Northern Ireland Aviation Enthusiast's Forum

Civil Aviation => Modern Civil Aircraft => Topic started by: Dave on April 21, 2009, 10:23:50 PM

Title: EFHK - 21.04.09 - Helsinki Vantaa
Post by: Dave on April 21, 2009, 10:23:50 PM

I'm in Finland for the next week visiting my girlfriend. Upon arrival at Helsinki today, on a very uncomfortable Aer Lingus flight, we learn't the Russian President was in town and was due to depart later in the afternoon. We opted to stick around for a while and hopefully catch his flight home. Turns out he had FOUR aircraft with him! Two IL-62's, One Tu-154 and an IL-76.

Unfortunately as Helsinki is such a huge airport with three runways in constant use, it is impossible to predict which runway will be in use half the time. Also there was extreme heat haze today at the airport so any chance of brilliant pics were lost, But I still managed to snap a few :)

My first Helo pic  ;D Seen flying up and down the airport perimeter before the president departed. Had a few friendly waves from them as well!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3585/3463914820_afdd116900_o.jpg)

The second IL-62 departs. Unfortunately we caught the first departure with the president on board in backlit conditions :(
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3486/3463916408_2563c5a90e_o.jpg)

The Tu-154. Looks awesome!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3463102621_d174598a78_o.jpg)

The IL-76, presumably with the Russian Presidents car. Back lit shot hence the grain  :(
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3659/3463922128_bce1810d47_o.jpg)

Some of the regular Helsinki Traffic.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3493/3463110163_a473be5e4c_o.jpg)

That's all I have editted so far, I'm too tired to do the rest. Next time we're in HEL, I hope there will be less of the killer heat haze. Having said that, I'm glad to have seen todays aircraft. Before now, I hadn't seen any Russian aircraft!

Title: Re: EFHK - 21.04.09 - Helsinki Vantaa
Post by: casper on April 22, 2009, 09:00:07 AM

Fantastic shots. Looking forward to seeing more. The IL-76 is an impressive machine. It's been a while from I've seen one, way back in the late 80s or early 90s I think) and even then it was on the ground :( Anyway enough your holiday and have fun.

Title: Re: EFHK - 21.04.09 - Helsinki Vantaa
Post by: String on April 22, 2009, 10:04:36 AM

Great pic's hope you have a great time in finland.

Title: Re: EFHK - 21.04.09 - Helsinki Vantaa
Post by: Dave on April 22, 2009, 11:24:17 PM

Thanks guys, finally edited some further shots. The conditions had thankfully improved by the time the heavies (A340's and MD11) departed. The A340 is just a stunning aircraft!

(http://www.jetphotos.net/img/1/0/5/4/93314_1240426450.jpg)

(http://www.jetphotos.net/img/2/2/5/0/56806_1240428052.jpg)

(http://www.jetphotos.net/img/2/9/4/9/64255_1240428949.jpg)

(http://www.jetphotos.net/img/2/3/1/1/74981_1240430113.jpg)

(http://www.jetphotos.net/img/1/9/1/4/97786_1240430419.jpg)

(http://www.jetphotos.net/img/1/4/6/8/75804_1240430864.jpg)

(http://www.jetphotos.net/img/1/8/7/7/68256_1240428778.jpg)

Finnair's retrojet. By far the best looking one, shame the heat haze ruined this shot and will be unlikely to get accepted!
(http://www.jetphotos.net/img/1/3/4/9/83478_1240438943.jpg)

Title: Re: EFHK - 21.04.09 - Helsinki Vantaa
Post by: casper on April 23, 2009, 09:07:49 AM

Fantastic shots, as always. That looks like a fantastic spotting location.