1. After one of two engineering test pilots gave permission to take picures, I followed him onto the ramp where I took this picture of him boarding the airplane.
2, With the temerature in the mid 20s and wind gusting in the 30 to 40 mph range, the environment discouraged lingering. That said, I was determined to take essential views and only later the next day realized I should have taken more time on the ramp.
3. This picture has been intentionally distorted in the interest of whimsy.
4. While the crew prepared the airplane for departure after a quick lunch at the airport terminal's restaurant, I worked fast on my feet, not only because of the chilly winds, but also not to distract or delay the Bombardier crew.
5.
6. Testing of the aircraft is done from the Bombardier facility in Wichta, Kansas. Reports of gusty winds in this part of the country brought the airplane to central Illinois.
7. It's hard to believe I was not using a wide angle lens, but I was not.
8. Canadian civil registration C-FRJX is visible here.
9. The unpainted natural metal tailcone is likely a modification for prototype testing. There is room there for an anti-spin parachute, but I did not discuss the possiblity during my brief conversations with the flight test engineer and one of the two engineering test pilots.
10. This autographed decal placed by the entrance to the airplane on the port side, acknowledges partners and supplies, many company names signed by their company liaisons working with Bomardier in producing the CRJ 1000.
11. The orange nose probe is essential to evaluating and understanding the forces encountered by the prototype in flight.
12. Also present at the Landmark Aviation ramp was this King Air which departed the ramp during my visit.
13. View from the air stair steps leading into the interior.
14. Looking aft from the entry, the cabin is equipped with water ballast tanks permitting the shift of weight for and aft in flight to establish safe operating parameters. In airline service the cabin will feature seating in two-aisle-two configuration.
15. One of two engineers' stations in the roomy cabin.s
16. This picture was altered to provide a different "look" to this promising aircraft.
17. One of two engineering test pilots prepares the airplane for flight. The two cockpit professionals alternate time in the left seat.s
18. The Air BP sign in the distance helps "set" the location as Springfield, Illinois as the venue where these pictures were taken.
19. A close-up of the nose probe. Note the vanes, similar to a simple roof-top wind direction indicator, which transmit critical information to the crew in flight.
20. As I was departing, some other visitors arrived and prepared to board the airplane as I bade adieu to craft and crew.
21. An un-retouched version of photo #16.