A380...The Big Dog

Monday we were in class discussing CAT 1 and 2 protected areas, when we decided it would be better served to hop in the ATC Truck and drive out on the airport and see for ourselves. While we were touring the different areas we did notice a shiny new Emirates A380 sitting on the EK Tech Ramp…it had just been delivered to the airline (3rd for Emirates), so we helped ourselves to a self tour. This is my first time seeing the A380, much less going exploring inside it. The thing looks like a huge Brahma Bull…not overly lengthy but tall, thick, and stocky...and 4 massive engines to power the monster.

We hopped up the stairs, and entered near the cockpit…you have to go up a short flight of stairs to reach the cockpit. There was one gentleman in the right seat checking a few things out. The plane still had all the wrappings from the factory and that new car smell. The lower level is all economy class, ten across, 3-4-3. Didn’t count the rows, but probably room for about 260-280 folks. Then we went up the stairs to 1st Class. Each person gets their own little private cubicle, with TV, bed, stereo, desk, and I think a personal masseuse. The bathroom, and I mean a bathroom bigger than what I have in my apartment, has a shower in it. You can join the mile high club and pretend you’re drowning in a U-boat, all in the same flight.

Behind first class, is business class and they have smaller cubicles, with many of the same amenities, except you can’t close a door and have privacy like in 1st class. At the back of the plane is a small horseshoe bar and a big screen tv, and then the galley. There are stairs at the rear to go back down amongst the great unwashed in steerage, I mean economy. Didn’t find the crew quarters, but I’m sure they have one. In case you weren't aware of it, the B777 has sleeping quarters for the relief crew up above the passenger area.

Seats seemed roomy enough in economy…I may have to give it a try on one of my trips to the states. Right now they are flying the A380 to Heathrow and JFK. Maybe when I’m coming home for a long stay and can afford a couple extra hours changing planes.
I haven’t seen the plane in action yet. We have only spent about 30 mins in the tower so far watching the operation. As we drove away and got a little distance we could see the A380 compared to a B747 parked next to it. Maybe not quite as long, but taller, especially in the tail—the tail is massive and probably tops the B747 by at least 30 ft.

Anyway, it was a nice bonus for the day.