Each year I try to set myself some goals to achieve in 2012 and this year was no different. I set one goal, tick off as many things on my bucket list as possible.

Here is what I managed to complete:

* Fly a Plane
* Cook a Meal for the people in my life who i cherish the most
* Move out of home
* Run on an Airport runway
* Take a Shower, Mid Flight
* Get a flight in a War Bird – Double points if its a B17 (ended up with a B17)

I also really got stuck into this one:

* Read “The Clasics”

So that’s not bad in my opinion for the last 12 months. Moving over here to the USA was a big achievement for me and that was one of my biggest moments in 2012. I did have some pretty amazing other moments as well when looking back, things that aren’t worthy of a bucket list item but still awesome none the less.

* I took my first ever real mileage run and that took me from Brisbane to Mackay & Rockhampton via Sydney and Brisbane again. Along with another one to Canbera via Sydney & Melbourne.
* Bought my truck after moving over here, a dream I have had for quite some time
* I flew down and did some spotting at LAX just for the hell of it on two seperate occasions, along with another one north to Vancouver just for spotting.
* Traveled all the way out to Ohio to see one specific Aircraft the XB-70 and then also getting a chance to touch the YF-12 at the same time.
* Visited my first real US Air Show and got to see a B2 and then an F-22 Raptor at another show.
* Saw both the Blue Angels & the Thunderbirds on seperate occasions
* Stepped foot on my first 787
* Saw my first 747-8 take off and was as giddy as a school girl
* Started doing a bit more blogging and photography on the side
* Got me a Kitchenaid Stand Mixer (sad yes I know but I love it!)
* Got to see a Patriots football game

So much else has happened in the last 12 months but to be honest, you probably don’t care.. but one thing I have enjoyed over the last 12 months has just been the challenges and how I have managed to work through them in the last 12 months. No matter what curve ball was thrown at me, I took it in stride and kept on going. It has been a great year looking back at all the things I have done and places I have visited, people I have met and things I have done.

Next year brings a whole new set of challenges and goals. Looking forward to it!

Not much text in this one but I wanted to post some of my favourite photos that I have taken over the last 12 months. Not just aircraft (but that will be the majority of them) but a whole heap of different photos.

From Qatar Artistic & Spotting
From Qatar Artistic & Spotting
From Sea Fair 2012 Processed Photos
From Sea Fair 2012 Processed Photos
From Vegas Avgeek Style
From Artistic 2012
From Artistic 2012
From Seattle Spotting 2012
From Seattle Spotting 2012

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
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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
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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
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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
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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?

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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
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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.

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).

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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

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

What a day… Today surely has been a great day. With my friend Ross having flown all the way over from Australia for a couple of weeks to visit and enjoy a free couch to sleep on. What it meant for me other than someone to talk to at times was I could get a chance to play tourist for a few days.

Day 1 was scheduled to be the true Avgeek activities. Since it is usually better to see the Boeing factory on a weekday we would do the factory tour first thing. Then the afternoon would be spent at the Museum of Flight. A good half day would be needed at Paine Field for tour time, spotting and allowing ample time to shop.

The tour was great and Ross really enjoyed it. It was my third time doing the factory so I had seen it all before but getting to see the aircraft half built and seeing them come to life is always amazing to me.

I was excited afterwards though for some spotting time. Plenty on the schedule with two Dreamlifters, some 777 movements and a 767 or two. What was unexpected though was a Ryanair 738 doing touch and gos and rejected landings and 2 brand new 787s on their first flight. What made it all the more amazing was the fact one of thosr first flights was this amazing beauty from China Southern

From Seattle Spotting 2012

After picking up my bike and grabbing some lunch on the move we spent a few hours at the Museum of Flight including their annual book sale (where I picked up a few titles i had never expected), Ross exploring the Concorde for the first time and the arrival of one more 787!

Damn good first day, loved it all! Tomorrow will be just as much fun I hope!

What a week!

It has been a crazy week full of photo work, touching up photos not only from last weekends trip to LA for some spotting but also from Dreamliner Day on Monday and some time at Paine Field after my friend Kinny came to visit.

I did get some amazing shots though including the following:

From Dorkfest LAX Spotting

My First Ever 747-400 Combi and the 2nd of the KLM Asia schemes (i now have both a 777-300ER and the 747 Combi in this scheme, just need the 777-200ER and i have the full set).

From Dorkfest LAX Spotting

The Skyteam Liveried 737-800 belonging to Delta

From Dorkfest LAX Spotting

The Beard!!!!

From Dorkfest LAX Spotting

A 747 belonging to Air New Zealand, these shoudln’t even be in Los Angeles.. so its kinda rare!

From Dreamliner Day Spotting

The Huskies Dash 8 from Horizon

From Dreamliner Day Spotting

A 747-400 belonging to Atlas Air (only ever seen their freighters not their passenger jets)

From Dreamliner Day Spotting

Two Brand New Emirates 777-300ER’s. One on its Delivery Flight (Above) and one on a Photo Flight with a Loud as hell LearJet (below)

From Dreamliner Day Spotting
From Dreamliner Day Spotting

So many photos in there so… heres the links to all the folders from what was an epic epic long weekend (and another long weeked coming up as well).

Dreamliner Day Spotting
Dreamliner Day
Dorkfest LAX Spotting
Dorkfest 2012

Well Monday this week was pretty damn busy for me. A day full of driving, fun, awesomeness and just down right #avgeek nirvana.

I spent a fair amount of time in the truck monday, as I had to drive down to Kent (bout 10-15 mins South of SeaTac) to pick up my boxes which have finally arrived from Brisbane. After the stupid import company withheld the packages for 2 weeks to get extra cash out of me (part of the reason i had been stressed so much lately) I finally was able to pick up my stuff which was just awesome to see those boxes and my bike! My Glorius bike.

But the Avgeek portion of the day was truly awesome. As my 2nd time as a Correspondant for airlinereport.com I was on assignment to cover the Arrival of the First commercial service for a 787 to Seattle. It was an awesome experience and you can read all about it here The time was great (though adding to my sunburn i am sure), getting ramp access is truly a priveledge and I am really grateful I could do this.

To add more greatness to the day, a friend of mine from Twitter was arriving on the flight for a couple of days so after making him wait several hours thanks to the ANA festivities, we ended up hitting the road up to Paine Field for a little bit of spotting, catching 2 new Emirates 777s (one delivery and one doing a photoshoot with a lear jet) and then we headed out for some Sushi, Tempura and Teriyaki at Rikki Rikki in Kirkland.

It was great having someone visiting, getting to play host and tour guide all at the same time, also seeing a familiar face was a great thing, helped improved my spirits 1000 fold. Now my time this week will be spent with doing up the photos not only from Monday but also from Saturday still as I struggle to get through them all!

It sure has been a thrilling long weekend, with more fun and frivolity coming up!

No, I am not talking about its time to hit up boeing (although that’s what I have done the last two weekends). What i’m referring to is something that I have to learn to get used to as a spotter up here in Seattle. There is “normal time” then there is “boeing time”. If your spotting at a Normal Airport, its usually Commerical Aircraft running to a schedule and people get angry when they are late. What happens up here at Paine Field though is mainly Test Flights or Delivery flights. Even though they have to file a flight plan. As if they ever follow it. Things around Everett (and Boeing Field as well I am sure) work on “Boeing Time”.

Boeing Time can easily be described as “yep It will happen, once I have triple checked everything and then we are ready to go”. I should probably be frustrated with them but to be honest, how can I be. I spent most of my weekend chasing a delivery flight that never happened, a 777-200LR Freighter that just never took off (till this morning when I couldn’t go see it), and sat around waiting and waiting for a 787 to come back from its test flight (only 4 hours late).

But even though a day like yesterday where I was backwards and forwards to Paine about 3 times, I am not in the least bit frustrated or anything. In fact, I am over the moon at how it all went. Sure it’s annoying having to drive all the way to the field and find out the flight has been cancelled and you changed all your plans for this. But then, I look at the photos.. and I end up with a shot like this:

From Seattle Spotting 2012

This shot just screams at me saying “look at me”. In fact I now happen to think a few things with that shot.

1. I still love the JAL new livery. No matter what people say about it. The clean lines, the simplicity of it, just make it beautiful
2. This is my favourite view of a 787. It shows off the crazy raked wing tips, the absolute beauty of the plane and just how much flex is in those composite wings

All in all, even though I had my first real run in with Boeing Time, I have to think to myself… It is shots like this:

From Seattle Spotting 2012

Where I think to myself… THIS IS WHY I DO IT!

I managed to finish them all off this afternoon. So here for your enjoyment ladies and gents are a few samples of my favourites from my first SeaFair

From Sea Fair 2012 Processed Photos
From Sea Fair 2012 Processed Photos
From Sea Fair 2012 Processed Photos
From Sea Fair 2012 Processed Photos
From Sea Fair 2012 Processed Photos
From Sea Fair 2012 Processed Photos
From Sea Fair 2012 Processed Photos

And the full collection can be found at the following link:

Sea Fair 2012 Processed Photos