A380 landing at LAX 03/19/07

[Apex174]

Historical day in aviation as the Massive A380 landed at LAX for the first time. It was difficult to shoot a white aircraft on an overcast day. I've already PP'd these shots. A little C&C would help me out for next time. Oh and I had my 70-300 on and didn't realize that I was going to get real close and couldn't frame the whole aircraft as it flew in front of me. Anyways, here they are...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/Apex174/Photography%20Images/IMG_7065aMedium.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/Apex174/Photography%20Images/IMG_7075aMedium.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/Apex174/Photography%20Images/IMG_7089aMedium.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/Apex174/Photography%20Images/IMG_7094aMedium.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/Apex174/Photography%20Images/IMG_7119aMedium.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/Apex174/Photography%20Images/IMG_7131aMedium.jpg

[RadAL]

huge, but they've been having serious problems with these, and lost a lot of customers (something about the countries not getting along and failing to do this and that)

[Apex174]

huge, but they've been having serious problems with these, and lost a lot of customers (something about the countries not getting along and failing to do this and that)

The delays have caused the customers for the freighter version to cancel their orders. FedEx was the original launch customer, then UPS also canceled their orders. Airbus is hurting right now, but eventually we will see this Monster in service in the next year or so.

[nigelr07]

You might want to have a look at the info on the UK's BBC website as to the problems. She is one monstrous beaut of an Aircraft and to not expect problems on an aircraft of this size would be incredulous.

I was lucky enough to be working at Airbus in Chester when they were laying out a basic steel framework of part of the wing on the shop floor and it was just ENORMOUS.

Follow this link for more info. - Note this is info as of Oct 06

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5405524.stm

[peacock]

Its a quite amazing beasty when you see it in the flesh isnt it:eek: I note with interest there are fewer carrier stickers on her than last year:( I also note the 1/3 pounders :eek: :lol:

[tomd]

Huge airplane. 500 passenger plus! Interesting shape of the wings, starting out from low and curving out/upward.

[cbock]

can't wait to spy one of these myself. thanks for sharing!

[Bandit 00C5]

Damn wish I would have known. I would like to have seen it. Oh well, good shots.

[Apex174]

As I was driving away, I was able to see it park on the opposite side of LAX, beside a couple of 747 Kalita Freighters. From my POV the freighters were closer yet the A380s tail was still 20% taller. Amazing!

[Apex174]

Damn wish I would have known. I would like to have seen it. Oh well, good shots.

You still have a chance. It will be at LAX until 7pm tomorrow. I'm hoping to get some sunset departure shots.

[Karl C]

Two words...














Buy Boeing

(or)

Go Boeing


:p

[kaitanium]

i wish i could have been there!

[slcr1]

Such a huge airplane.. great pics! However.. I still think the sticker on my toolbox says it all..:) (don't laugh much at the quality, took it with my blackberry pearl)..

[freaking102]

I imagine it will be miserable to be cooped up with 500 people on that monster. A full 747 is a dreadful experience, especially when stuck in the middle section. I think I'll stick to the smaller planes.

[Bandit 00C5]

You still have a chance. It will be at LAX until 7pm tomorrow. I'm hoping to get some sunset departure shots.
Where is the best viewing area. Would really not like to have to enter the airport itself but if necessary no biggie. What time are you thinking of heading up there?

[iMigraine]

Thanks for sharing your photos. I wish I could of seen it first hand and hear how loud it sounds for such a big bird.

[DiscoLizard]

I imagine it will be miserable to be cooped up with 500 people on that monster. A full 747 is a dreadful experience, especially when stuck in the middle section. I think I'll stick to the smaller planes.

Apparently the space per person is increased on the A380. Personally, I think it's a white elephant.

[mogearnotalent]

amazing aircraft

[Apex174]

Where is the best viewing area. Would really not like to have to enter the airport itself but if necessary no biggie. What time are you thinking of heading up there?

It really depends on which runway they will use. If the same runway where they landed, the north side street is Weschester Pkwy. You can find a suitable parking area and wait. I plan to be situated by 6:30 but don't exactly know where.

The beach at the departure end of LAX is also a good location for departing aircraft.

Here is a map of the LAX area and I marked with X's the best possible area to view the departure if it takes off from the north side of LAX.

[Piltnik]

That thing is a monster! I can't wait to see one in person.
If I would have a toolbox sticker, it'd say "if it's Boeing, I'm not going":p :) I found Airbus A340 to be more comfortable than 747, but that's just my opinion.

[deletedpenguin]

Absolutely amazing.

[bishop13]

I don't mean to hijack the thread, but has anyone ever had issues with airport police hassling you for taking pics?

[Apex174]

I don't mean to hijack the thread, but has anyone ever had issues with airport police hassling you for taking pics?

No hassles on that day. There were plenty of law enforcement uniformed & undercover (I'm sure!). They did let me know what areas you can't and can take pictures at.

[Bandit 00C5]

No hassles on that day. There were plenty of law enforcement uniformed & undercover (I'm sure!). They did let me know what areas you can't and can take pictures at.

Do you know if there is anywhere you can get kind of up close to the aircraft?

[Apex174]

Do you know if there is anywhere you can get kind of up close to the aircraft?

Well the A380 is parked on the south side of LAX, unless you have a media pass or some other credential to enter the field, you can only take pictures from areas that they would allow you to.

The map above I think would give you an opportunity to take some good shots of the plane as it takes off.

[digitalfailure]

it's not really as big as people say.

I managed to get this snap of it when it took it's maiden flight over the Broughton site where it's wings were made.

http://www.picturesforsale.co.uk/matt/plane

Not the best image in the world, but it's not photoshopped either :D

[Apex174]

:lol: Great Timing.

[mogearnotalent]

intresting, neat how the angle of the plane and roof are the same

[digitalfailure]

Aye, the only thing that lets it down is the angle of the wheels at the back.

I was around 1/4 mile back from the aircraft as that came in and the building is actually massive. The blue areas just visible at the bottom are the tops of some 3 axle trailers!

I took around 50 shots as it did 2 circles, but thought that one made the plane look small in relation to the sheep in the foreground.

[Bandit 00C5]

Aye, the only thing that lets it down is the angle of the wheels at the back.

I was around 1/4 mile back from the aircraft as that came in and the building is actually massive. The blue areas just visible at the bottom are the tops of some 3 axle trailers!

I took around 50 shots as it did 2 circles, but thought that one made the plane look small in relation to the sheep in the foreground.

It does have kind of that affect until you look at the cockpit windows.

[Sharpstat]

Well the A380 is parked on the south side of LAX, unless you have a media pass or some other credential to enter the field, you can only take pictures from areas that they would allow you to.

The map above I think would give you an opportunity to take some good shots of the plane as it takes off.


Not sure if this helps but the news said to park at Dockweiler State beach?

[Apex174]

Did anyone get some shots of the departure? I got stuck at work until 8pm and didn't make it out. :(

[PaintballPhotography.com]

I went to the south west corner of the airport 30 minutes early for the announced 7:15 to 7:45 departure only to find that the A380 had left 30 minutes before so I missed it…:evil: :evil:

At least I was there when it landed ……
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/3091/ql7p0134eh1.jpg
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/3598/ql7p0145py7.jpg
:) :)
Unfortunately it was overcast and dark

[Turntablist]

that thing is a monster!

[mdmedicgod]

I plan on being at the KIAD/Dulles, VA arrival. Its going to be a night landing. So I guess I will get some ramp shots at night from close range....

[kaitanium]

brighten up those photos!

[Apex174]

I went to the south west corner of the airport 30 minutes early for the announced 7:15 to 7:45 departure only to find that the A380 had left 30 minutes before so I missed it…:evil: :evil:

At least I was there when it landed ……
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/3091/ql7p0134eh1.jpg
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/3598/ql7p0145py7.jpg
:) :)
Unfortunately it was overcast and dark

Nice angles! What was your location for these shots? I agree with brightening them up also.

Ya it sucks that they took off ahead of schedule. I wouldn't have made it either way.

[xtipower]

that thing is a monster!
is the same size as the C5A and Antonov An-24