I was actually thinking of doing something similar... if we could get a scanner... ;) I need to see if I can get that morning freed up for some fun at LAX though.

Maybe we should plan to set up shop at Imperial up on the hill, up the slope from the .... dog park.

That's what I have been trying to say for the longest time!:p

Bad News?
 

I'm not sure whether this DO will involve the Encounter, but if that's the plan, y'all may want to check out the "LA Times" article I mentioned in this thread over in the Los Angeles sub-forum. It doesn't look as though the Encounter lounge is going to be available for this DO. Sorry! :(

I pack a scanner in my camera bag. It already has all the frequencies programmed from clearance delivery all the way to socal approach for LAX.

You'll have to show up pretty early, that area is expected to be packed. It will be full of TV, and with TV you'll get people who know nothing about airplanes but just want to get on camera. And then there are the airplane nuts like us...

too bad the parking spot on sepulveda says no pictures allowed...

Woohoo! Count me in! I just got staffed on a project in Santa Ana, so I'm planning on flying into LAX on Sunday the 18th, then driving down to work after the big bird lands.

Where are we all meeting? Several places have been suggested, but I'm not clear on where everyone will be. In-N-Out sounds pretty good to me

I think most people will meet at in-n-out after the big bird does it 'things' at LAX.

But I think we need someone who can organize a group of people to get this thing official so I can plan my day before my MR.


Like where are we meeting to view the A380 and where we are going to go afterwards?

A little hard to organize since we don't know time nor runway yet. I have read on LA Times that it is 9am (don't know how reliable that is). But depending on the time of day some may not be able to make it (like me).

Anyone know any further details as to ETA?

http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/070313/0226088.html

The A380 is scheduled to Arrive on 24R above the In-N-Out Burger at 9:30 a.m. There is already a crowd of about 60 airliners.net people attending their own DO.

I was just googling for this when you posted ^

Well it looks like I am out since I have a 9-10 meeting I cannot move that day.

Although I may try to make the departure on 3/20!!

Are there any details out when and which runway that will be?

From the link:

Remember this is the next day, Tuesday March 20.

I guess they have timed it for a great sunset shot!!

Let's hope the marine layer stays away.

So what are we doing about this DO? Are we meeting up at In-N-Out?

I am still debating, if it is better to

1) watch the approach and landing from at/somewhere near In'n'Out

or

2) position myself early enough (muffins and hot coffee in hand) up on the hill above Imperial (near the dog park) to watch the arrival ceremony just below at the Imperial Terminal.
This still allows a good view of the plane coming in towards the north runway, albeit the view of the actual touch down might at least partially obstructed by the T1 - T3 building complex.

Latest update for those considering coming:

http://www.lawa.org/lax/newsDisplay.cfm?newsID=903

They are designating the Northside Parkway the public viewing area. This is the road just north of the runway closest to the airport. You will have a much better view from this location of the actual landing than at In-N-Out. I would suggest getting there fairly early (7-8am) to get a good spot.

So it is Imperial 'Dog' Park that would be the best location. I would suggest arriving even earlier than 7/8am... I can only imagine how it will be with those airliners.net and media people there.

Since I'm at the Sheraton Four Points that night, I'll probably do a drive-by at ~6:30 to see where people are congregating. Getting on the highway to head to work is important to me, though, so I'll probably go to In-N-Out and then make a dash for the 405. Does anyone have better ideas? Please PM me if you want to get a group together.

Are you saying the Imperial Dog Park is the best place to watch a landing on 24R, on the other side of the airport?:confused:

Actually I am! Granted if you want the best views of more than just the landing.

I do not know if you have ever been to The Imperial Park Area, but the plane sitting part of the park is above the airport and allows for good views of most of the airport. Granted T1 & T3 will obstruct the view of touch down and some of the roll. However, if you want to have the best views of the plane taxing to it's stand and where it will be for the special event I would strongly suggest Imperial Park.

Hopefully people will divide between the In-N-Out, the Northside Parkway, and the Imperial lookout parks. It will probably be a zoo everywhere though.

The LA Times had a long article on the proposed arrival, and mentioned big crowds are expected:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la...home-headlines

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la...884901.graphic

I'll be watching it on the telly. I'm behind w/ stuff for my clients & they'll be expecting me to be in the office tomorrow, so I can't quite explain that I'm not because I'm plane-watching. Have fun everyone! Cheers.

Just watching the weather report - looks like heavy marine layer tomorrow morning, even drizzle possible. Will affect visibility. ABC7 (and probably others) will be streaming the video of the arrival live on their site.

So has anyone decided on a gathering point for this do yet?

It landed!
 

A majestic, tall bird it is.

Got about 8h00 to the park on Imperial. There were maybe some 50 people up there. So I got ample space right up front to place my camping chair.
The plane came in exactly at 9h30, taxied on the far West-taxi way onto the far Soth one passing right in front of our eyes.

It is now parked at the Imperial Terminal. There is quite some traffic from the East onto Imperial HIghway. The plane is supposed to stay there until 2h00 p.m. The closest (and best for pictures) viewing is near the intersection of Imperial and California. This is the first traffic light at the end of I-105 West, e.g. the first traffic light W of Sepulveda Blv.

I had the best seat of all! I was in seat 1A on UA890 which was the plane that landed right before the A380. We taxied and the pilot turned and stopped parallel to the runway. We watched the A380 land and then taxied right by it. :cool:

The views of the crowds were equally impressive. People packed on all of the roofs of all the buidings and hotels and stands along the runway.

Yeah I couldn't make the landing but drove by LAX at 11.30 - and lo and behold it was parked right at the end of the 105 - right by the perimetre. I was surprised - the size didn't really blow me away - it's tall that's for sure, but I expected it to look bigger!

What was that landing all about? - he skidded sideways all over the runway upon landing!!!!


Anyway here are some photos already put up by some folks at LAX and JFK

http://www.flickr.com/photos/casualclicks/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7228825@N05/

Yeah, I saw that UA 747 coming in just before. THE way to do it, jauh2o! ^

I got the impression it does not look that long, bcause of its bulky 2-level design, still very impressive though. The upper front looks kinda a like a bald, oversized fronthead.

BTW, I try to make it over for the take-off tomorrow. If anybody will be there, plse let me know.

Great landing.

Anyone have any idea how many showed up at In-N-Out for the arrival?

Yeah pretty much like a bald high forehead :D

I was around 100 yds away (it's parked that close to the Imperial Hwy fence) - and it didn't really strike me as big as I thought it would be - it's very high, but that's it.

I missed finding a decent place to park in time to get a good view. I had a false alarm when the UA 747 (mentioned previously) landed about 4 mins before the A380. I was able to see the plane pass over the parking lot areas east of Sepulveda and noticed it didn't seem "that" big. Sounded unique (engines) compared to other aircraft and thought it was supposed to be quieter than most aircraft?!?

As far as the landing, I saw on TV a much better view. I noticed the slight swerve of the aircraft when landing and several twitches of the tailfin. A friend said WOW that's a crazy landing, I wasn't going to say anything until they made that comment and now I see alect making that observation.

I watched the landing "live" on Channel 5. The announcer described the aircraft as "shimmying" when it landed. Good description.

I saw the ABC7 video of the landing, but it had to buffer every 10-feet so it was hard to tell what was happening.

Do you guys think the shimmying was really minor but emphasized by the extreme telephoto lens and head-on shot? Seems like from the straight-on camera I saw, the slightest waver would be exaggerated and look much more significant than it was. Just a thought.

It seemed like just before touchdown they spooled up the engines creating that noise. The UA 744 before seemed quieter! All in all, it was very exciting to see even with the bad weather. Hopefully I can catch its departure tomorrow evening from Imperial Hill.

good morale boost for LAX
 

Saw it land from gate 122 at TBIT. Seemed like a slow, smooth landing.

What was most exciting was arriving to see the crowds around LAX and the buzz among airport employees. LAX is a horrible airport and is not exactly known for friendly employees. I think this gave everyone something to feel good about. I hope the momentum continues...

Any videos?