Skorsky S38 replica in UK

[exlatccatsa]

Osa's Ark
A replica of Martin and Osa Johnson's 1929
S-38 Amphibious Sikorsky Aircraft has made it accross the Atlantic and will be in the UK for the next couple of days.. Inverness today and Duxford tomorrow before departing for Frankfurt. 1st of its type to cross the Atlantic.. even if it is a replica.
Its still quite a feat at 95kts over 5 1/2 hours flying time from Hofn in Iceland to Wick.
More info here
Unlimited Adventure Home (http://www.unlimitedadventure.com)

[treadigraph]

There's an aeroplane I'd like to see...

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Anyone know what time it's due at Duxford please?

Thanks

[scr1]

supposed to be leaving inv 11:00L and going down loch ness then via oban, also going to land on the river thames not sure were sorry, was in wick yesterday.

[seacue]

In the 1930s, the National Geographic Society ran (and still does I think) a lecture series in a large auditorium in Washington, DC. One of the highlights of my early youth was when the Johnsons would present their yearly lecture. Lots of aviation movies, etc. I seem to have lost their book about that expedition on which they had two planes. The S-38 and the other plane was a similar Sikorsky, but single-engined [S-39?]. It was piloted by "Woody" Quesada, who apparently was also their advance man. Quesada was detailed or on leave from the Air Corps, IIRC. Quesada was later the first head of the US Federal Aviation Administration.

From the following:
Biographies : LIEUTENANT GENERAL ELWOOD R. QUESADA (http://www.af.mil/information/bios/bio.asp?bioID=6575)
[In 1932] Lieutenant Quesada became aide to F. Trubee Davison who was assistant secretary of war for air. Lieutenant Quesada flew Davison and explorer Martin Johnson all over Africa on a mission to collect animals for the New York Museum of Natural History in the summer of 1933.

[superspotter]

A pilot friend of mine has posted some pics on his facebook page, the lucky sod managed to take a flight in it in Iceland and some nice air to air shots too.

[scr1]

Now staying in inv till tommorow dep 0630 due wx here

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Thanks scr1. Only chance I'll have is if it night stops somewhere down south so I can get along on Tuesday.

I'm truly amazed that there is so little information about what is an historic flight. A Google search reveals very little so it seems that this forum is the only source. Thanks all...

[barit1]

Another pilot who flew for the Johnsons was Charles LaJotte (http://www.earlyaviators.com/elajotte.htm). I interviewed Charlie in 1969 - he recalled a flight to Ethiopia in the S-38 (or S-39?).

His impressions included natives with very big feet!

[Atcham Tower]

HD, there's a bit more on the FlyPast Historical Forum including this link, if it works!
Spot Adventures (http://www.spotadventures.com/user/profile?user_id=61477)

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Many thanks AT.. I'll keep a close eye on that site.

[exlatccatsa]

This was for today flightplan you can adust times for a 0630 dep tomorrow.
Due airborne at 1110, currently on r/w 05 but may opt for 30.
F/P ALL TIMES LOCAL FL:090:
GRICE 1150
TRN 1220
TUNSO 1226
BLACA 1233
MIKEL 1251
IOM 1257
KELLY 1304
CASEL 1308
PENIL 1318
WAL 1329
NANTI 1341
PEDIG 1359
DTY 1418
OLNEY 1425
HEIDI 1426
POTON 1430
DUXFORD 1443

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Thanks very much. On that PLN it should get to Duxford late afternoon = night stop. Surprised it'll be up at FL90; presumably fully IFR equipped.

[scr1]

Take off from inv 0720l
A link to some pics taken by a friend

Sikorsky S-38B at Inverness (http://forums.airshows.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=26706)

[aviate1138]

HD said "Surprised it'll be up at FL90'

Aviate muses

Easy numbers though - 90Kts, FL90.

All it needed was an Easterly Heading! From Old Warden would be appropriate!

:rolleyes:

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

The best piece is on that linked forum.... someone hopes to see it when it arrives at Duxford "next weekend".... written yesterday!! 95kts.. but that's ridiculous!

[superspotter]

Unfortunately, It didnt go to Duxford, routed direct to Norwich.

[jabberwok]

Confirm no contact here so I suspect it flew down the east coast to Norwich.

Pity..

[Postfade]

A little group of us waited at Duxford but alas 'Osa's Ark' routed to Germany today, via Norwich. There was a stiff cross wind that certainly didn't favour DX's 24/06 runway though.
It's a wonderful facility to be able to follow it's airborne route 'live' via that 'Spot Adventures' website...unfortunately a little more information was required regarding the crew's intentions!
I heard a rumour that Duxford PR was 'less than encouraging' which if true is a great pity as the place should encourage interesting aviation ventures like this Sikorsky S-38.
David Taylor.

[John Miller]

Big feature on S-38, Osa's Ark, in the March issue of PILOT magazine, UK.

[John Miller]

Big feature on S-38, Osa's Ark, in the March issue of PILOT magazine, UK.

[norwich]

Fellow PPRuNers, Sorry I have not been following this thread on this forum ?? But may I offer you some of my photos of this 'different' aircraft making a two hour appearance at Norwich this morning ...... Keith.

http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab38/samnewsome/norwih%20general/DSC_0034.jpg

http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab38/samnewsome/norwih%20general/DSC_0047.jpg

http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab38/samnewsome/norwih%20general/DSC_0039-1.jpg

http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab38/samnewsome/norwih%20general/DSC_0087.jpg

http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab38/samnewsome/norwih%20general/DSC_0108.jpg

http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab38/samnewsome/norwih%20general/DSC_0118.jpg

[ICT_SLB]

Norwich,
Great shots! If you want to compare the replica with the original, go to the Safari Museum (http://www.safarimuseum.com/exhib_photo_online_africa_1933.htm) in darkest Kansas!

I had the great pleasure of seeing Osa's Ark when it came through Wichita a couple of years ago - a magnificent aircraft!

[exlatccatsa]

Does anyone know when/if 28v's going back?

[Planemike]

I have learnt quite a bit about the Johnsons and the Sikorsky S 38 & S 39 from the website refrred to by ICT_SLB, all interesting stuff. They were certainly great explorers.

Sadly it would appear Martin died as the result of an aircraft accident:-
Martin dies of injuries sustained in a commercial plane crash in Burbank, California (January 13)
Does anyone have any details of the aircraft involved?

Planemike

[barit1]

Martin Johnson died, and his wife injured, in the crash of a Western Air Express Boeing 247 NC13315 in the Saugus/Newhall CA mountains. The date of the accident is 12 Jan. 1937.

See: Western Air Express Flight 7 Crashes, Killing 5 - Timelines.com (http://timelines.com/1937/1/12/western-air-express-flight-7-crashes-killing-5)

This mountain pass claimed at least one other B-247 (UAL NC13355) and a brand-new NWA Lockheed 14H NC17394 within a year or so of each other. This is the stuff of Fate Is The Hunter.

[barit1]

I note the new N28V has H-S Hydromatic props (22D40 - full feathering) where the original had ground-adjustable props. That's one of the few external differences to be seen - and certainly a worthwhile concession to safety!

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Apparently the S38 is at Goodwood today (19 Sept) and may be departing today or tomorrow..... but to where?

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Went to see it on 22nd Sept at Goodwood. Nobody seemed to know when it would be departing. The pilot, Tom Schrade, was unwell a few days ago and had gone to Duxford for some R&R. A few snaps I took are here:

Goodwood 22 September, 2010. Sikorsky S-38 Replica :: Fotopic.Net (http://www.brendan-mccartney.fotopic.net/c1899457.html)

[John Miller]

Tom says he's headed for the south of France and Italy and might go for South Africa if he can obtain fuel sponsorship. :)

He also flies an Aero L39 back home. If you can pursuade him, a flight in his S-38 is a unique experience.

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

My wife and i would have loved a ride, John, but on the day we saw it the a/c looked a bit forlorn - sitting alone at Goodwood with nobody quite knowing what was happening; least of all when it was leaving. (Also, I doubt we'd have been able to afford the "fare"!!).

[Postfade]

Looks like he may be flying just now (Friday 13:40). the 'spot adventures' page that showed the planes position (Spot Adventures (http://www.spotadventures.com/user/profile?user_id=61477))
has been dormant for awhile but it now shows one plot with a time od 13:31, a position off the south coast near Bognor.
Perhaps Tom's 'trying it out' in the sea!
DT

UPDATE at 14:50....now over France....and it managed to avoid being shot down by the 'Abbeville' boys as it passed over their base..(oh no that would have been 70 years ago sorry).

[Wander00]

Anyone know where in France it is heading?

[John Miller]

Heathrow Director:

probably best just to ask Tom straight out if maybe you could hitch a ride. I got chatting to him in the USA at Oshkosh and ended up spending an entire day flying with him and his friends. I doubt he'll ask for a contribution. Otherwise offer him a few bob for fuel. It takes about five people in the back if I remember correctly.

Have remained in touch ever since, on and off but he didn't say where in the South of France he was headed when I spoke to him last week.

[Tom Schrade]

I just found this site. I am Tom Schrade the pilot in the picture.
I have always been curious how the landing looked from the ground.
As I recall they winds were nearly a direct crosswind of 20 knots gusting to 28 knots. I know my co-pilot didn't think it was possible to land successfully with the winds at that velocity... and he is a well known European Astronaut who had been on the International Space Station twice and on MIR once.

[Tom Schrade]

The plane is currently at an Aviation Museum in Oppenhain Germany, I hope to continue the journey to South Africa sometime in January or February. Depending on my ability to get the money for the fuel.

[Postfade]

Hi Tom,

Glad you've found this page here on PPRune...as you can see we've been following you since you 'left home'.

Good luck getting to Africa, as that's where 'Osa's Ark' would surely feel at home!

David Taylor.

[norwich]

Tom. How about a photo maybe 1 foot from touchdown and maybe 45deg from the runway heading ??

Keith.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/DSC_0052-4.jpg

[Tom Schrade]

I was wondering if anyone got that photo. It was about all I could handle.
Is it possible to have you email the photos you have taken, and would it be OK to put them on my unlimitedadventure web site?
I don't know how to copy them from this site.
Thanks
Tom

Thanks again
my phone number in the US is 702 292-5615.

[Tom Schrade]

Hey John
We met at Oshkosh 2002 or 2003 didn't we? and weren't you with Frans Dely and you were the editor or Publisher of "The South African Flyer," weren't you?
I am making progress on getting to South Africa, half way there right now!
The plane is in Grossenhain Germany at an aviation museum run by Josef Koch.
I think Frans told me that you have a number of other aviation magazines now.
I am new to these networks so I might need some advice.
Thanks
Tom
If you send me your phone number, I will give you a call.

[Tom Schrade]

Thanks David
I hope to continue the journey in January or February.
Tom

[Tom Schrade]

Osa's Ark is currently planing to fly from Germany to Cape Town this winter. If things work out, I want to come back to South Hampton and race the QE2 to New York maybe in July 2011. It would be a close race if the weather cooperates... if it doesn't we'd get whooped

[treadigraph]

Hi Tom,

What will your plans be beyond South Africa? I would love to see such an elegent aeroplane in England if you are taking her back to the USA eventually. Sadly I missed her during your recent visit - thought it would be just a quick transit!

Regards and good luck!

Treadders

[norwich]

Hi Tom. You could send me a Private Message within this forum in which you could pass on your email address, yes i would like to send you many of my photos for your use.....

Keith Newsome.

[Planemike]

Osa's Ark is currently planing to fly from Germany to Cape Town this winter. If things work out, I want to come back to South Hampton and race the QE2 to New York maybe in July 2011. It would be a close race if the weather cooperates... if it doesn't we'd get whooped


First, very many thanks for flying your wonderful aircraft....I would love to see her. When you come back, head for Southampton it will be easier to find!!! Re: racing the QE2, you should win, she is now parked up in Dubai, planned to be turned into a hotel.

Believe Cunard Queen Mary 2 is scheduled to make some trans Atlantic crossings in Summer 2011 so you could give her a run for her money....!!!

Planemike......

[treadigraph]

If you can make it. will certainly try to get down to Southampton and see you off! :ok:

[Tom Schrade]

You are right, it was Mary's schedule I was looking at..
I think it takes her about 7 days, and we can do it faster if the weather and winds cooperate.

[barit1]

I have read blogs stating that Martin Johnson was not related to the S.C. Johnson company (Johnson's Wax).

Yet tonight on PBS-TV (USA), on Nightly Business Report, a segment of their series on family-run businesses featured the S.C. Johnson company, and included photos of the S-38 Martin Johnson journeyed to Africa in. One shot was of the new reproduction S-38 (Hydromatic props) with current family company officials posed before it. However I didn't catch any audio mention of Martin or the aircraft.

The NBR series is at All in the Family - Video | Nightly Business Report | PBS (http://www.pbs.org/nbr/site/features/special/archives/family/video/)
but doesn't yet include tonight's (23 Dec. 2010) program. Check the webpage later to see if the story is included.

[barit1]

I have found a big part of the answer!

There are TWO new S-38's - details here (http://www.eaa.org/vintageaircraft/articles/1001_sikorsky.asp)!

[M.P.]

On August 30th 2010 the S 38 arrived in Germany and landed at the international Airport of Frankfurt. The following Day I was there to attend the departure to Hamburg and made some pictures.

http://www.pozefilm.de/ff/800-P1040565.JPG

http://www.pozefilm.de/ff/800-P1040601.JPG

http://www.pozefilm.de/ff/800-P1040606.JPG

http://www.pozefilm.de/ff/800-P1040610.JPG

http://www.pozefilm.de/ff/800-P1040629.JPG

http://www.pozefilm.de/ff/800-P1040641.JPG

http://www.pozefilm.de/ff/800-P1040651.JPG

http://www.pozefilm.de/ff/800-P1040667.JPG

[M.P.]

On September 5th the S38 flew to Egelsbach, a small airport few miles south of Frankfurt and stayed there until the 8th. I attended the press conference the crew held there on September 6th and do some video. Here some pictures out of my the video.

http://www.pozefilm.de/ff/s38-egelsbach-06-09-10-008_800.jpg

http://www.pozefilm.de/ff/s38-egelsbach-06-09-10-056_800.jpg

http://www.pozefilm.de/ff/s38-egelsbach-06-09-10-019_800.jpg

http://www.pozefilm.de/ff/s38-egelsbach-06-09-10-112_800.jpg

http://www.pozefilm.de/ff/s38-egelsbach-06-09-10-024_800.jpg

http://www.pozefilm.de/ff/s38-egelsbach-06-09-10-045_800.jpg

http://www.pozefilm.de/ff/s38-egelsbach-06-09-10-027_800.jpg

http://www.pozefilm.de/ff/s38-egelsbach-06-09-10-038_800.jpg

http://www.pozefilm.de/ff/s38-egelsbach-06-09-10-035_800.jpg

http://www.pozefilm.de/ff/s38-egelsbach-06-09-10-083_800.jpg

http://www.pozefilm.de/ff/s38-egelsbach-06-09-10-090_800.jpg

http://www.pozefilm.de/ff/s38-egelsbach-06-09-10-102_800.jpg

http://www.pozefilm.de/ff/s38-egelsbach-06-09-10-089_800.jpg

http://www.pozefilm.de/ff/s38-egelsbach-06-09-10-093_800.jpg

http://www.pozefilm.de/ff/s38-egelsbach-06-09-10-007_800.jpg

[M.P.]

You can find my video done at Egelsbach on September 6th 2010 by the following link:
Sikorsky S38 "Flying Yacht" Video Clip (http://www.clipwings.com/index.php?command=show_video&video_id=1073)

Many thanks Tom for giving me a ride!