Hi all
Before my trip I asked around for info/problems with taking RB overseas. Thanks for responses. No problems with customs etc. RB was always in checked luggage.
Got a fright when I picked up my case in Zurich (checked straight through from Dubai via Heathrow) and found the padlock was missing but everything was there, laptop and RB, phew!!
I have now returned to Australia and happy to report that without the RB some of the airports visited would have been a bit of a waste because of poor/inadequate viewing facilities (no transport, just trips to the airports or from hotel windows).
I had share data ticked but don't know if my logs came through as I was using the local hotel network connections where available.
Lots of hits without registrations (on database) especially Hong Kong, Dubai and Europe but to be fair many of these are very new a/c.
Worst experience was in Madrid. Our airport room looked straight out to the approach to the two runways and even though we could see up to 4 a/c lining up to each runway, RB was only picking up a few just as they disappeared behind some buildings. When they changed runway headings and were taking off 'away' from us, excellent hit rate as they climbed.
RB did freeze up a few times and had to reset but all in all performed very well. I was thankful in Seattle where after 3 hours on the carpark roof it started raining (Rain in Seattle - never!!!) so walked back to the hotel and pure luck that they changed runways and took off straight past the hotel. Lazy spotting at it's best.
Not RB's problem, but most annoying that a lot of a/c leave their transponders on when parked so they were clogging up the screen especially in CDG and LHR. Didn't think of setting a minimum height but then we wouldn't have picked up a/c pushing back, taxiiing.
Best value was in Dubai as very limited viewing area (and got 'interrogated' by local police as we were walking near hangars etc) so spotted from our hotel window and RB did the rest - excellent variety of a/c types and countries. Highlight was 3 IL-86's departing towards us - could hear them but couldn't 'see' them till they appeared past the apartment block in front of us.
Very fruitful trip (last big trip was 2005) 2400+ a/c but glad to be home.
So the message is, take your RB whenever you travel.
Peter, Sydney
