Chuck is back in a Cat!
Plane Sailing's Cat was dislpayed at East Fortune on Saturday 10 July, here it is:
http://www.pbase.com/image/31173781
http://www.pbase.com/image/31173781
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Great picture.
When I get back to Amsterdam I will get some pictures of the Dutch Cat when we finally start the test flying and pilot training.
It is really quite interesting being involved in this segment of aviation and being part of ensuring these magnificent aircraft are kept in the air for everyone to enjoy.
The dutch also have a beautiful flying restoration of a super Connie that will be part of their display aircraft, maybe I can trade some PBY stick time for some Connie time????? Oh well we can dream.
Chuck
When I get back to Amsterdam I will get some pictures of the Dutch Cat when we finally start the test flying and pilot training.
It is really quite interesting being involved in this segment of aviation and being part of ensuring these magnificent aircraft are kept in the air for everyone to enjoy.
The dutch also have a beautiful flying restoration of a super Connie that will be part of their display aircraft, maybe I can trade some PBY stick time for some Connie time????? Oh well we can dream.
Chuck
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Saw the Cat fly back in to Duxford this evening while chatting to some former Typhoon pilots from 609 Squadron in the Red Lion at Whittlesford. They are here for the unveiling of a memorial tomorrow.
The Swiss Super Connie was at Flying Legends too. A lovely sight to see a Connie gracing the skies again. Now we have two in Europe to look forward to.
RD
The Swiss Super Connie was at Flying Legends too. A lovely sight to see a Connie gracing the skies again. Now we have two in Europe to look forward to.
RD
Gnome de PPRuNe
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Ahhh, the Connie, and a Cat again... On my way to Duxford in a minute, or at least I will be if I stop PPRuNeing and go have a shower before my Chauffeur raps on the front door!
I'll be in the vicinity of Hangar Two (near the bar if it's still there!) around 12:30 wearing my PPRuNe sweatshirt if anyone else is about...
Treadders
I'll be in the vicinity of Hangar Two (near the bar if it's still there!) around 12:30 wearing my PPRuNe sweatshirt if anyone else is about...
Treadders
Perhaps Sir would also consider a trouser-type thing in addition to the sweat shirt?
The ladies like a trouser, Sir. They do. Ooh - suit you, Sir a trouser would!
The gentle rumble of old radials was enjoyed here at BEagle Towers yesterday as the BBMF Dak ambled gently about just to the East at an enjoyably low level.
The ladies like a trouser, Sir. They do. Ooh - suit you, Sir a trouser would!
The gentle rumble of old radials was enjoyed here at BEagle Towers yesterday as the BBMF Dak ambled gently about just to the East at an enjoyably low level.
Gnome de PPRuNe
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By God, I'd never thought of trousers... no wonder I felt a bit chilly.
Back to topic, shame the Catalina - or rather Canso - didn't fly! But very nice to see it.
Back to topic, shame the Catalina - or rather Canso - didn't fly! But very nice to see it.
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Chuck:
Did you ever resolve your 'difficulties' over the ferry flight that you (quite rightly) walked away from?
Reading the whole of this thread for the first time, it seems to me that you had a solid, verbal agreement in place prior to you leaving Canada to come to the UK to ferry her.
The fact that that agreement was not honoured by the other party would seem to suggest that you have a very strong case to persue them through the court system, IMHO
Best of luck.
Did you ever resolve your 'difficulties' over the ferry flight that you (quite rightly) walked away from?
Reading the whole of this thread for the first time, it seems to me that you had a solid, verbal agreement in place prior to you leaving Canada to come to the UK to ferry her.
The fact that that agreement was not honoured by the other party would seem to suggest that you have a very strong case to persue them through the court system, IMHO
Best of luck.
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Trumpet_trousers:
Thanks for your concern.
I have not had the time to try and collect what is owed to me as I am involved with two other Cat operators who need training. At the moment I am back in Canada for ten days off, I shall be returning to Amsterdam next wednesday July 21 and then heading over to Seattle on Aug. 07...that is of course plan W or so.
I am rather reluctant to delve to far into the strange circumstances sorrounding the Cat in question.....
However the FAA has been asking questions of us regarding the airworthiness of the Orange Cat when we walked away from any further contact with it.
I can only suggest that based on the questions that the FAA were asking there seems to be some doubt as to the compliance with some airworthiness items and required paper work etc. on said cat when it departed the British Isles......
This I can state as a fact, the airplane was in France with some engine problem. ( I saw it when I drove from Amsterdam to DiJon a few weeks ago. ) and the owner told others that I did not perform a proper engine run up and taxi checks due to my not being qualified to do same...that I have in writing in an e-mail that he sent to another party...who sent it to me.....and of course he also has stated that I did not possess a valid pilot license and should there be any problems with the engines he would consider taking legal action against me.....
So based on all that I am going to just sit and wait and see where all this goes.
This is one of the more bizzare situations that I have ever been involved in...........
By the way anyone know anything about the "qualified" pilot that replaced me having any problem with the air space above North Weald on the first test flight????
Or anyone see the climb profile that the Cat managed with the fuel load it had on departure???
Those are fair questions I believe.
Chuck
Thanks for your concern.
I have not had the time to try and collect what is owed to me as I am involved with two other Cat operators who need training. At the moment I am back in Canada for ten days off, I shall be returning to Amsterdam next wednesday July 21 and then heading over to Seattle on Aug. 07...that is of course plan W or so.
I am rather reluctant to delve to far into the strange circumstances sorrounding the Cat in question.....
However the FAA has been asking questions of us regarding the airworthiness of the Orange Cat when we walked away from any further contact with it.
I can only suggest that based on the questions that the FAA were asking there seems to be some doubt as to the compliance with some airworthiness items and required paper work etc. on said cat when it departed the British Isles......
This I can state as a fact, the airplane was in France with some engine problem. ( I saw it when I drove from Amsterdam to DiJon a few weeks ago. ) and the owner told others that I did not perform a proper engine run up and taxi checks due to my not being qualified to do same...that I have in writing in an e-mail that he sent to another party...who sent it to me.....and of course he also has stated that I did not possess a valid pilot license and should there be any problems with the engines he would consider taking legal action against me.....
So based on all that I am going to just sit and wait and see where all this goes.
This is one of the more bizzare situations that I have ever been involved in...........
By the way anyone know anything about the "qualified" pilot that replaced me having any problem with the air space above North Weald on the first test flight????
Or anyone see the climb profile that the Cat managed with the fuel load it had on departure???
Those are fair questions I believe.
Chuck
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Chuck
From what I have heard, the Cat bust Stansted airspace three times during the test flight - they weren't very happy about it.
I have also heard that the FAA have been asking questions here too about the validity of the paperwork.
I was on my way to NW when I saw the Cat depart. It seemed to be climbing very gently (if that's the right term!).
When I got there I asked if it was another test flight, and was told it had gone for good. Coudn't believe it. But, as you say, a strange case all round.
Regards
RD
From what I have heard, the Cat bust Stansted airspace three times during the test flight - they weren't very happy about it.
I have also heard that the FAA have been asking questions here too about the validity of the paperwork.
I was on my way to NW when I saw the Cat depart. It seemed to be climbing very gently (if that's the right term!).
When I got there I asked if it was another test flight, and was told it had gone for good. Coudn't believe it. But, as you say, a strange case all round.
Regards
RD
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Rally Driver:
Thanks for the reply, the reason that I asked about the climb performance or lack thereof was to confirm the fuel load the Cat had on board.
If you return to my first posts about walking away from the project one of the reasons was I refused to carry an over load of fuel as demanded by the owner to get the tax back savings.
Anyhow eventually this whole sad episode will be just another bump in the road of aviation screw ups.
The loss of money is not anywhere near as frustrating as having someone make unfair and untrue statements about my two partners and I as we depend on our reputation for excellent service to bring in our business.
I will be back at North Weald in the near future to do some flying with one of the local guys but first I have to finish the commitments I have for this summer.
And of course there is the Ex Greenpeace Cat that I left in Lee on Solent that I have a feeling will be flying again in the near future so sooner or later I will be back at North Weald.
Chuck
Thanks for the reply, the reason that I asked about the climb performance or lack thereof was to confirm the fuel load the Cat had on board.
If you return to my first posts about walking away from the project one of the reasons was I refused to carry an over load of fuel as demanded by the owner to get the tax back savings.
Anyhow eventually this whole sad episode will be just another bump in the road of aviation screw ups.
The loss of money is not anywhere near as frustrating as having someone make unfair and untrue statements about my two partners and I as we depend on our reputation for excellent service to bring in our business.
I will be back at North Weald in the near future to do some flying with one of the local guys but first I have to finish the commitments I have for this summer.
And of course there is the Ex Greenpeace Cat that I left in Lee on Solent that I have a feeling will be flying again in the near future so sooner or later I will be back at North Weald.
Chuck
Grandpa Aerotart
Hey Chuck how about a post on flying the PBY. Or can you point to a site with a good description of flying them...particularly water ops/handling...I notice no water rudders.
Many, many moons ago I was offered a job flying them and Albatros in Thailand by an old friend who was to be the Chief Pilot (Brian McCook) but it all came to naught after a rather nasty takeover by Thai shareholders...
If you know Brian he is retired in Brisbane last I heard with failing eyesite...his first 'job' in aviation was WW2 PBY pilot with RNZAF...I think the last 'fulltime' flying on PBYs was on the Nile many moons ago now (well over 10 yrs anyway)...he also started my floating hull endo on a Widgeon in Rabaul but we were never able to complete it for various and sundry reasons
Many, many moons ago I was offered a job flying them and Albatros in Thailand by an old friend who was to be the Chief Pilot (Brian McCook) but it all came to naught after a rather nasty takeover by Thai shareholders...
If you know Brian he is retired in Brisbane last I heard with failing eyesite...his first 'job' in aviation was WW2 PBY pilot with RNZAF...I think the last 'fulltime' flying on PBYs was on the Nile many moons ago now (well over 10 yrs anyway)...he also started my floating hull endo on a Widgeon in Rabaul but we were never able to complete it for various and sundry reasons
Iconoclast
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One minor correction
To: Captain Airclues
I'm surprised that someone from the UK would make such a misteak.
It is Umble pie not Humble pie.
Umble pie
\Um"ble pie`\ A pie made of umbles
a phrase derived from a pie made of the entrails or humbles of a deer, which was formerly served to servants and retainers at a hunting feast.
Umbles \Um"bles\, n. pl The entrails and coarser parts of a deer; hence, sometimes, entrails, in general. [Written also humbles
However it seems that we are both correct as Humble Pie is the commonly accepted version.
Thanks PaperTiger. Perhaps they should eat humble pie and ask Chuck to deliver it for them
It is Umble pie not Humble pie.
Umble pie
\Um"ble pie`\ A pie made of umbles
a phrase derived from a pie made of the entrails or humbles of a deer, which was formerly served to servants and retainers at a hunting feast.
Umbles \Um"bles\, n. pl The entrails and coarser parts of a deer; hence, sometimes, entrails, in general. [Written also humbles
However it seems that we are both correct as Humble Pie is the commonly accepted version.
Last edited by Lu Zuckerman; 14th Oct 2004 at 23:20.
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Chimbu and troops :
Well my season is finally over and the Dutch Cat is once again safely parked in the hangar for the winter. We did one hundred and twelve water landings during the test flights and training and the pilots just loved it.
I spent most of my time in Holland and truly enjoyed the Dutch and their Cat.
Next summer I will go back and finish their training and fly a season with them to give them some pointers on how to operate with passengers on board operating into and out of the water.
The world now has four Cats being operated as collectors aircraft for public display....Britain ... New Zealand....Australia and now Holland.
I am writing an article on how to fly a Cat for Todays Pilot, in fact I just received an e-mail from the editor asking me when it will be finished, so I will get back at it and finish it.
After hearing all the background stuff on the Orange Cat that we were supposed to ferry to Israel it wouldn't suprise me if the authorities have grounded it and maybe even had it land where it is due to all the questionable circumstances surrounding its departure.....
To get me and the Edwards Brothers to finish the ferry flight would take a lot more than eating humble pie....he would have to pay me the money he owes me.....plus.....like plus a lot more than the origional amount agreed on...a hell of a lot more.
Chuck
Well my season is finally over and the Dutch Cat is once again safely parked in the hangar for the winter. We did one hundred and twelve water landings during the test flights and training and the pilots just loved it.
I spent most of my time in Holland and truly enjoyed the Dutch and their Cat.
Next summer I will go back and finish their training and fly a season with them to give them some pointers on how to operate with passengers on board operating into and out of the water.
The world now has four Cats being operated as collectors aircraft for public display....Britain ... New Zealand....Australia and now Holland.
I am writing an article on how to fly a Cat for Todays Pilot, in fact I just received an e-mail from the editor asking me when it will be finished, so I will get back at it and finish it.
After hearing all the background stuff on the Orange Cat that we were supposed to ferry to Israel it wouldn't suprise me if the authorities have grounded it and maybe even had it land where it is due to all the questionable circumstances surrounding its departure.....
To get me and the Edwards Brothers to finish the ferry flight would take a lot more than eating humble pie....he would have to pay me the money he owes me.....plus.....like plus a lot more than the origional amount agreed on...a hell of a lot more.
Chuck
