Random Griz Aviation Musings

[ChuckMK23]

You think it would be a CH-47 rear end all things considered, not a CH-46 one. That's a nice training facility. When I was at PMRF Barking Sands back in the late 80s, we used an old tower to practice rappelling.

Likely this was an opportunistic design. Where the airframe was available at the right time and place and an astute individual made it happen. I don't think the specifics of the airframe itself matter. It's a fuselage with a ramp. Close enough. But pretty cool none the less.

 

[ChuckMK23]

The Bell 214ST was a beast - great to see some still flying. These aircraft were used heavily in the deep water oil and gas support in the GOM in late 1980's - 2000s and were 2 pilot/IFR. Many of the dynamic systems were common with the AH-1W.

and these ships are making a comeback - competing with the surplus UH-60A's and beating at cost per hour.

 

[ChuckMK23]

Punching through a Midwest cold front KLEX - KBAK reposition flight. Envious of you jet/turbine folks with flight level cruise and real anti-ice.

 

[captain rolex]

Punching through a Midwest cold front KLEX - KBAK reposition flight. Envious of you jet/turbine folks with flight level cruise and real anti-ice.

View attachment 46375

I see your Speedy!

Look at my Speedy!

Speedy for the win!

Winners wear a Speedy!

 

[ChuckMK23]

In a room full of AF O-6 flight surgeons at an official after hours whiskey tasting in their command "heritage room" - what could go wrong?

 

[Griz882]

what could go wrong?

I’d be worried about a whiskey fueled proctology check.

 

[ChuckMK23]

Civil Air Patrol orders 21 new Cessna aircraft to strengthen lifesaving and community missions

Textron Aviation announced an order from Civil Air Patrol (CAP) for 21 additional Cessna piston aircraft that will support CAP's emergency response, training and community missions across the U.S. Deliveries are expected to be completed in 2027.

media.txtav.com

 

[Griz882]

So the guy who owns his own H-60 (and a host of other “toys”) now owns an CH-46. There is a good chance that someone from AW flew that bird!

 

[ChuckMK23]

So the guy who owns his own H-60 (and a host of other “toys”) now owns an CH-46. There is a good chance that someone from AW flew that bird!

I've said before that Marine (not Navy) H-46E airframes were at their finest levels of material condition when retired. There is also a well established path to Restricted Category airworthiness and registration with FAA.

The challenge is technical upkeep and inspection work. These helos are very reliable and if not for the inspection rigor required by the airworthiness specs, you could leave these helos alone for a couple hundred of hours at a stretch.

A number of commercial ventures have attempted to make viable businesses off these Phrogs - none to date successful.