Tag Archives: take off

WestJet Air Show Takeoff!

The Abbotsford Air Show takes place on an airfield that is still open for business. At various times during the display, there will be a pause while a scheduled commercial flight arrives or departs. During the show a couple of years ago, WestJet had one of their 737-700s show up, drop off some passengers, pick up a new bunch and head out. I was thinking that a 700 would be off the ground pretty quickly so decided to get some shots of it.

I was mistaken. Instead of blasting up quickly and getting a nice shot with Mt Baker in the background, they appeared to use as much of the runway as they possibly could. Rotation was a long way down the field and the climb out seemed leisurely. Not so dramatic. I have been to a few shows over the years that have movements that break up the display and, while it is nice to get airliner shots from on the field, the amount of time it takes out of the display is probably not worth it.

El Al 777 Overwing Vortex on Takeoff

Engine nacelles are optimized for cruise performance.  At high angles of attack, their shape results in some rather awkward flow properties which can influence the wing performance above and behind them.  In order to control things, you will see small vanes attached to one or both sides of the nacelle that generate a vortex that stabilizes the flow somewhat.  As an aircraft rotates at takeoff, the strength of this vortex increases and it will often become visible as moisture in the air condenses within in.  This vortex will stream back up and over the leading edge of the wing.

When you are inside the aircraft, this is pretty easy to see provided the conditions are right.  From head on or aft they are also quite conspicuous.  It isn’t often that you get a good view from above.  When I was flying over LAX in the helicopter, the aircraft departing from the north complex had better light on them.  However, the runways are offset so the rotation point is further west and beyond the area in which we are allowed to fly.  However, you can get a view from above and behind as the jets get airborne.  An El Al 777 took off while I was up and I managed to get some shots of it as it rotated and climbed away and the vortices were clear to see as the angle of attack increased.