Phoenix Area (PHX/GYR) Dec 20 & 23: Cargo, Tankers, and a Retirement or Two
Hey Guys,
My Arizona adventure continued after Tucson. On our way up to Phoenix after hitting Pima Air and Space Museum, I noticed a pair of China Southern 777s were making their retirement flights into KGYR. While I got screwed by the first one who took the opposite runway of all other landing traffic, I bagged #2. Scary to think a 17 year old 777 is at roads' end.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7579/...f2612a02_b.jpgIMG_5361 by Nicholas Peterman, on Flickr
Then, after a few days of errands, I was invited to join the Arizona Aviation Photographers, AZAP, for a morning out at KPHX. What a blast we had! I stayed for about 4 hours, and here is some of the days' haul.
Love the new livery, and it looks great in the pre-sunrise dawn light
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7526/...54b57bfa_b.jpgIMG_5381_filtered by Nicholas Peterman, on Flickr
This yellow beast was a great treat!
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7552/...3ab07e83_b.jpgIMG_5435_filtered by Nicholas Peterman, on Flickr
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8656/...5e363402_b.jpgIMG_5439_filtered by Nicholas Peterman, on Flickr
Highlight of the day came early. I saw this big colorful tail taxiing and I knew it could only be one thing! I had wanted this jet since I saw photos of it a while back, and to get it less than 30 minutes into being back at PHX was fantastic. She received a water cannon salute upon landing, I can only assume it was a fini flight for a member of the crew.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7507/...d0ce3cde_b.jpgIMG_5458_filtered by Nicholas Peterman, on Flickr
While relocating to our next spotting location, I saw what could only be a US Airways 757 in the new AA livery. A bit of coordination with my fantastic driver made this shot possible through the open window of our moving truck
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8624/...e78a78ba_b.jpgIMG_5489_filtered by Nicholas Peterman, on Flickr
The tower at PHX is sharp looking for sure!
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7486/...a6ac9114_b.jpgIMG_5492_filtered by Nicholas Peterman, on Flickr
A slightly less decked-out tanker for you, Moose ;)
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7546/...17444a55_b.jpgIMG_5507_filtered by Nicholas Peterman, on Flickr
Delta 757 at sunrise, what a pair!
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7512/...155b98bb_b.jpgIMG_5521_filtered by Nicholas Peterman, on Flickr
Followed by an American cousin
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7471/...f7201822_b.jpgIMG_5544_filtered by Nicholas Peterman, on Flickr
I guess these scimitars are becoming more commonplace because I have seen a lot of them at LAX and PHX as of late
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7492/...8dd69a24_b.jpgIMG_5563_filtered by Nicholas Peterman, on Flickr
The first of 4 MD-11s doing Santa's bidding
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8624/...0270d9b1_b.jpgIMG_5601_filtered by Nicholas Peterman, on Flickr
This stunning white Scud belongs to Western Global, a new carrier who operates a trio of these beauties, and has been kicking around for UPS this holiday season.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7538/...676858db_b.jpgIMG_5647_filtered by Nicholas Peterman, on Flickr
Always nice to see the somewhat-utilitarian looking A300
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7527/...33392097_b.jpgIMG_5670_filtered by Nicholas Peterman, on Flickr
My favorite US Airways Retro jet, still hasn't been Americanized yet.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7465/...965ea5bb_b.jpgIMG_5697_filtered by Nicholas Peterman, on Flickr
End Part 1...
