UPS DC-8 in the mud @ GSO

[hvydriver]

Yep. We've got 8. You guys have what, 14?

 

[b707guy]

16 flyable ones, and they all stay busy. We have two more without motors, but who knows what else might be missing from those two at this point? We had 29 when I got hired almost 10 years ago....

 

[hvydriver]

16 flyable ones, and they all stay busy. We have two more without motors, but who knows what else might be missing from those two at this point? We had 29 when I got hired almost 10 years ago....

Yeah. I've gotten really fond of the old girl. She's built like a tank. I'm going to miss 'em. I still cringe when I hear "Boeing DC8". Man, that's just plain wrong.

 

[b707guy]

I still cringe when I hear "Boeing DC8". Man, that's just plain wrong.

Yep. But hey, they're not gone yet! We're planning on having them through at least 2012, and I'd bet we'll have a few on hand afterwards, barring any major changes in supportability. Hope to be the one to park our last one when the day comes, though.

 

[b707guy]

Ya know, how did they get that picture that started this thread. TV news chopper?

 

[hvydriver]

Ya know, how did they get that picture that started this thread. TV news chopper?

It looks like maybe that's where it came from. Myself, I'm hoping the 8 lasts another 14 years here so I can retire on it. I don't expect that to happen though.

 

[Cautious Belly]

Ya know, how did they get that picture that started this thread. TV news chopper?

No, I took it out the window of my (company's) airplane, with my camera.

 

[b707guy]

No, I took it out the window of my (company's) airplane, with my camera.

Wow, nice job! Were you ready for the shot, or was this one of those "holy smokes, I gotta get this" while you're scrambling for the camera? I usually don't have my camera handy, but sometimes I get lucky. I guess what had me wondering is the vantage point. In my "big airplane centric" (i.e. tiny...) mind, I didn't see a reason for you to be where you were to get it, but it all makes sense now.:beer:

Since this thread has been resurrected, any new info on what happened?

 

[Cautious Belly]

I was ready for the shot: I had the camera around my neck with lens cap off prior to takeoff.

I took several from the ground, using a telephoto from the west side of the airport, but none as good as this. Runway 05-23 was shut down, so this picture was taken shortly after takeoff from runway 14, looking up runway 05.

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!