Whats your favourite plane?

[serfty]

I've always had a soft spot for the 146. I did thousands of Km in them generally travelling in the pointy end - mainly on 11,000 Km round Australia awards.

I once had special good experience - flew a 146 from BNE to PPP in a party of 5. We had the second last row in the 2 and 3 configuration, me in the port window seat.

Anyway shortly after departure the pilot announced that he had do do his 6 monthly check out and they would be flying somewhat faster then normal to the destination to enable ¼ hour of turns, banks, descents and climbs.

It was a devoid of clouds and winds and it was fascinating to see the Whitsunday islands from varying angles and altitudes as the aircraft banked, climbed and dived this way and that over and around them.

Coming in to land the pilot did even better - no bump of touchdown at all - simply a low rumble as the landing gear started rolling along the airstrip.

 

[docjames]

Love the 146, but it seems there two camps around here (1/2 love, 1/2 think it's an overgrown muffler with hairdryers / 5 apu's).

Also love 2-x-2 config.

 

[straitman]

Love the 146, but it seems there two camps around here (1/2 love, 1/2 think it's an overgrown muffler with hairdryers / 5 apu's).

It is possible to be in both camps with this :!:

 

[Snowmoo]

For me, DH8-400's. They are quick to turnaround, easy to get off and on. Yes although they are loud, being a sound sleeper I can usually fall asleep quickly on them.

 

[munitalP]

Lufthansa still fly them for short hauls - I have in the last few years flown on BAe 146's FRA-LNZ and FRA-GRZ.

One other delight about these aircraft - they have the fastest "on ground" speed of any taxiing aircraft I have ever been on!

A number of years ago, I was slightly behind the wing - port side, Alice to Darwin and about 1/2 way through the flight, I saw the inside hair dryer spitting flames - this was intermitent for the duration of the flights (compressor on its way out I suspect), I called the FA over to look (very quietly) but she was darned if she saw it! I felt like a right fool!!!

I had a chat with ground staff after landing and told them - I dont know the outcome. Needless to say my elevated heart rate for a couple of hours would have burned a few C's. :shock:

I must admit I do like the aircraft though... I should have added a BAe 146 to my original list - my first ride on the BAe 146 was Auckland to Christchurch labled as the ANSETT Whisper Jet

Mr!

 

[file51]

I must admit I do like the aircraft though... I should have added a BAe 146 to my original list - my first ride on the BAe 146 was Auckland to Christchurch labled as the ANSETT Whisper Jet

Mr!

Aside from starting to gain a real appreciation of the A388 and A333 I too also used to love the BAE146.

There was nothing better than flying from Christchurch into Queenstown with the unobstructed view, only to wonder how close the aircraft would actually get to the Remarkables or other foothills on approach to the runway.

 

[Evan]

It is possible to be in both camps with this :!:

I am like you, they have some appeal as an interesting aircraft. They remind me of somebody trying to shrink a B52 style military yet for commercial use.

I noticed somebody said AN Whisper jet... i flew them as AN but i don't remember how load or quiet they were ?

 

[codash1099]

I'd go for the Lockheed Electra, though it has to be said that planes then were all more comfortable (if noisier) than today. That of course could have something to do with changing girth over the years. I thought back then that the DC6B and the Vickers Viscount were comfortable too,

 

[JohnK]

The B747 is an elegant, majestic aircraft and I fell in love with it since my first time back to Greece in 1990 in only my 5th ever flight. Many flights later and the B747 is still my favourite.

I also do not mind being on an A330 for the flights to SE Asia and prefer the B767s for domestic flights.

 

[NM]

I noticed somebody said AN Whisper jet... i flew them as AN but i don't remember how load or quiet they were ?

Well, compare with the 727 and DC9s, they certainly were whisper-like b

 

[Evan]

Well, compare with the 727 and DC9s, they certainly were whisper-like b

As i sai i don't remember but i am guessing and laughing at the fact i think anything is whisper like compared to a 727 (a DC9 i have never ever been on)

 

[munitalP]

As i sai i don't remember but i am guessing and laughing at the fact i think anything is whisper like compared to a 727 (a DC9 i have never ever been on)

From Google - search criteria "ansett whisper jet"

The Bae146 was originally a Hawker Siddeley project launched in 1973 to develop a feeder jet. The development was suspended in the mid-1970's, but the project was revived after Hawker Siddeley became part of British Aerospace. The short haul airliner first flew at Hatfield in September 1981. The aircraft entered service (with Dan Air) in 1983. The four engine design is unusual for an aircraft in this role, but the relatively quiet operation of the ALF502R-5 turbofans has led to the aircraft being known as the 'WhisperJet'

Mr!

 

[codash1099]

As i sai i don't remember but i am guessing and laughing at the fact i think anything is whisper like compared to a 727 (a DC9 i have never ever been on)

Seat 1A on an Ansett 727 could be pretty quiet. Sitting in the back row window seat of a DC9 was about the loudest I have experienced.