While the sight of three or four A380s together has become a normal occurrence at LAX, this pairing is not so common: an A380 and a C5A Galaxy together on the west ramp.
There's also been an AN-124 sitting at the south cargo terminal for many days. I thought cargo planes had to be turned around quickly to make money. Any idea why it has been waiting there? Unrest in the Ukraine?
Don't know what it brought in, nor what it waited for, but it finally left a couple of days ago - after spending more than a week (more like two) on the ground here. Maybe they broke it. I was on the other side of the tower, so I didn't get to see where they went. If they went home, they would've gotten there just in time for even more unrest!
I'd also suggest that the AN124 is not quite a 'typical' freighter that must be turned quickly. It must be monstrously expensive to operate and hauling routine cargo, just to keep it moving may not be cost effective. Simply leaving is where it is for a few days - or week or whatever, even shuttling crews to and fro, may be more effective that sending it home, empty. I have to believe that the bean counters in their operations group count those beans daily. And yes, with an admitted bit of stretch, that unique aircraft may simply be safer sitting at LAX for a bit than it would be at whatever base it considers home. Those Eastern folks may well be a bit different from us, but that are not, repeat NOT fools! I have every reason to believe that they know what they are doing. And in any case, the 124 has moved on and the point is moot. By any standard, the 124 is a very impressive airplane!
There's also been an AN-124 sitting at the south cargo terminal for many days. I thought cargo planes had to be turned around quickly to make money. Any idea why it has been waiting there? Unrest in the Ukraine?
ReplyDeleteDon't know what it brought in, nor what it waited for, but it finally left a couple of days ago - after spending more than a week (more like two) on the ground here. Maybe they broke it. I was on the other side of the tower, so I didn't get to see where they went. If they went home, they would've gotten there just in time for even more unrest!
DeleteI'd also suggest that the AN124 is not quite a 'typical' freighter that must be turned quickly. It must be monstrously expensive to operate and hauling routine cargo, just to keep it moving may not be cost effective. Simply leaving is where it is for a few days - or week or whatever, even shuttling crews to and fro, may be more effective that sending it home, empty. I have to believe that the bean counters in their operations group count those beans daily. And yes, with an admitted bit of stretch, that unique aircraft may simply be safer sitting at LAX for a bit than it would be at whatever base it considers home. Those Eastern folks may well be a bit different from us, but that are not, repeat NOT fools! I have every reason to believe that they know what they are doing. And in any case, the 124 has moved on and the point is moot. By any standard, the 124 is a very impressive airplane!
DeleteAwesome posts sir! Do you happen to have an Instagram?
ReplyDeleteSorry to disappoint, but no.
DeleteHell Captain Vector....I can't even imagine...just how Awesome..your view....from the tower.......is...!!! Did I mention....I do windows...LOL.....!!!
ReplyDeleteThey'll be needing it after all the recent rain!
DeleteCV