JFK - 10/15/10: Boeing Dreamlifter

**moose135** · 2010-10-15, 07:49 PM

Thanks to the heads up on the "Inbound" thread, I headed out to JFK to catch the Boeing Dreamlifter. First time I've seen it in person. I knew they were going to come in on 31 - the winds were 300 at 20+knots, but I wasn't sure if they would come left or right. Of course, my scanner was at home

I set up at Firestone, and was able to get LiveATC on the laptop, and heard Approach clear them for 31R, so I was all set. The sun poked through just enough to give me some reasonable light.

Etihad F-1 came in a little before the Dreamlifter, but it was a little too dark, and I didn't get a decent shot.

**eric8669** · 2010-10-15, 07:52 PM

Nice Catch! Great shots!

**gonzalu** · 2010-10-15, 07:55 PM

Wow superb catch... maybe I 'll get lucky and catch it while it leaves during the weekend... if it even moves while I try to get my first spotting session under my belt LOL

But man, that is one ugly airplane.. you would think Boeing could have thought about aesthetics as well as functionality... anyone know why it is here? I thought it was only used to ferry parts for the 787 Dreamliner...

**Zee71** · 2010-10-16, 12:09 AM

Nice catch...........does anyone know if the Dreamlifter is still here or did it depart already. Would like to catch this as well.

NLovis · 2010-10-16, 02:12 AM

WHAT!? I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR IT TO RETURN. DOE. To think i was at H-19 earlier in the day as well. DOEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

**adscram14** · 2010-10-16, 09:58 AM

Great catch Moose!

**gonzalu** · 2010-10-16, 10:21 AM

I am going to break the ice today... I will be heading out to JFK maybe around 12 today for my first spotting outing. Wish me luck, and if you see me, hold my hand LOL.

**Spunker** · 2010-10-16, 10:38 AM

Great grabs Moose

**Spunker** · 2010-10-16, 10:40 AM

Hi Mannt, I think it looks better than The Airbus Beluga

**gonzalu** · 2010-10-16, 10:44 AM

Actually, funny you say that, I think the beluga is nicer... smoother lines... The DreamLifter is like an afterthought... a bolt on for function more than a clean design... it just starts abruptly behind the cockpit etc. The Airbus seems to be well thought out with the cockpit being designed lower in the fuselage to accommodate the huge bulb...

I mean, these are really amazing departures from normal and to me, it is a miracle they fly at all. Anyone who has seen a C-5, 747, A380 or similar take off can;t help but wonder how the heck that monstrosity flies at all :-)