Saturday 24 August 2013
Yellowknife YZF – Edmonton YEG
Canadian North 6T445
17F
Boeing 737-275C C-GSPW
This will be my first and probably last flight on a 737-200, and Canada seems to be the last civilized and safe place in the world to do it.
While booking flights for this Canada trip, I had told dad that I wanted a flight on a 737-200, regardless of the price.
Not a super early get up this time as the flight doesn’t leave until 5 PM.
Thankfully checkin for the flight
Was open at 10 AM. Checked in ok I was a little worried an aircraft change had occurred in the scheduled 737-200 was now a -300. Thankfully it is still the -200. Returned hire car before 12 PM, any later would mean being charged another day.
Now it’s a wait at the airport until boarding.
Getting through security was a confusing nightmare as I had to take laptop out of its case yet not with the iPad.
About a half hour wait until boarding and a short walk across a wet Tarmac to the plane.
Was not hassled by any ground crew taking a few photos of the aircraft.
Once onboard, I was surprised by the generous leg room, but elbow room was not too good.
Takeoff was a powerful yet noisy affair.
Was a bit turbulent climbing through the clouds, but once above the cloud it was smoother.
Unlike modern airliners, this to me sounded more like a jet.
Meal choices were chicken or pork. Dad and I had the chicken while trevor went for the pork.
Weather cleared up the further south we went and was clear as we approached Edmonton.
Smooth landing and I was seated in a good seat to see the thrust reversers working.
Due to the aircraft being part cargo, could not get a flight deck photo.
Detailed view of the gravel kit.
Few aircraft seen at Edmonton while waiting for the next flight.
Saturday 24 August 2013
Edmonton YEG – Vancouver YVR
West Jet WS337
7F
Boeing 737-76N C-FJWS
Now a wait in the terminal for the next leg to Vancouver. Boarding was called in two stages, people with small children etc and then everyone else.
We got in as early as we could to avoid the crowds.
Take off was standard west jet, steep and powerful.
Again the standard west jet service, somethings are free, yet others are not.
The closer we got to Vancouver, the darker it got, but gave good views of Vancouver lights.
After landing it seemed we were taxiing for ages, but being at an unfamiliar airport at night does not help.
Got the flight deck shot this time.