2014.06.09 - Monday Spotting (Part 2)

Part 2, starts with a wave of A320s from AirAsia. You can see how the weather changes from ok, to dark and gloomy, giving quickly-protect-your-camera reaction.

Indonesia AirAsia A320 (PK-AXV)

9M-AJA 

Looked a bit high on approach while swaying from left to right

9M-AJE

More and more sharklet fitted aircraft operating into Penang

9M-AFY

And then... the rain came. With big drops of water threatening the life of my camera, I had no choice but to creep back into the car, hoping for no other arrivals within that period. It did pay of to a certain extent as I only got two aircraft coming in. I wonder what would have happened or how I would have felt if more came in. 

So first in under the rain was Firefly's first ATR72-600. The "noise" on the picture are actually rain drops, rather than digital noise. Had to sit at the passenger side and zoom out all the way in order to get a shot while still keeping the camera dry. The same couldn't be said for a small part of the seat though which was slightly damp after the short downpour.

Firefly's ATR72-600 (9M-FIA) Landing in heavy rain

Malindo Air ATR72-600 (9M-LMJ) with wipers in full speed in the rain

Well it was a good experience, and the second time (or was it the third) that I've spotted in the rain. The previous one I remembered was when Asiana's B744F came into Penang back in February 2013.

After the rain, it was the reign of Boeings. This section started with small Airbuses, so it shall end with small Boeings. Presenting... the Boeing 737.

First of it was Lion Air, sending in their B738.

Lion Air B737-8GP (PK-LJR)

Next from Singapore, Silkair with some visible vortices on the flap edges.

Silk Air B737-8SA (9V-MGD)

And finally, ending with an old workhorse of Malaysia Airlines, the 737-400. Didn't realised it at first but this should be the last series of shots that I've got on the -400 series as they were officially retired a few days later (doing a PEN > KUL sector)

Malaysia Airlines B737-4H6 (9M-MMK) on one of its last few flights

What a great ending to a great spotting session. Hope you've enjoyed it.

Thanks for viewing. Will be updating again should there be new sessions or from past (unposted) sessions if spotting trips could not be made.

SSLee

2014.01.11 Spotting Session #2

Continuing on to part 2

Blasting into Penang is this three holer. Presenting FedEx's MD-11F

Took my eyes out of the viewfinder when it flew overhead. And BOY IT WAS HUGE. You can see nothing else but the belly of this freighter.

AirAsia's A320 (9M-AFS) being cradled by crosswinds

Firefly's ATR72-500 (9M-FYG) trying to fight off the crosswind. It had an incredibly smooth landing though.

Tigerair A320 (9V-TAE)

Belly shot of MAS' B737-4H6 (9M-MMK)

The wind was great and it was a cooling session. Though I doubt the pilots of the next plane enjoyed it.

Another FedEx, this time in the form of the A306F

The A306 above was aligned right in front of me. But I was towards the left of the runway. Flew past me and touched down just slightly left of the centre line.

More to come. Stay tuned.