My last trip took me through Chicago O’hare. It wasn’t my turn, but because I brought my camera along, I volunteered to do the walk around inspection. It was a beautiful morning and it gave me the chance to take a few photos of the majestic bird I get to fly. I had just landed her in Chicago, in from our flight from New York’s JFK, while the captain was going to be taking her up to Anchorage. It was a great trip for sure. Click on the photo for a link to a slideshow on our website, of photos I took on that walk around and flight to Anchorage.
That early morning sun makes for beautiful lighting in these pictures. Thanks for sharing them!
Dad
Very nice pic! Speaking of pictures of engines, how do a layperson like me tell what engine is on a aircraft? I know for jetliners, it's either GE, RR or P&W;, but sometimes have trouble telling them apart (since those engines cowls don't always have their company logo). Are there any real difference in performance between those engines? I also noticed that some engines have this sort of ring (I don't know what correct technical name is for that feature) on the fans. DO you know what purpose that is for? Thanks!
Tomcat1, thanks again for reading.
Your best chance to learn about spotting differences is to check out Airliners.net. I learned a lot there myself when it comes to small differences in aircraft types.
As far as engine differences, here is a shot of the Pratt & Whitney, the Rolls Royce, and the GE. As you can see, the GE and Pratt look more alike, but the Roller has the fan cowl that extends the entire length of the engine.
At Cathay, we have all three types, but the main one is the triple spool Rolls-Royce RB211. Because it has three spools, it makes less residual thrust at idle, but all three are close to the same thrust at takeoff power.
The newest ERF freighters have the larger P&W4062; engines that only have two compressor spools, so they make a lot of thrust, even at idle. We were nearly 900,000 lbs and at idle when the parking brake was released, we started rolling forward!
As far as the ring, I'm not quite sure what you are describing. If it is this spiral, then that is a painted spiral to help scare birds away from the engine at low power settings (it disappears at full thrust!)
Have a great day,
Toby