58 Votes (4.80 Average) and 73,045 Views  

Boeing 737-800 (N916NN) - Yesterday was, without a doubt, the most wonderful day of spotting at RNO that I have had in a very looooong time.  One of many highlights was being able to "set up camp" on Lima taxiway between the "hold" lines for the parallel runways 16R-34L and 16L-34R.  This capture of N916NN, AALs Reno Air heritage livery fleetbird, as it was rotating away from 16R directly in front of me during its 6:30 AM departure for DFW, was one of several outstanding moments of a fabulous (and very long ... 5:45 AM to 7:00 PM) spotting day.br /Yesterdays visit by N916NN was just the second time that the Reno Air heritage livery has been seen here at RNO since it was unveiled back in November of last year.  The single previous visit was a later-evening arrival during a snowstorm, and it departed prior to dawn of the next morning so almost no one had a chance to see it on that occasion.  I did get a click of that first appearance (photo is posted in my FA gallery folder), but the shot certainly wasnt a very good one.  Yesterday, I did far better.  An up-close on-ramp tour came first as the flight was being prepped for departure, and then I was positioned between the parallels to catch a fantastic series as it came directly toward, past, and away from me while taking off.  And the day just kept getting better: the TWA heritage livery, making its second visit this month and only its third visit since taking to the skies, was the first AAL arrival here just a couple hours after this one departed.
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Boeing 737-800 (N916NN)

Submitted

Yesterday was, without a doubt, the most wonderful day of spotting at RNO that I have had in a very looooong time. One of many highlights was being able to "set up camp" on Lima taxiway between the "hold" lines for the parallel runways 16R-34L and 16L-34R. This capture of N916NN, AAL's Reno Air heritage livery fleetbird, as it was rotating away from 16R directly in front of me during its 6:30 AM departure for DFW, was one of several outstanding moments of a fabulous (and very long ... 5:45 AM to 7:00 PM) spotting day.
Yesterday's visit by N916NN was just the second time that the Reno Air heritage livery has been seen here at RNO since it was unveiled back in November of last year. The single previous visit was a later-evening arrival during a snowstorm, and it departed prior to dawn of the next morning so almost no one had a chance to see it on that occasion. I did get a click of that first appearance (photo is posted in my FA gallery folder), but the shot certainly wasn't a very good one. Yesterday, I did far better. An up-close on-ramp tour came first as the flight was being prepped for departure, and then I was positioned between the parallels to catch a fantastic series as it came directly toward, past, and away from me while taking off. And the day just kept getting better: the TWA heritage livery, making its second visit this month and only its third visit since taking to the skies, was the first AAL arrival here just a couple hours after this one departed.

Comments

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Gary SchenauerPhoto Uploader
Had a chance to talk briefly with the F/O as he did a walk-around check. He was surprised to learn that this schemebird had only been here one time previously. He said he now better understood why so many folks seemed to be especially interested in coming by to view it.
Mark See
Wow Gary! This is a totally awesome shot. MAX number of stars.
Gary SchenauerPhoto Uploader
For best Q, skip both the Medium and Large thumbnail options and view the FULL size pic with your screen at 100% setting.
Gary SchenauerPhoto Uploader
Hey, Mark, Hi. It was a tremendously long day (over 12 hours of photo-snapping) but man; it was WORTH it!! And as tired as I am, there is too much going on at RNO for me to stay home, so I'm heading back again in about 30 minutes. When the opportunities come along, it's either grab 'em or miss 'em. lol
PS ... I will definitely get that "Semper Fi" B-25 pic out to everyone; all I need is some "stay at home" time. (Big grin)
Mark See
Awesome, I look forward to seeing it... no rush as you probably need some relaxation time too with how much you've been out to the airport lately:)
Roy Hunte
Awesome Gary!
Dwight Hartje
Outstanding shot, timing, and capture, Gary!
Dwight Hartje
Gary, how did you get so close?
Dave Sheehy
WOW-nice capture Gary!
Lewis Wilson
Fantastic shot of the Reno Retro 737
I remember their MD 80s
Lewis Tripp
Super Gary, which I could have been there. At RDU, I can't get any closer than observation park, but it is very nice and super area for young'uns.
SAM PIERCE
Gary, thanks for the time you devote to 'stalking' aircraft (LOL) so thousands of us can enjoy your photos.
Gary SchenauerPhoto Uploader
Roy, Dwight, Dave, Lewis W. and Lewis T. ... Hi to each of you. And my Thanx to each of you too for your nice comments & kind complis.
Lewis W. .. I, too, fondly recall the Reno Air MDs. And I liked the airline. It had its "issues," of course, but safety was always a #1 priority and the employees were always super personable. When I was walking around this one taking pics, a baggage handler drove up with a few carts in tow. He stopped while I clicked a few more shots and then pulled up. I stepped over to Thank him for giving me a few moments for my pics. He smiled and commnented to me that "this is a different looking one." I quickly explained that there used to be an airline called Reno Air that was based right here and that American Airlines had bought it. I told him that this paint scheme represented the old Reno Air. He still seemed slightly unsure so I pointed to the tail and said, "See those three mountains?" He said "Yes." I then turned and pointed to the southeast. He looked at where I was pointing and then he fully understood ... I was pointing to the three mountains that had inspired Reno Air's tail design. And the F/O was right by us. He looked too and said, "there they are." It was great seeing the Reno Air paint back home.
Lewis T. .... Observation areas at airports are nowhere near as common as they used to be, so I am very happy to learn that RDU has an observation park. There used to be a picnic area adjacent to RNO's runway 34L, and the tables are still there, but now there is a fence there too so ... no more picnics. Naturally, we all understand the "whys", but it is a shame that observation areas at so many airports have had to be closed down. So I congratulate the folks at RDU and in your area for still having such a spot. Keep taking the kids there. It is places such as those that spur their dreams. (Wave)
Gary SchenauerPhoto Uploader
Hiya, Sam. :-) Hmmm. "Stalking" sounds rather ominous (grin). But I admit I do "monitor" aircraft quite closely (lol). And things have been hopping here lately. The new Lone Star One was here yesterday, so just in the last 48 hours I've spent over 19 at RNO snapping pics. Hmmm. Maybe it IS more like "stalking," after all. (Big wide smile)
And while I'm on the subject of "Sam," ... I just found out that Sam K is back. I just saw his name on a pic in the gallery. I've sent emails to him and everything but had no replies. I thought he'd disappeared into another dimension. Good to know he's back here on FA. :)
RAFAEL DELAROSA
magnificent image indeed!!!!!!
Tom Vance
Mine makes 27 votes Boss..outstanding shot! Yabba!
CaptainSean4
Interesting Livery!
Jakub Wil
Nice!
Isaac Vogelzang
Great photo! 10 stars if possible!
JM32
WOW ! WHOA ! 1st time seeing this picture and I have to say It's awesome !! 3 thumbs up and 5 starz !!
Chris Partin
AMAZING! I Caught her at Reagan National Airport three days ago! :D
ACTIVITY LOG
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Date Aircraft Origin Destination Departure Arrival Duration
17-Aug-2026 B738Dallas-Fort Worth Intl ()Chicago O'Hare Intl () 05:10AM CDT 07:32AM CDT Scheduled
16-Aug-2026 B738Chicago O'Hare Intl ()Dallas-Fort Worth Intl () 09:15PM CDT 11:23PM CDT Scheduled
16-Aug-2026 B738Boston Logan Intl ()Chicago O'Hare Intl () 06:09PM EDT 07:42PM CDT Scheduled
16-Aug-2026 B738Philadelphia Intl ()Boston Logan Intl () 03:46PM EDT 04:46PM EDT Scheduled
16-Aug-2026 B738Fort Lauderdale Intl ()Philadelphia Intl () 11:46AM EDT 02:11PM EDT Scheduled
16-Aug-2026 B738LaGuardia ()Fort Lauderdale Intl () 08:01AM EDT 10:32AM EDT Scheduled
15-Aug-2026 B738Dallas-Fort Worth Intl ()LaGuardia () 05:27PM CDT 09:21PM EDT En Route
15-Aug-2026 B738Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport ()Dallas-Fort Worth Intl () 01:51PM EDT 02:48PM CDT 1:57
15-Aug-2026 B738Dallas-Fort Worth Intl ()Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport () 10:07AM CDT 12:51PM EDT 1:43
15-Aug-2026 B738Norfolk Intl ()Dallas-Fort Worth Intl () 07:02AM EDT 08:50AM CDT 2:48
14-Aug-2026 B738Dallas-Fort Worth Intl ()Norfolk Intl () 07:31PM CDT 11:00PM EDT 2:28
14-Aug-2026 B738Reno/Tahoe Intl ()Dallas-Fort Worth Intl () 01:06PM PDT 05:58PM CDT 2:51
14-Aug-2026 B738Dallas-Fort Worth Intl ()Reno/Tahoe Intl () 11:00AM CDT 11:51AM PDT 2:51
14-Aug-2026 B738Tampa Intl ()Dallas-Fort Worth Intl () 08:09AM EDT 09:17AM CDT 2:07
13-Aug-2026 B738Dallas-Fort Worth Intl ()Tampa Intl () 09:26PM CDT 12:27AM EDT (+1) 2:00
13-Aug-2026 B738Chicago O'Hare Intl ()Dallas-Fort Worth Intl () 06:14PM CDT 08:12PM CDT 1:58
13-Aug-2026 B738Los Angeles Intl ()Chicago O'Hare Intl () 08:42AM PDT 02:37PM CDT 3:54
13-Aug-2026 B738Indianapolis Intl ()Los Angeles Intl () 06:29AM EDT 07:20AM PDT 3:50
12-Aug-2026 B738Miami Intl ()Indianapolis Intl () 09:08PM EDT 11:28PM EDT 2:19
12-Aug-2026 B738VC Bird Int'l ()Miami Intl () 02:54PM AST 05:43PM EDT 2:48
12-Aug-2026 B738Miami Intl ()VC Bird Int'l () 10:26AM EDT 01:09PM AST 2:42
12-Aug-2026 B738Norfolk Intl ()Miami Intl () 06:40AM EDT 08:37AM EDT 1:56
11-Aug-2026 B738Charlotte/Douglas Intl ()Norfolk Intl () 10:47PM EDT 11:34PM EDT 0:46
11-Aug-2026 B738Baltimore/Washington Intl ()Charlotte/Douglas Intl () 07:57PM EDT 08:53PM EDT 0:55
11-Aug-2026 B738Charlotte/Douglas Intl ()Baltimore/Washington Intl () 04:39PM EDT 05:36PM EDT 0:56
11-Aug-2026 B738President Donald J Trump Intl ()Charlotte/Douglas Intl () 01:25PM EDT 02:53PM EDT 1:28
11-Aug-2026 B738Charlotte/Douglas Intl ()President Donald J Trump Intl () 10:52AM EDT 12:20PM EDT 1:27
11-Aug-2026 B738Bradley Intl ()Charlotte/Douglas Intl () 07:44AM EDT 09:31AM EDT 1:47
10-Aug-2026 B738Charlotte/Douglas Intl ()Bradley Intl () 06:20PM EDT 07:55PM EDT 1:34
10-Aug-2026 B738Bangor Intl ()Charlotte/Douglas Intl () 02:23PM EDT 04:53PM EDT 2:29
10-Aug-2026 B738Charlotte/Douglas Intl ()Bangor Intl () 10:53AM EDT 01:01PM EDT 2:07
10-Aug-2026 B738Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport ()Charlotte/Douglas Intl () 08:35AM EDT 09:35AM EDT 0:59
09-Aug-2026 B738Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl ()Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport () 04:18PM MST 10:39PM EDT 3:20
09-Aug-2026 B738John Wayne ()Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl () 01:51PM PDT 02:51PM MST 0:59
09-Aug-2026 B738Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl ()John Wayne () 11:13AM MST 12:08PM PDT 0:55
09-Aug-2026 B738Denver Intl ()Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl () 09:05AM MDT 09:25AM MST 1:20
08-Aug-2026 B738Philadelphia Intl ()Denver Intl () 09:46PM EDT 11:15PM MDT 3:28
08-Aug-2026 B738Providenciales Int'l ()Philadelphia Intl () 03:38PM EDT 06:34PM EDT 2:56
08-Aug-2026 B738Philadelphia Intl ()Providenciales Int'l () 11:03AM EDT 01:57PM EDT 2:54
08-Aug-2026 B738Fort Lauderdale Intl ()Philadelphia Intl () 07:00AM EDT 09:19AM EDT 2:18
07-Aug-2026 B738Philadelphia Intl ()Fort Lauderdale Intl () 11:56PM EDT 02:22AM EDT (+1) 2:25
07-Aug-2026 B738Boston Logan Intl ()Philadelphia Intl () 04:25PM EDT 05:22PM EDT 0:56
07-Aug-2026 B738Philadelphia Intl ()Boston Logan Intl () 01:35PM EDT 02:47PM EDT 1:12
07-Aug-2026 B738Lynden Pindling Int'l (Nassau) ()Philadelphia Intl () 09:16AM EDT 11:37AM EDT 2:20
06-Aug-2026 B738Philadelphia Intl ()Lynden Pindling Int'l (Nassau) () 04:37PM EDT 07:15PM EDT 2:37
06-Aug-2026 B738Denver Intl ()Philadelphia Intl () 08:12AM MDT 01:15PM EDT 3:02
05-Aug-2026 B738Philadelphia Intl ()Denver Intl () 10:46PM EDT 12:28AM MDT (+1) 3:41
05-Aug-2026 B738Boston Logan Intl ()Philadelphia Intl () 07:28PM EDT 08:29PM EDT 1:01
05-Aug-2026 B738Orlando Intl ()Boston Logan Intl () 01:15PM EDT 03:43PM EDT 2:27
05-Aug-2026 B738Boston Logan Intl ()Orlando Intl () 09:03AM EDT 11:37AM EDT 2:33
04-Aug-2026 B738Chicago O'Hare Intl ()Boston Logan Intl () 03:28PM CDT 06:15PM EDT 1:46
04-Aug-2026 B738Boston Logan Intl ()Chicago O'Hare Intl () 12:04PM EDT 01:04PM CDT 1:59
04-Aug-2026 B738Charlotte/Douglas Intl ()Boston Logan Intl () 09:05AM EDT 10:44AM EDT 1:39
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