ORBIS Plane at LGA

[emshighway]

On May 7, 8 and 9, ORBIS International, a humanitarian organization that operates a fully-equipped, state-of-the-art eye hospital installed inside an airplane, will be conducting a fund raising event at LaGuardia Airport. During this event, the ORBIS aircraft will be parked on the AOA near the Marine Air Terminal and prospective donors will be escorted to the aircraft for a lecture and tour.

[T-Bird76]

Would this be their L1011?

[Derf]

DC-10

[T-Bird76]

Looks like they are offering tours.

http://www.orbis.org/Default.aspx?cid=4826-8029-8163

And yes it's a DC10.

[Matt Molnar]

Neato, I just RSVP'd for May 9th.

[PhilDernerJr]

This is huge, no pun. First 3-engine widebody at LGA in how many years?

[moose135]

Cool! I just signed up for Friday morning.

[Derf]

Thursday!!! I am there!!!!! :borat:

Good work TOMMY, Your the man!!!!!

[emshighway]

Thursday!!! I am there!!!!! :borat:

Good work TOMMY, Your the man!!!!!

What am I, chopmeat???? :(

Remember you need to pass security :roll:

[cancidas]

where is Mario? this is his field afterall. i'll meet you guys on the ramp....

[mirrodie]

Just finished with my last patient and yes, I wanted to thank EMS before I saw his meat comment. I've been meaning to contact Orbis for a future mission but it would be my third and it may be something to do in the future.

Orbis is a great organization. One of my colleagues and fellow residents just flew with them to a province in China and he raved about it.

My wife and I have done similar 'missions' to Torreon Mexico, where we examined and treated a few hundred patients a day. The partner in our practice just did a similar mission in Nicaragua.
I did it twice but with a different eye organization. It's one of the best experiences ever, like a working vacation.

I'm trying to go on either the Saturday afternoon or the Sunday.

[flyboy 28]

Any idea of what time it'll be arriving on the 7th?

[Derf]

sorry, sir.... do disrespect intended. Thank you :D

[Delta777LR]

im gonna catch this plane for sure!!!!

[AirtrafficController]

Great oppurtunity! I reserved my spot for Friday.

[mirrodie]

BTW did Orbis ever use an L-1011?

[moose135]

BTW did Orbis ever use an L-1011?
Apparently not - I thought they did, but it looks like they had a DC-8, and replaced it with the DC-10. I think what confused me is that there is (was?) an L-1011 Flying Hospital:
http://l1011.homestead.com/flyinghosp.html

[PhilDernerJr]

You folks are confusing this with the "Orbital" L-1011 stationed in Mohave, which is not related to any eye hospital.

0151073

[Derf]

Actually Moose was right, people are always confusing that with the L-1011 flying Hospital.

Here is a shot I got of the flying hospital in Tucson
http://fromtheflightdeck.com/Stories/FMTucsonAZ/P7060206.JPG


the one that will be at LGA is a DC-10 flying eye hospital. I did see an HDTV 1 hour show on it, it was amazing what they do! :borat:

[flyboy 28]

I did see an HDTV 1 hour show on it, it was amazing what they do! :borat:



I saw that one too. Really a great show.

[PhilDernerJr]

Friday at 11am for me. Anyone with me in that one?

[mirrodie]

Just got my RSVP, Sat at 1700 but coincidentally, when I RSVPed, I mentioned my colleague and it turns out he and I are going at the same time.

So if anyone has any interest in talking to someone who is NOT a part of Orbis but did perform surgeries on their plane, he's a good guy to talk to.

EMS, do we finally get to meet? Can you also arrange for Vangelis' Chariots of Fire to be playing when we meet ? :mrgreen: :mrgreen: ?

[AirtrafficController]

I have Friday at 11AM for the tour.

[T-Bird76]

Just got my RSVP, Sat at 1700 but coincidentally, when I RSVPed, I mentioned my colleague and it turns out he and I are going at the same time.

So if anyone has any interest in talking to someone who is NOT a part of Orbis but did perform surgeries on their plane, he's a good guy to talk to.

EMS, do we finally get to meet? Can you also arrange for Vangelis' Chariots of Fire to be playing when we meet ? :mrgreen: :mrgreen: ?

I think you're going to get pulled to side for special screening. "Sir we need to wand you."

[Delta777LR]

im interested in going to the tour mostl likely friday in the morning, but what im wondering is do I need speacial access to get in or do I have to pay or what.

[T-Bird76]

im interested in going to the tour mostl likely friday in the morning, but what im wondering is do I need speacial access to get in or do I have to pay or what.

Serigo did you read the link? If so you would have seen how to sign up. The deadline was April 30th. You may want to try, I don't know how strict they are with the deadline.

[Delta777LR]

Looks like they are offering tours.

http://www.orbis.org/Default.aspx?cid=4826-8029-8163

And yes it's a DC10.

Tommy thanks for that link, I filled out the form im not sure when ill know whats happening but thanks

[moose135]

I'll be there Friday at 10am, looks like I may bump into you on the way out, Phil.

[Delta777LR]

ok, i made the call and got lucky, im in for 10AM next friday. Hope to see you guys there.

[emshighway]

Just got my RSVP, Sat at 1700 but coincidentally, when I RSVPed, I mentioned my colleague and it turns out he and I are going at the same time.

So if anyone has any interest in talking to someone who is NOT a part of Orbis but did perform surgeries on their plane, he's a good guy to talk to.

EMS, do we finally get to meet? Can you also arrange for Vangelis' Chariots of Fire to be playing when we meet ? :mrgreen: :mrgreen: ?

I think you're going to get pulled to side for special screening. "Sir we need to wand you."

A mask, wand and the special gloves :borat:

I'll probably be passing by Thursday afternoon or Friday morning. I'll put the song on my iPhone.

[PhilDernerJr]

Last time I got wanded I couldn't sit for a week. OH!

[emshighway]

Just remember these tour are suppose to be for donors to their cause so look interested and rich. 8)

[Iberia A340-600]

I managed to get a 3pm tour on Saturday.

Can't wait!

[Gerard]

Just remember these tour are suppose to be for donors to their cause so look interested and rich. 8)

Just wondering, as this is supposed to be a tour for "Donors" as EMS stated, are you guys preparing to donate or just using this
as a chance to check out the aircraft?
Or both?
Just wondering.

[Derf]

I will put a section up on my website with info on the cause and also donation information. It will talk about how donating will give you a tax right off at the end of the year and in most cases, it will be returned with your tax check. My site does get quite a bit of volume and there is a section on Aviation.

I did post links to my site and on the email request and explained. The contact Adam has been informed and has worked with me on a scheduling issue. I gave him an out 2 times, HE tried very hard to get me there.....and I am very grateful.

I wish I had 2 nickels to rub together right now, But Yes, I would love to see this aircraft, and Yes I will push for donations, even if I can not pull cash out of my pocket, I can help educate.

[Gerard]

>I wish I had 2 nickels to rub together right now, But Yes, I would love to see this aircraft, and Yes I will push for donations, even if I can not pull cash out of my pocket, I can help educate.[/quote]<

Thanks Fred. Was just thinking that they might get upset with everyone coming just to check the plane out but like you said you gave the guy an OUT twice and he had no problem with it.

[emshighway]

Thanks Fred. Was just thinking that they might get upset with everyone coming just to check the plane out but like you said you gave the guy an OUT twice and he had no problem with it.

Don't worry, I heard they may have around 500 people scheduled for tomorrow. So I would guess they expect some aircraft enthusiasts to show up.

[heeshung]

I cut it right down to the deadline.

Managed Saturday 3PM.

[PhilDernerJr]

Thanks Fred. Was just thinking that they might get upset with everyone coming just to check the plane out but like you said you gave the guy an OUT twice and he had no problem with it.

Don't worry, I heard they may have around 500 people scheduled for tomorrow. So I would guess they expect some aircraft enthusiasts to show up.

You said tomorrow yesterday, so are you saying the plane is arriving today and that 500 people are meeting the arrival?

[emshighway]

Thanks Fred. Was just thinking that they might get upset with everyone coming just to check the plane out but like you said you gave the guy an OUT twice and he had no problem with it.

Don't worry, I heard they may have around 500 people scheduled for tomorrow. So I would guess they expect some aircraft enthusiasts to show up.

You said tomorrow yesterday, so are you saying the plane is arriving today and that 500 people are meeting the arrival?

The plane is in and 500 expected tomorrow (Thursday)

[MarkLawrence]

Any pictures of the arrival?

[PhilDernerJr]

If there are no pics, I'm going to be very upset.

I hope no one who might have known about the arrival didn't keep a secret from others. :roll:

[emshighway]

If there are no pics, I'm going to be very upset.

I hope no one who might have known about the arrival didn't keep a secret from others. :roll:

Was too busy to find out. If anyone was around they would have seen a significant increase in PAPD and FAM presense. There was a non verified multiple threat on the airport at the same time the plane came in.

[LGA777]

If there are no pics, I'm going to be very upset.

I hope no one who might have known about the arrival didn't keep a secret from others. :roll:

Phil, I was off the last two days and home doing the daddy day care thing (AND LOVING IT). I somehowe thought it's arrival was Thursday but forgot to ask the Port if they knew when it would arrive when I was still at work on Monday, sorry. I assure you if I had I would have posted info here.

LGA777

[PhilDernerJr]

Man, you guys get defensive! ;) haha. Didn't mean to imply you guys if I sounded like that. Just hopin someone caught it. :)

[Delta777LR]

Man, you guys get defensive! ;) haha. Didn't mean to imply you guys if I sounded like that. Just hopin someone caught it. :)

If I would have known it was coming in today I would have been the first to get it, the 22s were in use, and the chances are, I would have got it from soundview :( . But ill be at the tour for it on Friday.

[PhilDernerJr]

Very cool looking across the water and seeing a big 10 sitting there. :)

[LGA777]

Very cool looking across the water and seeing a big 10 sitting there. :)

Phil, I agree, we have a similar view from our Ramp Tower/office. For those interested the 10 is parked at Echo, where the last couple of kids days have been. Probably only way to see it by car would be limited to those who have access to the employee parking lot. A blocked and very restricted view can be had from Planeview but the view is so poor not worth a special trip out their.

For those touring the aircraft it looks like the same mini ramp tour by bus like at the last 3 or so kids days will be included to get to the aircraft.

Regards

LGA777

[emshighway]

The plane is viewable from planeview park. It is to the right of the new ARFF being built next to Trump's plane.

[T-Bird76]

PICTURES PLEASE!!!!! WHERE ARE THE DAMN PICTURES! ;)

[Delta777LR]

ill be taking pictures tomorrow.. count me in on that

[emshighway]

http://www.orbis.org/data/2/rec_imgs/10121_Homepage_FEH.jpg

[T-Bird76]

http://www.orbis.org/data/2/rec_imgs/10121_Homepage_FEH.jpg

That's not LGA...... :evil:

[flyboy 28]

At least they got the rain right. :)

[LGA777]

Here is a little history of LGA's visiting DC-10, the second off the line in 1970.

http://www.taxiways.de/DC-10/46501_002.html

http://www.planespotters.net/Production ... -Orbis.php (http://www.planespotters.net/Production_List/McDonnell-Douglas/DC-10/46501,N220AU-Project-Orbis.php)

Even though many DC-10's visted LGA in the 70's, and to a lessor extent the 80's and 90's based on it's operators this is likely this 10's first visit to LGA.

Cheers

LGA777

[mirrodie]

I know of one pic taken prior to ladning at LGA, but I am asking hte permission ofthe author to post it.

[LGA777]

Nice article about Captain Jim Bevier, one of Orbis's volunteer pilots, nice read.

http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspirin ... 10717.html (http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/best-of-america-he-delivers-to-the-blind/article110717.html)


LGA777

[mirrodie]

Phil should have a photo headed his way soon.
M

[PhilDernerJr]

And here it is on approach to LGA, the watermark gives away the shoooter. :)

http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/Orbis%20DC10%20N220AU%20landing%20LGA%20Wed%205-6-09%206%20CR.jpg

This once in a lifetime event was missed by ME this morning. I was unable to make the tour. :(

However, I am sure others will have photos to post from the day anytime now. :)

[emshighway]

http://www.orbis.org/data/2/rec_imgs/10121_Homepage_FEH.jpg

That's not LGA...... :evil:

You asked for pictures... :roll:

[emshighway]

Nice article about Captain Jim Bevier, one of Orbis's volunteer pilots, nice read.

http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspirin ... 10717.html (http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/best-of-america-he-delivers-to-the-blind/article110717.html)


LGA777

I met him yesterday at their in-brief before the tours. All very nice people doing God's work. I didn't get a chance to get in the plane myself due to back to back meetings but am glad I could get you guys/girls the heads up.

[MarkLawrence]

What a sweet approach picture - that really is stunning!

[AirtrafficController]

Well it was an amazing tour by Orbis. Thanks a lot to Brooke, our tour guide, for an amazing presentation and hospitality. It was also nice to see Sergio, Fred, Moose, Ed, Senga, and Art. Orbis is truly a wonderful organization giving the gift of sight to people in poverty.
Here are some quick edits:

The recovery room
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u317/AirtrafficController/021acopy.jpg
Flightdeck:
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u317/AirtrafficController/001acopy.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u317/AirtrafficController/036ajpgcopy.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u317/AirtrafficController/041acopy.jpg
More photos to come from the other guys!

[SengaB]

Heres a few more shots. Its to bad If I knew we were not going to be allowed to shoot externally I would have gone out Wednesday to get the arrival.
Thank you Brook for helping us get great tour of the DC-10- you were great. Also it was nice seeing the usual faces and meeting the new ones Sergio, Ed, and airtraficontroller.
http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/orbisxxx.jpg

http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/orbis02.jpg

http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/orbis09.jpg

http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/orbis10.jpg

http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/orbis11.jpg

http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/orbis07.jpg

http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/orbis04.jpg

http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/orbis12.jpg

Senga

[Matt Molnar]

Heres a few more shots. Its to bad If I knew we were not going to be allowed to shoot externally I would have gone out Wednesday to get the arrival.
They said you're not allowed to shoot outside the plane?

[AirtrafficController]

Heres a few more shots. Its to bad If I knew we were not going to be allowed to shoot externally I would have gone out Wednesday to get the arrival.
They said you're not allowed to shoot outside the plane?

Correct. They said the Port Authority wouldn't allow it.

[Matt Molnar]

That's really disturbing. I don't think I'm going to bother going.

[LGA777]

Really nice first round of shots guys. While I assumed you would have cockpit access I was not positive as these tours where lets face it not geared for us, and those that where they I assume wanted them to see the Medical mission parts of the aircraft.

The 10 has a unique cockpit and you both did a great job of capturing it. Somewhere I have a shot of me when I was 12 in the Captain's seat of a NAL DC-10 at TPA, that plane was so state of the art back then.

While this is very irresponsible of me does anyone else think it would be fun to make a takeoff in one of those little chairs in Airtraffic Contollers first shot? Sound like an idea for a future editon of MTV's "Jackass".

The olde girl looks pretty good inside for 38 years olde.

Looking forward to more pics and info from the tours.

LGA777

[emshighway]

Correct. They said the Port Authority wouldn't allow it.

No reason for that. They were told no straying away from the aircraft.

[moose135]

While I assumed you would have cockpit access I was not positive as these tours where lets face it not geared for us, and those that where they I assume wanted them to see the Medical mission parts of the aircraft.
When Brooke (our guide) realized that me, Fred, Sergio, Luke, Art , Senga, etc., etc. had all shown up to see/photograph the airplane, she broke us out from the main tour, and took us to areas that weren't being displayed so we could shoot without a crowd. We did get to hear about their medical mission and the equipment, but she was amazingly accommodating to us!

[AAGold]

It was nice getting to see you guys again this afternoon. Seems like it's been a long time since we have gotten together to enjoy a rare aircraft. While there were some disappointments in that we were restricted from shooting outside the plane, it was still nice. I logged a lot of miles on DC-10-10s back in the 70's and 80's, and it's been a long time since I was on one of them. And to be on this one, the #2 airplane was nice. Here's a few that I took. Enjoy ...

http://www.photovation.net/Uploads/Orbis/ORBIS_DC-10-10_N_LGA_20090508_X0263.jpg
You gotta love the pillow ... especially if you are a child.

http://www.photovation.net/Uploads/Orbis/ORBIS_DC-10-10_N_LGA_20090508_X0265.jpg
This is a large prep room in the rear of the aircraft.

http://www.photovation.net/Uploads/Orbis/ORBIS_DC-10-10_N_LGA_20090508_X0269.jpg
The operating room.

http://www.photovation.net/Uploads/Orbis/ORBIS_DC-10-10_N_LGA_20090508_X0287.jpg
The crew seating area just behind the cockpit.

http://www.photovation.net/Uploads/Orbis/ORBIS_DC-10-10_N_LGA_20090508_X0279.jpg
My favorite shot .. the hallway leading from the front to the rear of the aircraft. Barely large enough for two people to pass.

http://www.photovation.net/Uploads/Orbis/ORBIS_DC-10-10_N_LGA_20090508_X0299.jpg
One of the most interesting things about the plane ... #2 off the assembly line, used for testing and delivered Jan. 26, 1971 ... 38 years ago!

She won't be around much longer as she is scheduled to be replaced by an MD-11. So if you get the chance to visit her it's well worth it (even with the limitations).

Art

[Delta777LR]

Nice shots you guys, I gotta upload mine later, I guess Senga cuaght the plane from plainview too, It was pretty sad that we could not get shots of the plane up close but what can we do, but Brooke our guide tour was very fantastic.

[MarkLawrence]

Great shots guys!!! That is so interesting to see the inside like that! I wish it would come to Florida for a tour!

[LGA777]

Did anyone that was their today find out when the DC-10 is departing LGA?

Thanks

LGA777

[LGA777]

Great shots guys!!! That is so interesting to see the inside like that! I wish it would come to Florida for a tour!

Mark, perhaps you move to the West Palm Beach area a year or two to late?

0519916

Note the date.

LGA777

[MarkLawrence]

Danr Ron - you are right - I got here a little after that!

[markg]

OK, I keep hearing how great Brooke was, but where's the pictures of Brooke??? :wink:

[mirrodie]

NIce shots.

NIce to see some of our older equipment being out to good use. A lot of those slit lamps are very old but seem in great condition. Some good Zeiss and Alcon equipment onboard and I suspect Alcon donates the intraocular lenses and meds for surgeries.

WHile the medical aspect is home to me, did they go into any detail about it? Did anyone find the non-aviation parts interesting?

[moose135]

Mario, we definitely got the "lite" version of the mission/equipment tour, but I found it fascinating. Interesting stuff, and some great work that they do!


OK, I keep hearing how great Brooke was, but where's the pictures of Brooke??? :wink:
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/531734026_TFcoF-M-2.jpg

[FlyingColors]

In a word, WOW!
DC-10-10 at LAG, good times!

[markg]

Thanks Moose!

Not quite what I would expect someone called Brooke to look like, but not bad!

[mirrodie]

Well I took the last tour with my son and the other doctor who toured with Orbis in China.

The Port authority guys were just complete tools and IMHO scared the bejesus out of hte Orbis folks.

I took a few underarm shots of the bird but nothing spectacular.
The bird is going to be in LGA for the week. Next stop is Syria.

It'd be a perfect success if it were not for the oppressive camera regulations.

[heeshung]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3582/3517463604_5a8b8bf899.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3582/3517463604_405bd13635_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3308/3517463982_408acd7485.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3308/3517463982_0756fe7ff6_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3309/3516651929_dd54a263b9.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3309/3516651929_d037dd31f4_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3664/3516652281_3aef2c311c.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3664/3516652281_2095f46f8f_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/3516652533_cc0652d22d.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/3516652533_289e47bd9e_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3611/3517465308_34224bb97d.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3611/3517465308_69260964c9_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/3517465600_5798335aea.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/3517465600_1c921aa697_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3517465998_147e01b48f.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3517465998_f91b9e26e5_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3658/3516653915_01defd4095.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3658/3516653915_0f16e86eb8_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3306/3516654393_708728b4d8.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3306/3516654393_1d36fc487d_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3604/3517467454_e7dfabe8db.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3604/3517467454_4453376d4b_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3365/3517467732_4bc7147c8d.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3365/3517467732_d345e51442_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3516655487_e7108b8c1d.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3516655487_363c302cba_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3353/3516655763_380e126f91.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3353/3516655763_2f53b41cde_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3517468510_97c36c553b.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3517468510_5bbc8ae972_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3332/3516656379_6637b8989f.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3332/3516656379_e862c12798_o.jpg)

[emshighway]

The Port authority guys were just complete tools and IMHO scared the bejesus out of hte Orbis folks.

It'd be a perfect success if it were not for the oppressive camera regulations.

I'm surprised the were PANYNJ people even there. Every time I went by it was just Aviation Safeguards who were told no wandering. There are no oppressive camera regulations. I even told them there were going to be camera enthusiasts who would show up and you know what you can and cannot do better than most of the PANYNJ people.

Understand though they were set up for a lot of tours and Orbis' focus was to show the inside of the plane to as many people as possible.

[moose135]

There are no oppressive camera regulations...
It clearly wasn't the ORBIS folks who kept us from shooting. Our guide was quite specific - Port told them absolutely no photos out on the ramp - not of their aircraft, not of other aircraft, nothing. She even warned us not to get close to a window and shoot outside, as Port would get on them for that. They wanted to bring a news crew out to film the aircraft, to get some additional publicity, and again, Port told them no. They were allowed one "volunteer photographer" per day, who could shoot inside the aircraft only, to provide them with images of the event. As several of us have said, she was extremely accommodating to us, letting us shoot anything we wanted inside, even taking us through the aircraft in the reverse direction of the main group so we could shoot without dodging the crowd.

It was made clear to us that Port was the reason behind the photo restrictions. And no, it wasn't because of Wednesday's incident - I had been told a week prior when I reserved my spot that Port wasn't going allow outside photography.

[Iberia A340-600]

It was made clear to us that Port was the reason behind the photo restrictions. And no, it wasn't because of Wednesday's incident - I had been told a week prior when I reserved my spot that Port wasn't going allow outside photography.

Which is pretty ridiculous considering Kid's Day takes place on the same ramp.

Like others, I enjoyed the tour very much and had plenty of opportunities to photograph onboard the aircraft. The only damper was the unnecessary security surrounding the whole thing.

The plane will be replaced in two years by an MD-10, not an MD-11 as previously stated.

[G-BOAD]

It was great to get a tour of this amazing aircraft, something which I never would have imagined doing. Thanks to EmsHighway and and Tommy for informing about the plane and tours. I really never thought I would see a DC-10 at LGA. The Orbis people were super friendly and let me photograph everything, but the Port yelled every time someone pulled out a camera. I wonder why they were so strict when we could take all the photos we wanted during Kids Day at the same location?
The Orbis crew told me their replacement aircraft will be a MD-10-30, which will be more fuel efficient and have a more modern cockpit then their current aircraft. The plane will stay at LGA until Wednesday, then it will leave for Syria.
Some shots:
The plan for their next aircraft. They said they will fit it with all the modern technology, such as much more compact water filtration systems that will allow for a lot more usable space.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l233/mateu21/LGAOrbis071.jpg
the classroom:
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l233/mateu21/LGAOrbis047.jpg
Audio/ Visual room. They have cameras positioned all over the aircraft.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l233/mateu21/LGAOrbis014.jpg
the hallway
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l233/mateu21/LGAOrbis051.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l233/mateu21/LGAOrbis050.jpg

[emshighway]

There are no oppressive camera regulations...
It clearly wasn't the ORBIS folks who kept us from shooting. Our guide was quite specific - Port told them absolutely no photos out on the ramp - not of their aircraft, not of other aircraft, nothing. She even warned us not to get close to a window and shoot outside, as Port would get on them for that. They wanted to bring a news crew out to film the aircraft, to get some additional publicity, and again, Port told them no. They were allowed one "volunteer photographer" per day, who could shoot inside the aircraft only, to provide them with images of the event. As several of us have said, she was extremely accommodating to us, letting us shoot anything we wanted inside, even taking us through the aircraft in the reverse direction of the main group so we could shoot without dodging the crowd.

It was made clear to us that Port was the reason behind the photo restrictions. And no, it wasn't because of Wednesday's incident - I had been told a week prior when I reserved my spot that Port wasn't going allow outside photography.

It didn't come from us and I hadn't heard the PANYNJ say anything like this. No reason for it. The Airport Manager was very accommodating. Must have been PAPD.

[T-Bird76]

The real shame about no cameras was Port's short sightedness when it came to a camera crew. NYC is the biggest media market in the world and this would have been great coverage for their cause. Port and LGA's airport manager Warren Koeppel really should have stepped up and allowed the press in. Shame on Port and LGA management.

[Iberia A340-600]

Forgot to add my shots:

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k170/swfshots/n220aucockpit.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k170/swfshots/n220auinterior.jpg

[mirrodie]

Understand though they were set up for a lot of tours and Orbis' focus was to show the inside of the plane to as many people as possible.

Actually in speaking with some of the reps, the Orbis aircraft is the flagship for the entire program. Realize that much of the surgery provided is also in local area hospitals where they are flying. But the aircraft itself is the most visible advertising. If you look at the interior shots, all you are seeing is a hospital without realizing its on a plane. So in some sense its a failure.



Which is pretty ridiculous considering Kid's Day takes place on the same ramp.


Yep, I had that same thought. One of the aviation d-bags said there was no photos allowed on airport property, at which point I was going to ask then about kids day, but I didnt want to make him look like a complete ass.

At kids day, there is no PR and its a field day. But here, where Orbis needs and wants to get the word out, they were all about no photos. And let it be said again, the Orbis people were scared by it. At kids Day, all you need is one high school sprinter with an idea and he can bolt across the runway.

Toward the end of the tour, I was standing in the doorway of the plane, one foot on the airstairs and one foot inside the aircraft. The sun was peaking and I was working a shot of the rudder looking skyward. I was technically half inside the plane and the Orbis folks were freaking. Not because they cared but b/c they were under scrutiny by the PA.

On the way back, the bus was full of Orbis folks who came back with us as this was the last tour. Most of them were 20-30 somethings. We were chatting and they were all pissed that no pics could be taken from the outside.

Sad really.


The real shame about no cameras was Port's short sightedness when it came to a camera crew. NYC is the biggest media market in the world and this would have been great coverage for their cause. Port and LGA's airport manager Warren Koeppel really should have stepped up and allowed the press in. Shame on Port and LGA management.

A total shame. Someone should alert them to this thread.

[mirrodie]

BTW, I doubt I'll be posting an pics, but does anyone have any questions about the equipment that you've taken photos of?

A thread about the Orbis plane is shallow until you get into the real PURPOSE of the planes very existence.
Someone emailed me a question about the plane and its purpose, such as how most blindness is preventable, and what are the biggest causes of blindness. Also, no surgery is done in flight. That would be a COMPLETE DISASTER!

The Orbis plane is here for a reason and that is AWARENESS. The PA at LGA failed in their part of meeting that goal.

I would love to help with any questions.

[cancidas]

...all you are seeing is a hospital without realizing its on a plane. So in some sense its a failure.

i don't think it's a failure. you need a sterile environment for any surgery. the fact that they can take that hospital to any place on the planet is a massive sucess.

[mirrodie]

Sure it is.

Its a PR failure in some regards.

Tell me this Matt:

-Why this crazy crackdown on no photos outside the plane? The plane is a symbol of what the company does and LGA quashed the symbol. The Orbis a/c is analagous to Nike's Swoosh. Covering Nike's swoosh at a PR event is ridiculous.

-Why the crazy crackdown when Kids Day is a photo haven?

It does not seem to make any sense whatsoever. No justification.

[Derf]

I want to make one thing perfectly clear, There must have been a reason as everyone knows what goes on there during kids day and how nice they are to us. If there was something going on that they were looking out for, they would not want to tell us for good reason. I was upset as many of you are too, but after thinking about it for some time....there would be a reason. I also was told the First lady was around that time, and I can not even imagine what I do not know.

Seriously.... you want to know when your not in the know, and when you are in the know, you do not want others to know or find out and understand why.

One of those cases where we will not know and should be happy....I HOPE never to hear why. They were crazy about security, I do not think it was just typical Post 9/11....do you?

[Derf]

Wow, that sounds cryptic.... I seriously do not know what was up, but it was NOT NORMAL :!:

[Matt Molnar]

I also was told the First lady was around that time, and I can not even imagine what I do not know.
I believe she left on Wednesday.

[mirrodie]

Wow, that sounds cryptic....


what was? my post or yours? :wink:

[Derf]

Wow, that sounds cryptic....


what was? my post or yours? :wink:

My post...when re-reading it, it sounded like doubletalk

[mirrodie]

Well, cryptic is also the security gestapo this weekend!

[cancidas]

-Why this crazy crackdown on no photos outside the plane? The plane is a symbol of what the company does and LGA quashed the symbol. The Orbis a/c is analagous to Nike's Swoosh. Covering Nike's swoosh at a PR event is ridiculous.

-Why the crazy crackdown when Kids Day is a photo haven?
well i don't know who made the decision as to not allowing photography, so i really can't speak to that. i don't agree with the rule either but arguing about it now isn't going to help matters. it surely impeded what ORBIS wanted to do though.

it could be because they don't want folks roaming wildly around the ramp area. was there any security out there around the airplane? don't forget that while the airplane was parked there the ramp and taxiway DD were still active. while standing in the parking lot i saw several a/c taxi past the airplane on thier way to 13. that ramp is also used for transient GA a/c parking. i doubt the PA wanted to shut down the ramp and DD just to facilitate ORBIS' tours.

as far as kids day goes, that is an event that is meant to be a family-oriented gathering. the entire ramp is devoted to kids running around and the area is literally saturated with PA employees that can aid in keeping an eye on the rugrats and making sure they don't walk all over the place. also, taxiway DD is shut down to a/c traffic.

[emshighway]

The real shame about no cameras was Port's short sightedness when it came to a camera crew. NYC is the biggest media market in the world and this would have been great coverage for their cause. Port and LGA's airport manager Warren Koeppel really should have stepped up and allowed the press in. Shame on Port and LGA management.

He probably didn't know someone was restricting this otherwise he would have stepped in. Like I said it was probably PAPD. They think they answer to no one.

[mirrodie]

i don't think it's a failure. you need a sterile environment for any surgery. the fact that they can take that hospital to any place on the planet is a massive sucess.



well i don't know who made the decision as to not allowing photography, so i really can't speak to that. i don't agree with the rule either but arguing about it now isn't going to help matters. it surely impeded what ORBIS wanted to do though.


Matt, I'm not arguing at all. But perhaps I misunderstood you altogether. You don't think their PR was a failure but yet you feel it surely impeded that ORBIS wanted to do.

I think we're saying the same thing.

EMS, I think you are right. In a sense, it seems there was as dis-connect between the person who calls the shots and the enforcers.
C'est la vie.

[Matt Molnar]

You don't think their PR was a failure but yet you feel it surely impeded that ORBIS wanted to do.
I'm a little puzzled that there was no local news coverage of their visit. In that sense it was a failure, not sure whose though.

[cancidas]

I think we're saying the same thing.
we may just be, and i rather focus on the fact that what ORBIS is doing is having a much more positive impact than thier backwards PR experience at LGA.

[AAGold]

T-Bird76 wrote:
The real shame about no cameras was Port's short sightedness when it came to a camera crew. NYC is the biggest media market in the world and this would have been great coverage for their cause. Port and LGA's airport manager Warren Koeppel really should have stepped up and allowed the press in. Shame on Port and LGA management.


Someone please correct me if I am wrong, but ...

As we were sitting on the bus waiting to return to the terminal after the tour we observed two men and a young woman walking around the plane. Then the next thing I know she's sitting in the engine intake and one of the men is taking her picture. I maybe wrong, but I believe someone said the one gentleman was one of the airport managers. Well, I guess they do have their privileges. LOL

Art

[moose135]

You remembered that correctly, Art.

[mirrodie]

So if showed them my boobs, I might have been able to get an outside shot?


sorry but i could not resist

[LGA777]

I have not been at work for two days and was out of the NYC area all day today so does anyone know if the 10 departed? or is still their?

Thanks

LGA777

[emshighway]

Be lucky you got to go on the tour at all!!!! Stop whining.

[AA 777]

I have not been at work for two days and was out of the NYC area all day today so does anyone know if the 10 departed? or is still their?

Thanks

LGA777

Ron,

I flew out today to DFW and it was still there....hopefully its there till at least Saturday when I get back!

Matt

[DHG750R]

I have not been at work for two days and was out of the NYC area all day today so does anyone know if the 10 departed? or is still their?

Thanks

LGA777

Ron,

I flew out today to DFW and it was still there....hopefully its there till at least Saturday when I get back!

Matt

It departed yesterday ( Thurs ) late afternoon , probably around 4pm Off 13 and a maspeth climb. Not sure where it went, but It was headed to the Northeast , toward MERIT... I couldnt find it on flightaware

[SengaB]

It went to CYYR (Goose Bay, NL, Canada) as "Orbis1"

Senga

[DHG750R]

Cool, thanks Senga.
Goose bay sounds like a fuel stop..

Darrell

[LGA777]

On departure it was quite a modified Maspeth climb as it made a huge climbing right hand turn SE of LGA, it was at approx a 180 heading and when the turn ended I would estimate it was heading around 020-030 NNE and past right overhead the east end of LGA, really pretty turn. In addition to not being viewable on flightaware it was also not viewable on the industry version of passur we have at work.

Regards

LGA777

[emshighway]

It's next stop I believe is the Middle East.

[SengaB]

That is correct. Its going to Syria then 2 weeks later to Kenya.

Senga

[Matt Molnar]

I'm guessing they needed a fuel stop because they couldn't take off from LGA safely with the tanks topped off?

[moose135]

I'm guessing they needed a fuel stop because they couldn't take off from LGA safely with the tanks topped off?
Yeah, he must have been light going out - he took off real early.

[LGA777]

I'm guessing they needed a fuel stop because they couldn't take off from LGA safely with the tanks topped off?

While that is correct Gotham that aircraft is a DC-10-10 which was the domestic version of the DC-10, and while that exact same aircraft used to fly nonstop JFK-LGW during it's years with Laker, that was really pushing the range of the aircraft, and it could not make NYC to most of Europe, let alone the Middle East. I would imagine their was even a second fuel stop somewhere in Europe after Goose Bay.

I remember back when AA flew the DC-10-10 LGA-DFW they where often weight restricted with reduced payloads not because of LGA's short runways but because of a weight restriction on the Piers, or decks that extend out over the water on the last 2000 feet of 4-22 and 1000 feet on 13-31.

Regards

LGA777

[LGA777]

I'm guessing they needed a fuel stop because they couldn't take off from LGA safely with the tanks topped off?
Yeah, he must have been light going out - he took off real early.

Moose, when DC-10's where a daily sight at LGA they where normally airbourne in about 5000 feet, even when heavy, mainly due to the amount of power and thrust those three CF-6's produce.

Another factor on Thursday were the very favorable winds, at the time they took of the metar showed 18025G31, and as I was out on the roof it felt even stronger, I was holding on for dear life out their, that could of easily shortened their takeoff run by upto 1000 feet less runway.

BTW using the length markers on Runway 13 as a guide I would estimate they became airbourne after a takeoff roll of approx 4300-4400 feet, impressive.

Regards

LGA777

[DHG750R]

It probably stopped again in Prestwick or a little further inland , perhaps Hahn. I'll try and find out when i go back to work

[PhilDernerJr]

Guys. Seriously. Photos? We're dyin over here.