REVIEW - Just Planes Air France 747-400 Video

Review

by Marlon Carter

Format:
Blu-Ray/Download

Reviewed by: Marlon Carter

INTRODUCTION

Flight Information
A/C	Reg	Flight	Route	Flt Time	Destinations
B747-400	F-GITH	AF 438	CDG-MEX	10h20	CDG Paris CDG, FRANCE MEX Mexico City, MEXICO
B747-400	F-GITD	AF 439	MEX-CDG	9h50	MEX Mexico City, MEXICO CDG Paris CDG, FRANCE

+ Cockpit filming using up to 6 cameras for fantastic views on takeoff & landing!

+ Detailed Preflight Preparations

+ Crew Briefings

+ Checklists

+ Aircraft Walkaround

+ Departure & Arrival Airport Charts

+ Detailed Cockpit Presentation

+ Detailed Systems Presentation

+ The 747 Love Affair with Air France

+ Great scenery on both flights

HIGHLIGHTS

Once referred to as the Queen of the skies, the 747-400 is sadly being phased out of commercial passenger operations. While the day when no 747-400s will be flying passengers is still a way off, we can all be thankful that Air France has allowed Just Planes to film the operations of their pride and joy before she exits the fleet.

In this program we will join the flight crew as they fly the 747 from Paris to Mexico City as Air France Flight 438 and 439 on our return to Paris. With a program that features a single round trip having a 4 hours runtime, it’s only obvious that this leaves a significant amount of time for numerous presentations about the aircraft and how it is flown. For example, at the very beginning of this program we spend some time with the captain has he carries out a detailed preflight preparation before heading to the aircraft. Another highlight of our pre-departure segment is a thorough walkaround of the 747 that truly shows its immense size and complexity. During our flight to Mexico City there were numerous highlights that included a presentation on airport departure and arrival charts, oceanic procedures and a very in-depth cockpit presentation. An added bonus to these highlights is an interesting discussion with the Captain on the love affair between the 747 and Air France pilots. From this presentation it was quite clear to see that Air France pilots thoroughly enjoy flying the 747 whether it is passenger or cargo operations. For our return flight, the presentations continue with an explanation of the deviation from our route due to bad weather and the policy on flying a mile offset.

As far as scenic highlights are concerned, the 6 cameras in the cockpit were able to capture views that can only be described as breathtaking. Whether it is a view of the densely populated Mexico City at night or the stunning sunrise over the Atlantic, everyone will enjoy the creative editing that is seen throughout this program. Ultimately, this is perhaps one of the best Air France videos after the A380 and I truly hope that Air France continues to open its doors to the world for all to see and experience the thrill of flight.