Ramapriya wrote:

...when seeing aircraft readying for a takeoff from behind a glass pane
between the 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock positions, I look for tire puffs to
know that the craft has begun its roll. It could well be a spray of
water or sand off the tarmac, but I have seen it often, no doubt about
it.

I don't doubt you've seen something. From five- or seven o'clock it
could be dust kicked up by wing-mounted jet intakes that might appear to
come from the main gear. I've watched a lot of large and heavy jet
departures from the number one position and I don't remember seeing
anything that could be interpreted as smoke from the tires under those
circumstances.

Curious, indeed.


Jack