For the aviation fans

[Spokey]

I have not seen these around much since my freight days, so was a treat to see this beast in Kuwait a few days ago.

[RoddieJ]

2 minutes ago, Spokey said:

I have not seen these around much since my freight days, so was a treat to see this beast in Kuwait a few days ago.

The Antonov is an absolutely amazing aircraft. The size of that thing is just phenomenal. 👌🏽

There was one at OR Tambo Int a few years ago.

[RoddieJ]

I've just read that Heathrow Airport is embarking on a GBP14bn expansion to Terminals 2 & 5....

For a little context, King Shaka Int Airport cost ZAR14bn to build, in 2010.

[Spokey]

We blasted out of Kuwait the other morning 15 mins ahead of our 0200 departure. 33R is closed for no apparent reason and that being the closest runway to the GA ramp it was  a long taxi to33L. Bumpy as…….

Anyways, max fuel on board and just 1500lbs below our 114800 MTW the performance was awesome. This aerie always makes me smile even when heavy. Rock solid and stable. We climbed out to FL430 over Iraq after being told 300is our final due traffic. I had to say no to the controller, we would not make our destination. Long story short we were vectored to climb. 
Over Turkey we took a non standard FL 450. Over Scotland we went to FL470 for the Atlantic crossing. Smooth flight throughout but stonking headwinds of over 100kts (185kph). We climbed at 275/M.83 and cruised at M.85 versus the normal 300/M.85 and M.88.

We had over 20 hours of darkness since the sun had set in Kuwait with it finally rising just prior to New York city. 
Anyways, my longest flight ever in the Global 7500. 15 hours 10 flight time with legal dispensation for 2 crew. It was tough but certainly not impossible!

Edited Wednesday at 10:43 PM by Spokey
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[DJR]

Great to see the view from your office every so often, Spokey.