Welcome back to Kazakhstan! 15:58 says in Russian "Button for flushing the toilet." 32:58 the firemen were spraying water underneath the plane to cool down the temperature of the asphalt's surface & to clean the roads from dust and dirt. It's a common practice in Kazakhstan & post-Soviet countries for water machines to spray water on city's roads during hot summers, but it's my first time seeing this done at an airport (as a Kazakh from Almaty)!
I have never seen it at the airport but I have been sprayed when waiting to cross the road in Almaty, on the traffic islands while crossing Rayimbek, so I couldn't run anywhere 😂😂
Interesting to know, my initial guess was maybe they spilled some fuel while refueling the aircraft and hosed down the area to wash away any spilled fuel
Much easier to make a perfect landing with a final approach speed of less than 100 knots (guessing based on the almost complete lack of noise from the engines and just how slow the outside scenery was passing by)
Amazing find. Back in the 90s I flew aeroflot on TU154s, IL62s and IL 96s of a return trip from KL to London. It was all for the price, as being a lad with no money that came first. Only now I realise how lucky I was to experience those amazing aircraft. A different time, a different world, a different experience.
IL62 was great, a meter of legroom, and very quiet. IL86 was great too, put your own suitcase in the baggage compartment and walk up the stairs to your seat... Flew on so many 154's and 134's can't count, nice planes, same as a 727 or 737 really....
This guy is very brave. I flew on a Tu154 from Istanbul to Sochi in 1994. It also had open luggage racks and curtains and the back of the seat in front of me had been repaired with pop rivets. I thought it was incredibly old even then! There were loads of Turkish migrant workers on it and they all lit up cigarettes making it really smoky.
33:03 - due to the fact it is tubroprop and hot day - they moisturize the ground to avoid dirt and other things to fly away around or occasionally getting that pieces into the engine due to rotation of the engines. Also it is cooling down all around. in my video on my channel from Kostroma they made the same with An-26, cooling and cleaning around. :)
This is what I'm talking about, this type of videos have an extraordinary value for all of us who appreciate airlines from all over the world. Great job mate!!! And of course, the music you play is great too!!
Thanks Noel. That was an egg-sighting video, and your excitement shone through. That lady who filmed for you through the window. You couldn't engage in conversation, but she picked up on your enthusiasm, your excitement. And the relaxed young man who wanted to engage you in his limited English walking from the plane across the tarmac. I feel in both situations your crossing paths had made their day. And ditto for your regular channel viewers too. Good onya Noel!
I used to be a Flight Attendant on the Jetstream 4100, which is a twin turboprop, and occasionally, they have to clean loose dust and/or debris to prevent it from being pulled into the engine during start. Fantastic footage, Noel!!! As always, my friend. What really blew my mind is the climb rate of 375 ft/ minute. Yikes!!
@neljonhporia my pleasure! I'm a recreational pilot as well as former Flight Attendant for the former Atlantic Coast Airlines operating as Untoed express on the Canafair Regional Jet, Jetsream 4100, and the Airbus A319. It was difficult on the Jetstream as I am 6'1" and it is only about 5'9" headroom. Fun nonetheless. Cheers!!
@@Michael_Wood oh god. One thing I like about being short is not suffer on smaller prop planes hahaha. I'm like 5'4" on a good day, never had troubles with legroom and all 😅😅
tbh from my experience the small services are always like that. Back in my Uni days the biggest bank in my country had a small office just outside of the baking district with like 3 ladies, and it was a lovely place, especially compared to one of the main offices in the banking district
The DC-3 is an 80-year-old aircraft that continues to fly today, with an estimated 164 still in operation across all variants. They recently stopped being scheduled airliners, but I suspect they will be again.
9:27 'Being stuck in Semey is never a good place' 😂😂 Come on, it's NEVER good to be stuck in semi! This vlog is FULL of double entendre! Absolutely love it! 🤣🤣
23:00 In the early 90s I had the chance to watch the Yak-40 and -42 take off many times when Lithuanian used them on their first services to Germany and it was absolutely amazing to experience a jet half the size of a 727 make a thunderous noise (and smoke) like a Concorde on the takeoff roll. Which was eventually the reason they could not fly there any longer because the violated about every noise abatement rule in place in the EU. The Yak was everybody's favorite to watch at the time.
Those old school Turbo jets on Concorde did made a hell of a noise in compare to new Turbofan jets today. That noise can be heard only from military fighter jets as they still use them.
when i started a summer job as a flight attendant, i was working on old convair 580's. wasn't cool at all. very noisy. the air conditioning didn't work well. it was freezing in the winter. so yes, old aircraft can be charming but after a few days, the charm wears off.
I'm impressed the loo was in a clean condition considering the age/vintage of the aircraft. Most old planes I've been on have a nasty looking toilet, even 737s. They might've sprayed water under the plane to act as a kind of spark arrester. The surrounding vegetation and scrub bordering the tarmac is bone dry, and those old Ivchenko engines sometimes belch flames and sparks on startup.
AN24 and TU154 were the only flight options when I first made business trios to Kazakhstan in 1992-3. The then Kazakhstan Airlines flight from Atyrau to Moscow via Uralsk was a long flight operated by AN24 aircarft.
Hi Noel, I'm a new subscriber who has been bingeing on your videos. They've been so entertaining and informative to watch (before your clips I've never been interested in planes except for knowing that they get me from A to B). This video and the other Antonov-Olga one are my favourite so far - some moments made me laugh out loud! The Kazakhs seem like such lovely people - would love to travel there one day. You allow us to live these amazing experiences through you! May all your flights be as smooth as the ones here - Спасибо ♥
I flew a Russian on a Tu 114 from Montreal to Moscow in 1971. This was the civilian version of the Tu 95 (Bear) bomber sill in service. This was during the time the Russians allowed Americans to be tourist without all the hassles and government hurdles. The visa took over two months to get and had to use the government tourist agency. You were warned not to convert western currencies except through Russian Banks. The plane was immaculately clean and the food “interesting” basic, but edible. The seating was OK comfortable, much more room than economy seating of today. The noise level of the contra rotating props and the turbo prop engines were so loud and vibrated that I thought my dental fillings would pop out. The stewards no stewardess’s were professional and rigid, but attentive. The bathrooms were basic, clean and had hot water. Boarding the plane is an experience that is unbelievable as the hight of the stairs is about a two to three story tall building. The seats were comfortable, hot towels and pre flight tea and biscuits were served. The flight was with one stop in London then on to Moscow. For at least two days I felt the vibration and noises from the flight. I minimize the noise and vibrations levels just unbelievable. Customs was intrusive to say the least as we were assigned a guide and were monitored constantly never alone when out of your hotel room. Everyone was rigid and professional. The hotel was just built, but was about 30 years in the past for ventilation and heating. I was part of an exchange of Registered Nurses observing the medical services in Russia. To my amazement we were invited to the ophthalmology hospital whe I saw the most amazing sight. On a carousel lay about 8-10 patients lying on this carousel that moved from station to station while a doctor did part of the cataract removal procedure. Thirty minutes from start to finish, just incredible. This was shown to us to demonstrate how advanced medicine was in the USSR. Next was a train to Tula to see the Tula Arsenal where the small arms factories were returning to making fine and I mean fine rifles and handguns. Incredible talent and workmanship. At the time the Russians wanted to return to the civilian market for high grade firearms. From fancy wood carving to engraving they were on part with the worlds best. All the time there I prepared myself for flight home again on the Tu 114.
That looks like one of the most amazing airliners ever made! You must be one of the few people still alive who flew on those. I can remember when they initially brought Kruschev To the US, our flight stairs were not tall enough to reach the door of the plane. It is so remarkable to look at, I cannot imagine how noisy that must have been for you. Best wishes from a retired healthcare worker in radiology.
Airports in many of these countries are busiest at 3-6am, flights are early departure so PAX can connect to other flights in Europe or ME in time to complete their journey without needing transit visas or overnight stays.
Once I worked in Kazakhstan, me and my colleagues were not even allowed to take SCAT operated flights due to terrifying lack of safety procedures in that company. Even the oldest, short range airplanes used by Air Astana airline were much more modern turboprop Fokkers 50 - and still these airplanes have been withdrawn from operating by Air Astana some time ago.
The guys hosing the area under the wing most probably experienced a fuel spill during re-fuelling. The water hose waters down the pure fuel on the tarmac minimising the potential for fire on engine start. Love your vides mate.
Noel, I could be mistaken, but the spraying you will also see in other countries with old planes and warm climates. It is to prevent the tarmac from cracking when a planes starts its taxi, because it gives so much friction energy that especially concrete tarmacs can crack.
I liked flying on the Fokker F27 in the late eighties; even the actual Dash 8-Q400 has that configuration with main landing gear retracting in the enginge cowling. Nice to look at that during takeoff/landing. Thank's for your video!
I flew on the An-24 in China in 1989 from Wuhan to Guangzhou. The plane was very loud with uncomfortable seats. I really wanted to kiss the ground in Guangzhou after the plane landed.
I flew one or similar 1979 on my first trip in China. We had stopover in Chungking & there was some military aircraft so I took some of them & there was in green stood in front of so I was wondering how rude but it some military security personnel that did want to take a photo of those planes & I thought I was trouble but he saw I was child he said no photos.
You are very daring to fly in that old plane. Lots of people on board, surprised to see all the others that have faith in the plane. Hello again from pa USA 🇺🇸 ❤❤❤
This plane has less chances of breaking down, because it has everything mechanically operated - no complex electronics that are more prone to fail. Those particular Soviet planes awere mass-produced, theya re utilitarian, simple, robust - designed to provide flight connection between cities and towns.
It doesn’t matter where you go in the world, you always find a football fan and someone asking you if you ever met the Beatles. After forty years in the US, I still get asked about my accent. An expat watching in Florida.
When my dad met my mom 1974 he used to be a captain of AN-24 in Turkmen directorate of Aeroflot and when I was born in 1981 he was already a first officer of TU-154.
ANTONOV 24!! An oldie-but-goldie de luxe, just like the Friendships of the Fokker and the Dash 7's of de Havilland!! These frames do REALLY offer the comfort and joy, don't they?? MANY thanks, dearest NOEL, for both shooting and showing this admirable film!! BEST regards...Jacob Hansen, Kanebogen, Northern Scandinavia...
I used to fly SCAT from Baku to Atyrau and Aktau regularly, around 17 years ago. The flight left Baku on Monday morning at 3am so you checked in at midnight Sunday night which was hellish at the end of your weekend and it arrived around 7am from memory. After having about 20 flights on their fleet of An-24’s and Tupolev’s I’m certain I’ve been on this plane on several occasions. Having experienced massively loud bangs when ascending at 10,000ft on one occasion and a puncture on landing in another I was always massively relieved when we touched down in one piece and I’m sure I’ve used a fair share of my 9 lives whilst aboard these things. On one flight, we discovered that SCAT had leased a BAC-111 which seated more passengers and I believe it was of a similar age. I’ve never been in an aircraft that made so much noise and it was an eventful experience. Glad to have these memories and surprised to see these things are still in regular operation today.
You can still fly a 50+ year old An-24 in Yakutia, Russia. Flights are operated by Polar Airlines from Yakutsk to the north of the region. It looks especially interesting in winter at -50 С degrees. The plane flies from Yakutsk full of baggage and goods. And from the north to Yakutsk, the cabin is full of fish (accordingly, the plane is completely saturated with the smell of fish) and all kinds of frozen meat. (translated by Google Translate)
Buffalo Airways used to fly a scheduled DC-3 service until a few years ago and while there are some other DC-3s used for charter use none have a daily schedule like that one. Buffalo still has several DC-3s in their fleet along with a couple of C-46 Commandos.
I will likely never have the opportunity to fly on a plane like this, but it's VERY cool to see an aircraft that's been in existence since twenty years before i came careening into the world. Thanks for the video! 💜
Love you and your videos, Noel. I just subscribed. Your boundless enthusiasm is making me realise flying is not such a mundane, homogenous experience and is actually really fun, interesting and vital in its own right. Also your polite, understated Britishness makes me feel nostalgic for my homeland. Thank you!
I think it wouldn't have been too much to stay in Semey. Across the river from the airport are a bunch of hotels. Among them is Rooms Hotel Semey at 4.7 google revs. Next to it as a something called, the London pub.4.3 google revs
awesome vid sir - love even just the early footage of the take off an gear coming up, super cool. And as an aside note, you have one of the very best SurfShark ad bits too. Thank you.
Noel, thank you for your flight reviews! Wow - wow sound during cruising is because AN-24 has no engine synchronizing system like Convair CV-580 has. I had flown An-24 many times in the USSR and can give an advice. Next time ask for a seat in the last row, it's much quieter there.
Noel, I think Buffalo airways is still flying a scheduled route from Yellowknife to Hay River NWT, Canada with a C-47 (DC-3) which I think was involved in the D-Day invasion on June 6 1944. You might want to check that one out.:)
down to the memory lane.... Started to work as a ramp agent back in 1994 in LROP, I've seen lots of aircarft types that now are gone from the sky. I do remember that for few months I had the chance to ,,handle'' one of the last Caravelles, Syarian Airlines was flying it but after 3-4 month they started to perform the flights on TU154s. Among the ,,dissapeared'' aircarfts there were on dauíly basis BAC 1-11s, MEA was flying the B707, Delta Airlines 727 till they switched to 767. From time to time, TAROM was pulling out from the hangar for some charter flights 2 IL-18s and so on. Damn, I'm old....
Fascinating video. It’s amazing they can still keep them flying. The oldest aircraft I flew in was a 60 Squadron Percival Pembroke at RAF Wildenrath, Germany in 1981 doing touch and goes. My favourite was the Scot Airways Dornier Do 328 flying out of City Airport which was only 3 seats wide where you could get a left hand isle seat to yourself.
Your bravery in serving the average aviation enthusiast, like myself that would never fly onboard Scat, is unlike any bravery ever documented during those olden day tales told round the campfire in Sherwood Forest. 😊
Brilliant Noel, best video of the year so far! It brought back memories of five years ago when I flew to Ukraine just to fly in an An-24 of Motor Sich from Kyiv to Lviv and back. My aircraft was marginally younger having been built in 1972 but it was much the same experience as you had - the memories of the somewhat sedate climb rate came flooding back with the post take off videos. The loo was almost identical although the sink had a cute little twisty tap! I, like you, was grinning like a Cheshire cat the entire day. I almost did the Yak-40 flight with them the following year after seeing your trip but had to cancel it due to a family bereavement. Keep seeking out these wonderful trips Noel. Hopefully you'll find an airport called Stiffi or Ardon to fly into so no pun will be left unturned!
With proper and inexpensive maintenance this plane can serve another 50 years. This particular one looks clean and cared of. I do not know why you decide about inspiration of the toilet design (do not have my own Gulag experience, may be you have something to compare) but it definitely serves its purpose.
I can only imagine dinner conversation of the employees talking about some crazy Brit that was traveling all day just because he liked the plane. Do be safe. The world got a little crazier yesterday in Isreal. I will see you next Sunday in your new video.
Years ago, I took the An 24 in Cambodia. Nice loud plane, the only fact giving concern was the emergency exits were blocked by the non-movable old western style airliner seats probably from a 737 retrofitted.
The idea of including more sound of the environment on the plane is a good one actually. It could be expanded as it gives us a closer idea of the experience (raw sound during takeoff etc.). Oh and this was a very good shot of the shadown of the plane during takeoff from Semey! So what's next? An AN-2? That would just fit in well!
What an absolute belting adventure Noel. And I do love the sound of Antonov props passing over the North West of England. They have a very distinctive baritone voice from FL200.
If somebody told me back in 1998 that in 25 years I'd be thoroughly and happily entertained by watching some random stranger fly around cities and countries I'd never step foot in, on planes I'd never step foot on, yeah, you get where I'm going with this. But here I am. Loo review and all :)
I loved this video, and how friendly the Kazakhs were 😄👍thoroughly enjoyed the An-24, although the lack of A/C and high heat levels must have been uncomfortable, the Loo Review rawked, the hammered metal look of the fixtures was unique. had flashbacks to my childhood flying in Fokker F27 Friendships in Japan (especially the out-of-sync wah-wah-wah of the props), although the engines sounded quite different (the Rolls Royce Darts made that whistling sound on top of the roar). the clear blue skies while you were at Urzhar was beautiful, and that walk where the Yak-40 was on static display. thanks again for sharing your travels! 👋😀
@@johanvangelderen6715Not entirely true. That aircraft could be past it's fatigue cycle life limit, these airlines don't really follow the same standards as the west. I doubt they do D checks on these old bangers either as it would cost more than the aircraft is worth. That aircraft could experience major structural failure at any time.
I'm glad that your stay in Semey was so short. In Soviet times, the city was called Semipalatinsk. If the name rings a bell, it's because you may have read that the largest Soviet nuclear weapons testing field was located nearby, at a time when atmospheric tests hadn't been banned yet. As a result, still today the radioactivity levels from the fallout are significantly high there, and the incidence of various cancers in Semey is through the roof. Not exactly a place I'd be jumping at an opportunity to visit.
What an amazing video Noel, can't believe how early they drop the landing gear. Comparing it to my parents' house (they live on the approach for Liverpool in Eastham), some of the Ryanair 737's are only dropping their gear at about 800ft. I assume it's to help slow the aircraft down as I couldn't see any flaps.
Kazakhstani people seem lovely and friendly. Another great video. As well as seeing all the aeroplanes, it’s nice to see the experience you have of other cultures too.
SCAT will always be the #2 airline.
😂
Why is scat called scat is it a airline based of poop
That's a shittie thing to say
😂🤣
Take your damn like…….wise guy
Welcome back to Kazakhstan!
15:58 says in Russian "Button for flushing the toilet."
32:58 the firemen were spraying water underneath the plane to cool down the temperature of the asphalt's surface & to clean the roads from dust and dirt. It's a common practice in Kazakhstan & post-Soviet countries for water machines to spray water on city's roads during hot summers, but it's my first time seeing this done at an airport (as a Kazakh from Almaty)!
I have never seen it at the airport but I have been sprayed when waiting to cross the road in Almaty, on the traffic islands while crossing Rayimbek, so I couldn't run anywhere 😂😂
Thank you so much for the clarifications!! By all means pin this posting, Noel! :D.
It's indeed probably done too cool, because if the tarmac/asphalt gets too hot, the wheels may sink into it.
Interesting to know, my initial guess was maybe they spilled some fuel while refueling the aircraft and hosed down the area to wash away any spilled fuel
Even Moscow city has this
10:07 Is nobody going to talk about how smooth that landing was!
Much easier to make a perfect landing with a final approach speed of less than 100 knots (guessing based on the almost complete lack of noise from the engines and just how slow the outside scenery was passing by)
Yeah that was feather level of smooth....and almost again at 28:04
The pilot probably has 40 years of experience on the same aircraft.
More like floating half way down the runway you mean?
I thought same beautiful perfect landing although flying same route say after day would be practice makes perfect
@19:05 the lady managed to perfectly film the softest most buttery touchdown I've seen in a very long time! (minus the tiny little bounce)l
Spraying = Dust/Grit Suppression. Prop erosion in dusty or sandy environs can be significant. (Former fire-fighting pilot)
👍🛩️👍
How does he not have millions of subscribers? Found him two days ago and can't stop watching. New favourite
Thank you & Welcome Aboard!
@@noelphilips great videos mate. All the way from New Zealand. Have you been here yet would love to see a video of that
Me to. Fun to learn about traveling when I haven't been on a plane in 30 years.
I'm the same just found this in the last few days and can't get enough of it. I can spend hours watching it.
Noel: “I love Kazakhstan its one of my favorite places” Local: “really?” 😂😂😂😂
Those landings were buttery smooth.
Amazing find. Back in the 90s I flew aeroflot on TU154s, IL62s and IL 96s of a return trip from KL to London. It was all for the price, as being a lad with no money that came first. Only now I realise how lucky I was to experience those amazing aircraft. A different time, a different world, a different experience.
IL62 was great, a meter of legroom, and very quiet.
IL86 was great too, put your own suitcase in the baggage compartment and walk up the stairs to your seat...
Flew on so many 154's and 134's can't count, nice planes, same as a 727 or 737 really....
This guy is very brave. I flew on a Tu154 from Istanbul to Sochi in 1994. It also had open luggage racks and curtains and the back of the seat in front of me had been repaired with pop rivets. I thought it was incredibly old even then! There were loads of Turkish migrant workers on it and they all lit up cigarettes making it really smoky.
33:03 - due to the fact it is tubroprop and hot day - they moisturize the ground to avoid dirt and other things to fly away around or occasionally getting that pieces into the engine due to rotation of the engines. Also it is cooling down all around.
in my video on my channel from Kostroma they made the same with An-26, cooling and cleaning around. :)
This is what I'm talking about, this type of videos have an extraordinary value for all of us who appreciate airlines from all over the world. Great job mate!!! And of course, the music you play is great too!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks Noel. That was an egg-sighting video, and your excitement shone through. That lady who filmed for you through the window.
You couldn't engage in conversation, but she picked up on your enthusiasm, your excitement. And the relaxed young man who wanted
to engage you in his limited English walking from the plane across the tarmac. I feel in both situations your crossing paths had made
their day. And ditto for your regular channel viewers too. Good onya Noel!
Glad you enjoyed it
I used to be a Flight Attendant on the Jetstream 4100, which is a twin turboprop, and occasionally, they have to clean loose dust and/or debris to prevent it from being pulled into the engine during start. Fantastic footage, Noel!!! As always, my friend. What really blew my mind is the climb rate of 375 ft/ minute. Yikes!!
Lol i love how i just saw your comment as just I was watching it confused as heck.
Thanks for the explanation!
@neljonhporia my pleasure! I'm a recreational pilot as well as former Flight Attendant for the former Atlantic Coast Airlines operating as Untoed express on the Canafair Regional Jet, Jetsream 4100, and the Airbus A319. It was difficult on the Jetstream as I am 6'1" and it is only about 5'9" headroom. Fun nonetheless. Cheers!!
@@Michael_Wood oh god. One thing I like about being short is not suffer on smaller prop planes hahaha. I'm like 5'4" on a good day, never had troubles with legroom and all 😅😅
@@Michael_Wood soooo jelly also one thing about being short is automatically disqualify in becoming flight attendant. Would have love to be one 😭😭
the rate of climb isn't constant over the entire climb trajectory. It flattens towards the end.
As an aviation enthusiast, you've got to love an airport where the gate is actually a gate.
Those security peeps were rly wholesome honestly, and so was everyone else you had contact with which is suprising altogether 😅 Awesome video!❤
How did you comment 5 days ago, when this video only came put 3 hours ago. You're not a member, so you don't have early access to videos ⁉️⁉️⁉️🤔
@NotTaylensMain Probably someone who joined the pay subscription. So they can watch videos earlier.
tbh from my experience the small services are always like that. Back in my Uni days the biggest bank in my country had a small office just outside of the baking district with like 3 ladies, and it was a lovely place, especially compared to one of the main offices in the banking district
Bro's time travelling what da heck?
@@Javbuff2008 you mean, Patreon?
The loo was amazing. So great of her to take video for a stranger. Just goes to show kindness is everywhere.
The DC-3 is an 80-year-old aircraft that continues to fly today, with an estimated 164 still in operation across all variants. They recently stopped being scheduled airliners, but I suspect they will be again.
DC-3's first flew in 1936.What amazing longevity.
I flew DC-3s and DC-4s on scheduled passenger routes up until the late 90’s. Then ‘upgraded’ to HS748’s.
9:27 'Being stuck in Semey is never a good place' 😂😂 Come on, it's NEVER good to be stuck in semi! This vlog is FULL of double entendre! Absolutely love it! 🤣🤣
23:00 In the early 90s I had the chance to watch the Yak-40 and -42 take off many times when Lithuanian used them on their first services to Germany and it was absolutely amazing to experience a jet half the size of a 727 make a thunderous noise (and smoke) like a Concorde on the takeoff roll. Which was eventually the reason they could not fly there any longer because the violated about every noise abatement rule in place in the EU. The Yak was everybody's favorite to watch at the time.
Those old school Turbo jets on Concorde did made a hell of a noise in compare to new Turbofan jets today. That noise can be heard only from military fighter jets as they still use them.
when i started a summer job as a flight attendant, i was working on old convair 580's. wasn't cool at all. very noisy. the air conditioning didn't work well. it was freezing in the winter. so yes, old aircraft can be charming but after a few days, the charm wears off.
I'm impressed the loo was in a clean condition considering the age/vintage of the aircraft. Most old planes I've been on have a nasty looking toilet, even 737s. They might've sprayed water under the plane to act as a kind of spark arrester. The surrounding vegetation and scrub bordering the tarmac is bone dry, and those old Ivchenko engines sometimes belch flames and sparks on startup.
Thanks u for being British over seas. U give respect to the country u visit. On Ur travels. Respect 🇬🇧🙏👍
AN24 and TU154 were the only flight options when I first made business trios to Kazakhstan in 1992-3. The then Kazakhstan Airlines flight from Atyrau to Moscow via Uralsk was a long flight operated by AN24 aircarft.
Hi Noel, I'm a new subscriber who has been bingeing on your videos. They've been so entertaining and informative to watch (before your clips I've never been interested in planes except for knowing that they get me from A to B).
This video and the other Antonov-Olga one are my favourite so far - some moments made me laugh out loud! The Kazakhs seem like such lovely people - would love to travel there one day.
You allow us to live these amazing experiences through you! May all your flights be as smooth as the ones here - Спасибо ♥
Thank you, glad you enjoy them & Welcome Aboard.
0:22 Noel you can't open a video like that, nearly made me spit my drink
😂
When you said “Soviet airliner”, it made me feel like I’m watching some bizarro world version of Bald and Bankrupt.
I flew a Russian on a Tu 114 from Montreal to Moscow in 1971. This was the civilian version of the Tu 95 (Bear) bomber sill in service. This was during the time the Russians allowed Americans to be tourist without all the hassles and government hurdles. The visa took over two months to get and had to use the government tourist agency. You were warned not to convert western currencies except through Russian Banks. The plane was immaculately clean and the food “interesting” basic, but edible. The seating was OK comfortable, much more room than economy seating of today. The noise level of the contra rotating props and the turbo prop engines were so loud and vibrated that I thought my dental fillings would pop out. The stewards no stewardess’s were professional and rigid, but attentive. The bathrooms were basic, clean and had hot water. Boarding the plane is an experience that is unbelievable as the hight of the stairs is about a two to three story tall building. The seats were comfortable, hot towels and pre flight tea and biscuits were served. The flight was with one stop in London then on to Moscow. For at least two days I felt the vibration and noises from the flight. I minimize the noise and vibrations levels just unbelievable. Customs was intrusive to say the least as we were assigned a guide and were monitored constantly never alone when out of your hotel room. Everyone was rigid and professional. The hotel was just built, but was about 30 years in the past for ventilation and heating. I was part of an exchange of Registered Nurses observing the medical services in Russia. To my amazement we were invited to the ophthalmology hospital whe I saw the most amazing sight. On a carousel lay about 8-10 patients lying on this carousel that moved from station to station while a doctor did part of the cataract removal procedure. Thirty minutes from start to finish, just incredible. This was shown to us to demonstrate how advanced medicine was in the USSR. Next was a train to Tula to see the Tula Arsenal where the small arms factories were returning to making fine and I mean fine rifles and handguns. Incredible talent and workmanship. At the time the Russians wanted to return to the civilian market for high grade firearms. From fancy wood carving to engraving they were on part with the worlds best. All the time there I prepared myself for flight home again on the Tu 114.
That looks like one of the most amazing airliners ever made! You must be one of the few people still alive who flew on those. I can remember when they initially brought Kruschev To the US, our flight stairs were not tall enough to reach the door of the plane. It is so remarkable to look at, I cannot imagine how noisy that must have been for you. Best wishes from a retired healthcare worker in radiology.
Airports in many of these countries are busiest at 3-6am, flights are early departure so PAX can connect to other flights in Europe or ME in time to complete their journey without needing transit visas or overnight stays.
Wish Noel and all viewers a very nice sunday🙂
Same to you.
I love how Noel becomes like a little kid at Christmas when riding on old planes lol
Needs his binos sandwiches and thermos flask
Child favorite toy.
Once I worked in Kazakhstan, me and my colleagues were not even allowed to take SCAT operated flights due to terrifying lack of safety procedures in that company. Even the oldest, short range airplanes used by Air Astana airline were much more modern turboprop Fokkers 50 - and still these airplanes have been withdrawn from operating by Air Astana some time ago.
What a beautiful old plane. Your love for what you do makes this video even more enjoyable. Thanks so much.
Glad you enjoyed it
Had a semy all way through this video.
Look at that sink!!!!!!!! Beautiful.
You do have an enthusiasm of an 8 year old!! That's a major reason many of us watch. Thanks always and the best to your family!!
epic! almost no wind and a perfect day for flying - great crew doing the flying and a magnificent survivor. Thanks Noel, I enjoyed that.
The guys hosing the area under the wing most probably experienced a fuel spill during re-fuelling. The water hose waters down the pure fuel on the tarmac minimising the potential for fire on engine start. Love your vides mate.
No they reducing temperature near engine for startup
Noel, I could be mistaken, but the spraying you will also see in other countries with old planes and warm climates. It is to prevent the tarmac from cracking when a planes starts its taxi, because it gives so much friction energy that especially concrete tarmacs can crack.
15:53. Amazing deep cut Simpson reference! Well played!
I liked flying on the Fokker F27 in the late eighties; even the actual Dash 8-Q400 has that configuration with main landing gear retracting in the enginge cowling. Nice to look at that during takeoff/landing. Thank's for your video!
Noel is an aviation legend chasing those airlines such as Kazakhstan's #2 airline SCAT, another banger for flying on an old soviet plane!
I flew on the An-24 in China in 1989 from Wuhan to Guangzhou. The plane was very loud with uncomfortable seats. I really wanted to kiss the ground in Guangzhou after the plane landed.
I flew one or similar 1979 on my first trip in China. We had stopover in Chungking & there was some military aircraft so I took some of them & there was in green stood in front of so I was wondering how rude but it some military security personnel that did want to take a photo of those planes & I thought I was trouble but he saw I was child he said no photos.
it could be not An-24 but Chinese copy made locally and having its own model type Xian Y-7
Not necessarily. There were some real Russian An-24's sold to China before the Xian Y-7 started production in 1984.
That’s gotta be the most butter landing ever mate😮
You are very daring to fly in that old plane. Lots of people on board, surprised to see all the others that have faith in the plane. Hello again from pa USA 🇺🇸 ❤❤❤
Also, PA and you and I had the exact same thought lol
I have more faith flying in any aircraft over even driving 10 miles to Wal Mart...
It's probably a lot safer than some of the planes currently coming out of a certain plant in USA
This plane has less chances of breaking down, because it has everything mechanically operated - no complex electronics that are more prone to fail. Those particular Soviet planes awere mass-produced, theya re utilitarian, simple, robust - designed to provide flight connection between cities and towns.
It doesn’t matter where you go in the world, you always find a football fan and someone asking you if you ever met the Beatles. After forty years in the US, I still get asked about my accent. An expat watching in Florida.
When my dad met my mom 1974 he used to be a captain of AN-24 in Turkmen directorate of Aeroflot and when I was born in 1981 he was already a first officer of TU-154.
ANTONOV 24!! An oldie-but-goldie de luxe, just like the Friendships of the Fokker and the Dash 7's of de Havilland!! These frames do REALLY offer the comfort and joy, don't they?? MANY thanks, dearest NOEL, for both shooting and showing this admirable film!! BEST regards...Jacob Hansen, Kanebogen, Northern Scandinavia...
You got some balls to ride that old Antonov 4 times through Kazakhstan, but in the words of Borat.(Kazakhstan's best journalist)... VERY NICE!
I used to fly SCAT from Baku to Atyrau and Aktau regularly, around 17 years ago. The flight left Baku on Monday morning at 3am so you checked in at midnight Sunday night which was hellish at the end of your weekend and it arrived around 7am from memory. After having about 20 flights on their fleet of An-24’s and Tupolev’s I’m certain I’ve been on this plane on several occasions. Having experienced massively loud bangs when ascending at 10,000ft on one occasion and a puncture on landing in another I was always massively relieved when we touched down in one piece and I’m sure I’ve used a fair share of my 9 lives whilst aboard these things. On one flight, we discovered that SCAT had leased a BAC-111 which seated more passengers and I believe it was of a similar age. I’ve never been in an aircraft that made so much noise and it was an eventful experience. Glad to have these memories and surprised to see these things are still in regular operation today.
Super smooth landings ! Loved the greasy wheel ! Thanks for the video.
That main landing gear is so simple... really amazing
I love the way you tell the Kazakh guy at Starbucks that England is "cold" 😂😂.
Compared to Kazakhstan we’re practically tropical… also London has less rain than Rome or New York
That loo is timeless elegance! A quick clean and better napkins and stunning. Spacious too! Impressive.
You can still fly a 50+ year old An-24 in Yakutia, Russia.
Flights are operated by Polar Airlines from Yakutsk to the north of the region.
It looks especially interesting in winter at -50 С degrees. The plane flies from Yakutsk full of baggage and goods. And from the north to Yakutsk, the cabin is full of fish (accordingly, the plane is completely saturated with the smell of fish) and all kinds of frozen meat.
(translated by Google Translate)
Got to love Noel's nervous/fake laugh
That Means The Airlines Take Good Care Of The Old Lady.Great Trip Report
Oh Noel. The look of pure joy on your face as you reveled in the sweep of history ignited by the sound of those propellers. Woof! 💙
Hi Dave😂😂😂 I am so glad you like to travel to places I would never go. Just be safe ok.
Absolutely Brilliant. You can't beat flying on an old Soviet era turboprop. Chapeau to you Noel!
Noel Phillips - *"Now I've got a semi"*
Well let's hope the Loo review is censored 😮
Lolicakes. Yes, he had an aviation semi but considering aviation is his beau he prolly had a real one!
Was not expecting to hear him discussing having a semi and then going on to professing his love for SCAT.
@@angry_zerglingTruck? 🚛
Buffalo Airways used to fly a scheduled DC-3 service until a few years ago and while there are some other DC-3s used for charter use none have a daily schedule like that one. Buffalo still has several DC-3s in their fleet along with a couple of C-46 Commandos.
I will likely never have the opportunity to fly on a plane like this, but it's VERY cool to see an aircraft that's been in existence since twenty years before i came careening into the world. Thanks for the video! 💜
You won't because you are too privileged.
Love you and your videos, Noel. I just subscribed. Your boundless enthusiasm is making me realise flying is not such a mundane, homogenous experience and is actually really fun, interesting and vital in its own right. Also your polite, understated Britishness makes me feel nostalgic for my homeland. Thank you!
Thank you & Welcome aboard!
I think it wouldn't have been too much to stay in Semey. Across the river from the airport are a bunch of hotels. Among them is Rooms Hotel Semey at 4.7 google revs. Next to it as a something called, the London pub.4.3 google revs
awesome vid sir - love even just the early footage of the take off an gear coming up, super cool. And as an aside note, you have one of the very best SurfShark ad bits too. Thank you.
I have to say the backround soundtrack for your kazakh adventures are always so fitting. Makes me smile every time i hear that familiar tune :)
Noel, thank you for your flight reviews! Wow - wow sound during cruising is because AN-24 has no engine synchronizing system like Convair CV-580 has. I had flown An-24 many times in the USSR and can give an advice. Next time ask for a seat in the last row, it's much quieter there.
One of your most interesting videos to date. Kazakhstan should be on everyone's "to visit" list!
this has to be the best looking loo out there. amazing to see commercial service on the an-24 still!
Noel, I think Buffalo airways is still flying a scheduled route from Yellowknife to Hay River NWT, Canada with a C-47 (DC-3) which I think was involved in the D-Day invasion on June 6 1944. You might want to check that one out.:)
Also some modified DC3 with turboprop are used regular. And most likely some DC3s are used in different places.
That is mind-blowing. Thanks for the info.
I have to give Noel a grand salute for risking his life to show us this amazing clip.
He was as safe as in his Mama's arms in that plane.... you're in more danger in your car.....
Love to see you are really into Scat. What a gem this plane is!
down to the memory lane....
Started to work as a ramp agent back in 1994 in LROP, I've seen lots of aircarft types that now are gone from the sky. I do remember that for few months I had the chance to ,,handle'' one of the last Caravelles, Syarian Airlines was flying it but after 3-4 month they started to perform the flights on TU154s.
Among the ,,dissapeared'' aircarfts there were on dauíly basis BAC 1-11s, MEA was flying the B707, Delta Airlines 727 till they switched to 767. From time to time, TAROM was pulling out from the hangar for some charter flights 2 IL-18s and so on.
Damn, I'm old....
Normal western airline, 15 minutes, this one from Kazakstan almost 40 minutes!
Love it!
Fascinating video. It’s amazing they can still keep them flying. The oldest aircraft I flew in was a 60 Squadron Percival Pembroke at RAF Wildenrath, Germany in 1981 doing touch and goes. My favourite was the Scot Airways Dornier Do 328 flying out of City Airport which was only 3 seats wide where you could get a left hand isle seat to yourself.
Your bravery in serving the average aviation enthusiast, like myself that would never fly onboard Scat, is unlike any bravery ever documented during those olden day tales told round the campfire in Sherwood Forest. 😊
Brilliant Noel, best video of the year so far! It brought back memories of five years ago when I flew to Ukraine just to fly in an An-24 of Motor Sich from Kyiv to Lviv and back. My aircraft was marginally younger having been built in 1972 but it was much the same experience as you had - the memories of the somewhat sedate climb rate came flooding back with the post take off videos. The loo was almost identical although the sink had a cute little twisty tap! I, like you, was grinning like a Cheshire cat the entire day. I almost did the Yak-40 flight with them the following year after seeing your trip but had to cancel it due to a family bereavement.
Keep seeking out these wonderful trips Noel. Hopefully you'll find an airport called Stiffi or Ardon to fly into so no pun will be left unturned!
With proper and inexpensive maintenance this plane can serve another 50 years. This particular one looks clean and cared of. I do not know why you decide about inspiration of the toilet design (do not have my own Gulag experience, may be you have something to compare) but it definitely serves its purpose.
FYI, Noel, Scat does also fly a CRJ 100. I flew on it from Aktobe to Tbilisi in August 2022. Another enjoyable watch
I can only imagine dinner conversation of the employees talking about some crazy Brit that was traveling all day just because he liked the plane. Do be safe. The world got a little crazier yesterday in Isreal. I will see you next Sunday in your new video.
the world seems to get crazier every day. thoughts to the families on both sides that have lost loved ones
Years ago, I took the An 24 in Cambodia. Nice loud plane, the only fact giving concern was the emergency exits were blocked by the non-movable old western style airliner seats probably from a 737 retrofitted.
The idea of including more sound of the environment on the plane is a good one actually.
It could be expanded as it gives us a closer idea of the experience (raw sound during takeoff etc.).
Oh and this was a very good shot of the shadown of the plane during takeoff from Semey!
So what's next? An AN-2? That would just fit in well!
Had to come watch a Noel video to celebrate the new nonstop service we're getting on Delta from here in Fresno California to Atlanta!
I drove from Almaty to Semey and it took a day and a half! Still an adventure though, but a different kind from an Antonov flight!
Gotta be the biggest smile you've gotten on any of your videos I've watched. Exciting experience for sure.
Well done flying with a semi. Great video Noel. Take care mate.
And what an experience on an Antonov.
Glad you enjoyed it
What an absolute belting adventure Noel. And I do love the sound of Antonov props passing over the North West of England. They have a very distinctive baritone voice from FL200.
If somebody told me back in 1998 that in 25 years I'd be thoroughly and happily entertained by watching some random stranger fly around cities and countries I'd never step foot in, on planes I'd never step foot on, yeah, you get where I'm going with this. But here I am. Loo review and all :)
Incredible that you use foreflight for commercial flights too! I love using it flying my Archer up in Chicago!
Nice to know you had at least a Semey descent flight!!!!!
I loved this video, and how friendly the Kazakhs were 😄👍thoroughly enjoyed the An-24, although the lack of A/C and high heat levels must have been uncomfortable, the Loo Review rawked, the hammered metal look of the fixtures was unique. had flashbacks to my childhood flying in Fokker F27 Friendships in Japan (especially the out-of-sync wah-wah-wah of the props), although the engines sounded quite different (the Rolls Royce Darts made that whistling sound on top of the roar). the clear blue skies while you were at Urzhar was beautiful, and that walk where the Yak-40 was on static display. thanks again for sharing your travels! 👋😀
The scenery in Central Asia looks absolutely incredible - would love to go there, although I'd be a bit nervous flying on a 54-year-old plane!
The airplane hasn't crashed in 54 years. So it probably won't crash anytime soon.
It's all about maintaince
@@johanvangelderen6715Not entirely true. That aircraft could be past it's fatigue cycle life limit, these airlines don't really follow the same standards as the west. I doubt they do D checks on these old bangers either as it would cost more than the aircraft is worth. That aircraft could experience major structural failure at any time.
@@bobbyrayofthefamilysmith24
Alright. Excellent point . Thank you.
Nonsense!@@bobbyrayofthefamilysmith24
20:57 she was a Babe!!!❤ , another great video Noel :-)
What great experience. That machine turned finish on the hand basin in the loo was amazing!
That finish is called perlage. Usually it's used to decorate wristwatch movements. This is the first time I've seen it on anything else.
Gotta love ❤️ that vibration noise. Hope Rachel is doing better. 😊
I'm glad that your stay in Semey was so short. In Soviet times, the city was called Semipalatinsk. If the name rings a bell, it's because you may have read that the largest Soviet nuclear weapons testing field was located nearby, at a time when atmospheric tests hadn't been banned yet. As a result, still today the radioactivity levels from the fallout are significantly high there, and the incidence of various cancers in Semey is through the roof. Not exactly a place I'd be jumping at an opportunity to visit.
Thanks Noel but I must say I would have never ever seen an Antonov Loo without you my good man.
There is a life purpose for sure.
What an amazing video Noel, can't believe how early they drop the landing gear. Comparing it to my parents' house (they live on the approach for Liverpool in Eastham), some of the Ryanair 737's are only dropping their gear at about 800ft. I assume it's to help slow the aircraft down as I couldn't see any flaps.
kazakhstan seems the most nicest place to visit and the people seem very nice too and make you feel welcome
Kazakhstani people seem lovely and friendly. Another great video. As well as seeing all the aeroplanes, it’s nice to see the experience you have of other cultures too.
Nooooo !! The communication “ challenges” hands down embellish the tapestry of Noel’s adventures !!!