Trip Report: QF BNE-SYD-BNE (Photos)

[Brandon Giacomin]

Introduction:

One of my plane spotting buddy’s from Brisbane (Joel – who I did a Sydney daytrip with mid last year) wanted to do another trip to Sydney, but for a few days this time. We would do the trip in mid-March, and spend two nights in Sydney. He was pretty keen to try out QF8 so we have to do that and for the return we chose a flight to be operated by a Boeing 767. But of course, it was changed to a B738 a few months out. The third time this has happened to me.

Brisbane Airport:

3:30am wake-up call! We had to catch a taxi to the airport as my parents were out of town and nobody could give us a lift. We got to the airport just before 5am. We checked-in for the flight which was a bit slow due to a large tour group travelling on today’s flight. From what I heard, they were connecting to the Shanghai flight out of Sydney. So for the first time I have caught QF8 the flight would be full! Unfortunately we couldn’t even get a window seat each (even though we did the online seat selection and chose 63K and 64K). We got 63J and 63K, Joel took the window as I have already done QF8 four times

Security and customs was easy enough and soon we were at our gate admiring the stunning 747 that would take us down to Sydney.

VH-OEE “Nullarbor”, second time on OEE for me. This unfortunately meant the end of my good run of regos on QF8. OEI in May 2011, OEJ in April 2012, OEG in November 2012 and OEE in January and March 2014!


P2-PXC who would head back to POM later that morning after overnighting.


The Queen of the skies looking amazing at dawn


The morning light shining on OEE and QPJ which had just arrived back from HKG


Boarding commenced on-time, we waited for the crowd to ease before boarding the mighty 747!

March 16, 2014
Qantas
QF8
BNE-SYD
VH-OEE B744
Seat 63J

As I had the middle seat I didn’t get too many in-flight photos. I started watching an episode of Hamish and Andy’s Asian gap year as we made the quick taxi to RWY01. Of course I paused the episode as we lined up so I could hear the mighty roar of those engines! Despite the full load of passengers we still made the usual quick rotation for the short hop down south. Brisbane spotter Beau Chenery captured our departure. He took this great shot!

http://planeimages.net/i/1KqrTp2hMfmK

We made the usual 180 degree turn south before passing over the CBD




Cruising along at 38000’ over Northern NSW


Breakfast was the usual on QF8. Apple Danish, yoghurt and orange juice. The flight passed very quickly of course and we were soon on descent.


We landed on RWY34L and made the quick taxi to the international terminal. We had to wait 10 minutes as EK412 to AKL was still occupying our gate. Then when she finally got out of the way they had problems hooking up the aerobridge to us! Only took 5 minutes to resolve though so we were soon on our way over customs and boarder security which was a breeze! I then sent Bernie a text and he picked us up and took us to the mound!

Sydney Airport:

Sunday, 16 March

Photos from the day can be found here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/brando...57642723715243

We spent the morning out at the mound and the afternoon at the beach. Just the usual stuff that day! Got to tick VH-VKB off my list, she went to DPS. Got OEH and OEJ with the baseball stickers on them as they went off to Phoenix to pick up players. Also got some wicked pelican shots! :P

Monday, 17 March

Bernie picked us up bright and early and took us straight to the mound. We went to RAAF Richmond to see what was around from about 11am-1pm, where we met up with Zac M who drove over from Canberra. We spent the afternoon at the new observation deck at Rydges and the evening at the beach and breakwater. Highlights included VH-XZJ in some lovely morning light. VH-VKB and VKD switched over in DPS the night before which meant I got VKD. So I have seen them all for now! Caught B-LJA “Hong Kong trader” that night, running several hours late.

Photos from the day can be found here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/brando...57642898076113

Tuesday, 18 March

Zac drove us over to the mound early. We met up with Bernie and Matthew later that morning. They then drove to Canberra at about midday to catch the ANA B77W. Joel and I just spent the afternoon at the Qantas Heritage museum which offers great views over the airport. The museum is also fantastic to look around. Highlights of the day included seeing UA B744s at YSSY for the last time and probably VS A346s as well! Got VH-EFR in her new livery, also Air China B-6075 in her stunning livery. Got Sichuan and Cathay B748F B-LJK parked next to B-LJA!

Here are my spotting photos from the day:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/brando...57643239057065

We then headed down to our gate for the flight home! VH-VZE would be taking us back to BNE! New rego for me.

March 18, 2014
Qantas
QF536
SYD-BNE
VH-VZE B738
Seat 4A

On-board in Seat 4A, first economy row! Thanks Zac :P


Passing the mound!


Behind VH-OGR as we wait to take off on RWY34R


Off she goes with the Sydney CBD behind


Making the usual right turn at 500’ with some nice views of the airport


We were treated to some spectacular views over the Sydney CBD. Not Joel though as he was on the wrong side :P