JNB – Johannesburg Airport is one of my absolute favourites in the world. Since my first visit in April 1998, I am hooked.
During a visit in 2002 I spent a lot of time airside shooting. The variety in traffic is fantastic. From the big widebodies to the regional Embrairs.
While standing on the northern end of the apron I looked at the line of aircraft. Normally widebodies waiting for their evening departures, I heard a lovely sound…
It was the beautiful Phoebus Apollo DC-4 ZS-PAI, the same aircraft I saw in Lusaka a few years earlier.
The sound of the 4 piston powered engines as she came close just got better and better. Fantastic! Slowly taxing past me with all 4 engines on almost idle power…
I just loved every second of it. Never thought I’d see this in 2002. I thought it was too late.
Imagine my surprise when only 2 hours later in the morning I heard that fantastic sound again!
I couldn’t ask for a better day!
This beautiful DC-4 stopped just beside me, waiting in line for take off. I was in heaven!
Now that was a great contrast to all A340’s and B747’s parked around me….
