Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) - Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL)
Date: Saturday, 7th March 2009
Airline: Easyjet.com (U2/EZY)
Flight Number: EZY7002
Boarding Group: A
Aircraft Type: Airbus Industries A319-111
Aircraft Tail No: G-EZMH
Departure Gate: H3
Scheduled Departure: 08:25 UTC
Actual Departure: 08:40 UTC
Weather at Departure: Clear skies, sunny, winds S/W.
Taxi Route: A19, A, A7, S6, RWY 24
Scheduled Arrival: 09:40 UTC
Actual Arrival: 09:55 UTC
Arrival Parking: 51
Weather at Arrival: Cloudy, sunny, winds N/W.
Taxi Route: RWY 27, E, A, T
Approx. Routing: BERGI UL602 SUPUR UL60 OTBED UY70 GOLES L975 DESIG (Amsterdam – North Sea – Lincoln – Doncaster – Manchester – Liverpool)
Altitude: 28,000ft
Seat No: 17F
Actual Flight Time: 75 minutes
As some of you already know Me, Daan Broekhuizen and Ruben Korteland went on a ‘fun’ flying trip. The flight as stated above contained the route Amsterdam – Liverpool – Amsterdam both operated by Easyjet.com. I’ve booked the tickets about two months before the real day commenced. After 2 moths it was finally time to get airborne. Daan came over to my place the day before otherwise he could not make it on time for the flight on Saturday. Also it was Ruben’s first flight EVER so that’s a special occasion on itself.
After a nice nap Friday-night the alarm went off at Saturday 04:45 UTC and it was time to wake up. We arrived at Ruben’s place at 0600 UTC. Then it was a 40 min. drive to the Departures 3 because Easyjet.com uses the Hotel parking’s for there aircraft together with Jet2.com, BMIbaby, Fly.be and other low costs from the UK.
Luckily I already did the check-in at home so that saves some time waiting at the departure desk in a long row off people. Online check in from Easyjet.com is very easy to use, on the other hand I have no experience on other carriers only Transavia. EasyJet.com operates a strict priority boarding system divided into 4 groups.
• Group SB: Passengers who have purchased Speedy Boarding/Speedy Boarding Plus
• Group SA: Passengers requiring special assistance
• Group A: (reserved for passengers who have checked in online, the first 30 people who check in at the airport)
• Group B (rest of the pax)
Because I did the check-in so early we were one of the first people to board the plane as we got boarding group A. At easyjet.com you do not get you’re seating place assigned before- hand, just get in the plane and sit where you like. I think it’s a good way to save time, and especially when you are a low-cost carrier it’s very hard these days.
The security at Schiphol airport went fast and before we knew it we were walking around in the lounges. First it was time to exchange some Euros for Pounds, after that we grabbed some drinks and took some shots at Lounge 3 and 4.
Nice heavies can be seen from this spot, most of them are US carriers that are located on the G and E Gates.
KLM uses the F pier for their long-haul flight, here is a B772 waiting to be pushed.
And on the left we have the Golf gates where most of the US carriers can been seen. Just after their morning arrival on Schiphol Airport.
Delta B752 on G8
Delta B764 on G6
Singapore B772 on G8 waiting for it’s departure to Singapore.
United B763 on G3.
The day before I was informed that Edwin was also working at the time we were there so I gave him a call. He came over to the Hotel parking with some Catering power in the back!
Thumbs up!
Here is one of the planes that you normally see at the Hotel parking’s. This is HB-JZG of Easyjet.com Switzerland that has a fleet total of 12 A319-111. They fly from Amsterdam to Geneva and Basel/Mulhouse.
APU Close-up.
Company taxiing in.
Normal Easyjet.com aircraft being pushed onto A19 for taxi.
Then at 08:05 UTC, 20 minutes for departure our plane still wasn’t there. What I found really strange that there was only one LCD monitor on the whole H-pier that was displaying departure times. In no time it was crowded with people that were are calling and acting nervous. We didn’t care much because we had no connection flight to take. When the airplane arrived we were instructed to go to the boarding area in this case H3, no catering was refilled probably they had return catering from Liverpool with them. Also no cleaning at the low cost, the cabin attendants do a quick sweep trough the cabin. Then we took the stairs down and joined the line of people. On the stairs we were informed that the delay was caused due to much airplane movement on the airport, yes what do you expect on an airport this size!
As we all wanted a nice flight the passengers staid cool and proceeded downstairs to get onto apron level. Here we were divided into the groups of boarding. Then the doors opened, woman with children and disabled persons first. Then it was time for boarding group A, we walked somewhat in a hurry to the back of the plane because maybe the best seats where already taken. During the walk I made some shots with the fisheye attached.
Our plane an Airbus A319-111 G-EZMH on H3.
Taken on the stairs of the plane before entering this machine, note the reflection in the glass.
Front door boarding was not applied but the flight attendants were standing there and not in the back somewhat strange. But like we care much and we proceeded trough the cabin to find some good seats. Beforehand we discussed what the best seating was for some nice in-flight and apron photos. The day before we gave some weather forecasts on the internet a go winds were showing S/W. Must be runway 24 for take-off, then we were probably taxiing via the Alpha taxiway so seats on the right side of the plane will offer some good results. Also to give you guys an impressing how this airport looks like from a different angle then normal. Here is the view from seat 17F while standing next to a company A319-111 reg. G-EZFB awaiting the passengers for boarding.
Quick picture taken from the cabin. As you see here a 3-3 configuration whit a friendly/clean looking cabin. Also the Easyjet.com A319’s uses a high density configuration. Normal A319’s have only one exit door above the wing. Easy.com must have 2 doors because there are 156 seats.
After a quick safety briefing witch was done professional by the friendly female crew we were already on the push. I think the load factor was about 85% what is not bad at the economic position aviation has currently. Here is an overview from the Hotel parking, from left to right: Jet2.com B733, 2x BMIbaby B735 and a Fly.be Dash 8.
Taxiing on A19 to join up taxiway Alpha. While taxiing past the Boeing 747-300 of Surinam Airways reg. PZ-TCM witch arrived just an hour ago from Paramaribo the flight crew was testing the right ailerons.
Rolling on the Alpha taxiway on this side a Boeing 777-200ER from KLM on F7 catching some sun.
Nice classic 747-251B reg. N623US seen on E24. This one operates military charters Kuwait – Amsterdam – Minneapolis - Saint Paul International Airport. Always nice to still see some classic power on Schiphol.
Flaps set to takeoff lining up 24 via S6. Two of 15 KLM cityhopper Fokker 50 waiting their turn. Aer Lingus A320 departed in front of us.
Runway 24.
Rolling on runway 24 next to the Bravo Apron where KLM Cityhopper and KLM Cargo operate their aircraft to numerous destinations world wide. Sun reflecting on a GPU.
Airborne just after S2 witch is normal for an aircraft like this then it was time to fly our departure with was a BERGI1S. For about 1 minute straight runway heading then right turn to head N/W for the North Sea. Also a nice shade can be seen here.
Always nice to see some heavies on the Romeo cargo ramp, from left to right. Kilita Boeing 747-400, Air Bridge Cargo 747-400 and also a passenger Boeing 767-300ER from Martinair resting on the Romeo.
Banking started overhead Hoofddorp where my school is located.
Already above the North Sea on this fast climbing Airbus. Luckily not much clouds. Flight crew informed the passengers that we had some headwinds on our way to FL280.
Legroom on this A319.
It was a nice and calm flight. We had some headwinds so it would take somewhat longer then normal (Like I care). Aircraft was stabile and we had some nice views outside. When we approached the UK the clouds where coming in. As long as it stayed like this I didn’t care much.
And already on the descent for a straight approach runway 27, some clouds here but still it’s nice to fly under these conditions.
Outskirts of Liverpool.
Approach went great no turbulence, we had some crosswind on finals but the crew handled it well. Shot of flare.
And we are on the ground after a smooth touch down. Although the runway is long for this type of aircraft the brakes where applied, think it was medium. Soon we were vacated the runway on the right. Probably the hard braking was applied because otherwise we had to taxi all the way down rather then vacate here and minimize the delay we had at Schiphol.
Just vacated runway 27, facing the sun. The tower can be seen in the background while taxing to our stand.
After we stopped on stand, 51 people where de-boarding the plane. As we wanted a nice cockpit shot and at chat with de pilots we waited until everybody was outside the aircraft. Overall this always works, so I tried my luck. Cockpit door was open so that’s always an indication that you have a bigger chance. Asked the flight attendant if we could have a look in the working office, she had to ask the boss for that she said. Captain answered no problem. So made some cockpit shots of this A319. Crew was already filling some paperwork for another flight witch wasn’t long because later that day we saw the aircraft twice on the airport, there was also still 5460kg op fuel on board. Crew was friendly, we talked about Flight Simulator and how realistic it was compared to the real world operations. Also he asked what we were doing here in Liverpool. Explained the whole thing, he liked the idea and we talked some more. Then it was time to leave otherwise there was delay for the other flight. Gave the crew a friendly good bye and then we were off.
While walking down the stairs I took a shot of one of the 2 CFM56-5B5/p engines power the aircraft.
This was is taking while walking to the terminal. See you soon!
This was my first time flying airbus (I’m not kidding) and I can tell you I’m more of a Boeing person BUT although my expectations were high I really liked this flight on this silent and stabile aircraft.
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Then it was time to start our little tour around Liverpool Airport. First it was time for some familiarization on the field. Let’s make a walk around toward the upper area of the terminal. Liverpool is a simple airport. Easyjet.com flights arrive on the remote parking and the parking’s in front the terminal. Ryan Air also uses the main Terminal parking’s for there flights. Here is a overview of the departure/arrival area.
The new terminal building witch was build in 2002 is looking smart. The design is open on one side so it’s very light. The shops, casino and eating areas are all separated because they are all on the first floor. Here is an overview from the other side.
First we grabbed something to eat before we went walking outside. While eating in front of nice and clear glass the first aircrafts popped up, in this case an Ryanair Boeing 737-8AS(WL) reg. EI-DYL.
And an Easyjet.com Airbus A319-11 reg. G-EZIK.
Then it was time for a 2km walk to the beginning of runway 27 for some nice spotting shots. The weather was unfortunately getting darker and clouds with some rain where setting in, not the optimal weather for spotting. It was time to play with the camera settings.
Some typical shots you can expect from a tourist coming from foreign counties that come to England.
It’s not red but still cool to see.
While walking around the parking area toward runway 27 we passed the old control tower.
After 15 min or so we arrived at the end of runway 27 with some rain. Good final and lining-up shots can be made here. Off course sun was a better way to start off but we are here anyway. Also a funny thing about this spot is that there is a road passing in front of the runway. When an aircraft comes in for landing the lights are flickering that you have to wait or pay attention. This lights also goes of when a Cessna or smaller comes by, do they have such things at SXM!? Something is coming!
A it’s a Piper PA-38 reg. G-LFSN this aircraft was build in 1978 and was performing touch and go’s all day long.
There was also some chopper action, this Robinson R-22 reg. G-FOGY (kind of a funny reg.) was performing some landings all day long.
Then it was time for something bigger. Ryanair Boeing 737-800 reg. EI-DCP City of Nyköping was departing runway 27.
Ryanair Boeing 737-800 reg. EI-DWC named ‘Costa Brava Pirineu de Girona’ landing runway 27.
Some more local traffic in this case a Cessna 152 reg. G-FIGA doing some touch and go’s.
Cessna Skylane 182 landing runway 27 from Manchester.
Our plane coming in again! Easjey.com Airbus A319-111 reg. G-EZMH.
Easyjet.com Airbus A319-111 reg. G-EZBU lining up behind for takeoff.
Other local one G-NATT.
Easyjet.com Airbus A319-111 reg. G-EZDB.
Easyjet.com Airbus A319-111 reg. G-EZDS.
Easyjet.com Airbus A319-111 reg. G-EZBB.
Beech Beech 200 reg. G-PFNN, nice tail detail.
Easyjet.com Airbus A319-111 reg. G-EZDB departing again from runway 27, friendly crew waved to us and signing with the taxi light.
Reflection, photo’s that I wasn’t able with my short range lens.
And this is the second time we see our plane in action (still not the last). Easyjet.com Airbus A319-111 reg. G-EZMH departing for a short flight.
Ryanair Boeing 737- 8AS reg. EI-DLS departing runway 27.
Piano keys.
Spotting task was done here, we headed back to the terminal for some warming up and drying up. Here is a photo from how the terminal looked from the outside. Nice big titles on it so you know where you are.
This is the musician the airport name comes from John Lennon from The Beatles.
Then it was time for something to drink and eat before it was time to depart again, with still 2 hours time to kill we checked out some internet sites. For instance the wind at Schiphol and witch runway we could expect for landing. Landing runway was 18R so probably we were also going to arrive there. It didn’t matter that much where we were going to sit because there is not much to see when you are taxiing in the dark to you’re parking/gate at Schiphol. The first time we had a behind wing seat, now we wanted a seat in front of the wings.
We had a drink at the main cafeteria where some glass walls are placed. From here you have a nice overview over the apron.
Flybe Dash 8 Q400 reg. G-ECOW taxiing to a parking.
Easyjet.com Airbus A319-111 reg. G-EZDS witch we saw earlier that day is now offloading his passengers. While the fuel truck is preparing the hose for refuelling the airplane.
Easyjet.com Boeing 737-73V reg. G-EZJT in the boarding process to Belfast.
Departing screen, containing Ryanair, Easyjet.com and Flybe.
This is a overview from a part of the terminal behind security what a large bar in the middle of it.
We proceeded to the departure area to catch our flight back home, here is a nice map where you can see Easyjet’s destinations from Liverpool airport.
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Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) - Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Date: Saturday, 7th March 2009
Airline: Easyjet.com (U2/EZY)
Flight Number: EZY7009
Boarding Group: A
Aircraft Type: Airbus Industrie A319-111
Aircraft Tail No: G-EZMH
Departure Gate: 2
Scheduled Departure: 17:50 UTC
Actual Departure: 17:55 UTC
Weather at Departure: Clouds, sunny, dusk, winds N/W.
Taxi Route: Link U, A, A1, RWY 27
Scheduled Arrival: 18:55 UTC
Actual Arrival: 18:40 UTC
Arrival Parking: H2
Weather at Arrival: Clear skies, winds S/W.
Taxi Route: RWY 18R, V3, W5, D, A, A19
Approx. Routing: DESIG UL603 LAMSO (Manchester – Sheffield – Norwich – North Sea – Amsterdam)
Altitude: 29,000ft
Seat No: 8F
Actual Flight Time: 45 minutes
So this is the flight back home to Amsterdam, weather unfortunately didn’t change much, time to head up in the sky where the weather is always sunny! (except in the night, yes I know)
Departing parking position was number 2 witch was in front of the main terminal building. At the last desk where they check you’re ticket before entering the boarding hall there was a problem with one of the passengers (witch was obviously drunk). He couldn’t find his bag that was standing next to him and commanded the staff that he wanted his bag back. After a quick call to the airport police the problem was solved and handling proceeded. Luckily there was no delay due to this silly person. After waiting for the fuel truck to finish his job we were on our way to the aircraft. Again the boarding groups were applied and passengers where sorted out where the belonged, off course done in a nice fast way. Then it was time to enter the plane, here both front and after stairs were applied. Made 2 quick photos when hasting for a nice spot.
Cool sun reflections.
This time we were sitting in front of the wing and engine number 2. I was in seat 8F, nice to make some scenery + engine shots. Window shot.
Dusk was now coming up fast, after a quick safety explanation witch you can always expect during push or taxi. This time also in the language Dutch and English. This shot was made on Link Uniform facing taxiway Alpha. Nice lighting during this time of the day.
The crew applied some more power while rolling down taxiway Alpha. We arrived at runway 27. Because there was no aircraft in front of us we were heading home in no time!
Rolling on runway 27.
Airborne making a 170 degree turn heading East.
Some nice sunlight on the wing.
Crew informed us that the cruising altitude for this flight was FL290, flight time would be around 40 minutes because we had some tailwind. But that was no new information to us.
Here we are in the second cloud layer.
And finally above the clouds, and why are we doing this for fun? If you see this scenery outside you know the answer.
Night was setting up fast before we knew it it was dark. Weather at Schiphol was clear and as expected we had runway 18R for landing. As we all know when it get’s dark you need to open up you’re shutter speed of the camera. So the pictures where getting blurry because there is no way in an aircraft (except cruise) to keep the camera steady. Although the photos are rubbish I still want to show you a few. My apologies for this.
Here is one when we were rolling down runway 18R.
Over the highway A4 on the remote parking there is a Boeing 747-400 of KLM and again the Surinam Boeing 747-300 we saw earlier this day (strange to say)
Then it was just a short taxi to our final parking position H2. Traffic is not as busy in the morning so we didn’t had to wait for a free parking position. Again I tried my luck with a look in the cockpit. All the passengers left the plane, but the door was still closed. Not a good sign. Asked a flight attendant that was standing by the front door if I could have a look. It was okay after asking the Co-pilot. First Officer was not in the cockpit. Co told me that they only had 10 minutes to fill in the paperwork’s for arrival and departure so they had to hurry. That’s why I saw one of the pilots sprinting out of the cockpit when the aircraft was on blocks. Maybe for a quick walk around or just to get some coffee. Still very dark in the cockpit, flash was also no use at all.
Time to leave the crew alone and let them do their work. De-boarded the plane while walking to the terminal made a shot of the aircraft that served us well!
Last shot when we were rolling down this time not on a plane but on something different. We were hungry so time to get something to eat and go home.
This ‘’fun’’ flying trip was a great experience and Easyjet exceeded my expectations on this one. First time flying onboard of an Airbus was also enjoyable and it’s probably not the last time I’m on one. Thank you all for reading my travel report, I liked writing it just to let you guys know. Don’t hesitate to post a reply or just a comment.
Equipment used:
Olympus E-500
Olympus Digital 14-45mm 1:3.5-5.6
Olympus Digital 40-150mm 1:3.5-4.5
Olympus Digital 70-300mm 1:4-5.6
Thanks for reading!!!
Maikel van der Heijden
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