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A380 at Schiphol

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EHM-2387 Eric-Jan:
Finally! Today, the long-awaited Airbus A380 visited Schiphol Airport for the very first time.
And I was lucky enough to be in the neighbourhood, with my camera handy ...

Details

EHM-1465 Dominic:
Nice picture E-J  :)

I've seen one fly over my house at about 3,000 feet but no closer than that yet ;) They're an impressive sight for sure!

I must say I'm surprised one hasn't been to Schiphol before given its size and importance in Europe ???

EHM-2387 Eric-Jan:
I estimate that I took this picture with the plane at about 1500ft. Intercept ILS 18R = 2000 ft, and she just started descending on the GS.

I guess KLM-Air France have some kind of deal where KLM is (still) more Boeing oriented, and Air France, of cause, more inclined towards Airbus Industrie. AF have some A380 routes from EFPG ... Probably best regarding all maintenance contracts, and such.

Yes, she's BIG  :o
And remarkably quiet for such a powerful machine. I would say the noise level is in the same order of magnitude as the 737 or A320 series. Only: they have halve the number of (less powerful) engines !

Anyway: this was primarily a handling test for EHAM handling companies; No pax yet (some water tanks as ballast instead), and less fuel, so the AIP rules could be "bent" a bit to have her taxi to a gate instead of staying way out there on P apron. If regular scheduled flights are to take place, the AIP needs to be modified, along with some bridges over the highway A4 if you listen to most people. Another concern is the wingspan, which makes it a bit tricky to taxi, especially with opposing traffic on the other (A or B) taxiway.
Of cause it was also a nice press moment for Airbus ;)

Here's another one, from a few moments later:
DetailsThe cows in the foreground don't seem to think there is something special going on... ;)

EHM-2589 David:
Thanks for the pictures Eric-Jan, the A380 was incredible :o

EHM-1001 Robert:
Nice pictures ! I love the silly cows :)

Is there any plans maybe about the operation ? Can we know the result of her visit from media probably ? It would be good to operate her from Schiphol.

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