Pietenpol-List: rolling on the water
Posted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 5:12 pm
Original Posted By: Jim Ash
I have rolled the tires of airplanes on water while flying, but not in the Piet (yet). First time, I was along for the ride in a Citabria Scout that was being flown for some movie footage. The airplane had been painted to look like a Border Patrol aircraft and was supposed to be patrolling the Rio Grande river and doing some chase scenes. So we flew right down on the deck, following the meander of the river, and the pilot put the tires down on the river a couple of times. Felt just like pavement. I don't think the brakes were applied.There is a nifty little grass strip on a bend in the Rogue River in Oregon, wild and scenic section, called Paradise Lodge. It is said that the owner/builder of the lodge and airstrip used to skip his airplane in on the river's surface; I think he had a Super Cub or something similar that he flew in and out of the strip. I have not flown into the strip but rafted the river down to the lodge (there are no roads in; you have to get in by horse, foot, raft, or airplane) and walked the airstrip on foot. It is supposed to be a pretty exciting approach into Paradise Lodge, with a steep and dogleg approach. The winds in the river gorge can get real whippy anytime after mid-morning most days.I think there is a big difference between putting 6.00x6's (or similar) onto the water, and putting motorcycle-style tires down onto the water.Oscar ZunigaSan Antonio, TXmailto: taildrags(at)hotmail.comwebsite at http://www.flysquirrel.net________________________________________________________________________________Date: Sun, 27 Aug 2006 18:23:28 -0400 (EDT)
I have rolled the tires of airplanes on water while flying, but not in the Piet (yet). First time, I was along for the ride in a Citabria Scout that was being flown for some movie footage. The airplane had been painted to look like a Border Patrol aircraft and was supposed to be patrolling the Rio Grande river and doing some chase scenes. So we flew right down on the deck, following the meander of the river, and the pilot put the tires down on the river a couple of times. Felt just like pavement. I don't think the brakes were applied.There is a nifty little grass strip on a bend in the Rogue River in Oregon, wild and scenic section, called Paradise Lodge. It is said that the owner/builder of the lodge and airstrip used to skip his airplane in on the river's surface; I think he had a Super Cub or something similar that he flew in and out of the strip. I have not flown into the strip but rafted the river down to the lodge (there are no roads in; you have to get in by horse, foot, raft, or airplane) and walked the airstrip on foot. It is supposed to be a pretty exciting approach into Paradise Lodge, with a steep and dogleg approach. The winds in the river gorge can get real whippy anytime after mid-morning most days.I think there is a big difference between putting 6.00x6's (or similar) onto the water, and putting motorcycle-style tires down onto the water.Oscar ZunigaSan Antonio, TXmailto: taildrags(at)hotmail.comwebsite at http://www.flysquirrel.net________________________________________________________________________________Date: Sun, 27 Aug 2006 18:23:28 -0400 (EDT)