount of planes from outside of the US. The museum rules is “if we flew it or fought it, it’s here” which means you don’t see a lot of non airforce aircraft.

The sheer size of the museum blew me away when I arrived. Three giant hanger sized buildings in the main complex, and outdoor air park, plus two more hangars on base at Wright Patterson. When I got there at around 930 it was pretty quiet but the crowds were coming quickly. I hadn’t really planned what to see ahead of time or anything was just going to take it as it came. Entry was free and the tours were free which was a mega bonus, I just had to control myself in the gift shop.

As the weather was pretty crappy to begin with I decided to cover the air park first just in case the weather got worse. Outside in the Air Park is pretty much where some of the bigger items are, not sure why these are out here but you have aircraft like the C-141 Starlifter. The one on exhibit is infact the Hanoi Air Taxi which was the last one ever flown and actually went into Hanoi to pick up the last of the POWs after the Vietnam War.

You also have the EC-135 Aria. The Aircraft used to track the Apollo rockets and space program. Its unique cause of its big snoopy styled nose! This thing just looks funny and you can’t help but not like looking at it.

One other thing they have outside in the Air Park is actually a full size replica of a WW2 Control tower and base set up with a few buildings as well. This totally shocked me at how small these facilities were compared to modern towers.

With the airpark out of the way I headed around to the main entrance, past the Memorial garden where there were hundreds of memorials set up to comemorate the fallen.

When I came in I saw a big line for limited tickets so I jumped in it not 100% sure what it was for but after a bit of deduction turns out it was to head over to the base to see the two hangars over there. The Presidential Aircraft Gallery and the Research & Development Gallery. Aka the goodies. I will let someone of the pictures talk for themselves but there was so much going on in these hangars. (full album link in final part of the trip report)

From USAF Museum

My highlights were the XB70 Valkyrie which is the only remaining example left in the world.

The YF12 the prototype they would eventually lead to the A12 and the SR71 (my favorite aircraft).

SAM 26000 which was the first jet “Air Force One” and was the aircraft that took Kennedys body home after his assassination.

I could of spent hours in those two alone as you can get up close and personal with the aircraft. Your not meant to touch (hah like you wouldn’t) the exhibits but I did, just one, the YF12 just cause if I didn’t I would hate myself forever. You only get about an hour in total at the hangars before your back on the bus to the main museum. Upon returning it decided to head to a local grocery store for some lunch supplies for a picnic in the air park.

My lunch in the park was good, there was heaps of people doing similar and gives a good alternative to the museum food as you can’t take anything into the museum, not even water. So if you want to have a nice break a picnic is a good idea. My entertainment was plenty of people watching, always interesting at an aviation museum.

Upon returning into the museum I actually joined the free tour they offer but when I asked how long it went for it thought he misheard me when he replied “it should finish around 4pm”. It was scheduled to start at 130pm. He wasn’t far off being right. I ended up leaving the tour at almost 2 hours in after the WW1 & WW2 galleries and there was still way more to go. My estimate would very 530ish.

The tour (at least what I did of it) was great, I learnt a bit, got good history into the specific examples of the aircraft on show. A lot of the stuff in these galleries I already knew about but I still enjoyed it. The few things I really enjoyed seeing was the B24 Liberators which I had not ever seen a real example of before (I don’t think anyway) and didn’t realize how low to the ground they are.

The big drawcard for the WW2 gallery in my opinion is Bockscar. The B29 Superfortress that dropped the 2nd atomic bomb on Nagasaki. I had seen Enola Gay before and this closed out that series. I had to get a photo of me with it, to compliment the one of me and the Enola Gay almost 4 years ago.

After I left the tour in the Southeast Asia gallery (aka Vietnam & Korea) I was pretty Damn tired so just grabbed photos of all the stuff I could think of. I did the same in the Cold War Gallery next door. I was just to tired to finish the day off to late.

Out of both the last two areas I loved seeing the F4 and the Century series aircraft, like the F100, the F104 or 105.

But I was there to hunt down some rare stuff. The F82 Twin Mustang, the F111 for a blast of home, The SR71 cause I never Tire of seeing them and the F117 stealth. All these aircraft just made the whole trip worth it to me.

By the time I left the final gallery is was beat. It’s definitely somewhere you could easily spend 2 days seeing everything on offer, 1 day is just to rushed to fully immerse yourself in the experience and not rush through it. Even though I wasn’t there open to close, you would need that to do it in one day.

by ·0 Comments

Part 1 – Introduction
Part 2 – Seattle to Dayton
Part 3 – Dayton
Part 4 – National Museum of the United States Air Force
Part 5 – Dayton to Seattle
Part 6 – Conclusion

So rather than trying to cram everything into one post about my time in Dayton, I am going to split it into two parts. This one will cover the hotel, car, random bits and pieces and the other post will cover specifically just the USAF museum.

After grabbing my bag off the belt which was a whole wait on its own, I headed past the rental counter straight outside to the car park. I had rented my car with National who have a lovely program called Emerald Club where essentially you just walk up and pick any car you like from the Emerald aisle and you are on your way in moments. I had joined up via a promo link (pretty sure it’s meant to cost but if you look around there will be links to what I used to get it free) so only had access to the standard aisle. The more you rent the better the cars you have access to for the same price.

Being late by Dayton standards the car park was pretty empty. The emerald aisle was essentially a choice of a Chevy Traverse or a Chevy Traverse. But as I looked at each I was greeted by one of the staff offering to help. She apologized for the lack of cars in the Emerald Aisle then said something awesome. Your our last pick up this evening take whatever you want.

This made it so much more difficult. There was Lincolns, A couple of Ford Edges, a suburban, numerous other small SUVs but there was 2 cars that caught my eye instantly. A red Camaro and a White Camaro. I was intending on trying something new, but the allure of a hard top white Camaro with shiny mags just was to much. She did try to sway me from the choice telling me they have horrible blind spots (she wasn’t wrong) but I took it anyway and soon enough I was on my way to the hotel.

I had spent so much time picking the hotel cause I couldn’t make up my mind where to stay but in the end, chose the Residence Inn Dayton North. The Residence Inn brand are like extended stay hotels, mini suite or studio style rooms with plenty of space and a kitchenette. Free Wifi, parking and Breakfast round out the goodies.

This was a good location close to the airport and near heaps of restaurant choices (albeit mostly chains) but pretty good options. There was a super Walmart a few seconds away and Downtown was 10 minutes drive away. The museum (pretty much whole reason for being there was about 15 mins drive) but that was all interstate driving so quick as hell.

The hotel looked pumped with families and when I checked in it was a madhouse on the Saturday night as there was kids going everywhere. Turns out there was a youth Soccer tournament on in town, hence the families. I was checked in pretty quickly and went up to scout my room before getting some stuff from Walmart.

The room was much bigger than I expected and had a pretty decent set up. Nice big flat screen tv that could face either the mini living room or the bed and a big comfy bed that just screamed at me to get to sleep. Full size fridge in the kitchen along with the basics you could want (toaster, coffee machine, pots, pans etc). This was a good choice!

The only negative I had about the room was the lack of water pressure (it was just lower than I’m used to) and the basic toiletries offered (just shampoo, conditioner and a block of soap). Maybe I’m spoiled to much but I expected a little bit more.

I hit up Walmart for some dinner supplies and then ended up crashing out watching some college football.

Sunday 2nd September 2012

The next morning I ended up waking up pretty much as planned and thankfully the hotel has a small gym so rather than have to go for a run in an unfamiliar area, I used their gym for a bit. The gym was basic, two treadmills a stair master and an exercise bike. But it was half decent looking equipment (Precor) with built in TVs and a big flat screen on the wall. Nothing to complain about honestly.

After a workout and a quick shower, I grabbed my tablet and headed to breakfast before the crowds. Breakfast was free at the hotel (like most of the cheaper brands in the USA) and it was good to. Nothing over the top but their was, toarlst, cereal, muffins, bagels, fruit, yoghurt and some hot options (eggs, sausages, biscuits, gravy). Make your own waffles in the corner (popular with the kids) and plenty of juice options. But I was interested in one thing… Coffee. It was hot, there was plenty of it and I was set.

Unlike other hotels that offer free breakfast these guys had real plates and cutlery, that was a bonus of its own. Feels nicer eating off Crockery rather than paper. Some toast, coffee and some fruit later I had my day planned out and I was on my way to the museum.

I didn’t see all that much of Dayton outside of the museum as I just didn’t have the time. I did however visit Huffman Prarie which is where the Wright brother had their airfield so it holds the title of “Worlds First Airport”.  It was only a few miles from the museum but it’s a bit confusing getting there, at times I wasn’t sure if I was going the right way. But I found it and it wasn’t all that great.

The field is now part of a gun club skeet range and there is only one or two signs so unless you knew what it was, you would just see a field. What I didn’t know before however was there was a tram line that ran to the field in the Wright Brother’s day and the little platform still stands. I guess back then they still had public transport options to airports.

Before dinner on the Sunday night I took a cruise to downtown and after a lap around the empty city I headed for a parking is had seen that would give me good views to downtown hopefully. It turned out to be a kind of memorial peace garden thing and it was pretty tranquil, nothing over the top but a good place to sit on a fine day with a good sunset probably.

I rounded out my time in Dayton with a dinner at a bbq chain restaurant near the hotel with a half decent piece of steak, my book and a spot at the bar. The meal wasn’t great, but it wasn’t horrible so nothing really to say about it. Called it early that night as it would be a very very long day to come.

by ·0 Comments

Part 1 – Introduction
Part 2 – Seattle to Dayton
Part 3 – Dayton
Part 4 – National Museum of the United States Air Force
Part 5 – Dayton to Seattle
Part 6 – Conclusion

Saturday September 1st

O dark 45. Whoever invented this time of the day deserves to die. Way to early and way to dark. But I struggle out of bed, get myself ready and drag myself out of the apartment and into the truck. I am airport bound on an empty I405 there are maybe a handful of cars and I make the airport within half an hour.

Parking was meant to go easily, it was meant to be valet, meant to be completed in seconds. Nope not this morning. I get to the nominated lot and it is closed. WTF!  I do a lap in case I missed the entry but nope its closed. I find someone who I can talk to and they tell me my booking will be honored at a different lot. So over I go. Getting a tiny bit lost in the mean time as the entry was not even marked. Again I park and more time is wasted as I get told it won’t be honored as valet and I have to go park myself, dandy. More wasted time!

By the time I was parked and on the shuttle, paper and coffee in hand (free thank god) I was a good 20-30 behind schedule. But the shuttle was quick and check in was pretty empty (well the priority lines… sorry Premier Access were empty).   I was offered a possible bump and volunteered using the system in the hope I could get a $250 voucher out of the situation. Hell i had all day to get to Dayton, who cares which way I go for $250!

Made my way to security and the closest priority line was empty and then I was instructed to go to a different checkpoint, so I did but the line was MASSIVE! I did not have time to wait through that and there was no priority queue to help me speed up. So I went to the next smallest checkpoint, found the priority area and got through in Meer minutes compared to previously expected.

I found the gate a few metres from the United Club so after seeing if they needed bump volunteers (they didnt) I went to the club for a coffee and some quiet time. But that only lasted a few minutes as I walked out boarding had already started so I strolled to the line and through I went.

United Airlines
UA1449
Seattle to San Francisco
0536-0744
Boeing 737-700 (N16713)
Economy Class – Seat 24A

Boarding: 0500 (Gate B7)
Push Back: 0534
Take Off Roll: 0545 (Runway 34C)
Top of Descent: 0700
Touch Down: 0731 (Runway 28R)
Shut Down: 0736 (Gate 83)

Couldn’t see the rego of the plane in the dark and didn’t notice it by the door so settled into my seat, watching as people fought over bin space and just made idiots of themselves. It was a non eventful boarding to be honest, we pushed back dead on time but waited a little for an Alaska Airlines aircraft to be towed past but we were quickly onto the 34 end of the runway and turning onto the Centre runway before we knew it.

Sadly this plane was ex continental so no channel 9 possible but it had direct tv (not that I was gonna watch it anyway) I had a newspaper, my tablet, my ipod and a 90 minute flight South to wake up.

The sunrise was Damn beautiful as we cruised south and my only complaint was that they had no coffee. Turns out it wasn’t loaded. I was shattered. I wanted to murder @united but I sucked it up knowing that the club would have some and I could hold out for a little while at least.

We descend trough clouds to SFO and the bay, touched down easily and didn’t spend all to long making our way to the gate. All in all a good flight they got in about 10 minutes early. Can I complain about that? Doubt it. When your only problem is a lack of coffee, it’s not the end of the world. The crew were scheduled to take me to Cleveland so I said I’d be back soon, and headed to the United Club for breakfast.

The club was a minute or two walk away and I had been there before so knew what to expect as long as it had coffee and a bathroom I didn’t care I could work the rest out. A light breakfast (well normal for me anyway) of Granola and a banana, two cups of coffee, read a few emails, sync the tablet and back to the gate i go.

When I got to the gate the crew from my last flight were all standing around the counter and it was funny seeing the Captain trying to help people when his experience is flying not exactly customer support. There was no gate staff and after joining a small line and waiting a funny conversation was overheard when the Captain answered a ringing phond: (the words by the person on the other line are assumed, the Captains are exact)

Captain: myself and all the crew are locked out of the gate.
Phone: who am I speaking to?
Captain: I’m the Damn Captain flying this plane, there’s no gate staff here.
Phone: O sorry

This had the people in line chuckling for a bit. After the staff showed up, I got myself down on the volunteer list and sat down to answer a few tweets. Boarding began and I watched as the scrum built, people were scrambling to get on board, the gate staff were fighting with each other about the boarding process (pretty sure the supervisor won and the agent who called general boarding was going to get a massive ear bashing later.

United Airlines
UA1183
San Francisco to Cleveland
0910-1653
Boeing 737-700 (N16713)
Economy Class – Seat 30F

Boarding: 0840 (Gate 83)
Push Back: 0913
Take Off Roll: 0941 (Runway 01R)
Top of Descent: 1610
Touch Down: 1640 (Runway 06L)
Shut Down: 1643 (Gate C11)

No bump was forth coming so I grabbed back my boarding pass and headed onboard before the throngs were to horrible. A line in the air bridge was evidence of people scrambling to stow bags. This was not a good sign and was a precursor to the flight. I was welcomed back by the crew, and while waiting to get to my seat had a joke about my bag (though not as fancy as the kids suitcase infront if me, it was okay, but the Backpack was accepted) and made sure there was coffee on this flight. The crew had been just as disappointed in the lack of coffee on the other flight so that was a good sign and they promised to keep me caffinated during his flight.

At my seat, it was evident this flight was going to be interesting. A baby on one side, two children and a father who didn’t control them behind and a couple of older folks as seat mates. Normally that would be okay but these two were shocking. I read a lot of people using the term “kettles” when describing people who don’t fly often and are your average American, not that bright, a stereotypical person who a flight is a once in a lifetime event. These two sure acted like ones! Taking forever to get out of the way, blocking you in with their mountains of bags and in the case of the guy next to me, I had barely sat down before I had an elbow in my ribs. Dandy.

The flight was okay, we held a while on the ground in SFO for other traffic, managed to spot a pretty awesome looking Delta 767, and a quick take off, right turn and above the clouds we went.

The crew were great and kept me plied with coffee while I watched a few tv shows and chilled out writing the trip report. What was not good was Ma & Pa kettle who had a great time elbowing me in the side, kicking me, and just generally causing problems. I wanted to get up to use the bathroom at one point and they took so long to get up by the time they both got up 5 people had queued for the bathroom and the Seattle belt sign went on so there was no way I could go now. I got the dirtiest look from then when I didn’t get up and when they said “aren’t you getting up now?”  I shot back “The seat belt sign is on now, looks like I have to wait”. I wanted to say more but with children around (who mind you kicked my seat for an hour) I controlled myself. In the end the seat belt sign did not go off due to some mild bumps so I held on all the way to Cleveland (almost 90 minutes by the time we landed). By the time we landed I was about ready to murder people to just get to a bathroom.

I farewelled the crew in a hurry, almost smacked ma & Pa kettle in the head as I ran past them, making a beeline for thr nearest bathroom. No worrying about anything but that. After emerging from the pit stop I noticed something. Cleveland airport was empty! Don’t know if it was the time of day or whatever but certainly didn’t help my opinion of Cleveland after my last time in the city.

I hit up the United club for a quick drink and get some opinion on where to get some lunch, went for a walk around the terminal for a bit but it wasn’t all that busy or exciting. A good non eventful layover.

The United Club in Cleveland was much nicer than San Francisco but that is mainly cause it is an old continental lounge. There was lots of Continental signage around. Lots of them. Pretty much everything had an old sign on it. My time at Cleveland was coming to an end so I made my over to the Dr gates which is where all the little United Express flights go from.

There was multiple flights departing from my gate since it was pretty much just an entry to the downstairs area where you walk out to your aircraft. I grabbed a seat but was barely sitting down when my flight was beginning to be called.

United Airlines (operated by Trans State Airlines)
UA5282
Cleveland to Dayton
1838-1928
Embraer ERJ-145 (N809HK)
Economy Class – Seat 2A

Boarding: 1815 (Gate D17F)
Push Back: 1830
Take Off Roll: 1840 (Runway 06L)
Top of Descent: 1855
Touch Down: 1918 (Runway 24R)
Shut Down: 1931 (Gate C13)

I was first through the gate, down the steps, grabbed a photo from the ramp and up the steps I go. Greeted onboard and then sent straight back down the steps with my bag as there was no stowage on the A seat side. Not a big deal I knew it was going to happen. Gate check and regional jet are one and the same.

Boarding happened quickly and pretty soon we were buttoned up and being pushed back. This was my first flight on an ERJ and I couldn’t complain. Sure the Seats were old but we were informed out flight would be 33 minutes from wheels up to wheels down. Damn quick. But due to the short flight means no service cause United attendants are lazy, just kidding. It’s United’s silly rule not the crew.

The ERJ taxiied quickly to the runway and barely stopped before hitting the Skies. It was a boring flight to be honest. No entertainment, seat belt sign never came off due to bumpy bits and there was way to much cloud about. Hell electronic devices were only allowed for 10 minutes.

We landed in Dayton to what looked like a quiet evening and the rain began. Not to heavy to start but it built up. We sat on the taxiway for a while and apparently the airport forgot we were coming. Then when we got moving again we had to do a U Turn on the ramp! First time for everything. When we got to the gate we had to wait for the jet bridge connection as it wasn’t there.

Eventually we were off into a desolate terminal and to save everyone from wet bags they were going to take all our bags to the carousel which meant time to wait, but it allowed me time to grab some brochures for stuff to see. Bag soon showed up and I was on my way to picking up my car, which thanks to National meant I just picked whatever I wanted, but that was a hard decision on its own.