MDT Plane Spotting: Beechcraft 1900D

In this post we will take a look at one of the aircraft that you may spot flying to and from Harrisburg International Airport (MDT).

The Beechcraft 1900D is the smallest commercial aircraft that flies through Harrisburg International Airport. It was manufactured by the Beechcraft Division of Raytheon between 1991 and 2002. The 1900D is the third iteration of the Beechcraft 1900 series, following the 1900 and the 1900C. The 1900 series are all 19 passenger turboprop airliners which were themselves an evolution of Beechcraft’s Model 200 Super King Air.

The 1900C was an early redesign of the 1900, distinguished primarily by the removal of a second airstair door. The 1900D was a more significant redesign. The most obvious feature of the 1900D when compared with the earlier 1900 models is the shape of the cabin. The 1900D is notable in its class for being one of only two 19 passenger airliners in service with a ceiling height that allows most passengers to walk through the craft without bending over. Changing the shape of the body necessitated other changes to the design, including more powerful engines and a larger tail.

Although more than 70 airlines currently operate Beechcraft 1900Ds, the only ones you’ll see at MDT wear the livery of Air Georgian, operating flights for HIA’s airline partner Air Canada. As many as 900 passengers make their way between Toronto and Harrisburg on 1900Ds every month.

Holiday Shopping and its Impact on MDT

'Tis the season of gift giving as Christmas is just around the corner!  With gift giving comes an increase in packages being shipped to and fro across the country via train, truck and of course, aircraft.  Many of you may be aware that UPS, FedEx and DHL conduct air cargo operations at your hometown airport, Harrisburg International Airport (MDT), on a daily basis.  

UPS-contracted 747 at MDT

But, did you know that at this time of year, due to the increase volume of package shipment from online holiday shoppers, UPS contracts a 747 for their fleet at MDT to help offset the increased flights needed?  That's right, plane spotters!  There's a 747 based at MDT for the next week and its departing daily around mid-morning flying the country delivering your gifts where they need to go.

Today's flight departed around 9 am EST and was bound for Denver, Colorado.  If you 'plane spot' the 747, be sure to tweet us about it with the hashtag '#MDTplanespot' or post the photo to our fan page!

A Plane Spotting Primer

What is plane spotting, you ask?  A hobby and past time of many who love aircraft, aviation and marvel at the wander of flight!

The key habits of the hobby:

• Observing, spotting or watching aircraft
• Logging the tail (registration) numbers of the aircraft spotted
• Identifying the spotted aircraft by any number of factors: 
• Position of Engines
• Type of Engines
• Distinctive Engine Sound
• Wing Position
• Fuselage
• Tail Shape
• Fixed vs. Retractable Wheels
• And, more!
• Photographing the aircraft, while spotting them

We, not unlike every other avid "avgeek," love to take photos when plane spotting and enjoy those of fellow plane spotters.  Here are a few of our favorites that we've snapped while spotting at MDT:

E-6B Mercury Navy AWACs

C-32a "Air Force Two"

VC-25 "Air Force One"

Did you happen to see these aircraft captures that appeared on NYC Aviation?  And, did you see this one from Airlines.net?

Where can you plane spot?  Your own backyard (if you're on an airport flight path) is a great place to start!  Some local airports (like us!) offer free observation decks to the public to enjoy - stop by and visit.  The MDT Observation Deck is open 24-hours a day to the public (there is a fee to park at MDT).
NYC Aviation has detailed plane spotting guides from some of their contributing photographers for locations in the US and UK.  

So, what's the benefit of plane spotting?  It's a fun-filled hobby a family, friends, or group can enjoy together and it's relatively inexpensive - great photos can be captured with a beginner digital camera, however avid spotters can tell you that if you're as "in" to cameras and lenses as you are the aircraft, you can amass expense with the equipment you buy to take the aircraft photos.   Beyond the time together and cool photos, the memories and the experiences are classic.  Who doesn't still find themselves marveling over the wander of flight?

Are you a plane spotter (either seasoned or amateur)?  What sparked your interest in the hobby?  Where do you enjoy the best plane spotting?  Do you have a favorite plane spotting photo?  Feel free to visit our fan page and share your favorite captures on our wall - we'd love to see them!