nicholas1125 0 Posted March 1, 2008 Report Share Posted March 1, 2008 Well the C-130 Martyn flew into Zaragoza I was told will take a week to fix. Knowing I couldn't wait that long, I went to inquire about a Air France 707 I saw in a hangar while I was waiting for my flight. I spoke to a mechanic there, Hector, his name was, and explained to him my problem and about the passing of the baton. I showed him the baton and told him I had to be in Nice right away. He seemed disinterested and refused to let me fly the 707. He told me it has been here since 1984, the same year he started work here. It flew in from Paris and made an emergency landing here on its way to Lisbon. Air France was supposed to send a crew to pick up the plane after Hector repaired it, but it was forgotten and Hector has cared for it since then. Reluctantly, he agreed to let me fly as long as he comes with me to make sure I don't harm the aircraft. This is us in the cockpit doing the pre-flight checks We delayed takeoff while Hector called his family to come along for the ride. They had never flown before. So while we waited I did another walk aorund. With everyone aboard (14 family members in all) we closed up and prepared for pushback. Waiting for clearance And off we go. She is light so we climb pretty quickly My view of the old instrument panel as the morning sun rises A beautiful day to fly There's Hector, telling me his entire life story as we reach FL250, and asking about the ATWC This is the view from where Hector's niece Angelina was sitting Over Barcelona Just past the Spanish coast The French coast Base leg to our destination Approach, fighting a heavy crosswind Managed to touchdown ok but... We started to skid as I applied the reversers Got her under control Turnoff to parking Following atc instructions to gate And we are here As Hectors family deboards, Hector and I say our goodbyes. He plans to part with his beloved plane here in Nice and let Air France decommision her. He gives her one final look with a tear in his eye as I head out to turn the baton over to Mutley. Hope you enjoyed this. As always, comments are welcomed and appreciated. Link to post Share on other sites
mutley 4,493 Posted March 1, 2008 Report Share Posted March 1, 2008 :good Bravo! just how we like them, welcome to the ATWC A cracking post, love the shots and the commentary, thank Hector for me, even for that dodgy landing! I'm over in Monaco at the moment, I've only just had word you were in town, so I will make my way over. Cheers Link to post Share on other sites
A320cap 0 Posted March 1, 2008 Report Share Posted March 1, 2008 WOW, your shots have improved a lot, Frank! Well done!! Link to post Share on other sites
allardjd 1,853 Posted March 1, 2008 Report Share Posted March 1, 2008 Very enjoyable. I love to see those old birds still cutting the mustard. Nice flight! (sorry, couldn't resist that) John Link to post Share on other sites
reef 3 Posted March 1, 2008 Report Share Posted March 1, 2008 A very enjoyable flight with a very different landing style Nice story to boot. Good Job! steve Link to post Share on other sites
hurricanemk1c 195 Posted March 1, 2008 Report Share Posted March 1, 2008 Yep, some very nice shots there. I assume that the 707 is Just Flights 707 Pro. So cool Kieran Link to post Share on other sites
ddavid 149 Posted March 1, 2008 Report Share Posted March 1, 2008 Thanks for that, Frank (?) - excellent leg - great shots and an innovative commentary (I think we have another story-teller, John!) Loved the A/C (my favourite) and the landing was spectacular - one for the record books! Welcome to the ATWC - a flying (sorry) start..... Cheers - Dai. Link to post Share on other sites
1mag1n3 0 Posted March 1, 2008 Report Share Posted March 1, 2008 Wow, really good leg, enjoyed it. The 707 is a really beautiful plane, and you really did do it justice here. Everyone shows off the pure style and quality of the a/c... Wonderful Link to post Share on other sites
nicholas1125 0 Posted March 1, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 1, 2008 Thank you guys for the awesome comments and the welcome to 'The Hangar"! Unfortunately, the bird is the CaptainSim 707 not Just flights...sorry. Really enjoyed doing this. Cant' wait for the next challenge! :!: :!: Frank (that is my name..Nicholas is my son) :-) Link to post Share on other sites
wisemanp 0 Posted March 1, 2008 Report Share Posted March 1, 2008 I'll follow up what the other guys have said; awesome post! I like the amount of dirt coming out of those old turbojets, you can tell she's been sat in Zaragoza for 24 years! Link to post Share on other sites
TapA321 0 Posted April 4, 2008 Report Share Posted April 4, 2008 Some lovely shots in that post, nicholas. I particularly liked the sea on the approach shot. Well done, looking forward to seeing more from you! Sorry this reply is late. I am replying to all the fantastic legs completed while I have been absent! Best Regards, George : Tap Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now