The Airplane Fanatic Thread

[Longhornmaniac8 255]

On 1/16/2020 at 6:37 AM, Chad Fuck said:

I’ll bet after a career getting to altitude then telling jokes for six hours until you get to Frankfurt, CalFire would be challenging.

You think they're working 6 hours on an 8 hour flight to Frankfurt?

[Chad Fuck 17,842]

1 hour ago, Longhornmaniac8 said:

You think they're working 6 hours on an 8 hour flight to Frankfurt?

Touche.  

[markstanco 12,653]

I havent been up since maybe may. Work and kids is my super lame excuse. FML. Tried to go up twice in the last 4 weeks but LIFR said keep your ass at home. Ready for some spring weather.

[Thetexashammer 1,062]

10 hours ago, Longhornmaniac8 said:

You think they're working 6 hours on an 8 hour flight to Frankfurt?

It's always good practice to actually hand fly the first and last 30 seconds of any flight.

[Longhornmaniac8 255]

14 minutes ago, Thetexashammer said:

It's always good practice to actually hand fly the first and last 30 seconds of any flight.

How dare you. I hand fly at least the first two minutes.

[DaysOff 8,004]

Show off

[Chad Fuck 17,842]

Any of you aviation miscreants ever been to see the show at Old Rhinebeck Airdrome?

Taking a road trip down the Hudson River Valley with Chad Jr. this summer and looking for tips as it’s on our list of “must sees.”

[ss13 1,832]

Quote

Three American crew members died Thursday when a C-130 Hercules aerial water tanker crashed while battling wildfires in southeastern Australia, officials said.

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed the crash deaths in the state's Snowy Monaro region as Australia attempts to deal with an unprecedented fire season that has left a large swath of destruction.

Coulson Aviation in the U.S. state of Oregon said in a statement that one of its Lockheed large air tankers was lost after it left Richmond in New South Wales with retardant for a firebombing mission. It said the accident was “extensive" but had few other details.

“The only thing I have from the field reports are that the plane came down, it's crashed and there was a large fireball associated with that crash,” said Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons.

He said all three aboard were U.S. residents.

“Unfortunately, all we've been able to do is locate the wreckage and the crash site and we have not been able to locate any survivors,” he said.

The tragedy brings the death toll from the blazes to at least 31 since September. The fires have also destroyed more than 2,600 homes and razed more than 10.4 million hectares (25.7 million acres), an area bigger than the U.S. state of Indiana.

Coulson grounded other firefighting aircraft as a precaution pending investigation, reducing planes available to firefighters in New South Wales and neighboring Victoria state. The four-propeller Hercules drops more than 15,000 liters (4,000 gallons) of fire retardant in a single pass.

Australian Transport Safety Bureau, the national air crash investigator, and state police will investigate the crash site, which firefighters described as an active fire ground.

“There is no indication at this stage of what's caused the accident,” Fitzsimmons said.

https://news.yahoo.com/wildfires-close-australias-canberra-airport-034428172.html

Edited January 23, 2020 by ss13

[Homercles 10,206]

Hoping the 9X gets off the ground today.  Live stream link, holding short

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=z4t7L6p2Rug

[pops 7,044]

4 hours ago, Homercles said:

Hoping the 9X gets off the ground today.  Live stream link, holding short

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=z4t7L6p2Rug

I get Bernoulli's principle, but the little kid in me will never think it is anything less than magic we can get something like that in the air.

Dumb question amnesty...do the foldable winglets allow for shorter take off on the ground and then better efficiency once up in the air?

[Bobby_Batronic 1,994]

5 hours ago, pops said:

I get Bernoulli's principle, but the little kid in me will never think it is anything less than magic we can get something like that in the air.

Dumb question amnesty...do the foldable winglets allow for shorter take off on the ground and then better efficiency once up in the air?

They allow it to fit into existing gate spaces. 

[markstanco 12,653]

Sad day in aviation.

From what I have read, heavy fog, the helicopter hit terrain.

Flying in a really safe Sikorsky S-76B, per reading. It's not like this type of craft is using a six pack, so this is weird. I bet there is $250k of avionics on the firewall for this ten million plus piece of equipment.

NTSB report cant come out fast enough.

[Lat22 4,051]

I’m not a pilot so I’d never heard of a Special VFR clearance. Seems like a really bad idea to me. 

[MaclovioBrown 100]

The first audio recording is https://archive-server.liveatc.net/kbur/KBUR3-Gnd-Twr-App-Jan-26-2020-1700Z.mp3 starting around 20 min into recording. They were approaching the Burbank class Charlie, and BUR went IFR. Controller told them to remain clear class charlie, say intentions. Pilot said they wanted to transition SVFR. They end up holding for 15 mins before cleared SVFR to transition north via I5, 118, 101 west. Then handed off to VNY helo frequency: https://archive-server.liveatc.net/kvny/KVNY-Ground-Jan-26-2020-1730Z.mp3 starting at around 5:30. At around 10:00 pilot requests turn to southwest, controller grants request and sends him to SoCal approach: https://archive-server.liveatc.net/kbur/KBUR3-Gnd-Twr-App-Jan-26-2020-1730Z.mp3 He checks on at around 14:00 in the recording. 2EX cannot be heard, but controller tells him they are too low for flight following. It seems radio contact is lost at that point.

 

 

[MaclovioBrown 100]

Sadly looks like CFIT

[ss13 1,832]

Dark mode can’t read that. 

Quote

The first audio recording is https://archive-server.liveatc.net/kbur/KBUR3-Gnd-Twr-App-Jan-26-2020-1700Z.mp3 starting around 20 min into recording. They were approaching the Burbank class Charlie, and BUR went IFR. Controller told them to remain clear class charlie, say intentions. Pilot said they wanted to transition SVFR. They end up holding for 15 mins before cleared SVFR to transition north via I5, 118, 101 west. Then handed off to VNY helo frequency: https://archive-server.liveatc.net/kvny/KVNY-Ground-Jan-26-2020-1730Z.mp3 starting at around 5:30. At around 10:00 pilot requests turn to southwest, controller grants request and sends him to SoCal approach: https://archive-server.liveatc.net/kbur/KBUR3-Gnd-Twr-App-Jan-26-2020-1730Z.mp3 He checks on at around 14:00 in the recording. 2EX cannot be heard, but controller tells him they are too low for flight following. It seems radio contact is lost at that point.

 

[markstanco 12,653]

Sadly looks like CFIT

Exactly what happened. They didnt lose an engine.

[woohorn 1,131]

Sad day in aviation.

From what I have read, heavy fog, the helicopter hit terrain.

Flying in a really safe Sikorsky S-76B, per reading. It's not like this type of craft is using a six pack, so this is weird. I bet there is $250k of avionics on the firewall for this ten million plus piece of equipment.

NTSB report cant come out fast enough.

Other thread said charter Co bought it for $500k. We're they really 10MM new?

[markstanco 12,653]

Other thread said charter Co bought it for $500k. We're they really 10MM new?

Saw that too. Whole thing listening to the airnav recording is weird, seems like a pilot error. We will see in about 90 days.

[Bobby_Batronic 1,994]

14 minutes ago, woohorn said:

 

 

Other thread said charter Co bought it for $500k. We're they really 10MM new?

 

29 year old helicopter. They very likely were flying a six pack or maybe had an electronic HSI. I’d think it’s have a GPWS though. 

[MaclovioBrown 100]

So much risk associated with scud running and i'm sure it's hard to tell a boss like Mamba no.

[Your Mom 4,869]

I could see that being a high pressure situation to accomplish the mission and gradually get yourself into a bad spot one small decision at a time.  VFR gets us there quicker... weather getting lower... Special VFR.. yeah we can do that I’m instrument rated anyway if we need to go IFR later... Yeah I can hold a few minutes longer... maybe I should just get the IFR clearance now and climb up in to this... LA approach is crazy busy... can’t get a word in... probably gonna lose this job if we’re late to the game... I know where I am... taking too long to get the clearance, just follow the 101... 

I have no idea if that’s what happened but plenty of my bad decisions have originated with a case of get-there-itis. Sometimes when the pressure is on and time is tight it’s tough to do the right thing and slow down and be ok with disappointing the customer. 

[markstanco 12,653]

[Your Mom 4,869]

Missing the cell phone belt clip.

[MaclovioBrown 100]

I thought jorts had to be TSO'd

[Homercles 10,206]

Hawker 125 flown out if an improvised dirt strip after being confiscated by drug runners 

 

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/32127/guatemalan-air-force-pilot-deserves-a-raise-for-flying-out-this-stranded-drug-running-jet

[Armybrat 40,993]

Cojones de acero....verdad!

[Armybrat 40,993]

British Air just set record for the fastest subsonic flight from NYC to Heathrow in 4 hours 56 minutes thanks to a 200mph tailwind.

The UK is being ripped by storm Ciera right now with hurricane force winds.

Edited February 9, 2020 by Armybrat

[Chad Fuck 17,842]

Thought it worth noting that the last AVG (Flying Tigers) pilot and the last Battle of Britain fighter pilot passed this week.

[Chad Fuck 17,842]

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/08/world/europe/paul-farnes-dead.html

[Chad Fuck 17,842]

http://warbirdsnews.com/warbirds-news/the-last-of-the-tigers-frank-losonsky.html

Crew chief rather than pilot.

[Armybrat 40,993]

1 hour ago, Chad Fuck said:

http://warbirdsnews.com/warbirds-news/the-last-of-the-tigers-frank-losonsky.html

Crew chief rather than pilot.

I wonder if he ever met my dad’s best friend & classmate at Mizzou who flew C-109s and C-54s over The Hump in the CBI Theatre.

Google up Paul C. Schaefer “find a grave” obituary.

[Texas St. Armadillos 1,381]

Gentlemen,

I need your advice.  I had to suspend my flight training with my CFI back in early December due to a promotion and relocation.  I had about $3,700 remaining in my account with my CFI.  I met all the criteria to be refunded this amount per his policies and requested as such.  He informed me that he would, but would have to be in installments as he had recently put some money into the airplane.  I said that would not be a problem.  I contacted him in early January after not receiving any of the refund yet.  He said he was prepared to send me the first installment in a couple weeks.  I contacted him again earlier this month as I still had not received anything.  As of 2/21, still nothing.

I want to know, in your opinion, what my best recourse would be?  Should I file a complaint with the FAA?  Seek legal assistance?  Unfortunately, this has left a bad taste in my mouth and am now disappointed in the time and money already spent on my training with him.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[markstanco 12,653]

Sounds like a small claims court filing will be in order.  Give a lawyer $200 to write him a letter.l 

[Telegraph_it 3,371]

@Texas St. Armadillos do you need a new CFI?Family friend just bought a 172 to start his flight school. It’s his retirement plan so he can keep flying. 
 

It is great knowing someone who owns a hangar. My son’s one year birthday is airplane themed and we are having it at the hangar. 
 

 

[markstanco 12,653]

1 hour ago, Telegraph_it said:

My son’s one year birthday is airplane themed and we are having it at the hangar. 

Is this theme for him or you? 

[Telegraph_it 3,371]

14 minutes ago, markstanco said:

Is this theme for him or you? 

It’s totally for him. He has an toy airplane that he loves. 

[Chad Fuck 17,842]

It’s totally for him. He has an toy airplane that he loves. 

 

Chef’s kiss..

[markstanco 12,653]

Just received our O-320 Lycoming for our students today in the club for 74J in the 172.

Also, and I am JACKED about this, we brought in an ercoupe to fly today as well. Looking forward to flying that old bird.

[MaclovioBrown 100]

19 hours ago, markstanco said:

Just received our O-320 Lycoming for our students today in the club for 74J in the 172.

Also, and I am JACKED about this, we brought in an ercoupe to fly today as well. Looking forward to flying that old bird.

I've always wondered how that thing flies without rudder pedals. I'd be antsy

[markstanco 12,653]

I've always wondered how that thing flies without rudder pedals. I'd be antsy

We used to have a Remos plane, I learned in it after we got rid of our 152. Weighed 670ish pounds, carbon fiber and aluminum.

My instructor used to grab the bars above his head that controlled to ailerons (detachable wings) and tell me to land with rudders only.

This CSB story brought to you by stanco.

[RPM 26,428]

Cool story.

So This 64 Year Old Cargo Plane Keeps Flying Over My House…

…there’s no punchline, I would just love to know more about it.

The 64 year old Convair CV-5800 from Honduras
At least a couple of times per week I notice a Convair CV-5800 operated by IFL Group approaching Miami from San Pedro Sula, Honduras. There are two things that make this interesting:

You don’t see a whole lot of Convair planes flying nowadays
I don’t know how to describe it, but the plane approaches Miami with a ridiculous trail of smoke behind it… at first I wonder if the plane is okay, but then I’m reminded of which plane it is
Anyway, after seeing the approach yesterday, I did some digging. The IFL Cargo Convair CV-5800 had the registration code N371FL. After Googling the registration, I found out the plane was actually built in 1956. OMFG.

The most common route for the plane seems to be Miami to Guatemala City to San Pedro Sula to Miami, though there are some other “triangle” flights as well, like Miami to Merida to Cancun to Miami.

[Armybrat 40,993]

Mule train plane.

[Armybrat 40,993]

Convair made thousands of those twin engine planes in the 1950s. TTA - predecessor to SWA - flew them all over the State. In the mid 1960s I saw one approaching so low over I-35 to land at old Mueller Airport that the pilot had to pull back on the yoke sharply to avoid hitting the highway light poles. I flew in one to Dallas in 1960. They were pretty noisy inside.

The Convair family crash record is really long all over the world - google that extensive list.

 Lyndon Johnson owned a CV240. It crashed in the Hill Country in 1961 on the way to pick up VP LBJ & Lady Bird at their ranch. Both pilots were killed in the dense fog when they couldn’t find the airstrip. 

[Bobby_Batronic 1,994]

IFL group out of Pontiac, MI flies them. They’re main facility is at the Oakland Co.airport with Convairs in various states of being parted out or rebuilt. Allegedly the flightdecks are very modern with glass. See them a lot in Laredo and other choice spots. 

[Chad Fuck 17,842]

The Convair 240 and it’s progeny were pretty successful. The only one of the many postwar designs seeking to replace the DC-3 that had real legs.

[Chad Fuck 17,842]

In the "Boeing can't seem to find its' dick with both hands" category:

https://www.airforcemag.com/goldfein-usaf-wont-use-kc-46-unless-it-has-to/?fbclid=IwAR0HpNCNMA5PmdtaV-rHkYsuf7R4zBKf6e18YeaM-2M5Dtp3KLQgjQURW-k

Quote

Goldfein: USAF Won’t Use KC-46 Unless It Has To

While the problem stated within doesn't seem insurmountable, goddam man.  The 767 is not a new plane.  Itty bitty cameras have been fitted on my computer for 20 years now.  Why are the two not compatible at this price point?

[Armybrat 40,993]

Sounds like a gottdam video camera problem, not the aircraft.

 

[Chad Fuck 17,842]

21 minutes ago, Armybrat said:

Sounds like a gottdam video camera problem, not the aircraft.

 

True, but if they are required to put the widgets on the aircraft to make the airplane go, then they're responsible for the widgets.  

[Armybrat 40,993]

Yes, but do the bureaucratic contracts tie their hands? I don’t know what the protocol is for how much leeway the manufacturer has to change the process.