Phoenix Spotting

[BAW0343]

Well I missed Air Force one by about 2 minuets today but I didn't let the day go to waste.

Got a couple worth while shots, so the 45 minute drive from my dorm was worth it

[Mitch.]

Wow that last one is a real zinger, the runway looks really short. 8-)

[BAW0343]

Runway 26L: 7800 x 150 ft. / 2377 x 46 m

They were using it almost exclusively, biggest plane that landed on it was the 737 though.

[Mitch.]

Was it used for GA? :-?

What aircraft is pouring out the smoke in the second shot. 732?

[flyboy 28]

Very nice photos, Stephen. The second one's a winner.

[expat]

Very nice photos, Stephen. The second one's a winner.

Number two gets my vote too!

Matt

[Roughrider]

Nice shots, I like #2 also, but the colors in #1 are outstanding. Mark

[freedomhays]

Have you spotted Stevie Nicks?

[BAW0343]

Have you spotted Stevie Nicks?

Who is that?


Thanks for the comments!

[Brando14100]

Awesome shots. The 2nd and third are brilliant.

8-)

[Bob70]

Have you spotted Stevie Nicks?

Who is that?


Stevie Nicks is the lead female vocalist for Fleetwood Max.


Bob

[Mobius]

Last two are awesome. 8-)

[skoker]

Why is it that in #2 off the wing of the 717 near the edge of the flap...

Why is their a slight disortion? :-?

[tcco94]

Wow that last one is a real zinger, the runway looks really short. 8-)

I thought the same thing

[BAW0343]

Its the same principle as the Wing vortex, just smaller and created by the flaps. If you dont understand wing vortex heres my best try at explaining it.

Basically wings work by creating a high pressure system under the wing and a low pressure system on top. This causes some of the lift the wing needs to operate. The distortion on the photo is the high pressure air flowing over the flaps in a circular motion at the edge and creating the vortex which you see here. Since the high pressure air wants to equalize and the only place it can do that is at the edge of the flaps where the flaps aren't in the way anymore.