Friday, February 29, 2008
"Normal" Winter.......
We have experienced some "brutal" cold stretches this winter, and everyone is tired of winter already. Fact is, though, with the "cold" we have experienced some "beautiful skies" for days on end, "bluer" than "blue", with "clean Arctic air"! The last few winters have been unseasonably warm, but the weather was always "shitty", with lots of snow and freezing drizzle. Therefore, I would say this winter has been normal, with temps down to -40*C. This morning it was -20*C, and it is the end of February already. Hopefully, March begins the "thaw"! One good thing possibly may come of this "normal" winter. Usually a cold, crisp winter "heralds" a dry, warm summer. Here is hoping! Here are some images from "unforgiving Lake Winnipeg" this past Wednesday AM.
Recreational "ice-fishing" shacks on "Unforgiving Lake Winnipeg".
A "burbot", also known as a "mariah", or "fresh water ling cod" guarding the entrance to one of the shacks. I "snuck" past him to have a "peek".......
"Open sesame"..........
Three fishing holes through the ice.....
A "woodstove" for warmth......
Insulated..........
Pickerel rig.........
There were still minnows in these containers.......... Then I went back outside to a different type of shack.
This is what is known as a "caboose".
The "commercial" ice-fishermen will pull this building along behind a Bombardier or a ski-doo on the lake as they lift their nets, as it has "runners" on the bottom.
Inside is a woodstove the fishermen keep "stoked" as they lift nets.
When they get "cold", they come inside for hot coffee, or to eat and "warm their bones". No "holes" in this floor..........
Anyways, I then headed for home....... "Oh yeah",.... Did I mention it had been "frosty"?
Beautiful "hoar" frost!
"Magnificent" nature! One last item! The "Reggie Leach Classic Hockey Tournament" was an outstanding success last month, with 20 teams participating. Good hockey, a dinner, dance, live auction, and Reggie brought "Stanley" with him! Last word of my "post" goes to "me", "Stanley", "son Shane", and cousin "Reggie 'The Rifle' Leach"!
"Adios!"
Recreational "ice-fishing" shacks on "Unforgiving Lake Winnipeg".
A "burbot", also known as a "mariah", or "fresh water ling cod" guarding the entrance to one of the shacks. I "snuck" past him to have a "peek".......
"Open sesame"..........
Three fishing holes through the ice.....
A "woodstove" for warmth......
Insulated..........
Pickerel rig.........
There were still minnows in these containers.......... Then I went back outside to a different type of shack.
This is what is known as a "caboose".
The "commercial" ice-fishermen will pull this building along behind a Bombardier or a ski-doo on the lake as they lift their nets, as it has "runners" on the bottom.
Inside is a woodstove the fishermen keep "stoked" as they lift nets.
When they get "cold", they come inside for hot coffee, or to eat and "warm their bones". No "holes" in this floor..........
Anyways, I then headed for home....... "Oh yeah",.... Did I mention it had been "frosty"?
Beautiful "hoar" frost!
"Magnificent" nature! One last item! The "Reggie Leach Classic Hockey Tournament" was an outstanding success last month, with 20 teams participating. Good hockey, a dinner, dance, live auction, and Reggie brought "Stanley" with him! Last word of my "post" goes to "me", "Stanley", "son Shane", and cousin "Reggie 'The Rifle' Leach"!
"Adios!"
Thursday, February 28, 2008
"Floating" Across Canada: Ruud Leeuw's "Bushplanes at Atikokan, Ontario!"
Ruud continued his journey, as he had heard there was a "high-time" Beaver pilot in the area. His journey took him to Atikokan, and there he met "Flying" Phil Robinson, with over 19,800 hrs. logged on the famous "Beaver" bushplane.
"Floating" Across Canada: Ruud Leeuw's "Bushplanes at Atikokan, Ontario!"
"Floating" Across Canada: Ruud Leeuw's "Bushplanes at Atikokan, Ontario!"
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
It's Time To Play..... Otterflogger's "Name That Cockpit"!
OK, "Ladies and Gentlemen", time for "installment #48" in our "cockpit series", which will be a continuing "brain-strainer".
This is the "cockpit" of "the" ......................
***MYSTERY SOLVED!***
Good work, Lance! It is the Stinson "Voyager 125", which was the original 108 design. It had the 125 HP Lycoming engine. Stinson then upgraded to the 150 HP Franklin engine due to performance issues, and the aircraft became the "108". I'll give you this one, along with 4 semis of "sailboat fuel"! Enjoy!
"Adios"!
This is the "cockpit" of "the" ......................
***MYSTERY SOLVED!***
Good work, Lance! It is the Stinson "Voyager 125", which was the original 108 design. It had the 125 HP Lycoming engine. Stinson then upgraded to the 150 HP Franklin engine due to performance issues, and the aircraft became the "108". I'll give you this one, along with 4 semis of "sailboat fuel"! Enjoy!
"Adios"!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
"Humble" Hubble.....
My Dad recently sent me an e-mail with some info and photos that had been profiled in the Daily Mail Online, and it is a very interesting story. I have been fascinated by the Hubble Telescope from the "get-go", from launch, to finding "flaws" in the lenses, to the "repair" mission, and to the outstanding photos it continues to send to earth, of amazing wonders "beyond"! Here is the actual article by Michael Hanlon, and following will be some photos and comments.
-------------------------------------------------------
Hubble Telescope's Top Ten Greatest Space Photographs
-By MICHAEL HANLON
For a while it looked as if the whole mission would end in embarrassing failure.
After it was launched in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope, a $1.5 billion orbiting observatory, was found to have a glitch in its giant lens - rendering Earth's first orbital observatory short-sighted.
But after an audacious Shuttle repair mission, when Hubble was fixed with what is effectively a pair of eyeglasses to correct its sight, the telescope has returned some of the most stunning images ever captured by science.
And now astronomers have voted for the best pictures taken by Hubble in its 16 years in orbit.
Hubble's Top Ten are shown here, and they illustrate that our universe is not only deeply strange, but also almost impossibly beautiful.
Hubble, which is about the size of a bus, has been sending pictures and data back to scientists since it began operating 370 miles up.
It transmits about 120 gigabytes of information every week. That's equal to about 3,600 feet of books on a shelf.
By putting a telescope into space, astronomers can get views of distant objects without having to look through Earth's thick and soupy atmosphere. From hundreds of miles above the clouds and weather, Hubble can provide pictures of unparallelled clarity and sharpness.
Over its life, Hubble has been pointed at objects as diverse as the Moon and the most distant galaxies, to help scientists better understand the wonders of the known universe.
Hubble is an old machine and, until recently, glitches in its various mechanisms seemed to have doomed the telescope. But now NASA has announced a $900 million repair mission in the next couple of years to keep it flying.
When the repairs have been carried out, it is hoped Hubble will continue to give many more years of service and, perhaps, even return images superior to those seen here.
Henry Lambright, science and technology professor at Syracuse University, New York, says: 'The beautiful pictures that we see Hubble produce are gripping to everyone who looks at them. They transmit the magic of space in a way that words cannot.'
------------------------------------------------------
Amazing "piece of iron", that Hubble Telescope! Check out what many consider it's "Top Ten" photos!
The Sombrero Galaxy - 28 million light years from Earth - was voted best picture taken by the Hubble telescope. The dimensions of the galaxy, officially called M104, are as spectacular as its appearance. It has 800 billion suns and is 50,000 light years across.
The Ant Nebula, a cloud of dust and gas whose technical name is Mz3, resembles an ant when observed using ground-based telescopes. The nebula lies within our galaxy between 3,000 and 6,000 light years from Earth.
In third place is Nebula NGC 2392, called Eskimo because it looks like a face surrounded by a furry hood. The hood is, in fact, a ring of comet-shaped objects flying away from a dying star. Eskimo is 5,000 light years from Earth.
At four is the Cat's Eye Nebula, which looks like the eye of disembodied sorcerer Sauron from Lord of the Rings.
The Hourglass Nebula, 8,000 light years away, has a pinched-in-the-middle look because the winds that shape it are weaker at the centre.
In sixth place is the Cone Nebula. The part pictured here is 2.5 light years in length (the equivalent of 23 million return trips to the Moon).
The Perfect Storm, a small region in the Swan Nebula, 5,500 light years away, described as 'a bubbly ocean of hydrogen and small amounts of oxygen, sulphur and other elements'.
Starry Night, so named because it reminded astronomers of the Van Gogh painting. It is a halo of light around a star in the Milky Way.
The glowering eyes from 114 million light years away are the swirling cores of two merging galaxies called NGC 2207 and IC 2163 in the distant Canis Major constellation.
The Trifid Nebula. A 'stellar nursery', 9,000 light years from here, it is where new stars are being born.
"Amazing" photos! Let's hope "Hubble" continues to send these stunning images for many years, makes "one wonder". Now, a "parting line" from my Dad's e-mail.....
Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." ....
MORE - Hubble...
-------------------------------------------------------
Hubble Telescope's Top Ten Greatest Space Photographs
-By MICHAEL HANLON
For a while it looked as if the whole mission would end in embarrassing failure.
After it was launched in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope, a $1.5 billion orbiting observatory, was found to have a glitch in its giant lens - rendering Earth's first orbital observatory short-sighted.
But after an audacious Shuttle repair mission, when Hubble was fixed with what is effectively a pair of eyeglasses to correct its sight, the telescope has returned some of the most stunning images ever captured by science.
And now astronomers have voted for the best pictures taken by Hubble in its 16 years in orbit.
Hubble's Top Ten are shown here, and they illustrate that our universe is not only deeply strange, but also almost impossibly beautiful.
Hubble, which is about the size of a bus, has been sending pictures and data back to scientists since it began operating 370 miles up.
It transmits about 120 gigabytes of information every week. That's equal to about 3,600 feet of books on a shelf.
By putting a telescope into space, astronomers can get views of distant objects without having to look through Earth's thick and soupy atmosphere. From hundreds of miles above the clouds and weather, Hubble can provide pictures of unparallelled clarity and sharpness.
Over its life, Hubble has been pointed at objects as diverse as the Moon and the most distant galaxies, to help scientists better understand the wonders of the known universe.
Hubble is an old machine and, until recently, glitches in its various mechanisms seemed to have doomed the telescope. But now NASA has announced a $900 million repair mission in the next couple of years to keep it flying.
When the repairs have been carried out, it is hoped Hubble will continue to give many more years of service and, perhaps, even return images superior to those seen here.
Henry Lambright, science and technology professor at Syracuse University, New York, says: 'The beautiful pictures that we see Hubble produce are gripping to everyone who looks at them. They transmit the magic of space in a way that words cannot.'
------------------------------------------------------
Amazing "piece of iron", that Hubble Telescope! Check out what many consider it's "Top Ten" photos!
The Sombrero Galaxy - 28 million light years from Earth - was voted best picture taken by the Hubble telescope. The dimensions of the galaxy, officially called M104, are as spectacular as its appearance. It has 800 billion suns and is 50,000 light years across.
The Ant Nebula, a cloud of dust and gas whose technical name is Mz3, resembles an ant when observed using ground-based telescopes. The nebula lies within our galaxy between 3,000 and 6,000 light years from Earth.
In third place is Nebula NGC 2392, called Eskimo because it looks like a face surrounded by a furry hood. The hood is, in fact, a ring of comet-shaped objects flying away from a dying star. Eskimo is 5,000 light years from Earth.
At four is the Cat's Eye Nebula, which looks like the eye of disembodied sorcerer Sauron from Lord of the Rings.
The Hourglass Nebula, 8,000 light years away, has a pinched-in-the-middle look because the winds that shape it are weaker at the centre.
In sixth place is the Cone Nebula. The part pictured here is 2.5 light years in length (the equivalent of 23 million return trips to the Moon).
The Perfect Storm, a small region in the Swan Nebula, 5,500 light years away, described as 'a bubbly ocean of hydrogen and small amounts of oxygen, sulphur and other elements'.
Starry Night, so named because it reminded astronomers of the Van Gogh painting. It is a halo of light around a star in the Milky Way.
The glowering eyes from 114 million light years away are the swirling cores of two merging galaxies called NGC 2207 and IC 2163 in the distant Canis Major constellation.
The Trifid Nebula. A 'stellar nursery', 9,000 light years from here, it is where new stars are being born.
"Amazing" photos! Let's hope "Hubble" continues to send these stunning images for many years, makes "one wonder". Now, a "parting line" from my Dad's e-mail.....
Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." ....
MORE - Hubble...
Steve's Video Of The Day: Red Bull "Rotors"!
Boy, the "rigid rotor system" on helicopters sure allows the machine to do some amazing "contortions" through the sky! Check out this Eurocopter BO-105, as she "twists" through the sky, making "Chubby Checker" proud!
VIDEO -
Red Bull "Rotors"!BONUS!!!
Monday, February 25, 2008
"Floating" Across Canada: Ruud Leeuw's "Bushplanes at Ignace, Ontario!"
Today we continue "down the road", as Ruud heard about a garden variety "Bug-smasher", a "Beaver", and a "Stoneboat"!
"Floating" Across Canada: Ruud Leeuw's "Bushplanes at Ignace, Ontario!"
"Floating" Across Canada: Ruud Leeuw's "Bushplanes at Ignace, Ontario!"
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Steve's "Otter Of The Week"!......by Karl E. Hayes
United States Army, Army Reserve Board, Golden Knights Parachute Team, Civil Air Patrol, High Noon Holdings Ltd., B.C.-Yukon Air Service Ltd., Air North Charter & Training Ltd., Walsten Aircraft Parts & Leasing, Black Sheep Aviation & Cattle Company Ltd.. This aircraft obviously has a fine "pedigree" and has served the aforementioned organisations well, still "splitting atmospheric atoms" to this day!
All information is from Karl Hayes' "masterful" CD entitled:
De Havilland Canada
DHC-3 OTTER
A HISTORY
CONTACT KARL, CD PRICING and ORDERING INFO - De Havilland DHC-3 OTTER - A HISTORY by Karl E. Hayes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Otter 108
Otter 108 was delivered to the United States Army on 12th April 1956 with serial 55-3264 (tail number 53264). It was allocated to the 14th Army Aviation Company at Fort Riley, Kansas. In August '56 the 14th was re-designated the 1st Aviation Company and moved to Fort Benning, Georgia where it continued to fly the Otter until 1961, when it converted to the Caribou, relinquishing its U-1As to other units.
53264 was then assigned to the Army Reserve Board based at Fort Dix, New Jersey where it served until December 1965, when it crossed the country to join the Otter Transition School at Fort Ord, California. Here it was engaged in converting Army aviators onto the U-1A, who then went on to serve with Otter units in Vietnam. When the School closed down in June 1971, the Otter was assigned to the Golden Knights parachute team at Fort Bragg, North Carolina as a support aircraft, where it served until April 1976. It was then transferred to the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) to whom it was registered N5339G in June 1976, assigned to the CAP's Northeast Region.
In October 1979 the Otter was sold to a Canadian leasing company called High Noon Holdings Ltd, based in Calgary, Alberta. On 11th October '79 a provisional Certificate of Registration as C-GMCW was issued to High Noon Holdings and a flight permit for the Otter from Anchorage to Calgary. High Noon Holdings arranged to lease the Otter to B.C.-Yukon Air Service Ltd of Watson Lake, Yukon Territory and the aircraft was noted at Calgary on 28th March 1980, painted in full B.C.- Yukon Air Service colour scheme. It was registered to the company in April 1980 and entered service. MCW was one of five Otters operated by this charter company over the years. Much work was performed for mining companies and government organisations, the Otters flying to established airstrips as well as to suitable mountain meadows on skis during the winter. Summer work involved everything from hauling drills for mining companies to taking tourist canoe parties up into the Nahanni Park in the Northwest Territories.
In February 1983 C-GMCW was advertised for sale, with total airframe time at that stage of 8,238 hours, and an asking price of $125,000 Canadian. The following September, the Otter was sold to Air North Charter & Training Ltd, based at Whitehorse in the Yukon. It remained in BC-Yukon's orange and black colour scheme, with Air North titles. It was still flying for this company when it was involved in an accident at Mayo in the Yukon on 13th August 1986. The pilot was flying the float-equipped Otter through a narrow pass, with visibility occasionally reduced by rain. He entered the pass with the impression that he could see the top, and would have no difficulty flying through the pass. However, having entered the pass he realised he could not fly over the rising terrain nor turn the aircraft around. He landed straight ahead on the rising slope.
That accident was to end MCW's flying career for some years. The wreck was sold to Walsten Aircraft Parts & Leasing, trading as Mandair, of Kenora, Ontario which was the trading and repair company of Neil Carl Walsten, whose aircraft operating company was Walsten Air. MCW was trucked all the way from the crash site in the Yukon to Ignace, Ontario where it was rebuilt. During the rebuild, the aircraft was registered to Walsten Aircraft Parts & Leasing. On completion of the rebuild, the Otter was actually sold back to B.C.-Yukon Air Service Ltd, by then under new ownership and based at Dease Lake, BC, to whom it was registered in November 1994. It continued flying for this company until sold in August 1997 to Black Sheep Aviation & Cattle Company Ltd of Whitehorse, Yukon Territory.
Despite its unusual name, this is a charter operator, providing the usual range of bush aviation services from its Whitehorse base. During 2002 the Otter was converted to turbine power with the Garrett TPE-331, becoming the fifth such conversion. The work was undertaken by Kal Air at their facility at Vernon, BC. MCW was flown from Whitehorse to Vernon in May 2002, and returned to Whitehorse on 22nd June 2002 on completion of the conversion. The Otter appeared at the DHC 'Out of Production Aircraft' conference held at Victoria, BC in October 2002, being exhibited by Texas
Turbine Inc. After the conference, it returned to Whitehorse and continued to fly for Black Sheep Aviation & Cattle Company.
*** LATEST UPDATE!***
Otter 108
January 1st, 2008. C-GMCW. In service with Black Sheep Aviation & Cattle Company, Whitehorse, Yukon. Texas Turbine.
- by Karl E. Hayes
---------------------------------------------------------------------
"Ukrainian farmer" genetics! Unbelieveable!
CONTACT KARL, CD PRICING and ORDERING INFO - De Havilland DHC-3 OTTER - A HISTORY by Karl E. Hayes
All information is from Karl Hayes' "masterful" CD entitled:
De Havilland Canada
DHC-3 OTTER
A HISTORY
CONTACT KARL, CD PRICING and ORDERING INFO - De Havilland DHC-3 OTTER - A HISTORY by Karl E. Hayes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Otter 108
Otter 108 was delivered to the United States Army on 12th April 1956 with serial 55-3264 (tail number 53264). It was allocated to the 14th Army Aviation Company at Fort Riley, Kansas. In August '56 the 14th was re-designated the 1st Aviation Company and moved to Fort Benning, Georgia where it continued to fly the Otter until 1961, when it converted to the Caribou, relinquishing its U-1As to other units.
53264 was then assigned to the Army Reserve Board based at Fort Dix, New Jersey where it served until December 1965, when it crossed the country to join the Otter Transition School at Fort Ord, California. Here it was engaged in converting Army aviators onto the U-1A, who then went on to serve with Otter units in Vietnam. When the School closed down in June 1971, the Otter was assigned to the Golden Knights parachute team at Fort Bragg, North Carolina as a support aircraft, where it served until April 1976. It was then transferred to the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) to whom it was registered N5339G in June 1976, assigned to the CAP's Northeast Region.
In October 1979 the Otter was sold to a Canadian leasing company called High Noon Holdings Ltd, based in Calgary, Alberta. On 11th October '79 a provisional Certificate of Registration as C-GMCW was issued to High Noon Holdings and a flight permit for the Otter from Anchorage to Calgary. High Noon Holdings arranged to lease the Otter to B.C.-Yukon Air Service Ltd of Watson Lake, Yukon Territory and the aircraft was noted at Calgary on 28th March 1980, painted in full B.C.- Yukon Air Service colour scheme. It was registered to the company in April 1980 and entered service. MCW was one of five Otters operated by this charter company over the years. Much work was performed for mining companies and government organisations, the Otters flying to established airstrips as well as to suitable mountain meadows on skis during the winter. Summer work involved everything from hauling drills for mining companies to taking tourist canoe parties up into the Nahanni Park in the Northwest Territories.
In February 1983 C-GMCW was advertised for sale, with total airframe time at that stage of 8,238 hours, and an asking price of $125,000 Canadian. The following September, the Otter was sold to Air North Charter & Training Ltd, based at Whitehorse in the Yukon. It remained in BC-Yukon's orange and black colour scheme, with Air North titles. It was still flying for this company when it was involved in an accident at Mayo in the Yukon on 13th August 1986. The pilot was flying the float-equipped Otter through a narrow pass, with visibility occasionally reduced by rain. He entered the pass with the impression that he could see the top, and would have no difficulty flying through the pass. However, having entered the pass he realised he could not fly over the rising terrain nor turn the aircraft around. He landed straight ahead on the rising slope.
That accident was to end MCW's flying career for some years. The wreck was sold to Walsten Aircraft Parts & Leasing, trading as Mandair, of Kenora, Ontario which was the trading and repair company of Neil Carl Walsten, whose aircraft operating company was Walsten Air. MCW was trucked all the way from the crash site in the Yukon to Ignace, Ontario where it was rebuilt. During the rebuild, the aircraft was registered to Walsten Aircraft Parts & Leasing. On completion of the rebuild, the Otter was actually sold back to B.C.-Yukon Air Service Ltd, by then under new ownership and based at Dease Lake, BC, to whom it was registered in November 1994. It continued flying for this company until sold in August 1997 to Black Sheep Aviation & Cattle Company Ltd of Whitehorse, Yukon Territory.
Despite its unusual name, this is a charter operator, providing the usual range of bush aviation services from its Whitehorse base. During 2002 the Otter was converted to turbine power with the Garrett TPE-331, becoming the fifth such conversion. The work was undertaken by Kal Air at their facility at Vernon, BC. MCW was flown from Whitehorse to Vernon in May 2002, and returned to Whitehorse on 22nd June 2002 on completion of the conversion. The Otter appeared at the DHC 'Out of Production Aircraft' conference held at Victoria, BC in October 2002, being exhibited by Texas
Turbine Inc. After the conference, it returned to Whitehorse and continued to fly for Black Sheep Aviation & Cattle Company.
*** LATEST UPDATE!***
Otter 108
January 1st, 2008. C-GMCW. In service with Black Sheep Aviation & Cattle Company, Whitehorse, Yukon. Texas Turbine.
- by Karl E. Hayes
---------------------------------------------------------------------
"Ukrainian farmer" genetics! Unbelieveable!
CONTACT KARL, CD PRICING and ORDERING INFO - De Havilland DHC-3 OTTER - A HISTORY by Karl E. Hayes
Saturday, February 23, 2008
"DOGFIGHTS"!
Beautiful day today, sunshine, light winds, -10*C. Winnipeg City Midget AAA playoffs start today for my son's team, the Interlake Lightning. They play Eastman tonight at 6:30 PM in St. Annes. "Hey", life is good! What more could one want??? "Yup", you are right............... a good ...."Dogfight"! Check out James Swett, "Wildcat" Ace!
JAMES SWETT: "Wildcat" Ace!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Steve's Video Of The Day: The "Coaler" Shoulders..............
I tell you what. Once I become an "Executive", dealing myself "bonuses" from "the company" as it "flounders", and as "Regular Joes" are laid off, then I will have "made it"! When that happens, this is the "executive aircraft" I will be purchasing, the Antonov AN-74, NATO codename "Coaler"! I love Russian aircraft! Anhedral wing and shoulder-mounted engines! "Yee-haaa"!
VIDEO - The "Coaler" Shoulders..............
VIDEO - The "Coaler" Shoulders..............
"Floating" Across Canada: Ruud Leeuw's "Bushplanes at Savant Lake, Ontario!"
A couple of evenings ago we had another "-35*C" low overnight, which have been "extraordinarily common" this year. I guess, though, the "old-timers" would still say; "50 years ago this would have been a warm winter"! Ha! Ha! Just like Dads recalling their own "hockey prowess" to their kids; "The older we get, the better we were"! Anyways, today the temps have "broken" somewhat, -11*C at midday. Makes one "long" for open water in this part of the country, and a floatplane "strapped" to one's waist. I guess it is still a couple of months away, but getting closer. Until then, I turn to Ruud Leeuw, and memories of last Fall, as he continues to tour northwestern Ontario, heading for Staughton and Savant Lakes. Relax, sit back, grab a "Latto", and I'll call "Rusty". "Whoo-hoo-whoo-hoo-hoo-hoo.......!" (Or should that be "Jerome"?)
"Floating" Across Canada: Ruud Leeuw's "Bushplanes at Savant Lake, Ontario!"
"Floating" Across Canada: Ruud Leeuw's "Bushplanes at Savant Lake, Ontario!"
Thursday, February 21, 2008
"Hercules" vs. "Haliaeetus Leucocephalus"!
We all know the "inherent" dangers when aircraft and nature's "winged" creations are in close proximity. Friends Dennis Dubois and Mark Fuller both sent me some photos that are, as you will see, "extremely" self-explanatory. The Herc is with the Idaho ANG.
As you can see, the moment of "impact" must surely have been "sphincter-tightening"! Check out a story I did previous about a Cessna and a Common Loon occupying the same "space" in the air. Unfortunately, that day, I did not have my camera.
MID-AIR COLLISION! - Billy "The Goose" McNish
"Yup", Billy was a character. In closing, check out some more info regarding the National Bird, and "symbol" of the United States of America, the "Bald Eagle", the only eagle "unique" to North America!
BACK FROM THE BRINK! - "Bald Eagle"!
As you can see, the moment of "impact" must surely have been "sphincter-tightening"! Check out a story I did previous about a Cessna and a Common Loon occupying the same "space" in the air. Unfortunately, that day, I did not have my camera.
MID-AIR COLLISION! - Billy "The Goose" McNish
"Yup", Billy was a character. In closing, check out some more info regarding the National Bird, and "symbol" of the United States of America, the "Bald Eagle", the only eagle "unique" to North America!
BACK FROM THE BRINK! - "Bald Eagle"!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
It's Time To Play..... Otterflogger's "Name That Cockpit"!
OK, "Ladies and Gentlemen", time for "installment #47" in our "cockpit series", which will be a continuing "brain-strainer".
This is the "cockpit" of "the" ......................
***MYSTERY UNSOLVED!***
This is the cockpit of the Martin AM-1 "Mauler", powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major "corncob" engine, pushing 3,000 HP! The sailboat fuel "doubles" again this week, to 4 "semi" loads!
INFO - Martin AM-1 "Mauler"!
This is the "cockpit" of "the" ......................
***MYSTERY UNSOLVED!***
This is the cockpit of the Martin AM-1 "Mauler", powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major "corncob" engine, pushing 3,000 HP! The sailboat fuel "doubles" again this week, to 4 "semi" loads!
INFO - Martin AM-1 "Mauler"!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Steve's "Otter Of The Week"!......by Karl E. Hayes
This following Otter was employed as a "Hooker", until she finally spread her "Wings"........
All information is from Karl Hayes' "masterful" CD entitled:
De Havilland Canada
DHC-3 OTTER
A HISTORY
CONTACT KARL, CD PRICING and ORDERING INFO - De Havilland DHC-3 OTTER - A HISTORY by Karl E. Hayes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Otter 176
Otter 176 was delivered to the Chilean Air Force, the Fuerza Aerea de Chile, on 30th May 1957 with serial 931. The FAC acquired five Otters for light transport and general utility duties and all five aircraft left Downsview together on 30th May '57 for the mammoth delivery flight south to Santiago, Chile. The Otters were normally operated from small rural airfields in the south of the country, as well as on Easter Island and in the Antarctic.
931 was damaged in an accident and struck off charge on 30th April 1966 with 1,587 hours total time on the airframe. In 1968 the FAC advertised for sale its remaining Beaver and Otter aircraft. Ferrer Aviation Inc of Miami, Florida, a company responsible for returning many Otters to the US and Canada, were the purchasers. In July 1969, for 405,000 escudos, they purchased two Otters 930 (171) and 931 (176) both without engines and three Beavers (192, 316 and 370) in flying condition. Both Otters were transported to Miami where on 11th July 1969 Ferrer Aviation Inc applied for registrations and were allocated N11250 (171) and N11251 (176). Both Otters were refurbished and made ready for sale by Aero Facilities Corp at the Miami International Airport on behalf of Ferrer Aviation. N11251 was noted at Miami in July 1970 painted in a yellow and black colour scheme. It was the first of the two Otters to be rebuilt, with the assistance of a $20,000 bank loan. The profit from the deal would go to finance the rebuild of the second aircraft.
The purchaser of the Otter was Hooker Air Services Ltd of Pickle Lake, Ontario. Frank Ferrer himself flew the Otter on its delivery flight from Miami to Toronto Island Airport, where it arrived on 6th August 1970. Here the American registration was cancelled and the Otter was registered CF-HAS (the HAS standing for Hooker Air Services) on 14th August '70. It then continued on to its new base at Pickle Lake, and flew for Hooker Air Services for more than seven years. It was then sold to Wings Aviation Ltd of Red Lake, Ontario to whom it was registered on 8th February 1978.
The Otter was involved in an incident at Reddit, Ontario on 26th April 1978 when its left wing tip struck a stationary aircraft while being taxied into a parking position. It continued in service with Wings Aviation until destroyed in an accident on 27th October 1980. The Otter was en route to Sabourin Lake when the engine failed in the cruise. The pilot landed on an un-named lake in Ontario (at position 51.22 North 94.27 West). While attempting to re-start the engine, a fire erupted which consumed the aircraft, although fortunately there were no injuries.
- by Karl E. Hayes
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"Gone", but not "forgotten".................
CONTACT KARL, CD PRICING and ORDERING INFO - De Havilland DHC-3 OTTER - A HISTORY by Karl E. Hayes
All information is from Karl Hayes' "masterful" CD entitled:
De Havilland Canada
DHC-3 OTTER
A HISTORY
CONTACT KARL, CD PRICING and ORDERING INFO - De Havilland DHC-3 OTTER - A HISTORY by Karl E. Hayes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Otter 176
Otter 176 was delivered to the Chilean Air Force, the Fuerza Aerea de Chile, on 30th May 1957 with serial 931. The FAC acquired five Otters for light transport and general utility duties and all five aircraft left Downsview together on 30th May '57 for the mammoth delivery flight south to Santiago, Chile. The Otters were normally operated from small rural airfields in the south of the country, as well as on Easter Island and in the Antarctic.
931 was damaged in an accident and struck off charge on 30th April 1966 with 1,587 hours total time on the airframe. In 1968 the FAC advertised for sale its remaining Beaver and Otter aircraft. Ferrer Aviation Inc of Miami, Florida, a company responsible for returning many Otters to the US and Canada, were the purchasers. In July 1969, for 405,000 escudos, they purchased two Otters 930 (171) and 931 (176) both without engines and three Beavers (192, 316 and 370) in flying condition. Both Otters were transported to Miami where on 11th July 1969 Ferrer Aviation Inc applied for registrations and were allocated N11250 (171) and N11251 (176). Both Otters were refurbished and made ready for sale by Aero Facilities Corp at the Miami International Airport on behalf of Ferrer Aviation. N11251 was noted at Miami in July 1970 painted in a yellow and black colour scheme. It was the first of the two Otters to be rebuilt, with the assistance of a $20,000 bank loan. The profit from the deal would go to finance the rebuild of the second aircraft.
The purchaser of the Otter was Hooker Air Services Ltd of Pickle Lake, Ontario. Frank Ferrer himself flew the Otter on its delivery flight from Miami to Toronto Island Airport, where it arrived on 6th August 1970. Here the American registration was cancelled and the Otter was registered CF-HAS (the HAS standing for Hooker Air Services) on 14th August '70. It then continued on to its new base at Pickle Lake, and flew for Hooker Air Services for more than seven years. It was then sold to Wings Aviation Ltd of Red Lake, Ontario to whom it was registered on 8th February 1978.
The Otter was involved in an incident at Reddit, Ontario on 26th April 1978 when its left wing tip struck a stationary aircraft while being taxied into a parking position. It continued in service with Wings Aviation until destroyed in an accident on 27th October 1980. The Otter was en route to Sabourin Lake when the engine failed in the cruise. The pilot landed on an un-named lake in Ontario (at position 51.22 North 94.27 West). While attempting to re-start the engine, a fire erupted which consumed the aircraft, although fortunately there were no injuries.
- by Karl E. Hayes
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"Gone", but not "forgotten".................
CONTACT KARL, CD PRICING and ORDERING INFO - De Havilland DHC-3 OTTER - A HISTORY by Karl E. Hayes
Friday, February 15, 2008
"DOGFIGHTS"!
I have become completely "enamoured" with the History Channel series "Dogfights"! Very informative and well done! The history is outstanding, and the animation is "first-rate", shy of not having actual camera footage. Today, lets go back in time to WWII and watch............
HAMILTON MCWHORTER: "Zero" Killer!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
It's Time To Play..... Otterflogger's "Name That Cockpit"!
OK, "Ladies and Gentlemen", time for "installment #46" in our "cockpit series", which will be a continuing "brain-strainer".
This is the "cockpit" of "the" ......................
***MYSTERY UNSOLVED!***
This is the cockpit of the Canadair CL-44, simply known as "the Forty-Four." The military name for the CL-44 was the "Yukon". This aircraft was based on the Bristol "Britannia", but was a totally different aircraft. The "sailboat fuel" doubles next week!
"Adios"!
This is the "cockpit" of "the" ......................
***MYSTERY UNSOLVED!***
This is the cockpit of the Canadair CL-44, simply known as "the Forty-Four." The military name for the CL-44 was the "Yukon". This aircraft was based on the Bristol "Britannia", but was a totally different aircraft. The "sailboat fuel" doubles next week!
"Adios"!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Steve's Video Of The Day: Not So "Ladylike"!
"Ladybugs" are an amazing "adaptation" of nature. A very "unaerodynamic" shape, but quite a good flyer considering, beating it's wings 85 times per second! Ladybugs are also the most popular and widely used beneficial insects for commercial crop and home garden use. Ladybugs are capable of consuming up to 50 to 60 aphids per day, their favourite food, but will also eat a variety of other insects and larvae including scales, mealy bugs, leaf hoppers, mites, and various types of soft-bodied insects. Ladybugs are one of the most active flying predators, searching from dawn to dusk for food. I remember last year when I was flying from Pine Dock, there was a "ladybyug boom". They were everywhere, even inside the buildings, beautiful spotted "reds and yellows". Knowing the benefits ladybugs provide, I used extra caution trying not to "squish" too many. Anyways, a ladybug is a very "beneficial" flyer, but did you also know they can be "smart-asses"? Check this out............
VIDEO - Not So "Ladylike"!
VIDEO - Not So "Ladylike"!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Steve's "Otter Of The Week"!......by Karl E. Hayes
RCAF "cross-country" training flights and "Otters". Bad, bad mix!
All information is from Karl Hayes' "masterful" CD entitled:
De Havilland Canada
DHC-3 OTTER
A HISTORY
CONTACT KARL, CD PRICING and ORDERING INFO - De Havilland DHC-3 OTTER - A HISTORY by Karl E. Hayes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Otter 399
Otter 399 was delivered to the RCAF on 8th November 1960 with serial 9419. It was assigned to 443 Squadron at RCAF Station Sea Island, Vancouver on amphibious floats. It is mentioned in the unit history on 21st January 1962, on something of a false alarm. Smoke had been reported near Sheringham Point, and 9419 was sent to investigate, as were a USAF Albatross and a helicopter from Seattle. It turned out to be smoke bombs which had been dropped by an RCN Tracker aircraft. On 21st February 1964, 9419 suffered engine failure and had to put down on Montaque Harbour. It was towed by the rescue boat 'Skua' to Patricia Bay for repair.
The following month, after more than three years service with 443 Squadron, 9419 flew east across the country and joined 401 Squadron at St.Hubert, Montreal. It was to remain with that unit for the remainder of its career. It was involved in another minor incident on a cross country training flight on 16th May 1965, at which stage it was still on amphibious floats. During a water take-off, the Otter was allowed to swing left into wind. It left the main channel and entered relatively shallow water while still not airborne. Just before lift off, the port float struck an unseen obstacle and sustained damage. The take-off was continued and a wheel landing effected back at base at St.Hubert.
Between May and August 1967 and again in 1968, the Otter was temporarily deployed to Goose Bay, Labrador for rescue and general utility duties, before returning to St.Hubert. It continued flying for 401 Squadron until it was lost in a crash on 7th May 1970. Again, the mission was a cross-country training flight of the local area around St.Hubert, to familiarize the student with water landing areas. The first landing and take off were normal. The aircraft was then flown to the second proposed landing area. The intended landing path was inspected at low altitude, followed by a landing into wind. The aircraft was then turned downwind and taxied back in preparation for a take-off. The takeoff was initiated with normal power and flap settings for the prevailing conditions. About the time the floats started to clear the water, the left wing started to rise. The right float dug into the water, bringing the right wing down into contact with the water. The aircraft cartwheeled to the right, coming to rest inverted with the nose and cockpit submerged. The crew of four rapidly evacuated the aircraft and there were no injuries. The wrecked Otter was first taken back to St.Hubert and the following month was brought to the Mountain View depot, Ontario where it was “reduced to spares and produce”.
- by Karl E. Hayes
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An Otter that was reduced to "bowling scores" and "carrots". How sad!
CONTACT KARL, CD PRICING and ORDERING INFO - De Havilland DHC-3 OTTER - A HISTORY by Karl E. Hayes
All information is from Karl Hayes' "masterful" CD entitled:
De Havilland Canada
DHC-3 OTTER
A HISTORY
CONTACT KARL, CD PRICING and ORDERING INFO - De Havilland DHC-3 OTTER - A HISTORY by Karl E. Hayes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Otter 399
Otter 399 was delivered to the RCAF on 8th November 1960 with serial 9419. It was assigned to 443 Squadron at RCAF Station Sea Island, Vancouver on amphibious floats. It is mentioned in the unit history on 21st January 1962, on something of a false alarm. Smoke had been reported near Sheringham Point, and 9419 was sent to investigate, as were a USAF Albatross and a helicopter from Seattle. It turned out to be smoke bombs which had been dropped by an RCN Tracker aircraft. On 21st February 1964, 9419 suffered engine failure and had to put down on Montaque Harbour. It was towed by the rescue boat 'Skua' to Patricia Bay for repair.
The following month, after more than three years service with 443 Squadron, 9419 flew east across the country and joined 401 Squadron at St.Hubert, Montreal. It was to remain with that unit for the remainder of its career. It was involved in another minor incident on a cross country training flight on 16th May 1965, at which stage it was still on amphibious floats. During a water take-off, the Otter was allowed to swing left into wind. It left the main channel and entered relatively shallow water while still not airborne. Just before lift off, the port float struck an unseen obstacle and sustained damage. The take-off was continued and a wheel landing effected back at base at St.Hubert.
Between May and August 1967 and again in 1968, the Otter was temporarily deployed to Goose Bay, Labrador for rescue and general utility duties, before returning to St.Hubert. It continued flying for 401 Squadron until it was lost in a crash on 7th May 1970. Again, the mission was a cross-country training flight of the local area around St.Hubert, to familiarize the student with water landing areas. The first landing and take off were normal. The aircraft was then flown to the second proposed landing area. The intended landing path was inspected at low altitude, followed by a landing into wind. The aircraft was then turned downwind and taxied back in preparation for a take-off. The takeoff was initiated with normal power and flap settings for the prevailing conditions. About the time the floats started to clear the water, the left wing started to rise. The right float dug into the water, bringing the right wing down into contact with the water. The aircraft cartwheeled to the right, coming to rest inverted with the nose and cockpit submerged. The crew of four rapidly evacuated the aircraft and there were no injuries. The wrecked Otter was first taken back to St.Hubert and the following month was brought to the Mountain View depot, Ontario where it was “reduced to spares and produce”.
- by Karl E. Hayes
---------------------------------------------------------------------
An Otter that was reduced to "bowling scores" and "carrots". How sad!
CONTACT KARL, CD PRICING and ORDERING INFO - De Havilland DHC-3 OTTER - A HISTORY by Karl E. Hayes
Sunday, February 10, 2008
de Havillands, ... "In Pain"!
I have recently come across some outstanding "real life" photos of some de Havillands in some "compromising" positions. As you see the photos, you can "just imagine" the story behind them. "Adrenaline" and "terror" would certainly be involved with some of the photos. Anyways, there is also a DC-3 in "pain", some CL-215s and 415s, a "rumpled" Canso, and some assorted other "shots", from Denis Simard. Enjoy!
SIT BACK AND ENJOY - de Havillands, ... "In Pain"!
SIT BACK AND ENJOY - de Havillands, ... "In Pain"!
Friday, February 08, 2008
Steve's Video Of The Day: Remember The "Helios"!
Myth: Helios
Pronounced: hee'-lee-ahs
Origin: Greek
Character: Helios, a God of the Sun.
A "14-engined, solar-powered aircraft"! Fact? Fiction? Remember the "Helios"!
READ ABOUT - The "Demise" Of The "Helios"!
Pronounced: hee'-lee-ahs
Origin: Greek
Character: Helios, a God of the Sun.
A "14-engined, solar-powered aircraft"! Fact? Fiction? Remember the "Helios"!
VIDEO -
Remember The "Helios"!READ ABOUT - The "Demise" Of The "Helios"!
Thursday, February 07, 2008
It's Time To Play..... Otterflogger's "Name That Cockpit"!
OK, "Ladies and Gentlemen", time for "installment #45" in our "cockpit series", which will be a continuing "brain-strainer".
This is the "cockpit" of "the" ......................
***MYSTERY SOLVED!***
Yes, it is the Lockheed F-104 "Starfighter"! Also known as the "Missile with a Man in it"! Lance wins the "sailboat fuel"!
“Adios"!
This is the "cockpit" of "the" ......................
***MYSTERY SOLVED!***
Yes, it is the Lockheed F-104 "Starfighter"! Also known as the "Missile with a Man in it"! Lance wins the "sailboat fuel"!
“Adios"!
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
"Aviation", by Dennis Dubois
"Aviation" is a varied, fantastic subject. There are so many facets to it, and it is loved by hundreds of thousands. Everyone has a different "take" or "connection" to aviation, but the "overall" subject is enjoyed by all. The following images are from Dennis Dubois, whom I have met through the wonders of e-mail and the Internet. Dennis' "take" on aviation is "abstract", and he mixes in humour well. Without further "adieu", here is.......
"Aviation", by Dennis Dubois
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Mig-15s and a T-33 checking out Home Depot!
A "Jug" at a Zellers parking lot!
Mu-2 near Ignace, Ontario!
"Sad" day!
"Bad" cats!
P-40 "close call!"
"Moose hunting!"
"Hellcat" on the highway near Riverton, Manitoba!
"Near miss!"
C-119 "last flight" over Hamilton, Ontario!
WestJet's "Flying Cafe!"
"Race", anyone?
"Irish" airline!
"Lancasters" over the "Kam River", Thunder Bay, 1955!
"Amen!"
"B-25s" over sleepy Minnesota!
Beautiful spitfire painting!
As you can see, a wonderful "view" of aviation. Thanks to Dennis for "sharing" with us. The last word of my "post" goes to Dennis' image of Beech 18 C-FXUO, from years past when she was "wearing" 4 "Juniors".............
"Adios"!
"Aviation", by Dennis Dubois
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Mig-15s and a T-33 checking out Home Depot!
A "Jug" at a Zellers parking lot!
Mu-2 near Ignace, Ontario!
"Sad" day!
"Bad" cats!
P-40 "close call!"
"Moose hunting!"
"Hellcat" on the highway near Riverton, Manitoba!
"Near miss!"
C-119 "last flight" over Hamilton, Ontario!
WestJet's "Flying Cafe!"
"Race", anyone?
"Irish" airline!
"Lancasters" over the "Kam River", Thunder Bay, 1955!
"Amen!"
"B-25s" over sleepy Minnesota!
Beautiful spitfire painting!
As you can see, a wonderful "view" of aviation. Thanks to Dennis for "sharing" with us. The last word of my "post" goes to Dennis' image of Beech 18 C-FXUO, from years past when she was "wearing" 4 "Juniors".............
"Adios"!
