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For once the Antarctic re-supply flight returned during the day I however, was at work ...

Picture snapped by Mrs Kremlin


Il-76TD, EW-78779, Trans Avia Export (ALCI, Antarctic Logistic Center International)
This aircraft had its first flight on the 30th September 1988, and was operational with the Russian Air Force from 24th March 1989, as CCCP-78779.

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Brent Best

Brent ...if you are quick you can catch this Convair of the Titan Helicopter Group when she returns. Just overflown Glencairn at low level. Then we can have a decent picture of it.
ZS- SKL

The two Kremlins are now all eyes & ears

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Brent Best

And we saw nothing

This unusual visitor just came in.


Austrian Airlines, Airbus A319-112, OE-LDA, "Austrian602"

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Brent Best

With the setting sun ... the last photographed ILS traveller for 2011 ...


Airbus A319-133(CJ), VT-VJM, "Kingfisher11"

Cheers

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Brent Best

So that's it? You are just quitting? Before the year is out? Walking away from supplying aviation starved junkies with much needed material? Shame on you!

Kingfisher eh - not a bad drop in my opinion. Wouldn't mind being spirited around the globe in their jet either :p

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A plan is simply a basis for change.

Hey don't interfere with the mans drinking time!

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The first thing you do when you find yourself in a hole is you stop digging!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gi ... 2681351417

The Book Worm: http://novelbooks.weebly.com/index.html

Amen to that Balerit ....


The grinch who attempted to steal New Year, ... is alive and well, has been located in the Noordhoek area.

Happy New Year Eugene

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Brent Best

Ever hear of Alchidextrism? The ability to click the shutter with one hand and drink with the other?

Aren't you a little old to be getting Dr Seuss books for Christmas?



Why? I won't be getting any younger, handsomer or richer. What's happy about that?

Mrs Kremlin was on the ball today & snapped this at 13:55.

Just your everyday RWY01 take-off shot ... except this is at 2500ft & 4.5 miles from the airport, with gear doors not retracted

She returned & made a safe landing back at the airport.


Emirates (EK773), Airbus A340-541, A6-ERA.

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Brent Best

Excellent catch Mrs Kremlin!

I was driving down Platekloof (sp?)... and noticed the A340 climbing out... the nose gear and main gear appeared to have been retracted, but I could still see something hanging out. I remarked as much to my dad (who flies A340s)... and he agreed it was strange.... then as we watched.. I saw that the gear had been extended again... to which my dad said 'must've had an issue with the retraction.. I'm sure they're just cycling the gear down and then up again'...

The Airbus then turned out and we lost sight of it...

But looking at the pic posted... it appears as though the centre main gear failed to retract (obviously).

Just spoke to my old man.. he reckons that the gear 'pins' may have been left in the centre gear. He also says that the gear doors closing is the last part of the retraction cycle... hence everything hanging open.

Thats an expensive 'ooopsie'!

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When in doubt, use a hammer. The bigger the doubt, the bigger the hammer.

Thanks for the explanation Portamus

I'm assuming that when the gear is re-cycled, all three main gears retract together, as the photo does show the center gear extended whilst the other two & nose gear are retracted ... also then assuming if one of the gear legs does not retract then all the doors remain open ..

If it was a locking pin not removed ....

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Brent Best