57 Votes (4.80 Average) and 71,444 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.
/images/icons/csMagGlass.png medium / large / full

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

Please log in or register to post a comment.

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
Want a full history search for N916NN dating back to 1998? Buy now. Get it within one hour.
Date Aircraft Origin Destination Departure Arrival Duration
17-Jan-2026 B738Lynden Pindling Int'l (Nassau) ()Miami Intl () 12:08PM EST 12:59PM EST Scheduled
17-Jan-2026 B738Miami Intl ()Lynden Pindling Int'l (Nassau) () 09:45AM EST 10:43AM EST Scheduled
17-Jan-2026 B738Savannah/Hilton Head Intl ()Miami Intl () 06:10AM EST 07:30AM EST Scheduled
16-Jan-2026 B738Miami Intl ()Savannah/Hilton Head Intl () 10:45PM EST 11:52PM EST Scheduled
16-Jan-2026 B738Tampa Intl ()Miami Intl () 07:53PM EST 08:51PM EST Scheduled
16-Jan-2026 B738Chicago O'Hare Intl ()Tampa Intl () 03:24PM CST 06:40PM EST Scheduled
16-Jan-2026 B738Dallas-Fort Worth Intl ()Chicago O'Hare Intl () 11:55AM CST 01:38PM CST Scheduled
16-Jan-2026 B738Nashville Intl ()Dallas-Fort Worth Intl () 07:54AM CST 09:53AM CST Scheduled
15-Jan-2026 B738Charlotte/Douglas Intl ()Nashville Intl () 07:36PM EST 07:38PM CST 1:02
14-Jan-2026 B738Kansas City Intl ()Charlotte/Douglas Intl () 05:55PM CST 08:40PM EST 1:44
14-Jan-2026 B738Charlotte/Douglas Intl ()Kansas City Intl () 03:01PM EST 04:00PM CST 1:58
14-Jan-2026 B738Milwaukee Mitchell Intl Airport ()Charlotte/Douglas Intl () 07:15AM CST 09:46AM EST 1:30
13-Jan-2026 B738Dallas-Fort Worth Intl ()Milwaukee Mitchell Intl Airport () 10:21PM CST 12:16AM CST (+1) 1:55
13-Jan-2026 B738Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport ()Dallas-Fort Worth Intl () 04:55PM EST 05:57PM CST 2:01
13-Jan-2026 B738Dallas-Fort Worth Intl ()Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport () 01:06PM CST 03:50PM EST 1:44
13-Jan-2026 B738Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport ()Dallas-Fort Worth Intl () 10:06AM EST 11:03AM CST 1:57
12-Jan-2026 B738Charlotte/Douglas Intl ()Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport () 10:14PM EST 11:10PM EST 0:55
12-Jan-2026 B738Henry E Rohlsen ()Charlotte/Douglas Intl () 04:50PM AST 07:13PM EST 3:23
12-Jan-2026 B738Charlotte/Douglas Intl ()Henry E Rohlsen () 11:09AM EST 03:21PM AST 3:11
12-Jan-2026 B738LaGuardia ()Charlotte/Douglas Intl () 07:49AM EST 09:25AM EST 1:35
11-Jan-2026 B738Orlando Intl ()LaGuardia () 10:25PM EST 12:29AM EST (+1) 2:04
11-Jan-2026 B738Reagan National ()Orlando Intl () 06:01PM EST 07:54PM EST 1:53
11-Jan-2026 B738Dallas-Fort Worth Intl ()Reagan National () 12:57PM CST 04:35PM EST 2:37
11-Jan-2026 B738John Glenn Columbus Intl Airport ()Dallas-Fort Worth Intl () 09:45AM EST 10:59AM CST 2:13
10-Jan-2026 B738Cancun Int'l ()John Glenn Columbus Intl Airport () 02:11PM EST 04:54PM EST 2:43
10-Jan-2026 B738John Glenn Columbus Intl Airport ()Cancun Int'l () 09:01AM EST 12:17PM EST 3:15
09-Jan-2026 B738Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl ()John Glenn Columbus Intl Airport () 04:57PM MST 09:59PM EST 3:01
08-Jan-2026 B738Austin-Bergstrom Intl ()Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl () 12:45PM CST 02:10PM MST 2:24
08-Jan-2026 B738Dallas-Fort Worth Intl ()Austin-Bergstrom Intl () 10:37AM CST 11:15AM CST 0:37
08-Jan-2026 B738Milwaukee Mitchell Intl Airport ()Dallas-Fort Worth Intl () 06:58AM CST 09:21AM CST 2:23
07-Jan-2026 B738Charlotte/Douglas Intl ()Milwaukee Mitchell Intl Airport () 10:23PM EST 11:06PM CST 1:42
07-Jan-2026 B738Chicago O'Hare Intl ()Charlotte/Douglas Intl () 05:52PM CST 08:12PM EST 1:20
07-Jan-2026 B738Denver Intl ()Chicago O'Hare Intl () 12:36PM MST 03:29PM CST 1:52
07-Jan-2026 B738Chicago O'Hare Intl ()Denver Intl () 09:41AM CST 10:47AM MST 2:06
06-Jan-2026 B738Dallas-Fort Worth Intl ()Chicago O'Hare Intl () 06:29PM CST 08:05PM CST 1:35
06-Jan-2026 B738Reagan National ()Dallas-Fort Worth Intl () 01:46PM EST 03:58PM CST 3:12
06-Jan-2026 B738Dallas-Fort Worth Intl ()Reagan National () 09:23AM CST 12:37PM EST 2:13
05-Jan-2026 B738San Jose Int'l ()Dallas-Fort Worth Intl () 02:53PM PST 07:38PM CST 2:45
05-Jan-2026 B738Dallas-Fort Worth Intl ()San Jose Int'l () 11:59AM CST 01:41PM PST 3:42
05-Jan-2026 B738Boston Logan Intl ()Dallas-Fort Worth Intl () 07:50AM EST 10:33AM CST 3:42
04-Jan-2026 B738Miami Intl ()Boston Logan Intl () 07:47PM EST 10:49PM EST 3:01
04-Jan-2026 B738Lic. Benito Juarez Int'l ()Miami Intl () 01:51PM CST 05:31PM EST 2:39
04-Jan-2026 B738Miami Intl ()Lic. Benito Juarez Int'l () 08:57AM EST 10:43AM CST 2:46
04-Jan-2026 B738Baltimore/Washington Intl ()Miami Intl () 05:06AM EST 07:23AM EST 2:16
Basic users (becoming a basic user is free and easy!) view 3 months history. Join
 

Login

Don't have an account? Register now (free) for customized features, flight alerts, and more!