NZFF

Took a few breaks from the simulator show at the Aviodrome in Lelystad, Netherlands to have a look at the real aircraft outside. The largest exhibit is an ex-KLM 747-200 'Louis Bleriot' which you can go into. Got some shots which I thought that I would share, as we do not see so many interior shots from 100s and 200 series now. Note the overhead panel, and also the tape guages. I will post a few Constellation photos (inc. the cockpit) later.











smooth landings.

Great Photos HT , you gotta love the old 100/200 series cockpit .. the stripped out interior and the rear bulkhead ? no snakes on this plane ...... the detailed boggies , i guess you didnt try to climb in the wheel wells ... Looking forward to the Lockheed Constellation , one of only 3 flying in the world at the moment

Very interesting HT, thanks.
Much as I love the 74, you'd credit Airbus for getting the cockpit to look less like a 20's Atlantic steam liner.
No bad thing, technology is at the point where airspeed, heading, and altitude are the only items of display interest, the rest can really be on a callup menu.
Be keen to see your other museum items though.

Charl wrote:

QUOTE (Charl @ Nov 5 2008, 06:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Much as I love the 74, you'd credit Airbus for getting the cockpit to look less like a 20's Atlantic steam liner.
No bad thing, technology is at the point where airspeed, heading, and altitude are the only items of display interest, the rest can really be on a callup menu.

You raise a good point, Charl.

As much as I too love old-school aircraft and feel that, to a large extent, newer aircraft cockpits are more 'bland' and lack character, you have to ask "If we can do better, then why don't we?". There's really just no need to have so much information overload. At the time the 74 was conceived, such technology as can be seen in the cockpits of even basic GA aircraft simply didn't exist. Many would harp on about aircraft from this era as being 'real' aircraft, and that anything airbus make is just computerised, idiot-proof electronica, I actually beg to differ. From a human factors perspective, I know which one I'd rather fly.

Great pics too.

Could you sit down in the cockpit by any chance?

There was plastic preventing access to the cockpit, but I have 'flown' the United, Lufthansa and Thai simulators, so it was not so important. Good thing was that there were 3 holes in the plastic so you could still get sharp photos. Worth a visit if you are in the area.

Smooth Landings.