It seems like not so long ago our lives changed dramatically. We flew in domestic cars, plowing the endless expanses of the CIS on TUs, Yaks and ILs. But, gradually, first as rare guests, and then more and more confidently, other cars began to appear on airlines. At first we were happy when we had the chance to fly on Boeing or Airbus. But only a few years passed, and guests from abroad became almost absolute masters. And the winged cars familiar from childhood suddenly found themselves “lay up” on the outskirts of airports, meekly awaiting their fate
I don’t want to be misunderstood, I don’t feel any negativity towards the products of European and American aircraft manufacturers. I just want to remember what life was like as a frequent flyer just a few years ago. In this post I posted several photographs of airliners that, until recently, worked hard, but are now abandoned and forgotten. Let's start, perhaps, with Ulyanovsk
5 years ago I flew on an IL-86 plane to Kazantip. And now one of the most beautiful and amazing domestic airliners stands on the outskirts of airports, awaiting its fate
Samara
I flew on these airliners 4 times a week, buying tickets with a 50% discount (using a student card from Samara State Aerospace University). I discovered another world for myself, and the now defunct Samara airline helped me in this. For the sake of this photo I flew to Samara for official spotting
Volgograd
There was also an air carrier here. Volga-AviaExpress airlines stopped flying just over 2 years ago. Quite recently, I was lucky enough to photograph a lonely TU-134, previously operated in the fleet of this airline. There was also a tragic page in the history of Volga-AviaExpress. On August 24, 2004, a Tu-134 aircraft (registration number RA-65080) was blown up in the air by a suicide bomber 26 minutes after takeoff...
Here on the airfield you can find a huge number of timeless classics. :) Whether it flies or not, I don’t know
Saratov
Will these machines ever take to the skies? Very beautiful exterior design of the aircraft
Ekaterinburg, Koltsovo
While scrolling through my friend’s feed a few weeks ago, I came across photographs of a large accumulation of carcasses and sludge waiting to be “cut” at the fence of Koltsovo airport. I really want to fly to Yekaterinburg and film what’s left. If one of my friends living in Yekaterinburg or surrounding cities joins me, I’ll get together much faster
Moscow, Sheremetyevo
This shot was taken from a bus delivering Aeroexpress passengers along the “inner perimeter” to terminal “B”. IL-62. A car of incredible beauty and grace.
Kazan
If you fly to this city, ask for seat A at check-in. When landing, you will be able to photograph through the window a huge number of domestic airliners standing on the grass along the runway
A unique parade of airfield equipment took place at Domodedovo Airport, dedicated to the Day of the Russian Air Fleet. For the first time, a wide variety of vehicles that ensure the functioning of the airport passed through the festive convoy. Without these machines, planes would not fly.
Total in the park specialized equipment airport there are more than 200 different cars, the most interesting of them were presented at the parade.
2. The water arch with which the equipment is greeted is a sign of special honor. This is usually how planes from new airlines open new routes are greeted. This time, the water arch was awarded to real hard workers, toilers of the airfield. 
3. The first car rightfully goes to the escort car with the word Follow me on the board. 
4. I recently published a long report about these cars. But for the most curious I will publish brief descriptions all types of technology. 
“follow me car” aircraft escort vehicles are used to ensure safe leading of aircraft according to a given route. The placement and taxiing of aircraft on the apron of Moscow Domodedovo Airport is carried out according to pre-approved routes. The special equipment fleet of Domodedovo Airport currently includes 12 aircraft escort vehicles of the Skoda Fabia brand.
This vehicle differs from a regular passenger car in its special coloring and LED display. Each aircraft is equipped with two radio stations (aviation and intra-airport range), a set of equipment that controls the information display (for issuing visual commands to the crew of the leading aircraft), a navigation equipment unit and flashing beacons. Cars travel several hundred kilometers per day.
An aircraft is escorted by a vehicle in the following cases: at the request of the crew; when visibility is less than 400 meters; at night time; in the absence of visibility of markings; when escorting aircraft of foreign airlines and in some other cases.
5. Self-propelled ladder with electric motor TLD Green BBS-580. 
Self-propelled ladders TLD Green BBS-580 purchased as part of the program air harbor on the transition to the use of ground-based equipment and special equipment powered by electric traction. Currently, 18 such machines are used in Domodedovo.
The design of TLD Green self-propelled gangways uses a number of modern solutions, such as high-performance rechargeable batteries, which allow it to be operated without recharging throughout a standard work shift, and special safety sensors that block the movement of the gangway while passengers are on it. For the comfort of air travelers, bright LED lighting is provided, as well as a special anti-slip coating on the steps.
Consisting of two telescopically connected sections, the stairway is capable of serving all types of modern aircraft with a passenger deck height from 2.2 to 5.9 meters. The self-propelled gangway mechanisms can withstand a load of up to 5,920 kg (about 70 people can be on it at the same time), which allows increasing the speed of boarding and disembarking passengers. The new machines are equipped with a reliable electric drive and a special hydraulic system that ensures the stability of the ladder and smooth height adjustment of the ladder. Special equipment can be operated uninterruptedly in difficult climatic conditions in winter.
In total, today the fleet of airfield equipment at Moscow Domodedovo Airport includes 73 passenger stairs of various modifications, of which more than half of the machines are equipped with electric motors. Taking care of environment, the airport plans to continue its program to expand its fleet of “green” equipment and introduce the most modern environmentally friendly technologies.
6. SCHOPF F396C airfield tractor. There is something about him too. 
Airfield tractors are the most powerful airport workers. There are 22 tractors operating at Domodedovo, including two “heavyweights” SCHOPF F396C. This small-looking machine can tow aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of up to 600 tons, including the largest in the world passenger airliner. The operating weight of SCHOPF F396C varies from 45 to 70 tons. Engine power 300 kW (408 hp), all-wheel drive and automatic transmission. To facilitate the operator’s work, the SCHOPF F396C cab is equipped with air conditioning and parking sensors with a rear view camera, and to improve the driver’s visibility, the tractor cab can be raised or lowered.
SCHOPF F59 tractors are also used - universal airfield tractors with all-wheel drive, designed for military and civil aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of up to 70 tons. The optionally installed lifting cabin provides excellent visibility when working on the airfield and in hangars. There are 15 such tractors in Domodedovo.
7. Catering autolift. These vehicles deliver flight meals and more to the plane. 
Catering autolift Malaghan CT8000
With the help of autolifts, food and various consumables, such as paper, napkins, air fresheners, etc., are delivered on board. The main difference of this vehicle is the “double scissors” lifting mechanism with a range of serviceable heights from 3 to 8.4 meters. This is almost three meters higher than other mechanisms similar in purpose. Only with the help of these autolifts is it possible to deliver the necessary cargo to the height of the second deck of the Airbus A380. Today there are two similar elevators in Domodedovo.
Malaghan CT6000
This type of vehicle is equipped with a lifting mechanism with a range of serviceable heights from 1.4 to 5.6 meters. Thus, the autolift can easily serve aircraft such as the CRJ-100. The minimum operating height for this equipment is 1.4 meters, which is almost a meter lower than that of other machines similar in purpose. Autolift serves such aircraft as: Boeing-737, Boeing-777, Airbus A310, etc. Domodedovo Airport has two small catering autolifts.
8. Platform bus. . 
Neoplan Vision Neoplan Airliner apron bus
Buses are equipped with ramps for passengers using wheelchairs. Unusually, the exhaust gases are discharged in the direction opposite to the opening of the doors. The “smart bus” is equipped with a special system that allows the driver to control the boarding and disembarking of passengers without the participation of additional personnel. To do this, the driver just needs to swipe his hand on the touch screen installed outside next to the door. The system will not allow the door to close if there is any interference, and also blocks the movement of the bus if at least one door is open or not completely closed. New Neoplan buses are equipped with a climate system, which creates comfortable conditions for passengers, especially in the summer. The interior dimensions (3 meters wide and more than 14 meters long) made this model more comfortable and spacious for travelers. An automatic ramp is installed for passengers with disabilities.
The design of the platform buses is futuristic: the wheels are “hidden” under the side “skirt” so that they are almost invisible. Thanks to this design solution, it seems that the bus is “hovering” above the platform. There are 34 similar buses in service at the airport.
9. r, anti-icing machine for aircraft surfaces. I dedicated a couple of reports to these unique machines and even posted a deicer from the cockpit. 
This is the highest airfield equipment Domodedovo. The specially designed boom can lift the operator's cabin more than 15 meters above the ground and the spray nozzle higher than 23 meters. This makes it possible to use The Elephant® Beta-15 DeIcer to service the largest types of aircraft. The machine is equipped with a lighting lantern (it is located at the end of the manipulator), which makes it possible to process aircraft in the dark.
The hydraulic system of the machine is very flexible and mobile, it is designed so that it is possible to conveniently and quickly process the surface of the aircraft both horizontally and vertically. The duration of deicing depends on factors such as the type of aircraft, as well as the degree of icing on board. The average time of anti-icing treatment is 5-7 minutes.
10. Tractor for baggage delivery. 
At Domodedovo Airport, two types of tractors are used for delivering luggage: Toyota 02-TD25 and Still R07-25.
The Toyota 02-TD25 tractor presented at the parade is designed to deliver luggage on the platform. Having a three-meter length and a height of about 2 meters, this vehicle can simultaneously tow a load weighing up to 25 tons. There are currently 22 such tractors at the airport.
In addition, the airport has 19 Still R07-25 electric tractors, which are designed to transport cargo in the baggage sorting area.
11. Self-propelled belt conveyor. 
On this moment 10 self-propelled belt conveyors are used in the operation of Moscow Domodedovo Airport. In the near future, the fleet will be replenished with 9 more units of similar equipment. Self-propelled belt conveyors are used to transport luggage, cargo and mail. They are capable of servicing all types of modern aircraft with a luggage and cargo compartment height of up to 4.3 meters. The mechanisms of a self-propelled belt conveyor when unloading luggage, cargo and mail can withstand a total load on the belt of up to 1000 kg. The belt speed reaches 30m/min, which allows for loading and unloading operations at high speeds.
In addition to these machines, Domodedovo’s special equipment fleet includes 35 trailed belt conveyors.
12. TZA-45 Mercedes Actros 2032 and TZA-18 Mercedes Axor-1828 fuel tankers. Do you want to know 
Today, 31 units of fueling equipment are in operation at Domodedovo Airport: tankers and refueling units. This equipment is capable of providing fuel to any type of domestic and foreign aircraft. The airport's fleet of refueling vehicles allows refueling about 470 aircraft per day with qualified aviation fuel.
The fuel tankers available at Domodedovo Airport were specially designed for the airport. Most cars are based on Mercedes-Benz.
The airport has tankers with a capacity of 18 to 60 cubic meters. The parade features a vehicle with a capacity of 45 cubic meters and a low-profile tanker with a capacity of 18 cubic meters, which refuels the wings of medium-haul aircraft such as Airbus A319 and Airbus A320 without the use of additional devices.
At Domodedovo Airport, the fleet of fuel tankers and refueling units is regularly updated and replenished. All purchased refueling equipment is designed using engines of EURO-4 environmental standard.
14. Equipment for cleaning the runway (runway) and apron. 
Shmidt TJS-630
The trailed plow and brush machine TJS-630 is the most powerful and large-sized equipment. It is designed to clear runways and taxiways (taxiways) from snow. Over a period of 15 to 30 minutes, a squad of 16 vehicles lines up, covers the entire width of the runway and completely clears the runway in one pass.
The compact Schmidt CJS-914 plow and brush blower machine is in no way inferior in its capabilities to trailed equipment and also allows you to remove snow and debris from artificial airfield surfaces. Its main difference from the trailed one is that all the equipment is installed on the base of the tractor and allows you to work on the apron in limited areas and between aircraft stands. Due to its dimensions, this machine is one of the most effective means of airfield maintenance.
The airport's airfield service is armed with 6 CJS-914 units. The maximum vehicle speed during cleaning can reach more than
50 km/h.
15. Valtra tractors 
The equipment is used for cleaning the runway and all adjacent areas of the airfield. Thanks to their technical features, tractors are effectively used for quickly chipping ice in winter and for leveling access dirt roads in summer. In addition, the machines have a special certificate of conformity that allows them to carry out airfield cleaning work on the runway.
At the airport's request, some Valtra N121 vehicles were equipped with front-end loaders designed to collect snow and gravel. All tractor models available at the airport are equipped with reliable AGCO Power engines and operate with a small turning radius, which is of great importance when working in confined spaces.
Domodedovo uses 16 Valtra tractors.
16. Machine for measuring friction coefficient. I wrote about her in a report 
To measure the coefficient of adhesion, a special mechanism is used - a trailed trolley ASFT T-5 Trailer CFME.
The principle of measuring the friction coefficient is based on electromechanical braking of the measuring wheel, which allows maintaining a given percentage of slip regardless of the condition of the airfield (presence of ice, snow, water, pollution, etc. on the surface). Thus, the braking mode of the landing gear of any type of aircraft is simulated.
The airport has three such machines at its disposal.
17. After the passage of special equipment, fire trucks joined it. 
18. Special equipment lined up on the platform. Here you could get a closer look at these amazing machines. 
19. Airport employees answered all questions and demonstrated the capabilities of the equipment. 
20. There is something to be surprised about, especially if you see this technique for the first time. 
22. Operation of a catering autolift. 
23. The most spectacular exhibit is the deicer. 
24. Wing processing. 
25. It was possible to board the plane, where Natalya and Ekaterina met everyone. 
26. You could even look into the Airbus cockpit and meet the pilot. 
Andrey has been in the sky for 25 years. Almost ten of them are at Siberia Airlines. Before that, he was a military pilot, flying an Il-76.
27. I think that no one will be upset if I end my report on special equipment with photographs of flight attendants. 
28. Have a safe flight! And remember, for your plane to take off, a couple of hundred machines must work at the airfield around the clock. Thanks to those who fly in the sky and to those who help fly on the ground! 
Many thanks to the press service of Domodedovo Airport for organizing the parade and providing materials. I would also like to thank the employees of Siberia Airlines for their active participation.
And once again I congratulate everyone on the holiday. Happy Air Force Day!
Subscribe to the magazine! There is a lot of interesting things ahead.
Also I am
What are twin-engine piston airplanes used for? The opinion that is close to the truth is that the task of the second engine is to increase the useful take-off weight, take on a larger fuel supply, and also balance the torque from the first engine. What is the difference between single-engine and dual-engine? Which twins are better and what is on the market in Russia?
Recently, interest in twin-engine aircraft in small aviation is heating up, everyone is waiting for a full-fledged replacement of the “Cheburashkas” and “Kukuruzniks” to come with the help of our Russian left-handers. On the other hand, recognized world samples are flying to our market from abroad aviation technology. What to choose and for what purposes? The purposes can be mainly three: for education, for recreation and entertainment and for commercial transport.
Are two motors better than one? What is the difference?
Flight safety issue
The issue of safety in aviation comes first. Statistics say that compared to single-engine aircraft, twin-engine aircraft have more breakdowns per aircraft, but in terms of the number of flight hours, they occur a little less frequently. As a rule, twin-engine aircraft are more likely to have landing gear problems, while single-engine aircraft are more likely to have engine problems. Twin-engine planes look more profitable for suspicious passengers who know that if one engine fails, the plane will continue to fly on the second engine.
The safety requirements for singles and twins are not fundamentally different: the crew in the air must work harmoniously, as a team, and strictly follow work instructions. Particular attention should be paid to preventive maintenance and repair: inspection of used engine oil during replacement will help maintain the strength of the engine frame and the specified parameters of its operation. Careful inspection of the landing gear mechanism ensures a long life for the landing gear. Well, “the basis of flying is sleep and nutrition.”
Machine reliability
In theory, a complex machine like a Piper Seneca should have many more problems than a simpler aircraft like a Cessna 182. Twins have so many complex systems that need to be checked. Sometimes at the annual inspection in the states, pilots are amazed at how complex their machines are.
Author of the article “Do you really want a Gemini?” Mike Butch, owner of a Cessna 310, speaks very positively of his swallow: “Everything works like a clock almost all the time, and there are almost no unscheduled technical repairs.
The author attributes the secret of reliability to an uncompromising attention to prevention: constantly monitoring the first signs of corrosion, wear and leakage of fuel, oil or exhaust gases, changes in instrument readings, or anything that looks out of the ordinary.
When purchasing an aircraft, you must immediately determine the purpose of use - whether the aircraft will be primarily used for personal flights and training, or whether it is purchased for use for business purposes. Based on this, a calculation of operating costs and a business plan are derived. If the aircraft is purchased only for oneself, the costs are significant. So what are they made of?
First of all, these are direct operating costs. These include the cost of fuel, oil and maintenance (50 hour and 100 hour). The cost of maintenance does not depend on the number of motors, but depends on the manufacturer and brand. It can range from 250 to 350 euros per hour. When choosing and purchasing an aircraft, you must also take into account the fact that the nearest maintenance point for a particular model may be in Europe.
Obviously, a twin-engine aircraft uses twice as much fuel as a single-engine aircraft. The cost of aviation gasoline in the best case (for pick-up) is 112,000 per ton. The consumption, for example, of the Cessna T310 is 110-115 liters per hour. For a single-engine engine it will be two times lower.
All other fixed costs are approximately comparable. But, the cost of insurance will depend on the cost of the aircraft itself, and twin-engine aircraft are usually more expensive. Let's not forget taxes. For twin-engine aircraft, if they are registered in Russia, taxes are higher. Of course, an aircraft can be registered under the flag of any offshore zone, but is it worth it? It is much more difficult to obtain permission to fly. Variable costs will only change if they are related to engine repairs or maintenance. For two motors it will cost twice as much as for one.
Pilot training will also be a little more expensive. Insurance companies require twin-engine aircraft to be driven by more experienced pilots.
But, for commercial use, in any case, it is better to purchase a twin-engine aircraft. It will be much more often in demand by passengers due to passengers' confidence in its greater reliability. And, therefore, the payback point will be reached much earlier.
So, the table below shows the approximate cost (operating costs):
TOP 10 light twin-engine aircraft
1. Piper Seneca V PA34
The best twins are recognized masterpieces of the global aviation industry. Seneca is a standard of quality and appearance. The aircraft is a model of time-honored reliability and the dream of many aviators around the world.
Now to the point, if we talk about consumer properties, then: it pulls weakly on one engine, the front pillar is partial to airfields with unpaved surfaces. In addition, when fully fueled (1530 km), the payload is only 120 kg (2 pilots and 4 passengers), so you have to choose between load and flight range. As for speed qualities, the cruising speed is 348 km/h, which is quite suitable for commercial transportation.
2. Be-76 Duchess “Flight Jeans” - all of America grew up wearing them
The popularity of this model is mainly due to its prevalence in American flight schools. A training aircraft must bring income to its owner, be relatively cheap and have controls that are sufficiently resistant to the fussy actions of cadets. The aircraft was originally planned as a training desk and could not compete with other monsters on the market due to the lack of attributes such as speed and grace. Cost and adaptability to training are the main advantages of this machine.
3. Beechcraft G58 Baron “Airplane – picture”
Not everyone knows, but the situation is close to the truth: the American market of twin-engine light aviation almost divided in half. The two main aircraft on the market are the Seneca and the Baron. Seneca is more reliable than Baron, but in appearance many prefer the Baron: “the airplane from the picture.” But everyone has their own tastes and there is no arguing about it.
The aircraft is 4-seater, has a rather narrow cabin, but at the same time a magnificent luxury interior. The most powerful engines in the class (300 horses) provide high cruising speed. With two passengers there is enough fuel for 1600 - 1800 km, with four – up to 1100 km.
4. Cessna T310R “Best choice for the middle class”
Regular editor of the site avweb.com Mike Butch, in an article devoted to the operation of twins, describes his experience in operating this twin-engine aircraft: it works like a clock, just don’t forget about maintenance. Cessna lives up to its name as always: the best aircraft for the middle class. Many accomplished experienced pilots believe that this aircraft ranks first among aircraft of its class in terms of reliability. Cessna always strives not to leave its customers indifferent. Max. take-off weight 2494 kg, 725 kg.
5. Trotter
A new generation of Russian regional small aircraft. New trends, old aviation design school. The aircraft is designed to transport 10 people over a distance of up to 2000 km with a cruising speed of 250 – 400 km/h. A long-awaited project - the niche of local air transportation is empty, but there is a need for passenger and cargo transportation over short distances. In addition, this model can be used as a training desk in flight centers.
6. L-410 “Cheburashka”
An old friend is better than two new ones - this proverb, by the way, is perfect for short description"Cheburashki". A reliable car, but not forgiving of piloting mistakes. It is especially worth noting the need to carry out all routine maintenance on time. The new modification of the L-410 UVP-E20 has more sensitive controls and those who are accustomed to the Soviet aviation industry should think several times before deciding to take the helm
7. Morava L-200D “Underrated”
An interesting aircraft, produced in the 60-70s. Cruising speed is at a decent level (270-290 km/h). The aircraft is interesting because it is still used as a pleasure aircraft in Europe. Very reliable and unpretentious: you can refuel almost any car gasoline, land and take off from unpaved areas, perform some aerobatic maneuvers, all-weather, it is possible to perform a turn of up to 15° if one engine fails. The distinctive feature of this machine is that it is practically safe to fly if you have the necessary skills; the machine forgives many of the pilot’s shortcomings.
8. Amphibious aircraft “Flying boat” L-42
The Russian four-seater amphibious aircraft is a good option for flying to a neighboring region for fishing, as well as swimming and relaxing with friends. If your dream goes further and you want to become a commercial pilot, then getting a pilot's license is a good option.
As for other consumer qualities, it has a cruising speed of 230 km/h, a payload of up to 200 kg, good stability in flight, and overall a reliable car.
9. EV-55 Outback
Another masterpiece of Czech design thought: the machine is designed for operation on short, unpaved runways and mountain airfields (landing distance). EV-55 Outback is a cargo and passenger aircraft for operation on local routes with a flight range of 2200 km, designed in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) with a number of passengers of 9 - 14 people (plus a crew of 2 people).
An excellent car to replace outdated models in its market segment; it is much better to obtain a commercial pilot's license on a new aircraft than on an old one.
10. Tecnam P2006T
A high-quality aircraft focused on modern market conditions in Russia, the ability to use 95 automobile gasoline and beautiful appearance. The car is quite demanding to drive and requires proper treatment. In order to master this type and protect yourself in flight, follow the flight instructions, fly without courage, and love flying. Those who want to take a ride are attracted by the operating costs; they are comparable to flying on a simulator.
No other word came to my mind to call this place other than a cemetery, although
official name of the location - "Training airfield of the Samara State Aerospace University named after Academician S.P. Korolev" Before perestroika - KuAI training airfield. There are decommissioned aircraft of various types here. Students and university staff use them for educational purposes.
This place is located on the territory of the Smyshlyaevsky airfield. 
The SSAU airfield originally belonged to the Department of Operation of Military Equipment and was built for practical training in 1942. Until 1962, the airfield trained Air Force specialists - aircraft technicians and navigators. They brought there mostly old, decommissioned aircraft.
Currently, the airfield is used mainly by the Department of Aviation Equipment Operations. The most popular types of aircraft in the training process are An-2(classes with first year students), Mi-8T(second course), Yak-42 And Tu-154B-2(third year). The rest of the equipment is in storage, much of it is in poor condition, rusting and falling into disrepair. Practical classes for students are held in the summer. 
Almost all the equipment arrived under its own power at the Bezymyanka airfield and was towed to this site. Some cars arrived at Smyshlyaevka airport. But due to the lack of proper technical control and care, they lost the ability to take off independently and fell into disrepair. Although many systems are still operational and used for educational purposes. The area is fenced and guarded, but for a small fee you can negotiate and go have a look.
In total, at the time of the visit (September 2015), there were about 20 vehicles at the airfield.
L-410UVP
Released in January 1980 in the Czech Republic. Intended to transport passengers, mail and cargo. The first foreign-made aircraft approved for flights in the USSR. In 1994 it was transported to the SSAU airfield.
Yak-42
Produced in 1976. In storage since 1982. Used by SSAU staff for student internships. The plane is partially operational. According to some information, this board was landed on the ground in Smyshlyaevka by Hero of the Soviet Union Savitskaya S.E.
An-12B
Released in 1962, decommissioned in December 1976. The reason for decommissioning was the completion of the assigned flight life. Currently serving teaching aid, fifth-year students of the Faculty of Engineering conduct laboratory work on it air transport SSAU.
Tu-104E
The first prototype of the Tu-104E, manufactured in 1959, decommissioned in 1966. In 1960, the crew of pilot Kovalev set the last world record for this type of vehicle on the Tu-104E, flying a distance of 2000 km with a load of 15 tons. average speed 959.94 km/h.
Tu-154B-2
One of the most efficient aircraft at the test site. Released in 1969, in storage since 1975. It was the first aircraft of its class to take off (the first two sides were destroyed during the testing stage). After the destruction of the aircraft exhibited at the All-Russian Exhibition Center, it remains the only surviving prototype. Used for internship of 3rd year students of the Faculty of Air Transport Engineers.
Tu-154M
Released in 1990. In 2013, Utair airline transferred this aircraft, which was reaching the end of its service life, to SSAU for training purposes. The aircraft arrived at Bezymyanka airfield on April 29, 2013. On March 28, 2014, the crew of test pilot Ruben Yesayan performed a unique flight on this aircraft from the Bezymyanka airfield to the Smyshlyaevka landing site located directly next to it. The difficulty of the flight was that the Smyshlyaevka airfield was closed in 2012, and the length of its runway (1200 m) is almost half the minimum required runway length for normal operation of the Tu-154M (2200 m).
Photo of the last landing - from here
Tu-144S
Made its first flight in 1975, in storage since 1987. Participated in state tests, during which it performed 50 flights for 68 hours. Carried mail. It is closed to visitors even for SSAU students, although excursions used to be taken inside.
Il-14M
First flight - 1957, decommissioned in 1988. Teachers, training airfield staff and students maintain the aircraft in good condition. All aircraft systems are operational. In July 2013, the aircraft was hoisted, the landing gear and mechanization race was carried out, and the right engine was started. USSR Defense Minister Grechko flew on this plane.
Li-2T
There was no information about him except for the model years 1939-1953
An-14 "Bee"
Model production years: 1965-1972. Has been in storage since the early 2000s.
An-2TP
In operation since the end of 1965, decommissioned in 1988 after completing its assigned life.
Produced in 1966. At the end of 1992 the plane was donated by the Syktyvkar Aviation Enterprise to the Samara Aviation Institute in honor of the 50th anniversary of the university.
The remaining aircraft were produced in the late 60s and decommissioned in the late 80s and early 90s.
Mi-24A
The model was produced in 1971-1973. It became the first Soviet and second in the world specialized combat helicopter. It has many modifications and has been exported to many countries around the world. This device arrived at the airfield from the Federal State Unitary Enterprise KBAS, where it worked on testing aircraft landing systems.
Mi-2
Soviet multi-purpose helicopter. Produced in 1965-1992. The model has been successfully used for both civilian and military purposes. In storage, some systems are working.
Mi-8T(TV)
Manufactured in 1973, decommissioned in 1970 due to exhaustion.
Mi-8T(TV)
Manufactured in 1974, decommissioned in 1991. The reason is the exhaustion of the resource.
Mi-8T(TV)
The first flight took place in 1972. The service life ended in 1988.
Mi-8T(TV)
Manufactured in 1974, decommissioned in 1989 after completing its intended service life.
Mi-8T(TV)
Year of manufacture 1974, decommissioned in 1979.
Mi-6
In service from 1964 to 1995. At the time of decommissioning, it had the longest total flight time among the Mi-6, about 21,000 hours. Suffered an accident in the taiga in February 1982. During takeoff, I got caught in a snow storm. The crew collided with trees around the site. The helicopter was seriously damaged. During restoration, it was supplemented with decommissioned and damaged aircraft.
There are also several units of special equipment at the airfield.
fuel tanker 
Fire department 
In general, this airfield could turn out to be a wonderful museum civil aviation. Not far from the city (from the OT stop about one kilometer on foot), there are many interesting exhibits, some of which are unique. The same 100-150 rubles that security charges for entry is an acceptable price for a ticket.
Airport structure: all equipment
28/02/2015
When a passenger arrives at the airport, he usually sees check-in counters, a waiting room and a Duty-Free store. Everyone, of course, realizes that this is a very complex organism from an engineering and technical point of view, but they rarely pay attention to the various ingenious machines. And some of them simply remain invisible to the average passenger. And there are very, very many of them, and today we will show you them using the example of the airport (Kaliningrad).
All photos can be clicked to enlarge. Under each photo there is a description. Well, let's fly!
In front of us is an airport tractor with a carrier attached to it. Not a carrier, but a carrier: this is the name given to an object that looks like a long yellow pipe. A tractor is needed to tow aircraft, and most often the aircraft is not pulled, but pushed: after all, it can move forward under its own power due to the thrust of the engines, but not backwards. Reverse mode is used for braking after landing.
Apron buses are used to transport passengers to aircraft located in so-called “far parking areas”. And back. No matter how many jet bridges there are, there are usually more aircraft at the airport at the same time. And many types of aircraft cannot be serviced at the airstairs at all - for example, small aircraft with an airstairs built directly into the door.
However, the telescopic ladder itself is adjustable within a wide range both in height and reach, and also moves left and right along the apron. Freedom in three dimensions allows you to service most types of aircraft, while the soft “accordion” (corrugation) at the very end fits tightly to the fuselage to protect passengers from wind, rain and cold.
Driving a ladder is no more difficult than driving a tractor (and it is registered with the traffic police as a tractor). There is even a “downshift” that is used when docking with an airplane to carefully approach it close to touching down.
These van trucks also drive up to the plane before touching down. They are used to load in-flight catering carts and unload them back. The truck drives up to the plane, the body rises to the required height, and the carts roll across the “bridge.”
The trolley is used to transport luggage. Now we see how sandbags are loaded into the bomb bay: they are dropped as they gain altitude to reduce the weight of the aircraft. (In fact, this, of course, is simply cargo accepted for transportation in addition to passengers’ luggage. Yes, yes, cargo flies not only on cargo planes).
A tanker can be seen behind the plane.
A tractor at the airport is provided in case of cancellation of international flights 😉
And the rest of the time he just transports carts and other equipment.
Mirrored disco balls are hung throughout the airfield as bait for DJs. In this case, world stars of the dance scene are more willing to fly on tour. Some even have the rider indicating the required number of disco balls at the arrival airport.
It also turned out that the disco ball is also a good fumigator for scaring away birds. To enhance the effect, dubstep plays from loudspeakers located near the runway. It is believed that it imitates the calls of birds of prey, gunshots, etc. That's why scarecrows are not installed at airports. There are also no rattles to repel moles. Therefore, the entire space between the taxiways is dotted with cozy holes ^_^
Ilya Shatilin
