Got my invitation and lapel pin! Psyched to see Discovery in her new home in a couple of weeks!
Quote from: RamjetFDO on 03/31/2012 08:23 pmGot my invitation and lapel pin! Psyched to see Discovery in her new home in a couple of weeks!Any info you can disclose? See you up there!
Is the reception and breakfast scheduled for Udvar-Hazy or the main facility? Since they're billing this as a fly-by event that might shed some light on the flight plan...
One other thing...it seems to me that in the good old days, the viewing threads were a great source of "local knowledge" for those of us out-of-towners. You know, restaurants, pubs, night life, etc. Anyone care to share any hot spots? I'd be interested in both the area around Udvar-Hazy and the Mall...
Quote from: K466 on 03/29/2012 11:43 amHey guys, I could drive over to KSC to watch Discovery leave. Will there be a fly around? Where can I get the best view of an SCA/Shuttle leaving? I imagine that I could get a lot closer and with it's slower movement, much better pictures.The only thing I've heard is that the ferry would take-off early (daybreak). (Subject to change and weather.) Not sure how that would affect the flight path out of the area, but they may be leaving at 6:30 am local or thereabouts if that's the case.
Hey guys, I could drive over to KSC to watch Discovery leave. Will there be a fly around? Where can I get the best view of an SCA/Shuttle leaving? I imagine that I could get a lot closer and with it's slower movement, much better pictures.
Quote from: scotty125 on 04/02/2012 07:20 pmIs the reception and breakfast scheduled for Udvar-Hazy or the main facility? Since they're billing this as a fly-by event that might shed some light on the flight plan...IIRC, they got the Dulles observation tower for it. Can't find any links on NASM website, which tells me it's probably all filled up.
jacqmans posted the media advisory that has a set time for ferry departure: 7 am local on the 17th.http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=24479.msg880001#msg880001(As the advisory notes, departure will be televised on NASA TV.)
We can confirm takeoff via NASA TV, and then follow NASA 905 on FlightAware. http://flightaware.com/live/flight/NASA905 For commercial airliners flying the similar MCO>DCA route, the flight time is typically right around 2 hours.
Quote from: jsmjr on 04/03/2012 06:13 pmWe can confirm takeoff via NASA TV, and then follow NASA 905 on FlightAware. http://flightaware.com/live/flight/NASA905 For commercial airliners flying the similar MCO>DCA route, the flight time is typically right around 2 hours.A commercial airliner is not the first thing I'd go to for comparison. This is not a typical end-of-mission ferry flight, but still those fly significantly lower and slower than commercial flights. We'll have to see about differences in flight rules (if any) that might allow for changes.Only thing I've seen so far (unconfirmed) is 3.5 to 4 hours.
Hey guys, I could drive over to KSC to watch Discovery leave. Will there be a fly around? Where can I get the best view of an SCA/Shuttle leaving?
Quote from: psloss on 04/03/2012 04:57 pmjacqmans posted the media advisory that has a set time for ferry departure: 7 am local on the 17th.http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=24479.msg880001#msg880001(As the advisory notes, departure will be televised on NASA TV.)For those of us waiting anxiously in Washington, DC, the relevant tidbit is this: "Tuesday, April 17 Discovery departs at first light (approximately 7 a.m.)"We can confirm takeoff via NASA TV, and then follow NASA 905 on FlightAware. http://flightaware.com/live/flight/NASA905 For commercial airliners flying the similar MCO>DCA route, the flight time is typically right around 2 hours.For those positioned on the National Mall and wanting to monitor the situation, there is free public Wi-Fi that is reportedly available from 3rd St to 14th St, including around NASM. See http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/aroundthemall/2010/09/this-just-in-free-wi-fi-on-the-national-mall/. Google Earth view: http://3ddc.dc.gov/dcnet/wifi/ A map of all free sites is available here: http://wifi.dc.gov/
There may be a one-time waiver granted for this flight - I have yet to see anything published at this time.
Quote from: Melroy Fan on 04/03/2012 09:05 pmThere may be a one-time waiver granted for this flight - I have yet to see anything published at this time. Clearly, not just any aircraft, even with a VIP on board can overfly the National Mall, but see http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2012/mar/HQ_M12-053_T-38_Flight_prt.htm If T-38s are going to do it at 1,500 feet, that can only be a prelude to the SCA. We'll find out exactly where they go on Thursday, but my informed bet is on overflight (more or less) per US Secret Service permission to access P-56A.
There were never any links that I am aware of, invitations were sent to Mercury Friendship 7 level and above members directly.
"Not too many pilots have any familiarity with overflying P-56 prohibited airspace, which is also quite close to DCA's northerly approach/takeoff lanes."There is no "overflying" of P-56A or P-56B unless you are above FL180 (18,000ft). That comes straight off the Special Use Airspace Tab on the Baltimore-Washington VFR Terminal Area Chart along with the Washington Sectional Chart. There may be a one-time waiver granted for this flight - I have yet to see anything published at this time. If you would like to see the specifics on this airspace, you can go to skyvector.com, look for the Washington Sectional Chart, and locate the Special Use Airspace Tab. Also, the waiver process is very thoroughly explained on the FAA, TSA and AOPA sites. Trust me, as a former commercial airline pilot, we are all very aware of "overflying" P-56. If you do, you will likely find yourself with an escort. Then you will possibly get to sit and think about things for 90 or so days. Two of my former co-workers at the airline got to sit for 90 days for an incorrect turn out of DCA. Not trying to me rude or mean here, just trying to explain a few things. Putting my on flight instructor hat for a few minutes.