Monday, March 29, 2010

Just one more plane...

March 27, 2010
1200-1530

Airport: SFO
Location: Bayfront Park
Equipment: Nikon Action Zoom XL 10-22x50, as usual
Registrations collected: 65
For a total of: 251
Airlines: 25

I learned today that without an external force (time line, boyfriend, obligations back in the East Bay) it is extremely difficult for me to leave my set-up. I can play the "just one more" game for hours, apparently. I started getting sunburned around 1:30 and didn't leave until 3 when I decided to pose as an affluent, snobby out-of-towner to use the Marriott bathroom (with a muddy yellow Jansport on my back and binoculars around my neck, sporting a wind-blown ponytail and a well defined sunburn). Then, leaving the hotel, I saw the belly of a 747 directly overhead in livery that I didn't recognize off the bat, so I headed back to the rocks that run parallel to the 28 runways to wait. Turns out it was a British Airways 744 that was in pattern behind the Emirates non-stop arrival from Dubai and a Virgin Atlantic A340-600. Good choice to stay!

Lots of successes today - 3 one-of-a-kind liveries (Alaska's Tinkerbell, Continental's Blue Skyway anniversary paint job and the Apolo Ono Alaska 737, lei-sporting Eskimo and all). Back at home with the FAA registry, I noticed a few of Delta's Northwest acquisitions and Southwest's Ford Motor Company purchase - I'm still learning about how all that stuff works.

There were lots of people out, too, especially as compared to Sundays, when I am usually all alone. Two sets of dads and kids, a couple guys with scanners, and a man teaching his husband about the airlines on the rocks where I stopped to watch those final 3 arrivals. I have yet to see a woman out there on her own accord.

Highlights:
  • 13 international registrations - a record for me - including 4 new airlines (EVA, British Airways, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic).
  • A C-17 on its way to Travis AFB passing overhead.
  • All 5 of the male "experts" asking me questions about aircraft. I realize that I have a bit of an ego around this, but I'm going to own it for now. It's nice to be able to talk with nice folks about the sights and sounds, and a definite bonus to be respected for something that is important to me.
Here's a shot of N75436, the Blue Skyway Continental, just because I love the look - so classy!


Thursday, March 11, 2010

March 4, 2010

January 31, 2010
1045-1400

Airport: OAK
Location: San Leandro Marina
Equipment: Nikon Action Zoom XL 10-22x50
Registrations collected: 3
For a total of: 191
Airlines: 1

Yeah, my Oakland outings are never the most spectacular in terms of numbers, but this one was quite enjoyable. With country music, fresh air, and sun to enjoy, the airplanes become almost just the icing on the cake. I quite enjoy the marina even though it's nearly impossible to collect registrations or spot any cool aircraft. It makes me remember to slow down, and that I actually really just enjoy the sites and sounds of the bay, the city, and the airplanes. Apparently I need to be forced to put down my notebook and pencil, but I always enjoy it when I do.

There is a Volaris A319 that arrives and departs every afternoon. I didn't get the number on its arrival, so maybe next time I'll stay for the departure when it's taxiing slowly enough to view the registration. I don't have a Volaris yet...

February 14, 2010


February 14, 2010
1100-1300

Airport: SFO
Location: Bayfront Park
Equipment: Nikon Action Zoom XL 10-22x50
Registrations collected: 59
For a total of: 187

The Boy suggested an airport date for Valentine's day and of course I agreed. He's the best.

This was the first time I got to see a pattern with the airlines' schedules and planes flown, getting to see that rush of jumbos again around noon for the second time. This time, though, I got that A330, along with my first MD-82. And then...along came a special treat. We saw it arrive on 28 where the fog was much too thick to read the registration number, but my hopes were confirmed when it came back for departure - Shamu One! That's my first themed livery spotting and I found it very exciting.

Lowlights:
  • Fog.
  • Fog.
  • Fog.

Highlights:
  • Finally getting that A330.
  • Shamu!
  • Fantastic company.