For those in the DC region on Tuesday (April 17)

[Burgundy Burner]

Space Shuttle Discovery will be making one final voyage - on the back of a modified 747. The airliner will fly over several monuments in the DC area before landing at Dulles.

If you get a chance and live in the area, take some pics and post them.

 

[Elephant]

I will try to get down there, but I am dealing with some physical issues that may prevent it. If you can provide me with the particulars, that would help.

 

[Boone]

Too bad they aren't coming into National... My Dad used to take us to that little park just short of the runway...I swear it felt like the 747s were going to land right on top of us. Nice memory

 

[Burgundy Burner]

Looks like any time after 8am. Some details are given here.

http://www.space.com/15286-space-shuttle-discovery-museum-delay.html

http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-041012a.html

The exact flight plan is weather contingent, but once over the nation's capital, the SCA will fly Discovery about 1,500 feet above various parts of Washington.

"The aircraft is expected to fly near a variety of landmarks in the metropolitan area," NASA said on April 9, "including the National Mall, Reagan National Airport, National Harbor and the Smithsonian Udvar-Hazy Center. When the flyover is complete, the SCA [with Discovery] will land at Dulles International Airport."

According to the Smithsonian, the 747-Discovery combo is expected to make a low fly-by of the airport at 10 a.m. EDT (1400 GMT), and will touch down about 40 minutes later. The SCA is expected to roll to a stop on the tarmac just before 11 a.m. EDT (1500 GMT)

In addition to spotting the shuttle as it flies overhead, the museum has invited the public to view the final approach from the parking lot of the Udvar-Hazy Center. Then two days later on April 19, the public is invited to return for an arrival ceremony, which will kick off a four-day "Welcome Discovery" festival.

 

[Burgundy Burner]

More details in addition to the previous post.

http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2012/apr/HQ_M12-062_SCA_Discovery_Flight_DC.html

Michael Curie
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
michael.curie@nasa.gov

Laura J. Brown
Federal Aviation Administration
202-267-3455
laura.j.brown@faa.gov

April 9, 2012 MEDIA ADVISORY : M12-062 Space Shuttle Discovery to Fly Over Washington Metro Area April 17 WASHINGTON -- NASA's 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) with space shuttle Discovery mounted atop will fly approximately 1,500 feet above various parts of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area on Tuesday, April 17.

The flight, in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration, is scheduled to occur between 10 and 11 a.m. EDT. NASA Television and the agency's web site will provide live coverage.

The exact route and timing of the flight depend on weather and operational constraints. However, the aircraft is expected to fly near a variety of landmarks in the metropolitan area, including the National Mall, Reagan National Airport, National Harbor and the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center. When the flyover is complete, the SCA will land at Dulles International Airport.

Discovery completed 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, orbited the Earth 5,830 times, and traveled 148,221,675 miles. NASA will transfer Discovery to the National Air and Space Museum to begin its new mission to commemorate past achievements in space and to educate and inspire future generations of explorers.

If the flight must be postponed for any reason, an additional notice will be released.

And more...

http://www.nasm.si.edu/collections/discovery/activity-detail.cfm?id=3783#spottheshuttle

 

[Elephant]

I have to say I am deeply saddened that I cannot make it out to see this. I was going to try to get to Dulles for the landing, but it ain't gonna happen.

I will never forget the first launch! It was a different time.

 

[Om]

I saw Discovery just before 10am this morning, heading north up the Potomac toward DC. I work in Old Town Alexandria and I walked down to one of the waterside parks just in time to see her fly over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and on up toward DC.

Low, slow and proud.

 

[Sarge]

Took my daughter out to the tower at Dulles. Great sight, great historical moment, but sad to know there's nothing to replace the shuttle

 

[Ax]

I was surprised they announced a time for it due to fears of a terrorist, or some other dipstick, taking a pot shot at it. Had I known, I would have had my camera, and with my location, could have gotten a stellar photo. As it is, I was able to watch the ole girl glide along the Potomac. Quite a sight.

Question: I could have sworn that one of the shuttles made a trip riding piggyback out of Andrews 20-30 years ago. Anybody else?

Or, was it the Acapulco Gold?

 

[Lovethebeer]

I saw it from the rooftop of my office building downtown yesterday. Amazing! It flew so low that you had a great view as it flew across the city, the Mall, etc. And you forget how big the thing is! The fighter escort looked tiny. I also remember the original launches and it was a different time. I can't believe we are now going to rely on the Russians???

 

[Lovethebeer]

Too bad they aren't coming into National... My Dad used to take us to that little park just short of the runway...I swear it felt like the 747s were going to land right on top of us. Nice memory

It's called Gravelly Park. We used to take girls there in high school to make out. Something about the planes flying right above you on approach did it for them.

Also, I don't think they have ever flown 747s into National. Runways are too short. The biggest planes at National are 757s.