Trip Report:-MAN-FRA with BA Part 1

BA1716-21/03/04
Aircraft:G-CFAC
Scheduled Time of Departure: 14:00
Actual Time of Departure: 14:36
Scheduled Time of Arrival: 17:05
Actual Time of Arrival: 16:59
I got up at about 08:00 for my exchange trip to Germany. As I was going with my school and another school as well, we had to be there at 10:45 ready to leave promptly. So, I said goodbye to my parents and got on the coach. After about 40 minutes, we were there so I decided to look out my window as we approached Terminal 3 to see if there was anything landing. Low and behold, a China Airlines Cargo 744 touched down and deployed reverse thrust. My teacher got off to collect our tickets. We went up to check-in where we recieved our boarding cards and I was delighted to see I was in 11F which is a window seat. So we went through security and into the departure lounge where we were allowed to roam free and head off on our own. I just headed off for Gate 50(our gate) and watched the movements on 24R(being used for both at this time). Amongst others, I saw a CY 320, EK 772, US 333, BD 332 and an OK 735. Soon, it was time for boarding. So I handed my boarding card, which she ripped and down the steps and onto the jetbridge. I just managed to get a glimpse of the letters above the cockpit -AC which meant it was G-CFAC. I boarded and headed my way down to my seat. I was soon joined by two other exchange students and I saw that we were just behind the wing. We pushed back and the cabin crew did the demonstration, which was being read out by computer. We taxied on to the runway and did a rolling take-off. We soon turned right, leaving me with a perfect view of Manchester airport, I watched a MON 320 take-off, before we went into the clouds. Shortly, the crew came round with the much-hyped All-Day Deli which I have to say was absolutely revolting. It was a toasted cream cheese ciabatta(or something like that!). That was the last we saw of the crew before descent when they came to check our belts. We headed into the clouds and dropped VERY steeply leaving the whole cabin(except me!) panicing. We were soon on finals onto runway 25R and passed over the busy Autobahn before touching down smoothly. We taxied quickly into Terminal 2 and onto a remote stand where we disembarked. Not a very impressive flight. Part 2 to come.