Near disaster at Wellington NZ airport opening, three times.

[bob10]

Fun and games, and some very good flying saved the day.


YouTube (https://youtu.be/BTN-x21W2kQ)

[Barraman]

What a great video!

I was aware of the Vulcan incident, but not the others.

In an earlier time in my life I flew a Cessna 206 into Wellington on many occasions to deliver passengers to Air New Zealand - sometimes when it was closed to Fokker Friendship operations due to the crosswind. Not a big issue for the C206 because the wind was strong enough to allow me to land safely on a diagonal across the runway to reduce the cross-wind component.

Generally worked out fine, but after one such landing I had to request ground assistance to taxi off the runway, because the aeroplane kept weathercocking into wind. [bigsmile1]

[W&KO]

Screen shot of a landie

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191101/3680970ffaa942a6bec7fdbae8d8a7f6.jpg

[JDNSW]

I am reminded of my first visit to Wellington. I was a business class passenger in a Qantas 747SP. As soon as the wheels hit the tarmac it was full reverse thrust and (auto) braking - and an improperly secured coffee pot from the galley shot the full length of the aisle to strike the cockpit door!

[Hugh Jars]

I am reminded of my first visit to Wellington. I was a business class passenger in a Qantas 747SP. As soon as the wheels hit the tarmac it was full reverse thrust and (auto) braking - and an improperly secured coffee pot from the galley shot the full length of the aisle to strike the cockpit door!
[bigsmile][bigsmile][bigsmile] At least the carts were secure [bigsmile][bigsmile][bigsmile]

Almost as scary as the flight deck door slamming open on takeoff [biggrin][biggrin] Either is a 'check undies' moment from a startle-factor perspective [bawl]

[V8Ian]

What a great video!

I was aware of the Vulcan incident, but not the others.

In an earlier time in my life I flew a Cessna 206 into Wellington on many occasions to deliver passengers to Air New Zealand - sometimes when it was closed to Fokker Friendship operations due to the crosswind. Not a big issue for the C206 because the wind was strong enough to allow me to land safely on a diagonal across the runway to reduce the cross-wind component.

Generally worked out fine, but after one such landing I had to request ground assistance to taxi off the runway, because the aeroplane kept weathercocking into wind. [bigsmile1]
Apparently Manchester Airport can get a bit hairy, with wind too.
https://youtu.be/pGvXGDiDtOQ