Sydney Airport Message Board Sydney Airport Message Board  

Go Back   Sydney Airport Message Board > Technical > Trip Reports


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10th July 2012, 10:03 PM
Bernie P's Avatar
Bernie P Bernie P is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Western Sydney
Posts: 852
Default Scoot, Finnair, KLM & CSA To Norway (pics)

Travel Details

1. Sydney - Singapore TZ001 B772
2. Singapore - Helsinki AY82 A343
3. Helsinki - Oslo KL1208 E190
3a. Oslo Kristiansand TRAIN - NSB
4. Kristiansand - Amsterdam KL1208 E190
5. Amsterdam - Prague OK619 A319
6. Prague - Amsterdam KL4628 F70
7. Amsterdam - Oslo KL1145 B737
8. Oslo - Helsinki AY660 A320
9. Helsinki - Singapore AY81 A343
10. Singapore - Sydney TZ2 B772



Carriers
Scoot
Finnair
KLM
Czech Airlines

[COLOR="rgb(65, 105, 225)"]Background[/COLOR]

In planning for this trip, it was a constantly changing routing, where eventually just a few short weeks out, it was finalised! And the final routing would see me using an almost all new carriers (with exception to Finnair (AY)). It also had me on a new type, the Fokker70 (F70)! I was quietly looking forward to it, as I was to catching up with friends, both old and new!

[COLOR="rgb(65, 105, 225)"]18th June 2012 TZ001 SYD-SIN[/COLOR]
I was dropped off at the airport by my friends JL and MC. I joined the line for scoot (TZ) where I had the 'FlyBagEat' package. Checking in was harmless, although when asked about my cabin bag, I was a little 'oh oh' as it has all my gear in it (laptop, camera and associated lenses! The agent just made sure it was of suitable 'size' and not like those huge ones you see about the place. Check-in was complete, so we had a bite to eat, and soon it was the goodbyes. I entered the departures hall, where there were minimal officers and a fairly healthy line! It took some 20 minutes in the late morning/middle of the day as the US departures were imminent!

DEP SYD 13.40 (sched) 14.30 (actual)
ARR SIN 19.35 (schedual) 20.35 (actual)
SEAT 60A
Boeing 777-212ER (ex SQ) 9V-OTC

Boarding TZ001 to Singapore commenced with scootbiz and those in the rear of the aircraft (zone 4) which was my zone. Most people adhered to this call, although one was turned away; suitably unimpressed! My first impressions when getting into the cabin was it looked good, bright in places with the yellow/purple combination. The yellow seats are those you can upgrade to, at a fee, whilst the purple is the seat you pay for! I found my seat, last of the three, and got comfy.

Soon after, our Captain come over the PA saying she "had a technical issue they were trying to correct, and that as soon as it was completed, we'd be on our way" and she also apologised for the delay. There was also a passenger that was a no-show, and those bag(s) were needing to be removed. However, we were soon on our way and taxied out to 34R. Our departure was swift, powerful and we tracked out over western Sydney. Now here is the one 'gripe' I had about scoot, and that is when they removed the entertainment systems (not an issue) they also removed the monitors on the bulkheads, and with that, there is no 'moving map'! I like to have a situational awareness, and knowing where I am (in relation to the flight progress). Additionally, they could sell this off to advertising, subsidising (a little) of the tiny weight it may have for what, a dozen monitors? Anyway, if thats my only gripe, its not a very big one!!

Soon after, the crew announced that iPads were soon to be offered for hire, and that the passengers who had pre-ordered a meal, this would be served. I had, and I was keen to see what it was like. I looked through the menu, and I chose the lasagne, mandarine segments in juice and a 7UP.



The flight progressed pretty much uneventful, and during a break, the Captain came through the cabin to the rear galley, acknowledging passengers on her way down. I thought this was kind of cool, and cud's to her for doing this! I had a brief chat about her nationality (Dutch) and how she had been with SQ for a few years, as was some of the crew. We soon commenced our decent into SIN, and were at the gate only slightly delayed from the revised time.



Clearing immigration was quick and effortless, and as I had to collect my luggage and change terminals, I caught the sky train across. My booking were held across three different PNR's! Once through to T1 from T2, I found the desks for AY to be open, and I quickly re-checked my bag and passed through immigration; less than 30 minutes after clearing them!

AY82 SIN-HEL
DEP SIN 23.50 (schedule/actual)
ARR HEL 06.35 (schedule/actual) +1
SEAT 50L
Airbus A340-313X (ex AF F-GNIF) OH-LQF

Boarding AY, compared to scoot, was a slow an onerous task, disorganised, yet it seemed to be quicker when compared to scoot overall! I found my seat, again to the rear of the plane, this time though on the opposite side. We pushed back, safety video was played, and before long we were off into the midnight skies… Typically A340 style, it was a slow climb out, but relatively smooth. Flight time tonight was some 11 hours and 25 minutes from what the Captain said after introducing his team up front. After the seatbelt sign went off, I leaned over to the wall, and thats about all I remember of the flight until I got up to go for a walk, and the lights came on in readiness for the crew to serve breakfast! I had the best sleep for almost the entire flight! Breakfast, was a simple quiche, a sausage some potatoes and tomatoes and some greens. I also had a coffee!





Arrival into HEL was relatively smooth, and this time, was from the opposite direction to when I arrived in 2010. We were not even at the gate when, en mass, people stood up to retrieve bags from overhead bins! I am still aghast as to why people do this, when, we all end up in the arrival hall waiting for bags! But, not for me this time, as my bag was checked through to OSL, so I joined the EU line at immigration (AU passport remained in its case), and I was through in no time at all. Next up, it was a matter of finding my departure gate!

19th June 2012 AY651 HEL-OSL

DEP HEL 07.35 (schedule/actual)
ARR OSL 08.30 (schedual/actual)
SEAT 7F
EMBRAER 190-100LR (OH-LKE)

This is my second AY Embraer 190 flight; the first being from HEL to TXL in 2010. We were bused out to the aircraft to a hard stand. There were some showers about, but the walk up the steps was quick. My seat was the first after the movable J class wall, and I felt a little 'cramped' with the curtain. Luckily, for me, there was a nice big window to view outside! By this stage, a shower had started, as we prepared for the flight. Cabin crew performed the safety demonstration, and we were soon rocketing off through the clouds, leaving the showers behind. Soon after, the cabin crew commenced a snack service, a coffee/tea and a snack (sweet or savoury).





However, all to soon, we started our descent into Oslo. Not having been here before, I was looking out of the window to see if I could see anything. My eyes soon became focused on an otherwise brown area just ahead, and slightly to the right.



Soon enough, the gear came down and we did a steep bank to the right to line up to what I had seen. I had been told by my friends they would get a shot coming in, and that they would meet me in the arrivals hall. I could not see them as we came into land though, and soon we touched down (was smooth), and we were soon at the gate. After deplaning, my bag came through in about 10 minutes, and as I entered the hall, there was Mr C and Mr T!

Next section - Spotting in OSLO (stay tuned...)
__________________
----------

My Flight Diary

My Photos Flickr Images
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10th July 2012, 10:17 PM
Bernie P's Avatar
Bernie P Bernie P is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Western Sydney
Posts: 852
Default Part II Spotting in OSLO

I was asked if I wanted to be dropped off at my hotel (at like 9am?) after the long flight from Sydney. Alas, as I was feeling good, I wanted to start some spotting, and out we went… First off, was to head out to a spot just pop 01R/19L. This was a great location and here's a couple of shots…










As the day progressed, we moved about somewhat. There was now a group of people there, as Mr C got an sms asking if the 'Kangaroo' had arrived! They are such a friendly bunch of people them Norwegians!! We had some, ok a few, cups of coffee, some lunch, and then ended up near the 19R/01L runway. This is a great location for afternoon/evening arrivals (well towards 9-9.30pm of a summers evening)! After a good couple of hours, it was time to head for the hotel and get some sleep…

20th June 2012

This was to be a spotting day, full on. I was given a treat, in that we went to the top of the 94m tall ATC tower!! I was SO happy to be heading up there. After a short walk, we entered the tower compound and into the lift. In no time, we were outside on the balcony and into the warm summers day. Light, having been up for several hours already, was always going to be an issue for good photography, but I didn't care, I was up there! Here are some of the shots from the tower…














We then headed to some other spots around OSL, and we caught up with an English man who was an engineer at Norwegian! We ended up spending the afternoon with him (over two locations) before Mr C took Mr T off to catch his flight. Good bye Mr T, it was fun meeting you!

All afternoon, we got the usual suspect, SAS, Norwegian, but I also managed to get a C-130 from the Norwegian Air Force!



That will be the end, for now... I will add some more sections tomorrow... These will be travelling (by train) to Kristiansand, Prague via Amsterdam, and then back to Amsterdam before heading back home. I will also cover the day trip to Floriade, which was in Venlo near Amsterdam (Floriade returns to Holland every 10 years, but is otherwise the World Horticulture Expo)
__________________
----------

My Flight Diary

My Photos Flickr Images
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11th July 2012, 03:30 PM
Mark Grima Mark Grima is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Canberra
Posts: 495
Default

Thanks Bernie. Can't wait to see the rest!

The deck on the ATC tower, is that open to the public, or did you get a few special privileges?

Cheers

M
__________________
http://flightdiary.net/MarkG
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12th July 2012, 10:34 AM
Bernie P's Avatar
Bernie P Bernie P is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Western Sydney
Posts: 852
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Grima View Post
Thanks Bernie. Can't wait to see the rest!
The deck on the ATC tower, is that open to the public, or did you get a few special privileges?
Cheers
M
Hi Mark,

It was part of a visit I had with a mate who works there, I was even met be him on my return through OSL on my return flight

And so the journey continues... I spent a couple of days in Oslo, I visited a Vigeland Sculpture Park and the Botanic Gardens. I also got to see a changing of the Guards ceremony at the Royal Palace!!










On my last day in Oslo, Mr C took me out to Holmenkollen; which is the Ski Jump Park for Oslo. Now, I have watched these events at the Olympics and had always thought they were mad... Seeing it from the top where they start, and looking down the ramp, only CONFIRMED my thinking!! Hell would freeze over before I went on one of these things!




Soon enough, it was time to head to Kristiansand for a conference. This leg was via the NSB Train. The total train trip took just under 4 hours, and went through some of the most spectacular scenery... I was so enthrawlled by it, I didnt even get a photo of it (but I don't think it would have given it justice either...). Below, is my train, and my seat in First and the 'Lounge' area where complimentry tea/coffee were stationed!






My time in Kristiansand (KRS) was for the conference, and we had two days of proceedings. We also visited the Bioforsk Research facility in Landvik (LOTS of good turf research, as well as other crops like Strawberries, Rhubarb and Asparagus), but I wont bore you with much of these other than to say, a god almighty storm came through, whilst of course, we were out in the middle of a paddock! Some of the turf researchers from the USA were counting the time between lightening and thunder, and when they called it a day, I left not too long after... Can you see why??






The conference was a great meeting, and it was now time to head to my next destination, Prague via Amsterdam... Stay tuned!!
__________________
----------

My Flight Diary

My Photos Flickr Images
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12th July 2012, 10:52 AM
Bernie P's Avatar
Bernie P Bernie P is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Western Sydney
Posts: 852
Default

27th June 2012 KL1208 KRS-AMS

DEP KRS 11.40 (schedule/actual)
ARR AMS 13.15 (schedule/actual)
SEAT 3A
EMBRAER 190-100LR (PH-EZR)

When entering Kristiansand (KRS) airport, it was as though it was still back in the '60's! Even though, there is a new ATC tower under construction, the terminal itself was a little drab. Although check-in wasn't open for a little while (I had shared a cab from the conference hotel), one of the ground crew enquired as to my needs. I told her that I had an 'issue' with online check-in, and that it wouldn't let me. She mentioned that they have just installed a new computer system there, and this could well be the cause. She corrected it, confirmed my onward booking from AMS to PRG, and allowed me an early check-in as well! If I could've given her a hug and a kiss, I would've, she went beyond her duty to do this, and I was grateful. Soon, it was then time to clear immigration/security. Although there was 2 security officers there, the same woman did the majority of the procedures! bag (sans laptop) was x-rayed, and I was soon enjoying a coffee with my Irish mate from the cab! His flight was called (to CPH and DUB) whilst I finished my coffee! I jumped online (2 x 30 min free wifi) and spoke to some friends from home. A familiar voice came over the PA announcing my flight was ready for boarding.. Can you guess who it was?


We were met by a lovely KL crew, and boarding was via stairs. By this stage, the new ATC frame was lifted atop of the concrete pillar. With the lady-of-many-hats completing the load sheets for the flight crew, we were soon off to the taxiway and backtracked a short distance on the runway. Now most (all) of the traffic were heading off from the 04 runway. However, we headed to the opposite end for a 22 departure! We turned, and brakes were applied. Slowly, the engines spooled up, then to full power before the brakes were released, and we were slingshotted up the runway… Interesting! The crew soon started a snack service, coffee/tea/soft drink and a 'sweet or savoury'!


Before all to long, we were starting our decent and approach from the west - The Polderbaan! Now I had read a lot about the time to/from this runway, and I was dreading the worst. However, after a smooth approach and landing, we had a very brisk taxi behind an Icelander B752. All up, some 15 minutes later, we were on a hard stand deplaning! I mentioned to the Captain when leaving if it was the Polderbaan, and he confirmed, and when I had read so much bad reviews about the times it takes to get to/from there, he laughed and simply said, "I went fast, as I wanted to get in"!!! This was a new airline for me today!

Clearing immigration is such a breeze in the EU, made easier with an EU passport! I was soon out in the AMS shopping mall! A mate, JP, was meeting me shortly in AMS from PRG, and we would catch the return flight together later in the day. Once he arrived, we headed up to the KL lounge (his status got u both entry) and 'chilled' for a bit, before going landslide to both the viewing deck (which is WAY better than home in SYD) AND the KL shop! Alas, it was time (getting shorter) to clear immigration/security and get to the next flight!

Now, this is where I had issues… I was in the line, laptop was out, and the security guard was to busy chatting up the two girls two people ahead of me. Once my bag went through, I was asked was it mine and did I pack it.. I confirmed it was and that I knew what was in it, and what the problem was! A brief discussion was had (in Dutch) to which I objected, and requested it be repeated in English. Both security were a little 'pee'd' with my request, but then proceeded to tell me that I did not take my camera, and lenses out! I confirmed I hadn't as I was NOT asked to as the guard on the other side was to busy perving/chatting up two girls!! They proceeded to talk (again) in Dutch whilst opening and closing lens caps and ends, and AGAIN, I interjected and ordered they speak in English so as I can understand what was being said. By this stage, the scheduled boarding time was approaching, I was getting agitated, and they were getting slower and slower in processing my gear. Now, in total, my gear is just shy of $10K, so I wanted to keep an eye on it, what they were doing, so when asked a question, I snapped back my answer and snapped back to watch. I think this upset him more, but at this stage, I could care less, I just wanted an understanding of WHAT was going on and WHEN I could get going. It was soon finished, and with a smug recant of proceedings, I was asked what gate I was going to, and his reply was, well its just there anyway so no harm done!! Pft whatever!!


DEP AMS 19.35 (schedule/actual)
ARR PRG 21.00 (schedule/actual)
SEAT 4A (swapped)
Airbus A319-112 (OK-NEN)

When we got to the gate, and 'cooled down' a little, boarding was soon to commence. The flight was fairly full, and we were soon aboard and comfy. Again, just behind the movable J class wall. However, it was just forward of the engines, and the skies were somewhat clear for the duration of the flight. We had a snack onboard, coffee/tea/soft drink or beer, and we had a beer each. Shortly after the service, we started our decent into PRG, and alas (for us) we were on the wrong side of the plane to see the city - never mind another day perhaps! The flight was quick. and nothing out of the ordinary, but the service was vey good from the crew. Another new airline for me!


My three days in Prague was simply NOT enough, The highlights was catching up with my ex Sydney mate who's moved back to Prague, and I also visited the Botanic Gardens there, but the best part was that JP had organised an airside spotting excursion!! THIS was an excellent trip, and whilst he was quoted a figure, as it was only us two, the bus was no longer needed and we went out in a car (which meant we could go more places…)! We started out at the GA parking on what was once the old runway, before passing the hanger where the OK ATR caught fire just a few months back. We then headed towards the freight apron, where a China Airlines B744F was being loaded. We headed out into the field and did some spotting. After the EK B773 taxied past, it was then time for the B744, and due to the regulations, we had to get into the car and clear by some 100m before getting back out into the field… Enjoy these pics in the next post!
__________________
----------

My Flight Diary

My Photos Flickr Images
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12th July 2012, 10:53 AM
Bernie P's Avatar
Bernie P Bernie P is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Western Sydney
Posts: 852
Default Prague Spotting Airside Pics

As promised, here are the pics (some) from the airside spotting...




























I had the BEST time!!!
__________________
----------

My Flight Diary

My Photos Flickr Images
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12th July 2012, 11:11 AM
Bernie P's Avatar
Bernie P Bernie P is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Western Sydney
Posts: 852
Default

Now, the highlight of the day, as I said, was the EK and China Airlines departures. We were pretty restricted as to where we could go, and as such, due to runway operations, photography oportunities were backlight for the two departures. BUT, it was still great!






30th June 2012 KL4628 PRG-AMS
DEP PRG 14.00 (schedule/actual)
ARR AMS 15.35 (schedule/actual)
SEAT 8F
Fokker 70 PH-WXA

The time had come to get back into the air, and it was time to leave Prague. After meeting with JP's dad, and a walk around for an overview of the city, we jumped on the train out to Dejvicka and then the bus to the airport. There are works to extend the metro, but still not all the way out to the airport.

As I had already checked-in online, it was simply a matter of retrieving my boarding pass doing bag drop and I was done! We went around to T1 for a quick look, had some lunch and then to the viewing deck (again, so much better than at SYD airport). Clearing immigration/security, and I headed to my departure gate where my awaiting aircraft was at the gate. This would be my first time on this type, F70, and I was looking forward to it! Boarding was called, and it was quickly apparent that this flight would be full!! We were met once again, by a lovely KL crew, and were soon being pushed back just after the door was closed. Listening to the engines spool up, was a nice surprise, as they seemed pretty quiet! JP had a seat near the engines on his F70 flight across to AMS a few days prior, but I opted for forward of the wings, after an SK MD82 flight a few years back when I was right against the engine! Never again I had thought! A powerful takeoff and we were skywards again. I found the aircraft to be quite comfortable, and given my 6'3" height, I had ample legroom for the hour and a bit flight. The usual sweet or savoury snack was offered with the usual drink service.


Before to long, alas, we were descending into AMS, although this time, we missed the Polderbaan. We were however running parallel with another F70 landing out there… Passing through immigration, again painless, and whilst waiting for my bag I organised my train ticket into Amsterdam Central. the train into/out of Amsterdam is so easy, two stops and we were there! I then had to walk through the infamous 'Red Light District' to get to my hotel. I had a quick shower to freshen up and hit the town for a meal. here though, eating was very interesting as my hay fever had escalated to an extreme level, making eating AND breathing at the same time, incredibly difficult! Pollen counts in Europe were extreme, and I was paying for it! Anyway a good nights sleep fixed it a little…

The following day, I headed back out to the airport, and I hired a car for the day to get around. I searched for the lotations, and armed with google maps, I followed the constantly changing runway ops. I eventually found a little place, and settled in for a bit - that is, until a rain belt hit so I called it a day…












The rest of my time in Amsterdam, was attending the Horticulture Expo, Floriade in Venlo. IF you want to see some of the photos, OR the video/slideshow, by all means please…

Floriade - Horticulture Expo

4th July 2012 - The Long Haul Home

This will continue in another post... Stay tuned!
__________________
----------

My Flight Diary

My Photos Flickr Images
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25th January 2013, 12:31 AM
Winston Khong Winston Khong is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 41
Default

Great report, Bernie! I passed through AMS on my way to LCY to get a VS flight to Havana from LGW and didn't get my lenses pulled out of the bag for checking at security. It did happen at Knoxville with the TSA guys and I definitely kept an eye on them. Great shots too, including the train!
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +10. The time now is 03:36 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright © Sydney Airport Message Board 1997-2022
Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Conditions of Use and Privacy Statement