Dear readers,

First 4 flights of 2008 were completed at the end of January, and just about 2 weeks later it was time for another day with 4 flights. This time I made up my plan to get on several different propeller aircraft. Always fun, but slightly difficult to find schedules which are interesting and which are fitting into eachother.

Everything was booked on January 15th, not too long in advance. Although I was still able to receive some low fares.

First flight was on easyJet, to get out of Amsterdam. I checked in online the day before, and printed my boarding pass. Received automatically boarding group A. That basically always means a window seat. Good start!

February 12, 2008

Left home at 07.10am, by direct bus. Convenient way of transportation for me nowadays, quite cheap (I get reduction with my airport ID). About 20 minutes later I walked into the busy terminal building of Schiphol Airport. Rush hour, everybody rushing to work, or to catch the early morning flights. Also a lot of incoming passengers, mainly from USA and some Asian longhaul flights (SQ, CX, CI, BR, KL).

I had handluggage only, no need to call at the check-in desks. Immediately ahead through security and passport control. Surprisingly no big queues this time. Afterwards I had quite a long walk to the lowcost terminal (H-gates).

Tax Free Shopping paradise in Amsterdam

The H-gates were occupied by some other easyJet flights (LGW, LTN, MXP) and SkyEurope from PRG. Another SkyEurope flight (from VIE) was showing delay on the screens. Luckily my flight arrived on time. First flight wouldn’t be a prop, got the A319 instead (of course I knew that in advance).


Several other flights departing from the H-gates


My A319 arriving from Liverpool, when another one is leaving

AMS-LPL
Flight No.: EZY 7002 Date: 12FEB08
STD: 0900 ATD: 0854
STA: 0920 ATA: 0905
A/C: Airbus A.319 Reg No.: G-EZEA
Seat: 19A – Economy Class

My 20th ride on an Airbus 319, and the first on this particular machine.


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Photo © Alan Lebeda



With so many passenger checking in online nowadays, boarding group A was huge. At 08.35am doors were opened and everybody rushed to the front stairs. With a few others I decided to take the rear entrance, and was welcomed by a friendly young female cabin attendant. She checked my boarding pass, and I secured 19A for myself. Boarding went fast, and within 15 minutes doors were closed. The other seats on my row remained empty. Load was about 60% in total.

Boarding G-EZEA via the rear passenger door


The fuselage looking forward upon boarding


Seatpitch may vary on easyJet flights  

On the speakers came the captain. He welcomed everybody on board, and pointed out that he saw many frequent flyers boarding his plane when he looked outside his window. Nevertheless he asked us to pay special attention to Paul, our purser, who was introducing the safety procedures to us.

I think it was a nicely spoken welcome. Bit of British humour in it. The safety demo was done manually. Later followed by a Dutch one, on audiotape only.

We departed even before schedule and taxied to runway 24. No other traffic in front of us, so we got airborne really quickly, at 09.04am!

After takeoff we turned slightly to the Northsea, giving some good views on the city of Noordwijk and the Dutch coast. Weather was great. Blue clear skies everywhere!


Beautiful weather, and great views outside after takeoff


Starting overflying the Northsea. The city below is ‘Noordwijk’

We climbed further while passing the Northsea. Cabin crew came around with their on board food & beverage selling service. I bought a cappuccino for EUR 2.50. Paid by a 20 Euro note, and requested change in Euro currency. This wasn’t a problem at all.

At cruising altitude, the F/O announced that we were flying at 29000 feet, and gave the estimated time of arrival, weather forecast was clear with a 2ºC temperature.

Not much later we started our approach into Liverpool John Lennon Airport. It gave interesting views on the city surroundings and coastal area.

We used runway 09 for landing, touched British soil at 09.03am. The airport was quiet, and taxiing was short. I saw a FR B738 (I think it was EI-DHD) departing. We parked at spot 53. Deplane by use of stairs. I was the last to get off, and took some more pictures.


Another view on G-EZEA, this one at Liverpool Airport


And a view from this different angle…


After I entered the terminal building via Green Lane (Nothing to Declare), I only had to turn right to reach the check-in desks. Arrival and Departures are at the same level in Liverpool. I found my next flight being handled at desks 20-21. One male representative was available, no other passengers. I was greeted and he asked my preference: window or aisle. Of course I opted window, left side. No problem he said.


Check-In desks at Liverpool Airport

My boarding pass was a piece of printed paper, so not a general boarding pass. I was given seat 09A. Then I walked outside for some fresh air, and a small look around.


Terminal Building


Flight Information Screen

To reach the departure lounge, you’ve to take escalators to the second floor. A small lot of shops and bars here. Nothing special. Also a very small shop with aviation stuff and toys. I had to proceed to the security check now. At LPL, you are able to buy a ticket for the Fast Lane, if I am correct it’s charged by GBP 3.00, tickets can be bought at the machines.
I didn’t use this ‘service’ and found an very quiet security checkpoint downstairs. Had to remove my shoes as well, bad luck for me. They asked passengers randomly to do so. Overall very helpful agents, no hurry, no problems.

Once I got airside, I found the interior at LPL quite old-fashioned. It seems a wooden floor with carpet over it. I was creaking everywhere I walked. Gates are uniquely located in every corner, it seems typical Ryanair style to me (to be honest). I took my seat, made some notes in my scribbling-pad, and saw an ATR arriving. As I was facing sunlight, I could not get a good view on it, but a few minutes later I saw that EuroManx titles were on the fuselage. This would be my plane today (schedules in the reservation systems gate type EQV for my flight).


I was flying this ATR-72 that day

Boarding was at gate 30, and started at soon after arrival of the aircraft.


LPL-IOM
Flight No.: 3W 404 Date: 12FEB08
STD: 1050 ATD: 1051
STA: 1125 ATA: 1126
A/C: ATR-72 Reg No.: EI-REJ
Seat: 08A – Economy Class

My 3rd ride on an ATR-72, and the first on this particular machine.


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Photo © Andy Marks-ManxAirPix


Greeted by a female flight attendant, and I took my seat. Cabin interior is in 2-2 layout, with blue fabric seats. Carpet worn out, side panels also show some age already.
The flight didn’t board fast, but when were close to departure time, one mother with 2 young children boarded and took seats next to me. I was not too happy with it, as I wanted to make some pictures and a movie during takeoff, so I politely requested the flight attendant if I was able to move one row forward (which was completely empty, as many other rows were). She agreed, and I moved to 08A.


Cabin on the ATR-72 (EI-REJ)


Seatpitch on EI-REJ


In the seatpocket at seat 09A

Load on this flight: 30 passengers, meaning around 40% loadfactor.

Door was closed just on time, and immediately the engines started. We were pushed back one minute late. The sound of the props was filling the cabin. Really good feeling for me, to be on such an aircraft again.

Safety demo was done in English language, manually. They just finished on time before we got takeoff clearance for runway 09.



Once airborne, I enjoyed the views below me, and just enjoyed being on the ATR. It was rather noisy though, didn’t expect the sound being that loud in the cabin. I’ve flown on CSA ATR-72’s before, and they were a bit more quiet if I remember correctly.


Some good views out of my window


Sun glaring over the seas’ surface

When the seatbelt sign switched off, the crew handed out complimentary orange juice or water. I took the juice, and was surprised to see the service. I expected EuroManx to be a low-cost airline with only onboard selling service. A few minutes later the empty cups were collected again, and we started our descend into the Isle of Man, which was already visible.


Complimentary juice, and see the different safety card, this on at seat 08A

Views on the island were great, as it was in full sunlight. A truly beautiful landscape below me!


The Isle of Man insight. What a great view!



Landing was on runway 08. On time. Airport is small in size, so not much time to taxi to the apron. Parking was next to the EuroManx single Dash 8-200. Disembarking via the front stairs. Walking over the apron into the tiny terminal building.


Bye, Bye to the ATR-72


The little control tower at Ronaldsway, Isle of Man Airport


Once in the terminal, I went straight to the check-in desk again for my next flight. I was asked again for my seat preference and got 06A. I asked about the load, and she said it would be packed.


Check-In desks at Ronaldsway Airport

A short walk outside to view the airports surroundings followed. I enjoyed the nice weather and watched some movements. On the ground at IOM:

G-WOWA Dash 8 Air Southwest
G-JECV Dash 8 FlyBE
OO-VLO Fokker 50 VLM
EI-REJ ATR72 EuroManx
OE-HBB Dash 8 EuroManx
D-CSAL Sa227 Manx2 Airlines
G-MAJE J41 Eastern Airways


Terminal Building of Ronaldsway Airport


When I got hungry I decided to go into the terminal again. I found a nice restaurant upstairs, with good views on the apron. I had some sandwiches and a softdrink, paid with my VISA, as this restaurant did not give Euro change. The atmosphere at the airport is very relaxing. Not so many passengers, no rushing. Also security went fast, although I had to take off my shoes again. Then I arrived in the small departure lounge, featuring 1 bar and 1 shop, and a few gates (all stairs on the apron).
My flight was announced for boarding at 13.15pm, at gate 5. Quite a few passengers made a line and all together we walked downstairs onto the apron. We were instructed to walk to the aircraft parked far away, being the single Euromanx Dash 8-200. That made my day…, flying the Dash 8 is a first for me, but a small series –200 is even more special of course.


Departure Lounge at IOM


Boarding the little Dash 8-200

The cabin was indeed packed. Only 2 or 3 seats remained empty. When I counted correctly, the load were 31 passengers. And 1 cabin attendant.
Doors closed 13.35pm.

IOM-LCY
Flight No.: 3W 805 Date: 12FEB08
STD: 1335 ATD: 1338
STA: 1450 ATA: 1500
A/C: Dash 8-200 Reg No.: OE-HBB
Seat: 06A – Economy Class

My 1st ride ever on a Dash 8 (all series).


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Photo © Andy Marks-ManxAirPix


Welcomed on the intercom by the captain. He was happy to mentioned that the weather in London downtown was clearing and we were soon receiving permission to depart. I was a bit surprised to hear it, but when my neighbour told his experience, I understood the case.
Since the day before, LCY was surrounded by thick fog, and operations were rather limited or even stopped. Therefore since the evening before, all EuroManx flights to LCY got cancelled. Also the next morning departure was cancelled. All these passengers were now on board my flight, hence it was full house. Lucky me,… I didn’t check conditions for LCY in advance, but I couldn’t afford myself any delays…

When the engines started, the audiotape with safety demonstration also started. The single crewmember did her exercises professionally. Although I didn’t see her checking if the seatbelts were all secured.

Anyway, I was looking forward to the takeoff, and I was happy to film it. I told my friendly seatmate about it, he was fine with it and rather interested too.



We climbed away over the sea, towards British mainland again. Overflying Liverpool. We reached our cruising altitude of 19000 feet. The cabin attendant started her service with a cart, and handed out free drinks (coffee/tea, juice, water, softdrinks, alcohols) and a pack of British biscuits.


At cruising altitude, 19000 feet


Complimentary drink and biscuits

The cabin was having a 2-2 layout. Seats grey/blue leather. Seatpitch ok, but not very roomy. One lavatory in the front, between the small galley and the cockpit.


Inflight cabin view of the Dash 8-200

During the flight, me and my seatmate had a conversation about several issues. The flight quickly passed, and we started our approach into London City Airport. The captain announced that we would be arriving from the South. Some time later we were overflying several parts of London, with some great views! We closely passed the Natwest building, and descended really fast for a runway 10 arrival. Landing was performed at 14.57pm, and after some powerful braking, the aircraft turned and started backtracking on the runway.


A great view on downtown London during approach to London City Airport



A few minutes later we were parked on the small apron, which was full with aircraft (mainly RJ-85/RJ-100’s). I was the last passenger to leave the aircraft, and make some quick pictures on the apron, while I was directed into the arrival hall. Everything was small, and within 30 seconds I was landside in the terminal building.


Second prop mission completed! Bye Bye OE-HBB


On my left I saw check-in desks for VLM Airlines. I had a few hours left, but decided to try my luck. And indeed, the very friendly lady was able to hand my boarding pass. Seat 09D, window seat (I double checked it with her, being D usually aisle seat).

Upon booking confirmation on the VLM website, I was asked for a meal preference. It was no preference, or vegetarian. I don’t like to eat meat/pork, so opted for vegetarian. And this message was also presented on my boarding pass:


Boarding pass for my last flight that day, VG244

The next few hours I found a good place on the carpark area, and was able to make some good pictures from the various aircraft taking off and landing. Traffic was busy, turnarounds are quick. Nice to see everything going on at this special airport in downtown London.


Interesting advertisement by KLM


Check-In Lounge at City Airport

The airport security was a breeze, but very busy. Lot of x-ray machines though, so the whole process went fast. Friendly staff, but also here: shoes off.

The departure lounge at LCY is small. Few shops, large bar. And a lot of luxury leather seats, business class style layout. But really cramped over the place. It was rushhour too, with most seats occupied by business men going home again after a day of working in the City.


The departure lounge was packed by other travellers


Flight Information panel

A lot of other flights were leaving for Amsterdam and Rotterdam (KL & VG), before mine. And LH was present with flights to HAM, FRA and TXL. And of course other flights to ANR, BRU, LUX, ARN, CPH, MAD, ZRH, MAN, EDI etc.

Finally my flight was announced for boarding at gate 7. That was a long walk to the gate. 2 groundstaff at the gate, downstairs. The aircraft was parked in front of the building, being an white example, PH-DMS, and operated by Denim Air. Boarding started at 18.35pm.


PH-DMS waiting for me on the apron

LCY-AMS
Flight No.: VG 244 Date: 12FEB08
STD: 1850 ATD: 1854
STA: 2110 ATA: 2108
A/C: Fokker 50 Reg No.: PH-DMS
Seat: 09D – Economy Class

My only 3rd ride on the Fokker 50, and the first on this particular machine.


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Photo © Terry Wade


Interior is a 2-2 layout. Grey leather seats. Pitch good, 32’’. Load on my flight: 28 pax (56%).


Seats & Pitch on VLM’s Fokker 50

One of both female cabin attendants came around with some sweets. Then they started the manual safety demo. Overall impression was very professional already.

We had to wait in between a SK RJ-85 and EW BAe 146 for takeoff. We got clearance after an OS Fokker 70 arrived from VIE.

We used runway 10 for takeoff, and it was a pleasant experience. After we were airborne I saw the many lights of London below me. About 10 minutes later inflight, the crew started her service. And this service really impressed me. It was a full plate service, in real china.


Complete meal service on VLM

I was able to choose a cheese or a turkey-filet sandwich. I was surprised not to see any vegetarian meal (which was asked for upon booking and was even printed on my boarding pass), but both options would’ve been fine with me anyway. The bread was fresh, and a large piece too!

On the plate was also a raspberry cheesecake, and a piece of Leonidas dark chocolate. I was given coffee as well. And I requested a white wine, which came in a 187ml bottle, with a real glass.
The wine: Chardonnay Domaine Peiriere (by Paull Sapin) was good.

A second round with coffee and tea was provided, and I got a refill.

Not much time left before landing now. Plates were cleaned up, I was still having my wine for the remaining of the flight. We approached over IJmuiden and turned sharply right for a runway 18R landing, which was at 20.59pm.

The crew really wanted to arrive on schedule, because I noticed the very fast speed during taxiing. And we arrived even ahead of schedule, when we finally parked in front of gate D27. We had to walk over the apron, upstairs into the terminal building.

I walked fast towards immigration, and to the bus. Got on the bus at 21.20pm, back home at 21.45pm. That’s how I like it!


Overall impressions;
Flying all the different airlines that day was interesting already, especially with such a variety of props. EuroManx is a carrier which you won’t fly often, so happy that I’ve tried them. They offer an interesting service to the small island, and inflight service is pretty good for such short range flights. Interesting equipment too.
VLM is a just perfect! Personal service on the ground and on board. Very good mealservice for this flight, and they offer a wide range of flights throughout the day, but all with small equipment. (VLM’s BAe 146 on RTM-LCY routes will be replaced from March ’08 by 3 Fokker 50 flights instead, as the BAe 146 is too expensive to operate).

About the different aircraft. The Fokker 50 was the most comfortable one. Quiet inside, good seatpitch. The Dash 8-200 was the most interesting. Seatpitch ok, but not roomy, quietness in cabin pretty good. The ATR-72 was the worst to fly. Very noisy during the complete duration of the flight. Interiour rather shabby, seatpitch ok.
Of course, it was fun to get on all of these machines, and won’t have problems to fly them again some day!
About easyJet: always fine for me. Low fares, ontime flights. Pitch OK, and they bring you safe from A to B.

Thanks for reading, and I would appreciate your replies!  

Eric