USAF Lockheed C-5 Galaxy Visit, Canberra

[Sir Pompously]

Photos from yesterdays visit of a C-5 Galaxy, a USAF freighter from Travis Air Force Base. The aircraft unloaded cargo, taxied to the runway, and then made its way very slowly back to the Fairbairn side of the airport with an unknown issue (Mechanical, forgot dinner, something like that).



More photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kommissar_ ... 340237484/

[VivalaBuses]

Isn't that plane here just to drop off some equipment for the POTUS visit? So I'm guessing it's just being parked there until the visit is over?

[Bus 400]

We did have another US Air Force cargo plane the day before (possibly a globemaster-will confirm later). It left before this other one arrived. But also after having a look at this plane yesterday, it takes up most of the room outside the RAAF Base. Now since I've stood out on this area, it is quite a large area in front of the RAAF base & in front of two other sheds. So Air Force 1 could fit on this side of the airport, but would have to sit in front of either the Australian Federal Police hangar or the now defunct Emergency Services Agency (Fire & Rescue, Ambulance, Rural Fire Service & State Emergency Services hangar (they've moved their full time & seasonal helicopters down the road a bit).

[Sir Pompously]

Isn't that plane here just to drop off some equipment for the POTUS visit? So I'm guessing it's just being parked there until the visit is over?

No, USAF cargo aircraft have a lot to do so you will find they don't hang around after dropping off their required cargo. This one actually taxied to the holding point, entered the runway and returned to blocks (Would have had a mechanical issue or similar for it to return to blocks). This aircraft will return to Travis, and another aircraft will be deployed to come and collect the gear that was left here (probably via Richmond also, to collect whatever it dropped off there).

Bus 400, the Fairbairn Apron is a lot larger than many people know, and can at least hold 3 747's (As seen by the last visit, Presidential 747's and a United 747).

[boronia]

Didn't one of these planes bring in Obama's "ground fleet" ??

[vernbale]

Great shot, sure is a mighty aircraft