Aharon wrote:Radar88 and Splitpin,
Thanks for correcting me.
Strange why had the 787 not retracted flaps while taxiing to gate?
Regards,
Aharon
Aharon you are highly commended on your observation skills.
It's highly likely a time constraint scenario, that has seen ATC clearing the Departing 787 Apia (NZ 294) to line up and hold behind the Landing 787 Hong Kong(NZ80) which has executed it's landing roll and has had to expedite vacating off 05R using the rapid exit taxiway A3 to ensure a minimum runway occupancy time and to allow ATC to clear Departing 787 Apia (NZ 294) with a Take Off clearance.
In using rapid exit taxiway A3 which by looking at the impressive photo can be seen as a bit of a deception just in the background as it's an a angular Taxiway pavement line between the Taxing 787 Nose and it's Tail bottom.
The quick time taking in exiting off the 05R runway using the angular rapid exit taxiway, likely has it that the Flaps were still in the extended Landing position when doing the exit manoeuvre. So by the time the 787 crew slowed down enough to manoeuvre through a sharp U turn back parallel to 05R they were likely already commencing to retracting the Flaps. As the Departing 787 Apia (NZ 294) flight rotated to become airborne as seen in the background
The Photo is indeed a very super impressive timing shot and you are likely looking at the last little bit of remaining Flap still in the process of being retracted as the photo was taken shortly after the Landing 787 completed the sharp U turn off the A3 rapid exit taxiway onto the main taxiway heading back towards the International Terminal Apron area.
For a better understanding in and around NZAA here's the links to the NZ Civil Aviation Authority Aeronautical Information Publication AIP
NZAA Ground Movements references
NZAA GROUND MOVEMENTS (1) — ALL RWYand
NZAA Ground Chart ACFT TAXI ROUTE 05R/23L - ARRIVAL