DFW | April 2009 | Founders Plaza

I've found that now that I'm visiting Founders' Plaza regularly and paying more attention to tail numbers in true planespotting style, I notice the comings and goings of certain aircraft...or in this case, the not going anywhere.

^This was in the afternoon of April 6, I noticed this UPS MD-11F getting some attention on its starboard engine. This aircraft is N285UP- originally built and delivered to Swissair (and its successor, Swiss International) in all-passenger configuration in 1992, she then went to Varig Brasil and flew in the special "Star Alliance" colors. From there she was converted to a freighter by Aeronavili in Italy and entered service with UPS as N285UP around 2007 or so.


^Two days later on April 8 I make an early morning swing by Founders' Plaza and notice that N285UP is still there, nacelle cowlings were still open (though you can't tell from this shot) on the starboard engine. I thought the condensation pattern on the other MD-11F was something I hadn't seen before on a parked aircraft 'round these parts.


^April 9 I'm on my way home with the kids and passing by I notice three MD-11 tails on the UPS ramp from the freeway. I had been spotting earlier that day so I had the camera with me, so I told the Chicklets we're doing some spottin' (they got off early from school) and snapped this shot of something I haven't seen at DFW in ages, three MD-11s parked together...and the furthest one? N285UP. I suppose it's possible that it got fixed up, flew out and flew back, but having seen that aircraft two previous days of having not gone anyway, it piqued my interest if it was still grounded.

^Oh, and here's a nice catch for that morning spotting session- N752AX a 767-200F flying for ABX Air in DHL colors. Looks good in the early morning light.

Originally delivered to All Nippon Airways (ANA) in 1987, she was leased out for a time to another Japanese carrier, Skymark Airlines. In 2005 IAI in Tel Aviv converted her to a freighter and she's been flying for ABX ever since.