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Introduction
Seattle to Honolulu
Honolulu to Auckland
Auckland to Christchurch
Wellington to Rotorua
Auckland to San Francisco
San Francisco to Seattle

                                                                                                                                                                      

Friday 11th October 2013

I hear an alarm going off somewhere in my room, could it really be time to get up again? *sigh* No gym this morning as I was totally out of it and had planned on getting to one when I get to Christchurch, so this morning was an expedited routine of shower, repack, and out the door. All completed in less than 30 minutes (well apart from the out the door part, I sat around watching the news till I was set to go and meet my coworkers).

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

In the lobby while I waited, logged into the free internet provided and cleared out some of my emails and since no benefits like free wifi or even water were offered and the staff were totally indifferent about anything and didn’t seem to care, I just did what I needed to do. When my coworkers joined me, I logged out and we headed towards the domestic terminal. My bag was in walking mode (ie strain my arms not my shoulders) and the 750m walk from the International Terminal to the Domestic began.

I wasn’t going to wait for the shuttle as I always tell my clients it is easy to walk it and I wanted to prove to myself I was giving the right advice. It was definitely correct as the walk was flat, not at all complicated and done with 7 minutes (at Mal pace that is). When we got to the terminal I checked in at the Premium desk, was moved to a lovely window seat up the front and that is that.

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

Air NZ domestic is a pretty simple affair, especially at check in. For years now they have had the self check in for everything including bag tagging and even premium guests with Star Gold have to do that part yourself (though the staff will hand you your bag tag to put on yourself). No real weighing of my bag or even a second look. hah! My coworkers had not really understood the process and they joined the every increasing line of people who probably also didn’t figure it out. But hey, isn’t that what learning is all about?

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

After everyone had their boarding passes and their bags were dropped off to be checked, plans were put in place. I offered to guest one of them into the Koru Club for breakfast or coffee and explained that once they went through security, that was it, there was nothing on the other side, which is sadly true. But security should take all of 5 seconds so you cross at the very last second right before boarding (or even as they call it). Neither of them chose to join me as I just wanted 2 things, WiFi and coffee. I wanted to get a couple of emails responded to asap and check in with work to let them know we are safe and sound.

Security was effortless and I still had my shoes on, my belt on, my jacket on as well. I felt like a human being rather than someone who was being treated like crap by the TSA. My laptop did have to come out but i mean that was it! Surely that can be done everywhere right? Once through security, flicked up to the gate to take a shot of the aircraft and grab the registration and then to the Koru club. I noticed an Air NZ 320 with sharklets at one the gates, but the gate location blocked any photo opportunity which was crap. To the lounge it is!

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

The Domestic Koru Club in Auckland was pretty well stocked and the breakfast offerings were more than ample, but I didn’t partake. I grabbed a banana for later, a WiFi code, and some liquids (coffee & water). I had barely any time in the lounge to get what I needed done but I did it. A couple of things I noticed in the lounge that was excellent was you could board directly to the regional aircraft straight from the lounge and that they had take away coffee available. Something I did not realize till I was literally about to leave the lounge.

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

Air New Zealand – NZ507
Auckland to Christchurch
0610-0725
Boeing 737-300 (ZK-NGG)
Economy Class – Seat 4A

Boarding: 0545 (Gate 30)
Push Back: 0608
Take Off Roll: 0616 (Runway 23L)
Top Of Descent: 0709
Touch Down: 0730 (Runway 02)
Shut Down: 0733 (Gate 16)

Boarding was called earlier than advised and they had called the Wellington flight about 5 minutes before ours and within 5-10 minutes of that announcement they were threatening boarding closure within 4 minutes. So I knew I wouldn’t have much time, but my priorities were set that morning. COFFEE! Coffee always comes first right? With a double long black in hand I headed to the gate where it looked like boarding was already over as there was no one around and when I stepped onboard my coworkers were already in. Craziness!

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

I got all my stuff onboard and stowed and passed on a message to one of my coworkers and settled into my seat for departure. Plenty of legroom up in Row 4 and I wonder if that is just a Space+ seat for preferred pax or if it is normal. My original seat was the exit row so I guess I would not really know. It was raining (slightly) and dark outside so photos were practically useless and it wasn’t all that long before we were closed down and pushing back for an early departure (2 minutes early).

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

Push back had to be the world’s longest as we just kept going further and further back, way more than would usually be the case. It was a little bit of a wait to get taxi clearance and then we were headed for the active runway, the same as we arrived on the night before. Passing a Jetconnect 738 being towed to the international, and wishing it was light enough to get a photo, I kind of wished that it was daylight, but can’t have everything right. We were the only one in line as the Wellington flight was already on its way and the Jetstar flight ahead of us, was already powering out before we touched the taxiway. Next thing I know we are turning onto 23L, holding for a brief few seconds while the First Officer (who was handling today’s flight) gave her same gas and down the runway we went, into the morning sky.

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

Climbing out through clouds and darkness, we cleared above the clouds to sunlight and sunshine and my brain could not understand anything, but then I was barely a functioning human at this point. I was 3 coffees in but after 4 hours sleep in 2 days, who is functioning (I need a gym session to get me back on track). As we climbed out the Seat belt sign stayed on for a bit for “turbulence” but if you want to call those bumps turbulence you can but it was more like hitting a speed bump occasionally over a 10 minute period.

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

Once electronics were ok’d I pulled out the laptop and finished off some notes and stuff from the last few days and service shortly began in the Cabin. The mornings choice was Tea, Coffee or Water and Cookie or Muffin. Give you one guess what I had. Yep the cookie! Well not really, I took the cookie to save for later as an emergency snack as now it was time to get back on track eating wise. Back to my usual self, no more flight day exceptions. With my 4th coffee of the morning poured infront of me (french press, not instant) I was a happy man.

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

We cruised along above the clouds without anything happening and before we knew it, we were starting descent into a cold Christchurch. Mind you it was still early in the morning as we descended and the temperature was a mere 5C. Electronics off, and seats to upright position please. Descent was relatively quick and although most of the cloud was up high, once below the layer the views were pretty outstanding. The area is extremely flat around Christchurch but I guess that is why they call it the “Canterbury Plains”.

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

As we followed in the Jetstar flight which had taken off ahead of us from Auckland it was all flooding back into me (this wasn’t my first time to this airport and funnily enough it wasn’t my first flight on that exact aircraft). What I really wanted to see was just how much the airport had changed since I was there back in 2010. Well to be honest what I saw when we finally touched down I did not expect. There wasn’t much on the Deep Freeze ramp just a C17 and a C130 but the new domestic terminal gates looked immaculate.

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

The last time I was there the airport was a bit of a construction site, well not any longer! It looked amazingly good and just so well done. The clean lines from the outside must definitely make for an impressive sight on the inside. We pulled up to the gate and before the engines had even shut down the seat belt sign was off and people were up and out of their seats ready to get moving. It didn’t seem like we were going to have to wait long as moments later the airbridge was connected.

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

We were let loose into an amazingly modern terminal and it was a thousand fold difference from what I had seen when I was previously there. They had put quite a bit of money into this airport and it has definately been worth every cent. I had not stopped moving since being off the aircraft and it was only a short distance from the gate to the escalators down to baggage claim, as we walked down to it, our bags popped out and within the first 6 bags all 3 of ours were out. Aircraft to bags in hand to shuttle at the door in less than 6 minutes! Holy crap that is fast!

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

As we drove away in the shuttle, my brain was firmly on the prize ahead of me. A workout and some time on the ground after a truly epic journey to the other side of the world.

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

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Introduction
Seattle to Honolulu
Honolulu to Auckland
Auckland to Christchurch
Wellington to Rotorua
Auckland to San Francisco
San Francisco to Seattle

                                                                                                                                                                      

Wednesday 9th October 2013

After leaving the Holiday Inn and heading over to SeaTac to deposit the truck in the Wallypark garage (thank you costco vouchers) I caught the shuttle over to the terminal so that I could check in. I got a text from one of my coworkers to say she was already checked in and through security and that I can meet her on the other side. Only one other coworker to track down and it would all be good.

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

The shuttle dropped me off in the total wrong spot but hey, that’s a parking shuttle for you and I walked through the terminal to the Hawaiian check in desks which are located in the far south of the terminal with the International Airlines. Check in was fairly empty and funnily enough I stepped into the International Line right behind my other coworker. Perfect!

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

It was then that I found out things were not going to move fast at all. My coworker had been in line for almost 20 minutes and not because it wasn’t staffed. They were churning people through fast as anything, but the problem was that the family infront were delaying things due to some passport issues… who doesn’t realise you need a passport to leave the country.. seriously? But whatever. It took a further 15-20 minutes to even move forward and eventually they checked me in at a non international counter which they could of done in the first place, but I digress. Managed to talk my way into getting Priority Boarding and Security on a ticket that I shouldn’t (thank you Velocity Gold Card and a smile) and with about 45 minutes before boarding it was time to tackle SeaTac security.

Security wasn’t to bad and we were able to get through the priority lines fairly quickly. I had a quick discussion with one of the TSA agents about football teams (Hook Em Horns!) and that meant that my time in the line up wasn’t all that bad. Maybe it is just me but SeaTac TSA are improving somewhat, even If I still get the occasional pat n grab when I have nothing wrong with me (stupid body screening). After pointing my coworker in the direction of some shops I headed to starbucks to grab some caffeine before jumping on the train to the South Satelitte.

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

By the time we got through security and I had my coffee with me and off the train, there was a bare 15-20 minutes till boarding and with my priorities already set straight, I sat at the gate chatting with my coworker. I made myself known at the counter to see if I could wingle my way into a window seat (sorry ladies, but this Avgeek wants a window on a daylight flight), I was told I would be paged if they found one for me. 10 minutes later… “Paging Mr Muir to the Podium”… Score! It may be a window in the very rear of the aircraft but hey, it will do.

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

Hawaiian Airlines – HA21
Seattle Tacoma – Honolulu
0845-1145
Boeing 767-300 (N596HA)
Economy Class – Seat 46A

Boarding: 0800 (Gate S16)
Push Back: 0845
Take off Roll: 0901 (Runway 16L)
Top of Descent: 1107
Touch Down: 1132 (Runway 8L)
Shut Down: 1141 (Gate 59)

Boarding started with a massive line of gate lice and constant offers to get check bags, so although there is meant to be lots of “Hawiian Hospitality” some things just don’t change. First up were familes with children under the age of 2 (which was strictly specified and enforced from what I could see), along with elderly etc. Then first class, then priority, then who knows cause I was already onboard the aircraft.

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

Todays ride was a non winglet equipped 763 (no Extended range here!) which although not a new type for me, was unique as there isn’t that many airlines not flying Non ER birds these days. The interior looked pretty good for this old bird and although there wasn’t seat back IFE, I didn’t mind. I was happy with my laptop and my ipod for this flight. The next flight is where I would be wanting some seatback goodness.

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

All the way to the very back I headed and the aisles are narrow but then any 767 is, though 2-3-2 is a rare site these days. Seats looked ok with a slim line fit and reasonable seat pitch, nothing spacious but nothing overtly disgusting either. My only problem was that I seemed to of gotten the only window that was scratched over to eternity so my dream of photos out the windows were pretty shattered. But meh!

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

Boarding progressed as I settled in and the flight filled to 100% capacity (as they said it would) with not much effort and although their was lots of talk of specific space for bags in the overhead, the boarding process seemed to go off without a hassle and not that much of the usual “Sit down, shut up” attitude you get from some airlines (*cough* United *cough*). I did like the fact that they announced that we were fully boarded, doors closed and departing on time, prior to the safety demo, and depart on time we did, pushing back right on 0845.

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

The taxi out was fine and I missed a shot of Alaska’s new livery which was revealed the day before (but hey I have a new special scheme to hunt). We taxiied north to the 16s and after a few take offs in front of us, we lined up and held. Not sure why we held as we were the only aircraft around, no one was behind us and there hadn’t been an aircraft in front of us to wait for. Meh whatever. The 767 rolled with a little bit less vigour than what I have experienced on ER birds and were soon climbing out to the south and with a gentle right turn, signalling our turn away from the mainland headed towards sunshine and happiness.

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

Once through 10,000ft I broke out the ipod to get some noise going but the seat belt sign did not come off for quite some time, till when we hit full cruise. I don’t know if this is a Hawaiian thing or not but to be honest it just felt like I was trapped. I have probably flown to much premium travel this year as I am to used to eating or doing whatever when I want but flying down the back of the plane means one thing, you work on their timetable. You eat when your told, drink when your told, even use the bathroom when your told. They did stress the fact that you shouldn’t be moving about before the seatbelt sign gets off, but that didn’t stop anyone (as usual).

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

A couple of little bumpy bits on the climb to cruise and once at cruise the seatbelt sign came off mere moments before they began the morning service. Unlike every other airline in the USA, Hawaiian Airlines provide complimentary meals at meal times on all flights. A very rare thing and obviously I wouldn’t expect a massive meal or anything but free is free. Being that we were taking off before 9am and it still being before 6 in Hawaii, our service that morning was to be a “Continental Breakfast”. I had read online that it was a “Cheese Plate” but what was handed to me was more of a Fruit Plate, but hey, I like fruit and to be honest, prefer it over cheese. There was one solitary piece of local cheese but that was it. Meh the standout was the real metal fork! Something I did not expect to see on the meal, let alone on any US based carrier. Hell even the Aussie carriers don’t give you metal cutlery.

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

The breakfast service was accompanied by Tea, Coffee, Water and Juice. Coffee was of course Hawaiian and not that bad, and of course other than the usual juices on offer, there was also POG. Pass-O-Guava juice (POG) seems to be a Hawaiian staple and it is kind of like what Biscoff is to Delta, you know your flying HA when you see a POG cup onboard (though they were pouring from cans). The fruit was fresh, the coffee good and tasty (not overly hot) so breakfast went off without a hitch. I liked the fact that they gave you a little gift to take with you (instant Kona Coffee satchel) but sadly it was marked “Made in China” for something that was advertised as “Hawaiian” (well 10% hawiian at least).

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

After breakfast was cleared away, another round of drinks were offered and they settled in for a long flight across the pacific. Our flight time was blocked as just over 6 hours but in reality 5h 27 minutes today apparently. A little bit of schedule padding never hurt anyone. Although my IFE jack didn’t work all that well, I could barely hear the music that was playing, I was suprised to learn that they did play one movie during the flight (Iron Man 3). Hawaiian offers Tablets for rental but you should pre book them on the ground (and you can at a seperate desk in the terminal, next to the gate) so you don’t miss out as they only load a limited amount. For this 767 flight, I would of been screwed had I not brought my laptop or tablet.

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

I settled in for a long overwater flight of working, writing and coffee drinking, what seems to be the norm for me when travelling right? The crew on this flight were good and they constantly came through the cabin offering water or you could head up to the back of the aircraft to the “Snack Bar” where you could purchase a snack or pick up a drink. Really good if you ask me!

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

The flight kind of just cruised by and nothing all that uneventful happened. I worked, I read, I listened to some music and just generally chilled. There wasn’t much else to do really. I ended up finishing the work that I wanted to do, along with also the magazine I had brought with me (conserving tablet power for the onward flight so that I could watch some movies).

Before to long the final beverage service began and it was more of a snack service as not only could you get some free rum punch but you could also get a packet of crisps (chips whatever you want to call them) with your drink. Nice! Looking good all around for Hawaiian it seems. After my tiny tiny tiny cup of diet coke (the crew member didnt even give me more than a mouthful, after filling the cup with ice and then a splash of diet coke that was it!) I sat back and enjoyed my banana (thanks Holiday Inn) and we cruised ever closer to Hawaii.

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

Starting to pack things up about 45 minutes out from Honolulu seems the norm with the airline as they announced an imminent descent (15 mins earlier than most would) and that they would have to start collecting tablets etc. So not the thing you want to hear I guess if you had purchased one, as the movie on the main screen had finished.

As we started turns for descent into Honolulu the islands started to slowly come into view and I would have to say that if you are heading west from the USA out to HNL, the Starboard side of the aircraft would be the smartest bet for the best photos, as all I got was ocean. We turned over what looked like Waikiki maybe before making another right turn towards the active runway. That was a good thing for me as this was the same approach I had flown on the last time I flew to Hawaii and would mean one thing, Joint Base Pearl Hickam. Being able to get some landing shots of HNL is great, getting landing shots of HNL as you flew over what was up until a little time ago called “Hickam Air Force Base” is always great. Last time I had managed to snap an E4 on the deck with a few F-22’s on the line as well. What would be in store for me today!

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

As we glided in over Hickam there was plenty of heavy metal on the ground with lots of C-17s and a spattering of C-5s. A number of Navy 737s and what looked like an Air Force 757 (I forget what the military designators are for those two) and lots and lots of P3s. I thought I spotted a couple of harriers but the F-22s were hiding in their revetments. Damn them jet jockies 😉

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

We landed on to the 26L/08R series and had a breif taxi off the active. As soon as we were down my phone was out and linked in as I was being met on the ground by Hawaiian staff to get some empty cabin shots of one of their 330s before my flight to Auckland. So making sure that I could get that handled before I stepped off the aircraft (though being at the back of the plane meant I would be around for a while).

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

As we taxiied towards our parking spot which was announced to be at the Interisland Terminal, there was plenty of purple & white around with Hawaiian obviously dominating out here (most obvious sentence ever). There was plenty of the Asian carriers in attendance as well, with a whole multitude of JAL 767s on the deck, a China Airlines 747 in a special livery (not sure which one) and a few Korean A330s as well.

From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island
From AOT NZ Megafamil – South Island

Pulling up the Interisland terminal finally the chimes went off and everyone was set free. Not that I could go anywhere as it was jam packed the entire plane so I was literally one of the last few off the aircraft. But hey.. the things you do for a window seat right? The flight had gone really well, now it was time to do a little bit of work right?

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No full trip report on yesterday’s trip down to LAX for Dorkfest but just a brief overview of what was a pretty good day.  I got to go down to LAX last year for Dorkfest and at the time, David joined me.  However this time it was just me on my own.  I didn’t mind, there was plenty of Avgeeks around to chat to etc.  I had picked up the flights super cheap so again like last year it was just a same day turn.  But this year I was going down on Virgin, coming back on Delta.  Not only would I get to try out Delta’s new service on their own metal between LAX and Seattle, I would have a double wammy in that I would be starting my requalification off early.  30 status credits in the bank (which is just under 10% towards requalification) within 2 days of starting again?  Sign me up!

The flight down with Virgin was pretty average.  The onboard crew were not the usual you would expect from Virgin and in fact felt more like flying United.  The whole morning with Virgin America was a shambles.  No recognition of status with Virgin Australia so that meant if I had not of even pushed for it, I would of been stuck in the giant security lines.  The person who checked me in even said and I quote “This line is for those flying First Class only, you shouldn’t be here unless you wanted to upgrade”… ummmm I don’t think so!  The little Gold Card in my hand should be worth something!  The only good thing about SeaTac in the morning is that they seem to have expanded the amount of coffee outlets in the terminal and there is now 2 in the B concourse so it means that the one right out at the end of the pier is empty when the close one fills up.  Perfect!  The funniest thing was my TSA experience which was pretty good considering the usual suspects, but one of the guys working the bag scanner had a good joke about my camera gear telling me I “need more lenses”.  I commented back that I was only going for the day so didn’t want to bring them all.  He joked back “Well you sure as hell brought one that is big enough”.  Ahhh the Bigma… getting comments everywhere!

Dorkfest was great, and it was great catching up with some people, getting some tips and just generally talking shop.  I did manage to score myself the new Boeing Calendar.  No one else seemed to want it and I was going to buy it myself anyway, so figured why the hell not!  Also scored an Etihad A340-600 model… that made me happy.  The days spotting was hit and miss though.  I missed out on the KLM MD-11 because it went North when I went South.  I did catch a couple of One World aircraft and also got the Eva Airlines Star Alliance, so the day was not a total failure.  National Car rental made it a tough morning as the variety on the lot wasn’t that huge, but there was a number of Challengers to choose from.  Though next time I might try the Kia Optima that they had (some of them were Hybrids).  The weather was amazing, the sunburn was avoided.  It was a great day out!

The flight back with Delta was probably one of my highlights for the day.   Security at T5 was pretty empty and the TSA screener even wished me a “pleasant trip Malcolm” which was nice.  The SkyClub staff were great and we had a little discussion about how nice and handy the new Virgin cards are.  At least with Delta being a Virgin Aus gold means something.  T5 is a bit of a mess though, can’t wait for them to hurry up and finish all the work that is going on.  I left the Skyclub a bit early (After snagging Salmon 30 Salmon in REALLY nice light) to get a better seat and was told “take my pick.. its wide open”.  Exit row it is! I was originally slated for a CRJ-900 flight, direct back to SeaTac.  Though for some reason as I stepped onboard it was 3-3 and my brain didn’t even flag it for a good 3 or 4 minutes and then it went…. umm WHAT THE HELL!  We must of been equipment swapped.  The crew had mentioned onboard that tonights load was 33.  That is one EMPTY plane and it made for the best service onboard.  Hand service of snacks and drinks, crew who wanted to do everything to please you cause they had nothing else to do.  I had a full 3 rows of 6 seats to myself.  Two of those rows were exit rows!  Having 18 seats to spread out on is a bit much.

By the end of the day we were early into SeaTac, and I was hopping off my flight and things just timed well. I managed to make the light rail back to the station within seconds of it pulling out and within half an hour of that I was driving into the Apartments driveway.. Can’t beat that for a day in the sun!

Crankyflier Dorkfest 2013

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Well as i mentioned yesterday I got to go to the first flight of the 787-9 and instead of talking more about it… just check out the prettyness

click for bigger images 😉

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Yep, I have been slack lately, but there has been good reason. The last two weeks at work have been so full on that I haven’t had much time to do anything else but work, sleep and eat. It has been a rough week as I was averaging 12 hour shifts at work (that’s actually at work, doesn’t add in the travel time or the mile and a half walk home from the Park and Ride) but I got through it. I managed to get myself up to speed and I should be ok this week. I probably won’t be leaving work on time most of the week but at least I won’t be starting work at 730am every day.

I have also been battling some personal demons this past week, trying hard to get through that, while working has been tough and it has meant I could distract myself from those demons and push through it, dealing with them on the weekends is tougher when I have more downtime, so keeping myself busy is a must… but I would rather not talk to much about that. One thing that did keep me happy this week was that on Tuesday I got to head on up to Paine Field and down to Boeing Field to cover the action of the 787-9 First flight. Awesome day and I loved every minute of it.

Getting to see the first flight, take heaps of photos and tweet it all out. Since I had Bernie with me as photographer for the day I could focus on the social media side (though I didn’t miss to many photos) but I also got to focus on getting the story out as well. So while Bernie drove between Paine Field and Boeing Field down I5, I was writing the story on the laptop. Doing 60 😉 down I5 writing on a laptop is a little bit wierd, but hey… it works!

Photos to come!

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Since it’s National Aviation Day today, heres some of my favourite photos from the last 12 months, really lets just call a spade a spade… its Avgeek Porn 😀

From Qatar Artistic & Spotting

Qatar Airways 787 at Boeing Field on its delivery night.

From ANA Ambassador Spotting & Artistic

ANA 787 at San Jose Airport

From Aviation Nation Spotting

F-22 Lightning II at Nellis Air Force Base

From Seattle Spotting 2013

Uzbekistan 767-300ER at Paine Field

From Seattle Spotting 2013

American Airlines 737 at Paine Field at Sunset

From LAX Spotting 2013

British Airways 747-400 Climbing out of LAX at Sunset

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Saturday 3rd August 2013

I finished off my morning at OshKosh and started my journey north to Green Bay.  First stop was the Post Office in OshKosh so that I could post all of the swag and press kits I had accumulated over the week.  When it all was weighed up there was almost 12 pounds of stuff to send home. That’s a LOT of swag!  But it was either that or get charged mass amounts of excess baggage, so I sucked up the cost ($35).  Next stop was just a small cafe in the middle of OshKosh itself as I had been told earlier in the week they had the best cookies around.  So I stopped off and picked up a snack and a couple for the road.  Back on the road, heading north towards Green Bay it was a good hour or so of just endless Interstate up to Green Bay.  My destination was to hit up Lambeau Field and maybe see the packers hall of fame (and maybe pick up a shot glass at the Pro Shop).  As I arrived at the stadium I saw heaps of traffic.  Part of me started to panic.  I knew pre season games were starting soon but their shouldn’t be a game on a Saturday.  It wasn’t a game though, it was Training camp!  DOH!

The area around the stadium was packed solid and there was no where to park without costing $20 or more.  So stuff that, did a couple of drive bys, took a photo from the Car window and headed out.  I had seen one of the supermarkets I knew that had a good place to grab some food, and then headed toward the airport for a bit of a picnic.  There was 1 aircraft arrival while I was there (literally as I drove in) so entertained myself listening to the LiveATC feed from the OshKosh Airshow.  A fitting end to my trip.  I gave into a desire for some soft serve ice cream and drove to the nearest A&W to have some.  After looking at it all week at the Air Show, I gave in.  Sad Sad Mal, but it was tasty!  Time to fill the car and get to the airport for check in.

Dropped the car off at Green Bay Airport and check in was empty.  Funnily enough I was on the final flight of the day to leave the airport so that was why it was so deserted.  The Airport was eerily quiet and small and there wasn’t much to it either before or after security.  I checked out the one shop that was open before security and it was filled with Green Bay packers gear.  I resisted the urge to bring home some cheese curds (which were EVERYWHERE) and headed up to the TSA checkpoint.  It was nice and empty as you would expect in such a small airport.  But sadly I got there right behind two older ladies, one of them in a wheelchair.  The TSA agent then promptly shut down the checkpoint and made me wait behind them.  I was literally the only person in line at this point and couldn’t go anywhere.  It would of been smarter to put the able bodied person through, then shut down an empty check point to let the older ladies through, but hey it’s rural Wisconsin, they don’t use them fancy things called Thinking out here!  After 10 minutes of waiting to get my boarding pass checked I was finally allowed up to the scanner, where they then kept asking if I knew what I was doing and if I needed the procedures explained to me (even though I had priority all over my boarding pass and have done this like 40 times this year alone).  Way to go Green Bay, made me want to deal with the TSA in JFK or LAX.  I never thought I would want that.  Then by the time I got through to the other side of the scanners my laptop had not come through.  Nope, TSA had held me up again while they fought with a lady who had a bag in the scanner, and rather than pull it out and manually inspect it (which they would do at any other airport), they held the bag inside the scanner and kept asking her questions about it while it was still in there.  So I was dressed, ready and waiting to go, but couldn’t leave cause they had my stuff still, just as one of the other TSA members was heading up to me to try and get me to move on, my laptop finally came through and I walked away.  15 minutes start to finish for what should of taken 2-3 at most.  Utter fail.

On the other side of the checkpoint was a sole cafe where I grabbed a bottle of water and again resisted buying cheese curds (I mean seriously they are everywhere!).  I found the gate, our aircraft had just arrived with plenty of time to offload people so I settled in and logged into the free wifi to do a bit of work.  I will give Green Bay Airport the props for one thing, their wifi was free, fast and had no agreements to accept.  You just connected and it worked!  It helped pass the time.  I figured I would see if it was a free flight and if I could scam a seat closer to the front, so I approached the gate agent and got a very rough “What do you want?” and then after I asked my question “No”.  Wow.. blatant.  He at least followed up after a few seconds with “It’s a full flight”.  Wow, just wow, very proffessional there. I brushed it off and waited.

Delta Air Lines – DL4594 (Operated by SkyWest)
Green Bay to Minneapolis St-Paul
1725-1835
Canadair CRJ-900 (N161PQ)
Economy Class – Seat 8D

Boarding: 1657 (Gate B5)
Push Back: 1719
Take off Roll: 1727 (Runway 36)
Top of Descent: 1753
Touch Down: 1811 (Runway 30L)
Shut Down: 1816 (Gate C4)

The professionalism of the gate agent  really stood out when he called boarding.  He was not at all what you would expect from any gate agent from any airline.  One of his little jokes was “By the time your all wheels up, I will be liquored up”  Absolutely not the best thing to say at all.  When he announced Sky Priority boarding I fled the gate area as quickly as possible so I didn’t have to hear anything  more he said.  Stepping onto the CRJ-900 is always a reminder of one thing that I hate about it.  Offset windows!  I always go for a window seat and I always forget with this aircraft.  DAMMIT!  You’re either bending way forward or contorting your way backwards.  Ah well.  I settled into the seat and the aircraft filled up around me.  Flight time was announced as 40 minutes so barely up, barely down. The flight attendant’s also announced that they wouldn’t be doing a beverage service, though if we needed anything to ask.  So does that mean we can have a drink or not?  Confusing!  Right before pushing back, Mr Gate Attendant showed up again to give us one final farewell… *sigh*

We pushed back while I wasn’t really paying any attention.  and started heading for the runway.  One small, fully packed CRJ taxiing all the way across a very quiet Green Bay Airport to the cross runway.  We climbed out like a rocket (that weird sensation you get when the engines are at the back and they seem to be able to use it to their advantage).  We were up in the air and climbing out into the sky as the pilots gave another briefing to give us advice to say.  Since there was no service and it was only a quick flight, I just had some of my water and read some of the book on my tablet.  Pretty boring flight really, up, cruise, down, though a boring, uneventful flight is a good flight right?

We descended into MSP pretty easily and we had a slightly different approach to the one I was on before when I landed into MSP from Seattle. I had no idea where we were at one point, so it was like I was confused, but at the last minute I noticed a familiar landmark and realised it was just to the right of the approach we had earlier.  We touched down a little bit hard onto the runway on the opposite side of the airport to where we needed to be.  Meant to be heading toward the C gates and we landed all the way over by the G gates. Long taxi time, lucky we were early.  MSP pulled out the stops and again I got a special livery (always seem to get a retro or something in MSP) with an American Eagle CRJ in new colours.  Can’t hate that!  Pulling up at the C gates the aircraft emptied out fairly quickly and I was able to get out into the terminal pretty quickly.  since we were at C4 and I was heading for F12 I had time to grab some dinner before if there is time, making a stop at the usual Sky Club.  I found a fairly reasonably priced Chicken Mandarin Salad that looked pretty good (good ratio of veg to protein) and headed to the lounge.

It was the same lounge that I always seem to visit, so I know it well.  I had about 10-15 minutes this time, so time for a quick snack, relax, a snack raid and then time to hit the road again.  Wanting some biscoffs for home (since I am a cheap ass) there was plenty on offer, so that meant I had plenty of opportunity to snack raid the biscoffs (both Red & White wrappers for anyone who cares).  I timed my departure right, as by the time I had walked out of the lounge and the entire length of the F concourse (with a few stops for photos), Special Pre Boarding was being called.

Delta Air Lines – DL996
Minneapolis St Paul to Seattle-Tacoma
1935-2117
Boeing 767-300 (N121DE)
Economy Class – Seat 27A

Boarding: 1855 (Gate F12)
Push Back: 1953
Take Off Roll: 2005 (Runway 30L)
Top of Descent: 2056
Touch Down: 2126 (Runway 34R)
Shut Down: 2130 (Gate S8)

First class was called and as usual, a giant Bum Rush by everyone who isn’t in first class or even remotely close to Zone 1 or 2.  I even heard a wife say to her husband “I don’t care if you want to board now, she said First Class, that isn’t us.”  Nice work lady!  Sky Priority was shortly called and I dodged around an elderly couple with Zone 5 on their boarding pass who were blocking the boarding lane.  I stepped onto my first ever Delta 767 and would soon find out that this wasn’t an ER (extended range) bird, so this would be my first EVER flight on a non ER 767-300. The aircraft was fitted with Delta on Demand (aka a Seat Back TV) so I plugged in immediately and just zoned out.  Before I knew it, the announcements began by the crew… one of about 30 that would happen during the flight.   They seemed to repeat themselves about 3 or 4 times after everything they said.  So they would tell everyone to store their bags etc, then 2 seconds later a different flight attendant would do the same thing as though we never heard in the first place. *sigh*

We were told the doors were closing and to switch off all electronic equipment, but then we sat, and sat without another announcement for a solid 20 minutes!  I gave up after 10 minutes and just switched my phone back on and tweeted away a little bit.  Just as the doors were shutting they made an announcement that the doors were not shut after we had to load some extra cargo.  Would of been nice to say this earlier.  One thing that was funny to me was I had been so engrossed in watching the TV that I turned my head outside and there was an A330 sitting at the gate next to us.  All I could think was “That Airbus sure did grow” as the last time I had looked, it was an A319!  We pushed back as the Sun was setting in MSP, but it would be a race across the Sky as the sun was setting as we were heading west.

Climb out was just as powerful as any other 767 flight I have had but it was a bit of a bumpy climb out and the crew came on early to let us know that it would be a little bit bumpy later on.  Once we got to cruise they flicked off the fasten seat belt sign and I did what just about everyone else in the aircraft was doing.  Getting up and moving about.  I grabbed my laptop out as I wanted to get some work done during the flight and got myself sorted.  First off the bat tonight though was to get myself sorted dinner wise then I could get working, rather than the other way round as this was a short 3 hour flight.  About half way through the service, it was suspended as the seat belt sign goes on, and we hit some turbulence for about 20 minutes.  Nothing entirely bad but a little bit more than I have had most of this year.  I ate my dinner and enjoyed my salad.  By the time the service restarted I had finished my dinner and was working away on my laptop.  Pass on the snacks, just a diet coke for me!

I worked away (though I couldn’t access GoGo as it wasn’t working for some reason) and just settled in to focus.  The flight just kind of sped by and before I knew it, we were an hour out of Seattle and it was time for me to get myself sorted out, so I stashed my laptop, grabbed a drink from the back (interrupting the cabin crew chowing down on first class meals) and then headed back to my seat to settle in to finish watching Dark Knight (yes, I did see the Peninsula Helicopter scene, and it wasn’t Christian Bale on it, it was Morgan Freeman).  I chowed down on my two cookies I had stashed and since one of them was a “Birthday Cake” cookie I wished myself a slight happy birthday.  As we stared descent it was almost solid cloud below us but just barely visible in the distance was Mt Rainier, so I at least knew where I kind of was.  We descended way to the south and then turned back around to the North for a 34 series landing.  It was then we hit the real sunset and it was just amazing.  I even snuck in a mobile phone photo so I could tweet it out later (no hate please!).

We landed on 34R and had a quick taxi to the south gates as they had really stood on the brakes to pull us up quickly.  Good thing was, this was the end of my line and considering the bags would have to make their way over from the South Satellite, I wasn’t in a rush.  I let them all shove their way out and when there was a good sized gap, I jumped up and grabbed my gear.  This trip was at an end!  The timing was spot on, as soon as I got to the station the train was there so within seconds I was heading towards baggage claim.  When I got to the other end there was a slight problem, our flight was not on the board at all.  So I just roamed until I saw my flight number.  It wasn’t on any of the baggage claims, So I just wandered till I saw some bags pop out on a fresh belt and checked the tags.  They had our flight number… YAY!

Eventually, after a broken belt was fixed, my bag came out.  Not that Priority baggage did any good as all that came out first was gate checked baggage 🙁  I made it to the car park just as a shuttle was heading over so within 15 minutes of actually getting my bag, I was in the truck and headed home.  Getting home around 11pm after having been up since like 4am EST sleep came easily (I may have had trouble keeping my eyes open on the road).

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My god what a day.  You will read more about the full day when I write up my Airline Reporter article but it was the most moving, surreal and amazing experience that I have had over here in the USA.  Yesterday I was honored to be able to accompany the Northeast Wisconsin Old Glory & Yellow Ribbon Honor flights to Washington DC.  We were able to fly directly out of OshKosh on American Airlines and they got special treatment all the way!

I saw and experienced, touching moments (especially on the flight) home and arriving back at OshKosh in the middle of the Airshow and the aircraft being towed right up to Phillips Plaza was overwhelming.  To see the crowds there to support everyone really hit home that as an Australian, we do not have that level of passion for our veterans they do here in the USA (I know that is going to cop some flack, but I don’t care).  While the vets disembarked the airshow continued around them.  The andreline was running high!

To cap off the night I got to go to the new Disney movie premiere for “Planes”.  From the guys who created cars this is most definately a kids movie and I did enjoy it.  But you can’t judge it to harshly, it is a kids movie.  It was fun though and I still have to admit, even in Animation form, I love the Gull Wing look of the Corsair.  I finished the night back home at 11pm after leaving the hotel at 5am!  A Long ass day!

Today I am heading home after a brief stop back at OshKosh on the way home.  I am going to check out the Amphib base and have lunch in OshKosh itself.  I need to make a stop at the Post Office to post home all the swag, but other than that.  I am in Birthday weekend relax mode!

This amazing adventure is almost over!

 

Current Location: Country Inn & Suites Fond Du Lac

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Wow… just wow!  I can’t describe what has been running through my head the last two days.  It has been a full on couple of days with a very early start yesterday filled with press events, but then an afternoon of relative calm.  Compared to today where it was just relaxed and chilled all day.

Yesterday I had press events with Embraer, Commerative Air Force, Daher-Socata, Pilatus & Kestrel.  I skipped on the lunch reception as the food wasn’t what I felt like and instead hit up the Signature Flight Services tent for a bit of a rest.  What I found there was a great tent filled with goodies that they just handed over to me purely for showing up.  Swag because I wanted to rest my feet?  How can I complain!

The rest of the day was a blur till all of a sudden the heavens loomed and the wind grew.  I was starting to get tired and was really considering bailing out when all of a sudden there was an annoucement “Ladies and Gentleman, Please seek cover”.  This was my first real “Oshkosh Storm” but it wasn’t all that bad.  What was funny for me was watching the mass exodus towards the gates with me in it, through the wind, dust, dirt and bit of rain.  By the time I got to the car, the worst of it had passed and that’s where I sat for the next hour.  I rolled out the gates of the parking lot pretty much right at the time of the event I wanted to go to was meant to start.  Had I had internet signal (it was driving me crazy all afternoon) I would of  know to just stay!

Today was pretty relaxed with a hunt on for free hats as so many of them were being given away and since I was going to be sending most of it home and sharing the swag out anyway.  Why not!  There was a twitter battle over who could give me a free hat but hey, I ain’t complaining!  I spent the afternoon strolling down to the far end of the “South 40” which is way way way on the far end of the strip, strolling through the Vintage and Ultralight aircraft.  I didn’t realise how far down they went before I had to turn around and head back towards the main flightline as I had to pick up my prize.

On Wednesday I won an instagram competition of a photo of a engine cowling.  Totally random shot but I was just fooling around with Instagram in between press events.  I ended up winning an awesome Pratt & Whitney swag bag filled with goodies!  Hat, IPAD Cover (not that I have one) and a whole heap of other random stuff but still pretty good none the less.

Tonight I rest up early as tomorrow morning it is up at 330am.  Why so early… I am off on another adventure 😉

Current Location: Carlson Inn & Suites – Fond Du Lac, WI

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The First two days of the show for real have passed and they were two very different days.  The funny thing is they both started off with a run and kicking off my step goal before 9am on Monday and before 10am on Tuesday (not sure why there was an hours difference when I probably did as much walking either day).  Pretty awesome few days with Monday spent all day in and out of press conferences and other random explorations, while Tuesday was more of a me day with lots of spotting, time in the sun watching the airshow and just chilling out.

The swag haul has been pretty epic with USB drives galore, baggage tags, and heaps of other goodies, but the winner so far has to go to Cessna. They gave me the most amazing pen and leather notebook binder.  The Pen is just beautiful so that may just become my new daily pen at work.  Out of all the other random swag there has been a good range of goodies and the usual expectations, but apparently I can get a 3D printed thing from GE, so I must find that.

Of the air displays I have seen so far, the Harrier on Tuesday was by far the loudest thing I have EVER heard in my life.  Seriously it was just freaking insane!  Loud as all hell but watching it hover and doing compass turns about 10-15ft in the air… AWESOME!  The most disappointing display though had to of been “Jetman” he was doing it so damn high that even with my 500mm lens he was to high to even get a focus, let alone keep track of him.

Back at show for more press stuff today but should get the afternoon for more me time, we shall see!

Current Location: Embraer Executive Jet Pavilion – EAA AirVenture