Friday, March 03, 2006

 

Water-Skiing, "Texan-Style".........

I received an e-mail yesterday from Barry and Peggy Gudmundson as they continue their "Waltz Across Texas", and I was amazed at the photos. I initially thought they were "digital-enhancements", but I did some research and can't find any info that they are. My experience suggests that there should be "disruption and compression" on the water surface from the "wingtip vortices", but I don't see any. Anyways, the "clarity" of the photography is outstanding. Here is the e-mail.
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Subject: Walking on water is one thing, but......


Pilots Hone Their Skills For Upcoming Airshow Season.

(Photography by Frans Dely at Aviationdimension.com

Early morning anglers are treated to the spectacle of four T6 "Harvard" aircraft from "The Flying Lions Aerobatic Team" waterskiing across the Klipdrift Dam near Johannesburg, South Africa.

Led by Scully Levin, with wingmen Arnie Meneghelli, Stewart Lithgow, and Ellis Levin, this renowned airshow display team rehearse a sequence for the newly launched "Aviation Action" television program on Supersport.

Arnie Meneghelli from Academy Brushware, owner of the aircraft, had this to say; "What we did today I believe is a world first. It illustrates that South African airshow pilots are amongst the best in the world."

This unusual act, approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and supported by Castrol Aviation, was meticulously planned and took place under the watchful eye of divers and paramedics that were on site.


Unbelievable! Posted by Picasa


"Yee-Haaaa...!" All that is missing is the "lassos"......... Posted by Picasa


Pratt and Whitney 1340 "power"! When the Commonwealth countries acquired the "Texan", they called it the "Harvard"............ Posted by Picasa
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"Whew, fantastic display! Thanks for the e-mail, Barry and Peggy!"

LINK - The "Flying Lions"

LINK - North American T-6 "Texan"/"Harvard"

SPECIFICATIONS

First flight (NA-49): Sept. 28, 1938
Span: 42 feet 1/4 inch
Length: 28 feet 11-7/8 inches
Seating: Tandem
Power plant: Pratt & Whitney Wasp R-1340-AN-1 550 horsepower, air-cooled
Speed: 205 mph at 5,000 feet
Crew: Pilot, co-pilot
Landing gear: Retractable
Propeller: Controllable pitch

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