Antonov An-124 Ruslan at Willie

[John S]

Another article, title says it left, but then says it is scheduled to leave Saturday 8:30pm.  Guess I can go back to sleep.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/144629

John

[Rob Silliman]

Another article, title says it left, but then says it is scheduled to leave Saturday 8:30pm.  Guess I can go back to sleep.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/144629

That sucks.  Even more so - since I came out to Williams this morning. 

No sign of activity (still sitting parked and closed up) - and only one EN T-38 by the knoll.

Rob

[Rob Silliman]

Latest update - the Antonov should be leaving at 4pm MST/PDT (weather permitting).

(the EN T-38 is still sitting on ramp - a DM HH-60 came in and picked up a single passenger earlier)

[Joe Copalman]

An AzAP member out at Gateway right now just talked to the Antonov's flight crew - departure around 4pm today.

[Rob Silliman]

CORRECTION - Joe McG said target departure is 3pm MST/PDT.  NOT 4pm.

(note - there is a thundercloud w/ active rain & lightning off in the mountains - so weather may play a factor in the departure)

[Joe Copalman]

Thanks Rob!

Man, if these clouds hold to east and it leaves after 3, that should make for some potentially dramatic shots.

See you guys out there in about an hour.

[Rob Silliman]

Flight plan was just posted - the new departure time is 17:30-17:40 MST/PDT.

[Ned Harris]

An-124 taxing out at Willy yesterday. Note Jack at the fence line.

[Ned Harris]

An-124 takeoff yesterday from Willy. Once we learned her takeoff direction we raced off in cars to get these images. It was quite a thrill.

[Ned Harris]

An-124 departure yesterday from Willy.

[Joe Copalman]

Outstanding shots Ned.  Glad the weather cleared up for you guys.