Antonov An-124 Ruslan

[Joe Copalman]

The long-rumored An-124 finally showed up at Willie today.  Really could not have asked for a better approach, just wish the heat haze wasn't so bad.

[Matt Ottosen]

It was good to finally see her show up at Willie, and fly a picture perfect approach.

[John S]

Got one about 3 years ago,  it was parked by the terminal area by the parking area.  It was dropping off Isreali Apaches to be refurbished by Boeing.

[Dave S.]

I have no idea what heat haze Joe was referring to...

[jslugman]

Full of pineapples and headed for Eastern Europe, stopping at Lajes Field for a ga-zillion pounds of fuel.

[Bubak]

Nice, very nice!

[Ned Harris]

An-124 departure yesterday from Willy.

[Bubak]

...ufff...super!

[Rob Silliman]

Same angle - same location - same plane - just a little farther along in its departure climb.

[jslugman]

Departing D-M and headed for Panama.

[Ned Harris]

Well done, James. There is no good place for departure shots at DM. Wish I could have made. Many thanks to Jack for telling us about this opportunity.

[jslugman]

Yep, many thanks! I'm beginning to think of Tucson as the "departure pit of despair".

[Jay Beckman]

As you drive into the Pima Museum, there is a hill on the left that you can make a left 180 off the driveway and park near.  I've noticed (unfortunately sans long lens) that standing atop that can give you a fighting chance at a decent side shot of larger aircraft departing toward the southeast.  Just missed a BOne last time I was down there. 

Smaller stuff just rotates too soon and is too high by that point.

[jslugman]

I noticed that today as I was there. Might have to make use of it if there's another heavy anytime soon.

[Joe Copalman]

Came in to Willie today.