Concorde - A Different Look

[moose135]

We have all see the graceful photos of Concorde, soaring in flight, blasting away from JFK, but how about a different look at this beautiful old bird. I think I've mentioned here before that back when I was in college, I worked security at JFK, down at the Pan Am hangars. Often times I would be the patrol driver, and got to cruise around the area. One rainy Sunday, I saw this sight at Hangar 17:

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/141816024-L.jpg

Air France Concorde F-BTSD was in for an engine change. These were shot on February 22, 1981.

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/141815870-L.jpg

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/141815631-L.jpg

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/141816070-L.jpg

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/141816326-L.jpg

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/141816219-L.jpg

A few months later, June 6, 1981 to be exact, I'm out on patrol again, and see this, I think this was Hangar 14:

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/141815445-L.jpg

G-BOAB was in, also for an engine change.

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/141815554-L.jpg

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/141815343-L.jpg

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/141814516-L.jpg

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/141814622-L.jpg

They had a stairway set up to the wingtip, and one of their maintenance guys told me to go on up and take a look:

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/141814328-L.jpg

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/141815236-L.jpg

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/141814821-L.jpg

[PhilDernerJr]

Moose, I'm just speechless. So happy you documented these experiences Thanks for sharing!

[Winglets747]

Wow, what a treat. Engine changes, interior shots, and three different liveries. Thank you so much for sharing.

[MarkLawrence]

Now that is called reminiscing!! Good shots Moose!

[hiss srq]

WOW! Sometimes I almost forget that airplane existed. Thanks for sharing Mosse!

[mirrodie]

Moose, that is just awesome. I'm floored.


While I hate AF for destroying their the COncorde program, I have to say it was cool to see them keep the livery the same all this time.

But I LOVE that livery on BA. THat is GREAT. It's been ages since I last saw Alpha Bravo. Those interior photos were a trip as well as those perspective shots. THank you so much for sharing them. Love em!

Awesome and truly rare shots.




Sometimes I almost forget that airplane existed.

Shame shame on you.

[cancidas]

moose, great shots!! just curious, why would they bring airplanes to JFK for engine changes? wouldn't it be cheaper to do them at home in LHR or TLS?

[T-Bird76]

Moose outstanding! Simply outstanding!

[LGA777]

Moose, thanks for sharing with us, amazing photos. And Cancidas, as JFK was the primary destination of Concorde, I would imagine once in a blue moon an engine related mechanical failure would result in the need for an engine change, I have a strong feeling that bird was not designed for a three engine ferry across the pond, hence the JFK engine changes.

Cheers

LGA777

[mirrodie]

Ron has got it right.

Think about it, JFK was the THE airport that saw the MOST Concorde action. I've spoken with some JFK based Concorde engineers (who now work the 777). They say that the efficiency of Concorde dropped through the floor if one of the 4 engines was even a bit out of line.

Actually, maybe Art Brett can chime in. IIRC he was on a Concorde flight with an engine problem.

[cancidas]

Moose, thanks for sharing with us, amazing photos. And Cancidas, as JFK was the primary destination of Concorde, I would imagine once in a blue moon an engine related mechanical failure would result in the need for an engine change, I have a strong feeling that bird was not designed for a three engine ferry across the pond, hence the JFK engine changes.

Cheers

LGA777


enjoy it while it last ron, that was one of my rare public moments of stupidity...

[hiss srq]

Ha ha hah ahahaha

[Tom_Turner]

Yes, I could be wrong, but at one time I believe JFK had 4 concorde flights a day. 2 BA and 2 AF.

Air France didn't change their livery while they had the concorde, but I believe the "new" scheme was inaugarated with the concorde. (again, if I am right..thats the way it seemed to me).

Great shots Moose. So glad you saved these.

Tom

[FlyingColors]

Yes, I could be wrong, but at one time I believe JFK had 4 concorde flights a day. 2 BA and 2 AF.

Air France didn't change their livery while they had the concorde, but I believe the "new" scheme was inaugarated with the concorde. (again, if I am right..thats the way it seemed to me).

Great shots Moose. So glad you saved these.

Tom

AF Concorde did indeed have the old colors on her
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0032605/L/

[FlyingColors]

Wicked shots Moose, way to go!

I've looked them over 10 times now..

[uplander]

In the "Where are they now" category, that particular BA jet was supposed to have a permanent location at LHR. Anyone know if it's there?