NOAA P-3 Orion Visits DAB (PIX)

[SengaB]

Today I went to Datona Beach (DAB) for the first time. I went to get some shots of the NOAA WP-3D Orion that arrived there at around 9am this morning.

I have been wanting to get shots of this aircraft for years and am glad that I finally had a chance. I was not aware that there was a tour going on until I turn in my scanner to NOAA to get an update on the fires in the area. When I arrived ar DAB I noticed that any kind of decent shot was plauged with humans gathering around the aicraft. In the long run a few min photoshoot turned into a 5 hour long wait for them to clear the "CRAP" from around the plane so I could get some clean shots.
Anyway heres the trip pix
Taxiing to runway 7L after the tour.






Nothing like getting rocked by a P-3!












A few others from the day:




Senga

[hiss srq]

My cousin flys the EP3E in the Navy. He is stationed in Misawa Japan. Those things are beasts. Sidenote they do not have Lavs on board beleive it or not.

[Tom_Turner]

Perfect Senga, just perfect...

Another great set for the collection.

Tom

[SengaB]

I didnt know that, Why no Bathrooms?
They are quite loud. It reminds me as to why I love Tuboprops so much.

Thanks Tom,
Yes its will make a great addition :)
Senga

[mirrodie]

Nice shots Senga! You go boy!

[SengaB]

:)
I'm so happy I finally got that one. I even got a NOAA WX Pen and 2 Pamflets describing basic operation of the aircraft :)

Senga

[hiss srq]

On the navy EP3E there is no room for a lav you do your business in a plastic bag and hang it in the sonar racks so it freezes up .

[SengaB]

Hmmmm,
Sounds like Fun.

[stuart schechter]

I love the shot with the hurricane logos and all of the operations this plane has been through. The P-3 is one beast!! Nice shots!

[LGA777]

What a great first trip to DAB Senga, I actually worked there for a few months in 1982 with DAB based National Florida, a short lived commuter operating two Metro II's. two Twin Otter's, and a Navajo.

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1043364/L/

Glad you had a successful first visit.

LGA777

[hiss srq]

Ahh the airline that only paired female pilots with female pilots.

[T-Bird76]

Great stuff Senga! i love the shot with the patches, I see she flew into Gloria in 1985, man do I remember that storm.

[SengaB]

Thanks guys,
I rememeber Hurricane Gloria. I was living in VA when we got some of it.
Senga

[wunaladreamin]

Great stuff!

[AA 777]

Senga,

You came to DAB and did not call me?? Next time you wonder over call! And answer your instant messages!!

-Matt