Red Letter Day for QuikAire

[Quickmarch 488]

We finally put together enough of a cushion to see the company through the next month and a half when March will be away. Something to do with shipping a yacht from Australia to Canada.

 

So, today was a Red Letter day for QuikAire. Lauren "One Woman Wrecking Crew" Pethard is taking over as Chief Pilot, Amelie has recovered (so they say) and has not wheelbarrowed a Cessna onto a runway in quite some time. March put her back on active status early this week. Antonio, the new hire, has been doing well and putting in the hours.

 

Here's the new layout:

 

!Fanfare, Horns, Ticker-tape!  

 

March leased a brand spanking new - zero hour DC3 - and Lauren will be taking it on as Captain. Antonio, the other QuikAire Captain is moving to the Beaver and Amelie, who has made 2nd Officer, will take over the C182.

 

The little 172 that started the business is not going away. Not much point in selling it for what you can get for well-used 172's these days. March leased it to the local flying school for part-time student work, it is a fully IFR bird. March will get this airplane when he returns and, hopefully, will again make a useful contribution to the bottom line and improve his landing skills.

 

 

Here's the pictures of the ferry flight, delivering the new DC3. It's been quite a while since March flew one of these aircraft and proved it with a classic go around on his first (high and hot) approach, followed by a barely acceptable "use the whole runway" second attempt that avoided a smoking wreck on the Island Highway by luck rather than skillful employment of his flying abilities.

 

 

1500 - 2000 is the recognized "Smart" way to start the approach to CYCD from overhead the NDB. You can see March was a bit behind the airplane here. You can just see the NDB needle (red one) swinging to the side. The white needle above and to the right tells no lies.

 

 

The result: Hot and high midway down the runway. There's a small stretch of grass, a fence, then the Island Highway waiting. March was heard to mutter; "Where's the TOGA switch". 

 

 

High Pucker Factor - 80 knots, 500fpm, left turn to avoid the hill. Finally cleaned up.

 

 

Way too busy for photos on the second approach. However, here she is, safe and sound on the turnout at the far end of 16.

 

 

Ah...Lima India Golf, cleared to back taxi. Good show!

 

 

It's a longish way to the beginning of 16 at 15 knots.

 

 

Turning off onto Golf and heading for her new home

 

 

Safe!

 

 

Cold and Dark - CYCD

 

Stay tuned for the adventures of Lauren, Amelie and Antonio as they ply their trade in the skies over the Pacific Northwest.

 

So cheers. The joystick is travelling back to Canada on the boat and flying will be done from an armchair for the next month and a half.

 

 

[allardjd 1,853]

Well done, March. I hope you enjoy the trip home.

John

[Bobby 0]

Very cool story and pics. I understand the pucker factor...my wife asked me a couple days ago why I keep leaning in the chair with a scared look on my face. I figure if they have to ask the question; they won't understand the answer. LOL

 

I like the DC-3's. Used to run them up and down the Cali coast till we dumped one into SFO Bay. My AI's fly the 3's and my chief pilot and myself have a DC-6B. Prepar3d doesn't have a native DC-3....after seeing your pics I may have to pick up that little gem from JF for old times sake.

 

Well done on your trips !!!!!!!

 

Bobby

[Steven Wilkinson 0]

Awesome . Safe trip back to canada . If I had of known I would be stowing away onboard  

 

[Quickmarch 488]

This DC3 is looking pretty good. Lauren posted almost $200K in the cash book today. Just about recovered the lease down payment on the aircraft.

 

Oh yeah! Make those big round engines sing. 

 

I think I'll get another..............

[brett 2,316]

Nice hauler you acquired there John.  Maybe those big tyres are just what Lauren needed to soften her landings.

[Torpedo Air Cargo 0]

I'm currently scouting the market for an old banger, too I'll probably go for an Ilyushin IL-14  or IL-18 though, because they got a tricycle gear. I'm an utter klutz with taildraggers 

[brett 2,316]

 I'll probably go for an Ilyushin IL-14  or IL-18 though, because they got a tricycle gear. I'm an utter klutz with taildraggers 

 

Me too but for some reason there are an awful lot of them in my hanger. Guess I'm just a glutton for punishment.  I don't mind flying them but it sure is hell taxing them.

[allardjd 1,853]

I've always believed that God made taildraggers to keep me humble, and He did an excellent job of it. I avoid them like the plague. To quote Dirty Harry, "A man's got to know his limitations."

John

[brett 2,316]

Hehe, they do have a certain charm about them.

[Quickmarch 488]

Taildraggers are the reason for being able to jack up the pilot's seat in FS. It's not for short pilots. Watch your head on the overhead switches. Oh yeah,  and pay close attention if the aircraft has a tailwheel lock - they're not decorative. My problem is I like Wrights and P&W's and they mostly came attached to taildraggers of some description.

[brett 2,316]

Thanks for that March.   I have never used the tailwheel lock or had the need for it so far. I'll have to try it.

[Torpedo Air Cargo 0]

My problem is I like Wrights and P&W's and they mostly came attached to taildraggers of some description.

 

Then you should try the two Shvetsov ASh-82T-7's on the Ilyushin IL-14. They sing a wonderful song 

[Quickmarch 488]

If you're gonna use a tailwheel lock, make darn sure you're lined up. The voice of experience. Also, I tend to forget the thing at turnoff time. As you can probably tell I moved it from the keyboard to a dedicated button on my joystick along with the water rudders for the amphibs.

 

@Danilo, I'' have to try the Ilyushin IL-14. Where did you get the model?

 

[remingtonbox 18]

Working on getting my taildragger endorsement for real, it is tough!  Not as tough as FSX, but you have to be on the rudders ALL OF THE TIME on the ground, lift the tail as soon as possible on the takeoff roll and yoke all the way back on the landing roll.

 

Lastly, three point full stall landings are MUCH easier than wheel landings.