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This video has been edited for
internet use. In the Amateur CD version, nothing valuable has
been cut out and I have even retained the 'whip-pan' from south
to north.
The Parallel
Landing
(Edited from the CD version)
BA9021
from MCR
BA002 from JFK
22nd October
2003
17.58
I suspect that this event
will become the stuff of legend for Concorde aficionados. This
event was unplanned and without warning as far as the spectators
were concerned, so it was shot 'on the hoof' so to speak, with
no chance of retakes!
For those on the ground on the threshold of 9L, the
northern runway, Concorde was first noticed at 17.47 as BA9021
(from MCR) flew straight overhead from south to north at 8000ft
before turning west and disappearing behind cloud. Shortly thereafter,
in the very far distance to the west, it was possible to make
out the two aircraft lining up, one to the left, and one further
right. It was impossible to film them at that distance, however,
it soon became clear that one would be landing on the south runway
(9R) and the other on the north (9L). An initial feeling of irritation
that one would be too distant to watch was soon overtaken by
the realisation that they may be attempting a parallel landing.
As soon as the two aircraft came within range to
film I focussed on the distant flight to the south, which immediately
disappeared behind a tree! This was BA002 from JFK. I kept the
camera running until it emerged from the other side and then
I swung across to the right hand aircraft as it was now quite
close. I tracked this one for a short time and then tried to
pick up the aircraft on the far side. Regretably all I caught
was BA002 dipping below the trees, but she is just visible for
a second or two. ATC exchanges during this approach were available
on the ConcordeSST Forum as were radar screens of the approaches.
Apparently they touched down only 5 seconds apart!
As G-BOAG approached, there had been much flashing
of landing lights which I took as being a big thank you to the
crowds on the ground below, but it is us who owe Concorde a big
thank you!!! You will catch the last flash of G-BOAG as she approaches.
I hope you enjoy the pictures but it can of course only be a
thumbnail sketch of the event. There are others who captured
similar views, so perhaps one day a short video can be made of
all our efforts combined to celebrate this unique moment.
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