When the Concorde came to Cleveland in 1985, Chris was there to document the event. Photo: Chris Jacobs - OPShots Contributor
What can I say? Chris Jacobs has been the longest member of OPShots, and has been with us since day one. In fact, you might even consider him a co-founder of the site! His were the first photos other than mine to appear in the database, and he is still actively uploading whenever he gets a chance for some “runway therapy!” His catalog of vintage Cleveland Hopkins photos were the first to appear here that gave you a look at the aircraft movements prevalent in the 70’s and 80’s at the field.
Before Mark Plumley joined OPShots as our webmaster, Chris was my go-to guy for all of my computer questions, and he spent many hours coaching and teaching me in computer basics. A private pilot and avid flight-simmer, Chris and I first met on cold and memorable November 8, 2003. This was the day the mighty Antonov AN225 came to town, and a handful of intrepid spotters made their way to the old Grayton Rd spotting point to catch its arrival. I’m not even sure how we knew of its arrival back then, but you can bet there was a lot of whooping and hollering when it really showed up!
For all of his fantastic photos – whether from Los Angeles, high in the Colorado Rockies or home in Cleveland, and for being a friend and all-around great guy, I give you this OPShots TOPSHOT Award. Thanks Chris, let’s get a beer sometime!
You can see all of Chris’s photos here:
https://www.opshots.net/gallery2/index.php?page=photos
A lot has changed on this side of the airport since this day when we met. Chris is in the middle trying to get a little leverage! Photo: Chuck Slusarczyk Jr. - OPShots.net
