A few years ago I had the distinct opportunity to view serial number 0001 Airbus A380 while it was on a visit to Milwaukee, WI. I worked for a cargo air carrier based in Milwaukee. I had to make a visit there to check on some parts and had heard the super jumbo was on the ramp. With the help of an duly authorized ramp person I was escorted to the ramp to get some picture of the mighty ship.
It’s hard to describe how large these airplanes actually are. I was familiar with large commercial airplanes due to my background with Delta Air Lines and working the L1011, B767, the B777. As large and wide body as those airplanes are they pale in comparison to this monster.
As we approached the airplane it became apparent to me that this airplane was very unique. Not only in size, but the fact that it was SN 0001 was exciting to me – to be witnessing the first of a new breed. Again, I was taken back by the enormity of this airplane.
As I was wondering around the airplane to get my exterior photos I was surprised to see a maintenance van approaching from the far side of the ramp. As luck would have it the occupants of the van were from Airbus. Unfortunately, they spoke little English and I spoke no French at all. We finally figured these guys were engineers from Toulouse France and were also told they were conducting icing tests on the new Rolls Royce Trent XWB 97 engine on the port wing. Apparently the weather system currently presiding over central Canada was producing the exact conditions they needed to conduct their testing of the new mammoth engine.
I asked for permission to continue my walk around of the airplane and they agreed. Having worked in a landing gear shop for the Shorts 330 and 360 airplanes during my career I was impressed with the large undercarriage (main landing gear). How many wheels can you count?
I continued working my way around the exterior and back to cargo stairs where the engineers were gathered. Another truck drove up and a couple more technicians got out of the truck and hooked up and started the GPU. One of the original engineers then headed up the air stairs and opened the cabin door. He then surprised me by waving me to come up the stairs to tour the inside of the airplane. What a treat.
Just the view from the height of the cabin door was impressive. Much like a B747. I was very surprised to see the interior of the airplane had been removed except for a dozen or so first class seats and the forward galley. I guess if you work for Airbus and are taking a plane to Milwaukee for testing the least the company can do for you is let you ride in first class comfort.
I was escorted through the fuselage and was shown the recording instruments that were set up at different stations on the lower cabin. Further explanation revealed that the instruments were able to record the outside temperature, humidity, ice particles, and a host of other variables that were being recorded as part of the engine approval process. Very interesting talking with these guys. Although it was difficult with their broken English we did manage to communicate.
We made our way to the aft part of the interior and climbed the semi circular stairway to the upper cabin. Not as much recording equipment on this level, but the cabin was nonetheless gutted for the flight. I was impressed to see the stairs (grand stairway) at the forward part of the fuselage taking us back to the lower level just outside the cockpit. Of course I asked if I could take a look see into the cockpit. I guess I didn’t know what to expect considering the overall size of the airplane, but the cockpit was very familiar looking, almost like a B767 or B757. Glass everything on the panels, and a couple of laptops. The technicians said the laptops were for the pilots to play video games while on long flights. These guys were great and had a great sense of humor. Part of what I enjoy about the aviation community.
I was able to spend over an hour touring this, the first production A380 SN 0001. I couldn’t have had a better time and the fact that I was able to meet some of the engineers AND get a tour of the interior still amazes me. The Airbus employees were very accommodating and were very excited to share their airplane with another aviation fan and community member.
I was able to tour this wonderful aircraft in 2016. Now in 2019 the fate of this great airplane is in question. Whether it’s business model, or lack of customer orders, or the fact that most airports, even large international airports cannot support the operations of these airplanes makes it unlikely that this airframe will survive much longer into the future. The future will surely tell.
Regardless of the success of the type I will always be grateful for the short time I was able to tour the airplane and the experience I had with the wonderful employees of Airbus during their stay in Milwaukee.
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