Thailand Bound Air Ambulance
Unfortunately the clients want cheap chieftains at ridiculous money and just hope they make it across the large expanses of water so they can have their nifty little mechanics make them safe to carry patients around and make them a shed load of money.
If the aircraft is safe enough for the pilot, well thats an afterthought???
When you make a list of pre requisites, including putting in a cylinder due to a thirtysomething reading on an engine that is 80 hrs away from TBO, well thats just too much and they go and find another pilot.
With regards to going through Wick, whether the aircraft was stranded there for some time isnt in my opinion of any relevance, It was also stranded in Sondrestrom when the original Thai (Air Crew) felt enough was enough and they abandoned it. ( I wonder why)
Well actually here is why.
The pilots reported that the oil temps and pressures were decreasing.
They were running W100 with the ambient below -25 and they were correctly advised to change the filters and oil to W80 or preferably W15W50 multigrade.
24qts were despatched and the aircraft continued to Wick.
A second ferry pilot went to recover the aircraft who incidentally wasnt fat, nor did he have ginger hair.
Upon reaching, a popping sound could be heard associated with a valve/cylinder issue and a compression check on the Stbd engine showed 15/80.
A brand new cylinder was fitted and signed off by a licensed FAA A&P and the aircraft released back to service.
What happened thereafter isnt really for posting but save to say that Far North acted impeccably and the reports will undoubtedly show that this incident WAS NOT fuel related so please bear this in mind before casting any unfounded aspersions which may adversely affect someones livelihood.
I have been through Wick on more occasions than I care to remember and I can only recommend Far North and Andrew as a very professional fixed based operator who completely understands the needs of GA and professional pilots alike.