A STOL aircraft for DRC
 

Hello,


I read quite a lot in the books but to complete my research on the subject I'd like to hear the opinion of "real" people...

The aircraft (to be used privately in DRC) should meet the following criterias:
- more or less 1 ton (2200 lbs) for the pax and beauty cases
- taking-off/landing in about 200m (600 ft) on every type of surface
- spare parts, bits and pieces readily available
- a Playstation/DVD player at every seat would be a plus :p

It goes without saying that it must be reliable, cheap to operate and easy to maintain.

It seemed to me that the Caravan, the PC-6B and the An-14 should be considered. I must admit I've got a bad feeling about the An-14 but if you feel I'm wrong don't hesitate to correct me.

Many thanks in advance !

Well, just scrap the An-14, me things that the last time that aircraft flew was about a decade or two ago. They can only be found in junkyards and exhibitions nowadays.

If you want to consider a Russian aircraft, try the An-2, older but you won't need spares, just a big hammer. But doubt that they are much available in DRC.

Good luck though

An 2 there are a lot for sell were I am .If you need one let me know .
Another airplane to consider is the Partenavia P68 ,I have done over 1000 hours on the P68 in DRC in the Kivu region ,based in Bukavu.

Sammie,

Thanks for your reply. What bothers me is that the An-14 is a piston aircraft that has been replaced since by the An-28 (with turbines). Even though the An-28/M-28 is probably still supported by its Polish manufacturer, I guess that engine reliability and parts availability must be a nightmare. Or am I totally wrong on this one?


P68B,

Thanks... but actually no, thanks. An-2 is too big (radial engine), P68 is too small. I mentioned 1 ton for the pax, bowling balls, Steinway grand piano and palimino horses, and I really need that ton (+/- 200 kg).

Although no expert on the matter, I don't think that Antonov will support the M-28, and PZL will support the An-28. I do think there is quite a difference in them, ecspecially the engines and avionics, the things were you want to be sure to have spares. The M-28 isn't very common in Africa, the An-28 is used more often, but I don't know how well its supported by Antonov or any private maintance company. Its also a fair bit larger then the PC-6 and Caravan. With the An-28 your getting closer towards the Let-410 and Twotter class.

Well, as far as the Caravan is concerned, you might as well forget it altogether. 200 meters is about the distance it takes for it to got from 0 to 30 knots, i.e. it is not a STOL plane by any means.

I guess for such a short field and a ton payload, there are not many alternatives to the DHC6 and the PC6, on the Western side of aviation at least.

And who would want to bring "bowling balls, a Steinway grand piano and palimino horses" to such a s:mad:thole anyway?

-- TTF.

The list of fixed wing airplanes in that category is not very long. If you operate from 200 meter long runways I can only wish you only good luck. AN2 is maybe only type able to do it, but as you said its "too big" for you.

A question of STOL ...
 

Convert an AIRVAN ?.

I'm not really interested in aircraft from Eastern Europe. Ok, it's mostly based on pre-conceived ideas about reliability and operating costs, but if you can prove me wrong, "I'm all ears".

On paper the PC-6 seems to be okay. Any opinion or feedback about the PC-6?

Thanks!

Strat my bru, in 200m with a ton? eish, considered a Mi-17 Helo yet? At least the cabin is cavernous enough to turn into an impromptu opera house with adjoining disco/playstaion park...:}

On the more serious side, Dornier228 or DHC-6. 228 cheaper to run according to my sources, and will get airborne in about 400-600m with your payload. I'm sure we will be able to organise a can opener to get the Steinway in..

Let us know if you find anything.

Flr

PZL now make a version of the AN-28 with P&W PT6's, not sure of the - # but saw it flying in Indonesia.
As for the PC 6, it is a machine of note, and there is not much it cant do with the right driver, however therein lies a problem. It is not that easy to get a porter driver who knows how to fly the machine properly, and it is less forgiving than Pontius Pilot with a rookie at the controls.

I wasn't aware they maintained Antonovs in Africa...just used them up!

I say go for the upgraded AN-3, the AN-2 has poor air-con and fuel economy compared. See
http://www.rbs.ru/vttv/99/firms/Polyot/e-an-3.htm

"(+/-200kg)" .......has anyone considered the 300hp Islander (800kg) or the Trislander. both have a good history on short strips in PNG and also parts of Africa?

Have u considered the Britten Norman BN-2A Islander... awesome (if noisy) wee machine! If it'll fit in the door the wee beastie will fly with it. In real terms they're an accountants dream to operate. Only number you need to remember is 65KIAS -everything happens there, except the cease and desist committing aviation speed of 39 KIAS (incidentally also Vmca) and exceptionally reliable.

Worth a look, certainly far more so than the P68 previously mentioned

But check the brakes on the Islander! And don't forget any heavy landings in one will damage the main wing spar!

Have a look at this brand new STOL machine designed for Africa and Alaskan outback - much better than a C208 Caravan and lot sof room for Mountain bikes and the like! : The KODIAK

http://www.questaircraft.com/specifications.htm

PT6 powered, 10 seater with 700 foot T/O roll 190KIAS cruise, 47gph, over 1000nm range with 1hour reserve.

Already ordered by relief organisations for UN work etc - soon to be one in Zambia and Botswana

Hmmm, I'm afraid I have to beg to differ Angelorange...

After several years operating the BN2 it strikes me that only excessive and inappropriately careless use of the brakes leads to that particular problem. One-man one-machine, 2-years without a need to ever change a brake pad. I'll let that speak for itself. Obviously, not taxiing intentionally through standing water with hot brakes will help the longevity of the pads too.

As to the wing spar damage you infer... I believe that particular variety of 'heavy landing' is more commonly referred to as a 'crash'! The Islander is a strong (probably over-engineered) rugged and reliable airframe. The gear legs are massively strong, and a sufficiently 'heavy' (CRASH) landing will lead to wing-spar 'damage'. One photo I have seen was after a 'heavy' landing the fuselage had separated from the complete wing assembly -no visible sign of damage to the gear legs though!

Re: A STOL aircraft for DRC
 

Thanks again for your inputs.

Now let's suppose for a minute that the STOL requirement is removed from my wishlist, would the PC12 be worth considering ? I think it does although we're entering into a new "category" of aircraft (compared to the Grand Carava).

Re: A STOL aircraft for DRC
 

The PCXII would, as they were used in Africa and are almost a STOL aircraft. However at USD$2.5 MIL. It is a bit pricey compared to any of the other machines suggested. PC 6 Runs in at USD$800K and a C208B at just over a million.

How about a Dornier D228, should do it. Just dont buy off peter