VH-OJA to ALBION PARK - Discussion and Photo Thread

[Kurt A]

Sunday 8th March

Qantas will retire the VH-OJA - which flew non-stop from London to Sydney in 1989 - after almost 25 years of service and will gift it to the Historical Aviation Restoration Society (HARS) to preserve its place in aviation history.

Aircraft landing: 7.50am
Press conference: 8.30am

Illawarra Regional Airport (Albion Park, Rail, NSW)

Captain Greg Matthews, Senior Training Captain, 747
Captain Bob De La Hunty, President & Chief Pilot, HARS
Captain David Massy-Greene (the now retired Qantas Captain who operated the historic flight from London to Sydney in 1989)

The delivery schedule and timing is weather dependent and Albion Park Airport perimeter roads will be subject to closures on the day.

[Kent Broadhead]

I assume the plan is a runway 16 landing, with closures at the Princes/Illawarra Hwy intersection and Tongarra Rd at the other end?

[Rowan McKeever]

Does anyone know where it'll be parked? Having never been there, I'm guessing from a google map that the HARS facility is the one just northeast of the runways intersection? And that OJA will park along to the east of HARS?

[Nigel C]

The council website has the parking location in the council meetings section.

http://www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/filedata/pdf/20150209_BPExtraordinaryCouncilMeeting9February201 5web.pdf

[Kent Broadhead]

Yes, that is HARS. An old pic on Google.

[Kent Broadhead]

I assume that location won't impact future RPT possibilities (not that they seem likely...).

And does the cafe/restaurant still operate in the "terminal" building. I wonder if OJA will be a fillip for that lease?

[Rowan McKeever]

Thanks Nigel & Kent. So looks to be going next to the 'terminal' apron then?

As an aside, what's the largest aircraft that can be parked on the 'terminal' apron? Could a Dash 8 still be parked there like when QF was operating to Wollongong?

[Kent Broadhead]

As an aside, what's the largest aircraft that can be parked on the 'terminal' apron? Could a Dash 8 still be parked there like when QF was operating to Wollongong?

Q300 is the largest aircraft that has provided an RPT service. The mockup in the application doesn't appear to provide a lot of clearance, but surely that has been considered.

[Nigel C]

The terminal building burnt down in May 2013 and hasn't been re-built as far as I know. I believe Council is holding onto the funds in case they do decide to re-develop it.

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/1514946/aviator-goes-down-in-flames/

[Kent Broadhead]

Cheers Nigel. I haven't visited in a while and may have forgotten about the fire....

[Rowan McKeever]

Thanks gents :)

[Stephen Brown]

Something tells me it is going to be hard to get anywhere near the airport on the day.

[Nigel C]

There will be road closures, but if you have just a bit of local knowledge, or know someone that does, then there are places you can go. Getting in early will be the key.

[Kent Broadhead]

It'd be fun to be there, but I have to get through to Nowra that day. Won't be passing through until 10ish, so I may even take a punt that any snarls have cleared.

Otherwise, looks like my passengers might be going on a tour of Windang :)

[Tim B]

With the upcoming 747 arrival, and the recent arrival of a Mirage fighter jet, HARS could well take over the whole airport soon (not a bad thing).

[David C]

The arrival of the 747 is a great addition to the HARS collection . Many of my friends have indicated they will take their kids down there to see the 747 when it's open to the public , not having visited before , so it's a good thing ..

Dave C

[Dave H]

Respect for Capt Massy-Greene

[Grahame Hutchison]

At Avalon yesterday, I was talking to the HARS person responsible for organising the arrival of VH-OJA into Illawarra Regional, and he said Qantas are only permitted to have two pilots on board, no other passengers (25 ton of fuel). The aircraft will pull up at the far end of the runway, shutdown, and then a tug will push it backwards along the runway and into the main apron area and its final resting place. The aircraft will then be de-fuelled.

The concrete work for the parking hard points has been completed. He also mentioned that the Mount Ousley road will be closed the night before from 7pm Saturday to 5am Sunday, so traffic going down for the arrival will be affected.

[Greg Hyde]

From last nights Ch7 news:

https://au.news.yahoo.com/video/watch/26466244/the-queen-of-kangaroos-to-retire/

[Matt R]

http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2015/02/26/4187375.htm?WT.ac=infocus_illawarra

Qantas said the plane will leave from Sydney airport and fly south down the coast before turning west between Wollongong and Port Kembla and turn south at West Dapto before landing at Albion Park at 7:50am on Sunday March 8.

And to answer the question of the taxiways...

the taxi way isn't as good quality so we're putting some big plastic sheets under the wheels which spreads the load

One I found hard to believe:

Qantas would remove the cockpit voice recorder in case the pilots use some blue language on approach to the small regional Illawarra airport.

[Greg Hyde]

The Ch7 video shows crew training including approach (I Think?)

The CVR doesn't need to be removed as it can be disabled by a breaker. Can anyone confirm ?

[Ross Corrigan]

Qantas is holding a media briefing on the behind the scenes preparations regarding the flight of VH-OJA by Captain Mike Galvin, Head of Flying Operations, Qantas Airlines and Captain Greg Matthews, Captain in Command for the flight next Thursday 5 March at 11:00am. I managed to score myself an invite as during last week Qantas, via twitter, gave away 10 passes to the public to attend. I think they all went in about 5 minutes! Not sure how much of a run the briefing will get in the mainstream media but I will certainly try and report back after the event. Really looking forward to it. In the meantime I am trying to replicate the flight myself in Flight Sim with mixed results!

[Nigel C]

http://www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/default.aspx?WebPage=1766

Shellharbour Council briefing on road closures and where the public will be restricted from viewing the landing (Tongarra Road)

[Nigel C]

For those who are considering going to YWOL for the arrival, be advised that there are going to restrictions on where the public will be able to view the event from fencelines. The Illawarra Highway/Princes Highway intersection at the northern end will apparently be off limits, as will the Haywards Bay bridge near the Shell/Hungry Jacks and Tongarra Road at the southern end of Rwy 16/34.

One of the best viewing areas for seeing the arrival will most likely be the BMX track off Croom Road. I'd suggest getting there early as parking may be fairly limited and I'd expect a large crowd.

From the BMX track, the view to the north looks like this on a Canon EOS 7D (1.6X crop factor)...

100mm lens...
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x82/Kiska2/YWOL%20at%20100mm_zpsuwxdqsc5.jpg

200mm lens...
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x82/Kiska2/YWOL%20at%20200mm_zpsk4oqimhb.jpg

400mm lens...
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x82/Kiska2/YWOL%20at%20400mm_zpsvkv7xtjk.jpg


Looking at these images, I hope the Council gives the runway markings a lick of paint before Sunday!!!

[Rowan McKeever]

Thanks for all the updates Nigel!

Quick check on BoM website shows 19-26 degrees, mostly sunny, 20% chance of a shower and light winds becoming NNE 15-20kph during the day.

[Stephen Brown]

So there's no possibility of getting on the western side of the airport anywhere Nige?? I know the eastern side will be a bust.

[Nigel C]

Not sure Stephen. There's been no mention of Croome Lane being closed as yet, and from the landscape business there that backs on to the airport the view might be pretty good, although you'll be facing the sun.

From where the shots above were taken, the sun will be to the right and slightly behind you on the morning of the 8th, so the nose should be bathed in good light and at that time of day there'll hopefully be little to no heat haze.

Here's how the sunrise will look relative to the runway. By 0750 it should have moved approximately 6-7 degrees further north, so still be at ~90 degrees to the runway alignment.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x82/Kiska2/Sunrise%20080315_zps9onzky7j.jpg

[Nigel C]

From Croome Lane and the landscaping supply place, here's the relative position of the sun at sunrise. Again, allow for approx 6-7 degrees to the north for the suns position at 0750.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x82/Kiska2/Sunrise%20080315%202_zpsyajhdhhr.jpg

[Nigel C]

The airspace restrictions have been announced, and this includes an 8Nm radius around YWOL, SFC-4500 feet! This doesn't look good for the local airport operators who may have benefited from the arrival.

[Stephen Brown]

Geeez they are making it hard. Over blown over zealous over protective.

[Fred C]

The CVR's are removed on all retired aircraft. Not related to blue language.

[Greg Hyde]

thks Fred,

I would of expected that.

The may contain some proprietary & confidential (Intellectual property) info that could be used by QF competitors.

Does the airspace restriction include the News choppers ?

[Nigel C]

At this stage I'm unaware of what news choppers will be operating there.

[Grahame Hutchison]

CASA has declared a temporary restricted airspace for OJA's arrival, along with road closures including the Illawarra and Princes Highway during the actual arrival.

There is also a Drone Warning.

Australian Aviation Information (http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/03/casa-declares-temporary-restricted-airspace-for-vh-oja-delivery-flight/)

[Robert.M]

Well my planned trip is off, no way I can get accommodation in the Gong and the train from Sydney would arrive too late (assuming OJA is on time). Looks like viewing areas will be limited.

Edit: there is one train that is scheduled to arrive just before 7am but my fear is that there will be zero chance getting near the ap.

[Jaryd stock]

It's not at all, speaking to head of flight ops and he Doesn't want his guys distracted at all they have a job to do and safely, in the end that's all that matters that it remains that and negates any risk if any.

[Nigel C]

Choppers operate between the runways here for photo ops on a semi-regular basis. Admittedly they are under ATC control, but I believe if there was a proper consultation and briefing between selected parties allowed and Qantas flying ops, that they could also facilitate limited chopper activity for the arrival. It's an historic event and in my opinion should be documented properly from a number of perspectives.

I'd be more concerned with the potential for Christmas present drones being flown by people who don't know the rules...

[Stephen Brown]

It looks like the best place to see it will be when it leaves Sydney.....It does seem as though there is a bit over zealousness on the part of Authorities. It is an event, if you don't want people turning up to it, don't advertise it.

[Jaryd stock]

Nigel there was, and it had been going on for the last 5 months but it's still their call. I'm with you we tried to do all we could but once again it's there call, and yes those heli ops done at Sydney have been going for a while now but in the beginning I know there was a lot of trepidation from ATC regards those chopper flights and it's taken A long time for operators work up to be able to get the access they have to the airspace today.

[Greg Hyde]

Ch7,Ch9 & ABC all have morning news shows on Sunday morning.

I will be surprised if Ch7 and/or Ch9 don't show live pictures of the arrival.

If it is a quite day for news it might be an extended coverage.

[Adam P.]

There's also the important difference, Nige, that the airspace around Sydney is controlled and under full surveillance coverage. The Gong, of course, is OCTA and radar drops off below about 2000ft. That most definitely has implications for flight safety, particularly for a company as conservative on safety as Qantas. Hence, this is the way they want to play it to try and mitigate the risks.

End of the day, it's their aeroplane!

[Mick F]

Sure, it's only 30M's wide, but I'm failing to see what makes this flight so 'difficult' and 'dangerous' that it should require everything they're putting into place.

Overkill if you ask me.

Mick

[Nigel C]

There's also the important difference, Nige, that the airspace around Sydney is controlled and under full surveillance coverage. The Gong, of course, is OCTA and radar drops off below about 2000ft. That most definitely has implications for flight safety, particularly for a company as conservative on safety as Qantas. Hence, this is the way they want to play it to try and mitigate the risks.

End of the day, it's their aeroplane!

That's fine, but 8nm?!!?? Plenty of jet airliners fly into CTAF's around the country, but they don't demand an 8Nm radius around their destination and 4500' each time they fly there!

I agree with Mick, I thinks it's overkill.

[Greg Hyde]

The world has evolved into a "nanny-state" where people will litigate for any reason.

Plans must be put in place to mitigate any perceived risk.

Have a look at some of the old motor racing footage where spectators are standing behind wire fences and hay bales or at track side.

Unfortunately, it's the world we live in.

[Paul Waters]

but they don't demand an 8Nm radius around their destination and 4500' each time they fly there

Except Qantas jet's, :rolleyes:.

Trust me, in all my years of flying around this country, it sure as hell seems like that some days!

Paul

[David O.]

In short, are there any great places people would recommend outside the restricted areas?

[Stephen Brown]

I agree with Mick, I thinks it's overkill.

I'm with you there oh wise and knowledgeable one. Over the top stuff. Maybe they don't want vision of any possible problem??

Next they will be evacuating residents from nearby houses.....

[Nigel C]

In short, are there any great places people would recommend outside the restricted areas?

Check out Page 3 of this thread.... http://yssyforum.net/board/showpost.php?p=93465&postcount=24

Unrestricted views straight down the runway. It's the BMX track area Council has recommended. I'd recommend getting there early, and don't be afraid to park near the Terry Reserve off Hughes Drive and walk through the parkland along the footpaths to get there if the Croome Rd Sporting Complex is packed. It should only be a 10 minute walk tops and you won't get lost with all the locals using this same area.

[Greg Hyde]

latest update

http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/03/everything-in-readiness-for-vh-oja-delivery-flight/

[Nigel C]

The article states...
Sundays were usually a busy time at the airport, with plenty of light aircraft, hot air balloons and other assorted general aviation movements at that time.

Hot air balloons? Really? Since when?

[Robert.M]

Once in a blue moon?

[Robert.M]

http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/03/05/16/59/no-room-for-error-as-qantas-prepares-for-one-of-the-toughest-scheduled-landings-in-its-history

[George G]

I take it the mound will be quite busy too this Sunday morning??

[David Heath]

I'm glad I booked accommodation early :)

I'll be scoping out locations on Saturday afternoon. I'd prefer a side on view on the western side rather than the BMX track. Anyway hope to bump into a few of you there. Should be a great morning.

[Steve S... 2]

My house is directly under its landing path north of the airport, and exactly in line with the runway 16. We get small aircraft from time to time, and used to get the Dash8's, but the site of the 747 will be something to see.

[Grahame Hutchison]

Cessna 210N Centurion VH-TEY was out again today doing some aerial photography of the Illawarra, shame they did not wait until Sunday morning and they
would have had VH-OJA in the images of Illawarra Regional Airport.

http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/VH-TEY 20150306.jpg

[Robert.M]

Maybe getting a before and after? I can get to Albion Park (station) at around 6am, though the viewing spot (BMX track) would likely be full by then?

[Nigel C]

Possibly not. It's a fair slice of paddock there!

[Robert.M]

Ok. Time to make up my mind, will be around 24 hours of travel but...


Weather is looking ok, though I do think there will be morning cloud along the coast.
http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/forecasts/albionpark.shtml
Partly cloudy. Slight (30%) chance of a shower in the afternoon. Light winds becoming south to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the evening.

[Robert.M]

WIN News Illawarra.
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1067688543247888&fref=nf

[Robert S]

Can anyone suggest the most likely frequencies they'll be using?

[Grahame Hutchison]

The local CTAF-ARFU frequency for Illawarra Regional is 127.3

Sydney Centre is 124.55

[Robert.M]

http://hars.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/QF7474-arrival-FAQ.pdf
http://hars.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/QF7474-arrival-parking-plan.pdf

[Robert S]

Cheers Grahame. :)

Still weighing up if I'm going to go down or not. If I don't go south I'll watch the departure from Shep's. Surely the rotation should be pretty early.

[Robert.M]

I'm the same, worried about cloud cover (possible in a S/SE flow) and the possible large crowd.

[Nigel C]

Probable large crowd would be more like it. It's been heavily advertised on radio, TV, web and print media down here since it was announced that it would be coming.

Forecast is for only partly cloudy tomorrow with a weak southerly change due just before sunrise. I'm hoping there'll be sufficient breaks in the cloud to the east at around 0745. If not, it will be spectacular all the same!

[Robert.M]

Well seems other people worked out the way to get there, no tickets left. :/

[Greg Hyde]

If QF doesn't screw the delivery they should get some good PR and TV coverage.

I might be a bit slow, did you notice the planned arrival time 07:47.

[Nigel C]

Well seems other people worked out the way to get there, no tickets left. :/

No tickets? For what? Train?

[Robert.M]

Yep and coach (Moss Vale).

[Nigel C]

That's unfortunate if you miss it. I'm surprised they aren't putting more coaches on to get people from the highlands down here just for this event. Surely they've seen the tickets are all sold out already?!!?

[Mick F]

METAR YWOL 071900Z AUTO 25003KT 9999 // NCD 18/17 Q1010
RMK RF00.0/000.0

So far, so good. (NCD = Nil Cloud Detected, 9999 = Visibility greater than 10km's).

Unfortunately I won't even get to see the bugger take off, but enjoy the spectacle anyway.

Mick

[Matthew H]

Hold up at the moment due to a pax bridge issue. Also using call sign Oscar Juliet Alpha.

[Robert S]

Hmmm. So much for this location being off-limits!

https://twitter.com/deltabravo33/status/574315849563115520

Oh well. I watched the overcast departure from Shep's.

[Robert.M]

Looks like there was quite a few people watching from the BMX track, some what regret not being able to get there but its not like it will be departing YWOL anytime soon! :P But looked quite overcast (with some breaks, just not in the right spot), my stock lens wouldn't been too good (this is where the semi-pro/pro [$$$$] lens is needed) after the experience I had at Avalon.

I'll have to try and head there next weekend, want to check out HARS anyway.

Not often you see B744 in this list. ;)
http://flightaware.com/live/airport/YWOL

Hmmm. So much for this location being off-limits!

https://twitter.com/deltabravo33/status/574315849563115520

Same for the fence line!
https://twitter.com/973ABCIllawarra/status/574313011059425280/photo/1

[Greg Hyde]

I'm surprised that only Ch7 Sydney showed "near" live report on the landing with huge crowds in the distance.

[Robert.M]

ABCNews 24 had nothing, I do believe SkyNews was similar to Seven.

Videos starting to pop up on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOifNDGsvw4

[Rowan McKeever]

Sunrise had about 20 seconds 'live' coverage from just before touchdown until part way through the rollout. Today had slightly more but only in their news. The others had nothing at all (free-to-air). Very disappointing.

[NathanJ]

Plenty of videos popping up on youtube... This one's a goodie : http://youtu.be/2KQm05om2no

[Nigel C]

Hmmm. So much for this location being off-limits!

https://twitter.com/deltabravo33/status/574315849563115520

Oh well. I watched the overcast departure from Shep's.

One gets the feeling the crowds were just a tad too big for the authorities to handle....

Here's 3 from me. Thanks to Photobucket for destroying the quality...

Overhead the massive crowds...
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x82/Kiska2/VH-OJA%20City%20of%20Canberra%20B747-438%20080315%200_zpslnqsfk8a.jpg

Touchdown!
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x82/Kiska2/VH-OJA%20City%20of%20Canberra%20B747-438%20080315%201a_zps56c2evxo.jpg

Initial parking spot
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x82/Kiska2/VH-OJA%20City%20of%20Canberra%20B747-438%20080315%206_zpsl67jhleg.jpg

[Neil L]

Thanks Nigel

Being in Tassie I appreciate you and others posting photos etc.

especially for those who are unable to attend but are interested.

Much appreciated everybody

[Greg Hyde]

try this youtube search

https://www.youtube.com/results?filters=today&lclk=today&search_query=vh-oja

[Grahame Hutchison]

What a great morning for the final flight of Qantas Boeing 747-400 VH-OJA, departing Sydney around 07:30 as QF7474 and arriving at Illawarra Regional
Airport just after 07:47 local time - a very short 15 minute hop for its final service. As I approached the airport, the overpasses on the freeway were crowded
with spectators, and around the airport itself there was a huge turnout. I spoke to two people who had travelled down from the Blue Mountains, and I imagine
there were more from further afield.

After the touchdown there was spontaneous applause from the crowd, and again after VH-OJA had been pushed back to the HARS hanger and the APU shut
down for the last time.

Nice to be at Illawarra Regional Airport for a moment in history, as a "Queen Of The Skies" finished her 25 year of service with Qantas. Congratulations to the
pilots, it would have to have been the perfect landing.

On final approach over a massive crowd
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=VH-OJA D300-20150308-013.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=VH-OJA D300-20150308-014.jpg

The final touchdown for VH-OJA
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=VH-OJA D300-20150308-018.jpg

Only idle reverse thrust applied, as the outer engines were over the grass
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=VH-OJA D300-20150308-024.jpg

Three engines will be removed and returned to active service with Qantas, however as other engines reach the use by date, they will be fitted to complete
the aircraft again.
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=VH-OJA D300-20150308-030.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=VH-OJA D300-20150308-033.jpg

Tender 1 from Sydney Airport was on hand to provide ARFF services should they be needed - the tug was being shipped from Queensland to Melbourne and
HARS asked if they could use it for a month to shift the aircraft to its final resting place
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=VH-OJA D300-20150308-038.jpg

VH-OJA was shut down on the runway and pushed back to a temporary position outside the HARS hanger
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=VH-OJA D300-20150308-045.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=VH-OJA D300-20150308-049.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=VH-OJA D300-20150308-056.jpg

A raised hat salute by the Tech Crew for a great aircraft - you can see the special mat placed on the apron to protect it. The final resting place is on a newly
laid concrete apron behind this position
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=VH-OJA D300-20150308-063.jpg

Good bye to Qantas service - come and see me at Illawarra Regional Airport
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=VH-OJA D300-20150308-064.jpg

After the media interviews, the Tech Crew walked back to the crowd gathered outside the HARS hanger
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=VH-OJA D300-20150308-065.jpg

When everything was over, Tender 1 sprayed its water load so it could go on a truck for transport back to Sydney Airport
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=VH-OJA D300-20150308-068.jpg

Excitement and smiling faces all around for the pilots
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=VH-OJA D300-20150308-070.jpg

[Terence W]

Thanks very much for posting these photos for those of us who couldn't make it down there today Grahame.

Congrats to the flight crew for a safe landing too!

Looking forward to visiting OJA some time soon!

[Rowan McKeever]

Thanks Grahame & everyone for your photos & videos! I'm sure you all had a great time and, while part of me definitely wanted to be there, the other part couldn't face another stupid-o'clock rise & 3 hour drive. You've made me feel like I was there, so thank you!

[George G]

I like the reaction of the police officers in that YouTube clip.. I reckon they thought it was a pretty awesome sight!

[Alex T]

I like the reaction of the police officers in that YouTube clip.. I reckon they thought it was a pretty awesome sight!

Is this the one with his hat flying off? :D

Btw excellent selection of pics Grahame and Nigel. Many thanks for posting.

[Greg Hyde]

from abc news

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-08/qantas-jumbo-arrives-at-wollongong/6288748

Bottom shot with crew member with head out cockpit hatch.

[Michael Cleary]

Great photos and videos from everyone, thanks for sharing with those of us unable to attend.

Whilst this aircraft still holds (I think) the record for the longest 747 flight (the 1989 delivery flight from LHR to SYD), I got thinking whether this flight at just 48 miles might have been the shortest flight by a 747.

But probably not as SAA have delivered both a 747SP and a 742 to Rand Airport, presumably from JNB which is a mere 9 miles away - though I suspect that the distance actually flown was somewhat more.

[Paul F]

Great photos and videos from everyone, thanks for sharing with those of us unable to attend.

Whilst this aircraft still holds (I think) the record for the longest 747 flight (the 1989 delivery flight from LHR to SYD), I got thinking whether this flight at just 48 miles might have been the shortest flight by a 747.

But probably not as SAA have delivered both a 747SP and a 742 to Rand Airport, presumably from JNB which is a mere 9 miles away - though I suspect that the distance actually flown was somewhat more.I sure QF would have flown a number of 747,s between MEL and AVV over the years.

[Andrew P]

Wonder what movie was shown during the trip to Wollongong, didn't have time to run the titles!!

[Grahame Hutchison]

I have just uploaded a short video of the VH-OJA arrival at Illawarra Regional Airport this morning.

Watch The Video (http://youtu.be/CyGFfhA2BuQ)

[Zac M]

My pic of the day
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8598/16722231626_df0010191f_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rtFNSo)OJA Final Flight-9724 (https://flic.kr/p/rtFNSo) by Zac Mathes (https://www.flickr.com/people/37060179@N07/), on Flickr

[Cheryl H]

I'd like to say thanks for the photos & videos too. I would've gone down but with road closures & reading about & being told of the restrictions I thought we could get nowhere near the airport. How wrong I was cause I can't believe how many people were that close!! Lucky I found the hash tag for twitter & found some good tweets. Then I remember about you all here & realised there would be better :-) :-)

[David N]

I would also like to thank those who have posted videos & photos for the ones that couldn't be there.

CH10 news, showed footage from up front while on short final, so I did a YouTube search and found this Pilot's-eye view of 747-400's delivery flight to the Illawarra (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoDKEGz9QMY)
Sadly no audio though, would be nice to see the full flight video with sound, if anyone knows where we could find it would be great.

Maybe Qantas will release it on there site? :D

[Grahame Hutchison]

Interesting video David, they didn't appear to go right to the end of the runway from where I was standing.

[Robert.M]

Great photos Nigel, Grahame and Zac.

[AdamC]

Great photos and videos everyone. Would have loved to been there and seen it in the flesh.

Like Grahame hinted at, 3 of the engines being returned to service. Then replaced with out of life ones.

One question i have will this aircraft be used as a Christmas tree for parts or once retired does that end the life of all components?

Cheers

Adam

[Ricky T]

Thank you everyone for posting their photos and videos of this historical event.

Will definitely need to head down to the Gong some time to pay her a visit.

[Alex T]

Here's the official QF Video:
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152721612872686&set=vb.8662337685&type=2&theater

[Dave Dale]

Here's the official QF Video:
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152721612872686&set=vb.8662337685&type=2&theater

Brilliant video. Only wished I was there.

[Joe Frampton]

That's an incredible video and is far more emotional than any of their recent ads...

[Sarah C]

What an amazing day and great to share it with many YSSY spotters from our location......

[Kent Broadhead]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to post the pics. I had pics and vids from fora, friends and family coming up all day - really an amazing sight.

Driving up from Nowra yesterday afternoon I expected it to be more visible from the highway, but there is only a brief view of the vertical stab, mores the pity :)

[Jacob L]

My Photos just in case all haven't seen them on FB or Flickr
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7629/16127405944_aa80471f42_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jllevienphotos/16127405944/)
Qantas 747-400 Final Flight - YSSY-YWOL - VH-OJA (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jllevienphotos/16127405944/) by Jacob Levien - CBR Spotters (https://www.flickr.com/people/jllevienphotos/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7621/16748545271_991a37cd81_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jllevienphotos/16748545271/)
Qantas 747-400 Final Flight - YSSY-YWOL - VH-OJA (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jllevienphotos/16748545271/) by Jacob Levien - CBR Spotters (https://www.flickr.com/people/jllevienphotos/), on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8626/16748752432_eabe5d7bc6_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jllevienphotos/16748752432/)
Qantas 747-400 Final Flight - YSSY-YWOL - VH-OJA (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jllevienphotos/16748752432/) by Jacob Levien - CBR Spotters (https://www.flickr.com/people/jllevienphotos/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7626/16748795682_9bf62b6817_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jllevienphotos/16748795682/)
Qantas 747-400 Final Flight - YSSY-YWOL - VH-OJA (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jllevienphotos/16748795682/) by Jacob Levien - CBR Spotters (https://www.flickr.com/people/jllevienphotos/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7595/16750331842_7fee854d43_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jllevienphotos/16750331842/)
Qantas 747-400 Final Flight - YSSY-YWOL - VH-OJA (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jllevienphotos/16750331842/) by Jacob Levien - CBR Spotters (https://www.flickr.com/people/jllevienphotos/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/16564031050_a50cdb8887_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jllevienphotos/16564031050/)
Qantas 747-400 Final Flight - YSSY-YWOL - VH-OJA (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jllevienphotos/16564031050/) by Jacob Levien - CBR Spotters (https://www.flickr.com/people/jllevienphotos/), on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8643/16131470723_3109d6099a_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jllevienphotos/16131470723/)
Qantas 747-400 Final Flight - YSSY-YWOL - VH-OJA (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jllevienphotos/16131470723/) by Jacob Levien - CBR Spotters (https://www.flickr.com/people/jllevienphotos/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7627/16725512966_4f67fc387b_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jllevienphotos/16725512966/)
Qantas 747-400 Final Flight - YSSY-YWOL - VH-OJA (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jllevienphotos/16725512966/) by Jacob Levien - CBR Spotters (https://www.flickr.com/people/jllevienphotos/), on Flickr

Great Day by all. Thanks to all who attended. Worth leaving CBR at 3:30am:D

[PaulS]

Hi all, my first post. I was fortunate enough to watch the landing and took some footage.
Unfortunately I doesn't seem that I can attach videos to this post so here's two links to Youtube.
Interestingly, as I was walking in to work after the landing, QF63 flew over on the way to Johannesburg. QF63 was my first flight in 'OJA.

The landing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KQm05om2no

My tribute video to OJA including footage from several flights in her: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hq-SFZEwgus

and here's a screen shot from the above video:
http://s22.postimg.org/c63gsv3oh/Screen_Shot_2015_03_08_at_8_56_52_am.png

[Greg Hyde]

Here's the official QF Video:
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152721612872686&set=vb.8662337685&type=2&theater

Great Video,

Crew member out of the top hatch was actually taking video for this video.

Good coverage on all Sydney news last night.

Good PR all around.

I wonder if there will be a fleet of trucks between Albion Park & Mascot recovering engines, non-essential equipment (for display) etc. ?

[Henning S]

Here is a link to an article about the event on the Flight Global website:
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-qantass-first-747-400-makes-final-flight-409895/

[Martin Buzzell]

Jacob, any chance of purchasing one of your photos? I'd like to frame it and put it on the wall with the rest of my aviation photo.

[Mike W]

What a great morning for the final flight of Qantas Boeing 747-400 VH-OJA,

All the questions I had lined up to ask were answered in this post. Nice work Grahame. Thank you.

[Grahame Hutchison]

One of my favourite shots from yesterday, VH-OJA descending into a sea of excited aviation fans - it could almost be a football match.

Their spontaneous applause after touchdown said it all.

http://www.16right.com/MessageBoard/VH-OJA D300-20150308-016.jpg

[Terence W]

Fantastic shot Grahame!

Interestingly, it looks like people were allowed to stand close to the runway threshold, or was there a gap in the crowd there? With the shortness of the runway OJA would have been coming in very low. That must have been spectacular!

[Grahame Hutchison]

From what I can remember, the crowd continued right along the fence, including directly under the approach path. This image was taken with a long lens, so depth perception is a little difficult to gauge - also the touchdown point was when the nose of the aircraft as just on the left edge this image.

[Tim B]

Full marks to the flight crew who did there homework on the shortish runway and did a perfect short field landing and got on the anchors straight away after touch down.
Congratulations also to HARS for being given the job of preserving our aviation heritage yet again with the B747.
See you all at Wings over Illawarra 2015.

[Nigel C]

Well, seeing as Grahame mentioned favourites, here's one of mine.

David and Goliath. The Jabiru looks almost the same size......
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x82/Kiska2/VH-OJA%20City%20of%20Canberra%20B747-438%20080315%203a_zpsquwxom6j.jpg

[Grahame Hutchison]

The light aircraft and crowd along the taxiway really sets the scene for the monster arrival.

Definitely deceptive Nigel, however at 49 inches, the wheels on OJA would be nearly as high as the Jabiru.

[Nigel C]

I should mention that whilst I couldn't get in the air for the arrival thanks to an overly cautious planning process, the good folk at Touchdown Helicopters (Josh and Rochelle) did allow me to use their portable rotor inspection stairs. That extra 8 feet of elevation over the crowd worked a treat for me and kept me over the heads of the crowds (and planes, cars etc) in all directions.

[Grahame Hutchison]

Nice to catch up and chat on Sunday morning Nigel, a big day for HARS. I picked up my coffee at Mascot on the way home.

[Nigel C]

Coffee at Mascot?!!? I'd have died if I had to wait that long!!!
It was great to catch up. I think we must average about one face-to-face chat per year?

[Alex T]

OJA is having its engines swapped for expired engines today:

https://www.facebook.com/hars.gen/photos/a.442815875877217.1073741848.120610724764402/451189888373149/?type=1&theater

[MarkR]

Was down at HARS today and she still has two engines missing. Good numbers doing the tours including OJA, no doubt numbers are getting a good boost by her arrival, hopefully helping to fund more good work by the team there.

[Dave Dale]

Mark, was there any word on when the other engines might be fitted? Dave

[Terence W]

Thanks for the info Mark - are the two nacelles completely gone or still in place but empty for the two missing engines? I'm looking forward to going down for a visit next weekend and taking photos - OJA would look better with all four nacelles. :-)

Cheers

[MarkR]

They are waiting for the other two engines, no eta.

[Nigel C]

Nacelles are missing too. With OJI going straight to the can yard, hopefully they remove some engines and V-Pod them back for use on OJA.

[Zac M]

Is the V-pod still used? I seem to recall something about them not using it when I was up on Longreach as I'm pretty sure they had the thing there.

[Todd Hendry]

Can use it still Zac. Only on the RR aircraft though.

[Terence W]

Sorry for asking - what's a V-Pod? Ta.

[Emil C]

The v-pod is carrying a fifth engine on the aircraft, the engine is not used in flight and is situated between the fuselage and engine 2 on the 747.

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/7/5/5/1957557.jpg

[Terence W]

That's really interesting - thanks for the explanation!

So is the engine carried in a special type of nacelle, or is it just a regular RR nacelle? In the pic the v-pod looks to be a different shape, but perhaps it's a different engine type? 767 engine?

Cheers!

[Michael Mak]

I went on the HARS museum tour last Tuesday and took some photos on OJA, it might answer some questions that you guys have:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152967609285905.1073741831.530100904&type=1&l=a32b5322be

[Emil C]

I think that's a special nacelle, looking at a close up of the RB211 on the 747-400 their is no split down it where it can be detached. I believe it's a 747 engine, the ex-BA 767's had RR RB211-524 engines same as the 747 but I don't know if they could be interchanged. Here's an image from Perth with the fifth pod which is for a 747 which broke down enroute from SYD-JNB: http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv131/screech_2009/5thpod-1.jpg It looks very different but I think it's due to the blades being removed and a special fitting over it (nose cowl is a lot thicker).

[Fred C]

767 and 747 Rolls Royce engines are exactly the same except for three parts, none of which you would be able to see with the engine fitted to the strut.
The front bit, called a nose cowl, on the V-Pod is a normal nose cowl. There is a cover that is placed on the leading edge of the nose cowl for aerodynamic purposes.
The next cowls back are called fan cowls and are also only used for the V-Pod, but they are essentially the same as the others on the aircraft. The cowl behind that is called the INA (Integrated Nozzle Assembly) and is part of the engine itself.
The strut, the bit that attaches the engine to the wing is only used for the V-Pod. If you look at Michael Mak's photos there is a picture of the fittings in the wing where they attach the rear of the strut. The front is attached to the leading edge spar via a "banana link"

The fan blades are removed and a "bung" is placed in the inlet. This prevents the engine from turning the entire time it is in the air. A small amount of air is allowed to pass through the core of the engine, but not much due to the "bung". The blades travel in individual boxes in the hold of the aircraft.
Hope this helps.

[Fred C]

Some photos. If it works!

[Terence W]

Thanks very much for the info guys - fascinating insight!

[Grahame Hutchison]

Qantas B747-438 5th Pod (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Qantas/Boeing-747-438/0289429/&sid=48d68379c9db22549841da504b972521) on Airliners.net

VH-OJC
http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/9/2/4/0289429.jpg

[Terence W]

Thanks Grahame, bet that would be interesting on a pax flight - pilot would explain the extra engine, no?

[Rowan McKeever]

TBH I probably would've spent the whole flight racking my brains wondering where QF got the red cowling on #1!

[Fred C]

The red cowl would have been from when that engine was fitted to Wunala Dreaming when it was VH-OJB! They didn't have the opportunity to paint it grey.

[MarkR]

Thanks Grahame, bet that would be interesting on a pax flight - pilot would explain the extra engine, no?

Probably, the presence of the fifth is noted on the flight plan for the benefit of watching eyes.

[Rowan McKeever]

The red cowl would have been from when that engine was fitted to Wunala Dreaming when it was VH-OJB! They didn't have the opportunity to paint it grey.

Ahhhh yes... good point! I didn't open the link to notice that the photo is from 2002, so you're no doubt absolutely spot on! Thanks Fred :)

[Matthew Arnaoutis]

2101
Hi all,
Here's a closer picture of engine no.3 as of the 8th of July.
Would anyone have any information when the [nacelle] (correct me if I'm wrong) or cover on the engine will be fitted, as well as if the engine pictured is an RB211-524B2 (742s and 74SPs) or an RB211-524D4 (743s)
Any information would be appreciated!

-Matthew

[Nigel C]

I believe (happy to be corrected) that the engine is from a 743. Only a thought, but perhaps HARS will leave the cover off this one so they can show the public what the inner workings look like?

[Matthew Arnaoutis]

Thanks Nigel! That explanation sounds the most reasonable, however, would they replace the other two engines with the same or the RB211-524G2s that were originally on it, possibly from OJI as you mentioned before?

-Matthew

[Nigel C]

I believe both HARS and Qantas want OJA to be a complete unit, so ultimately it will be fitted with 747-400 series Roller's.

[Fred C]

That would be a RR RB21-524D4. It fits to the strut but not very well. It won't have fan cowls fitted to this model as it just won't work. The engine was meant to be a static display inside the HARS hangar. Hopefully QF will give them some G2's back soon!

[Dave Dale]

Can anyone shed some information as to whether OJA has had any further engines attached? If not, will they come on anytime soon?

Dave

[Nigel C]

I drove past there a few days ago and there's still just the one -400 engine and a -300 engine on the No-3 pylon.

[Nigel C]

Dave, there was a -400 RR engine being transported from the freight apron to the jet base tonight. Perhaps it's destined for OJA? Time will tell

[Dave Dale]

I hope it's destined for OJA. She looks forlorn without her engines.

[Terence W]

Quite right Dave - I refuse to visit until she has all her engines. :-)

[Tim B]

I hope that the tongue is firmly in the cheek, Terence. What HARS have been able to achieve is amazing for a bunch of guys from the Gong.
I was at the HARS open day on 13th Sept. and the guy showing us through the 747 (747 and A380 pilot) said that with the missing engines the plane was thrown around quite a bit in big winds, so they have had to strap down the tyres and will add engines as soon as possible. He also said the engines fitted were from a 747-200. Feel free to discuss the differences from 747 series to series.

http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a542/timbo19611/003_zpsoe03hoze.jpg (http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/timbo19611/media/003_zpsoe03hoze.jpg.html)
http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a542/timbo19611/031_zpsy42dekrh.jpg (http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/timbo19611/media/031_zpsy42dekrh.jpg.html)

[Tim B]

A couple more from the HARS Open Day,
http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a542/timbo19611/041_zpszgt8b0u0.jpg (http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/timbo19611/media/041_zpszgt8b0u0.jpg.html)
http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a542/timbo19611/056_zpsdiq4bi9r.jpg (http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/timbo19611/media/056_zpsdiq4bi9r.jpg.html)
http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a542/timbo19611/011_zpsju8vtvpe.jpg (http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/timbo19611/media/011_zpsju8vtvpe.jpg.html)
http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a542/timbo19611/081_zpsr6rxqjgv.jpg (http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/timbo19611/media/081_zpsr6rxqjgv.jpg.html)

[Tim B]

The A380/747 pilot said he is allowed 900 flying hours per year, and 800 of those will be with Qantas flying whatever routes on whatever planes. He actually spent an hour flying a Piper Cherokee on the day, well, because he can. *****. :)

A couple more from the open day.
http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a542/timbo19611/065_zpsdcazqz5l.jpg (http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/timbo19611/media/065_zpsdcazqz5l.jpg.html)
http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a542/timbo19611/063_zpssd0mkfo2.jpg (http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/timbo19611/media/063_zpssd0mkfo2.jpg.html)
http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a542/timbo19611/060_zpsowabuf5s.jpg (http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/timbo19611/media/060_zpsowabuf5s.jpg.html)
http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a542/timbo19611/095_zpsduog0w7y.jpg (http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/timbo19611/media/095_zpsduog0w7y.jpg.html)

[Dave Dale]

Any news on further engines being attached to OJA? And the engine from a 747-300 attached to OJA, is that a permanent thing or until further RB211's can be obtained?

Any info is appreciated. Thanks.

[Terence W]

I hope that the tongue is firmly in the cheek, Terence. What HARS have been able to achieve is amazing for a bunch of guys from the Gong.


Absolutely Tim B. Any opportunity to get up close with aircraft is great, and any visit to HARS is even greater!

:)

[Paul F]

Tim B I didn't think pilots could fly two types A380/747 as CASA doesn't allow it or QF or am I wrong ?

[Todd Hendry]

Only one type. Some used to fly two types but not anymore.

[Paul F]

Ok thanks Todd maybe the guy who Tim B was with might have told him a porky pie.

[MarkR]

Tim B I didn't think pilots could fly two types A380/747 as CASA doesn't allow it or QF or am I wrong ?

EY will soon have all their 777 pilots dual rated and flying the 787 from time to time, currently the instructors are.

[Dave Dale]

How's the extra engines coming along for OJA? Still only two on her?

[Terence W]

How's the extra engines coming along for OJA? Still only two on her?

Sorry for resurrecting an old thread. Was down at HARS today for Wings Over Illawarra 2017 and it was great to see that OJA now has all four of her engines.

The team at HARS are doing a superb job and have a great collection of planes. Well worth a visit, so please support them!

[Grahame Hutchison]

Good to hear Terence, at last year's WOI they looked like this.
http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=VH-OJA D300-20160430-049.jpg

http://www.16right.com/Aircraft-Images/displayimage.php?image=VH-OJA D300-20160430-010.jpg

[Terence W]

Thanks Grahame, nice pics as always. The engine cowlings on engine #2 were still opened for display (wonder if they shut them every night?) but closed on the other three.