Chuck is back in a Cat!
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Chuck is back in a Cat!
He just couldn't say no! Chuck is back at North Weald this week to do another Catalina ferry flight - this time to Israel.
They were running the engines yesterday. As they hadn't been started for a very long time, problems were anticipated.
The starboard engine fired up OK, but then hydraulic fluid started pouring out to create a big puddle on the apron. A quick bit of packing around the cooler sorted that one out, and the engine was run up successfully and the prop feathering checked after shut down.
The port engine proved to be more recalcitrant. It started OK as well, but was quickly shut down because no oil pressure was showing. An air lock was suspected, and more oil put in.
It was started a second time, with the same results. They started bleeding the system, then called it a day. Work resumes agin this morning.
The Catalina is due to fly out on Saturday, and arrive in Israel on Monday, where it is going to a museum (the plan is to keep it in flying condition).
RD
Chuck checking the starboard engine
Running up the starboard engine
Checking the feathering
Part two to follow...
Starting the port engine the first time
Start up the second time
Chuck in the office
They were running the engines yesterday. As they hadn't been started for a very long time, problems were anticipated.
The starboard engine fired up OK, but then hydraulic fluid started pouring out to create a big puddle on the apron. A quick bit of packing around the cooler sorted that one out, and the engine was run up successfully and the prop feathering checked after shut down.
The port engine proved to be more recalcitrant. It started OK as well, but was quickly shut down because no oil pressure was showing. An air lock was suspected, and more oil put in.
It was started a second time, with the same results. They started bleeding the system, then called it a day. Work resumes agin this morning.
The Catalina is due to fly out on Saturday, and arrive in Israel on Monday, where it is going to a museum (the plan is to keep it in flying condition).
RD
Chuck checking the starboard engine
Running up the starboard engine
Checking the feathering
Part two to follow...
Starting the port engine the first time
Start up the second time
Chuck in the office
Last edited by Rallye Driver; 27th May 2004 at 08:00.
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Thanks for posting those pics Rallye Driver - I am hoping to get a job at North Weald and was equally hoping I'd be around to meet Chuck & see the Cat go. Guess I'll miss out after all. 
Have a good flight Chuck!
Have a good flight Chuck!
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I didn't think that the orange Cat was airworthy, its been parked outside for so long. When it disappeared last week I thought it had gone to the knackers yard, but obviously not.
Any idea when the DC-4s are due to fly again?
Good luck Chuck!
Any idea when the DC-4s are due to fly again?
Good luck Chuck!
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The Edwards Brothers and their team have done a magnificent job to get her airworthy in about three weeks of very long days.
The old girl got to do some high power taxi runs today, after the oil pressure problem was sorted. Even got her nose wheel off the ground briefly. Very misty, so not ideal for photography.
They had some water contamination, which caused ashut down until it could be drained.
Back in the hangar now to have various panels refitted, then, once the paperwork is completed, on to flight testing.
RD
Both engines running
Engines running. Vortices just visible coming from props
Inside the Office - NB the anchor in the nose
Interior view, showing the water tank for fire bombing. Very spartan inside
View from the revetment
Moving under her own power for the first time in many years
Taxi run
Being put to bed
The old girl got to do some high power taxi runs today, after the oil pressure problem was sorted. Even got her nose wheel off the ground briefly. Very misty, so not ideal for photography.
They had some water contamination, which caused ashut down until it could be drained.
Back in the hangar now to have various panels refitted, then, once the paperwork is completed, on to flight testing.
RD
Both engines running
Engines running. Vortices just visible coming from props
Inside the Office - NB the anchor in the nose
Interior view, showing the water tank for fire bombing. Very spartan inside
View from the revetment
Moving under her own power for the first time in many years
Taxi run
Being put to bed
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Rallye Driver:
It was a real pleasure meeting you at North Weald and I am amazed at the wonderful pictures you posted here..thank you.
I wish to clarify our position with regard to this Cat.
I specalize in training pilots on the Cat and also world wide ferry delivery of these machines, this is the first instance wherein the Edwards Brothers and I have not completed a delivery.
First let me explain that test flying and ferrying aircraft such as this machine in the condition we started on it is a very high risk endeavour and requires experiencied people to safely complete the contract.
I only work with and fly with three other pilot mechanics with regard to the Catalina, they are Mark and Clive Edwards and Phillipe Jay.......
My agreement with the owner of this Cat was plainly understood and given in writing with regard to crewing of this machine.
Several days ago I was given an ultimatium by the owner that as his employee I would follow his orders and he would decide how this machine would be flown and by whom.
I had two choices and they were either I flew with him and his mechanic and follow his orders or he would find another Qualified pilot on the PBY and replace me.
That was a no brainer as I will not fly without my crew for safety reasons...It is out of the question for me to fly a machine such this with two other people that have never been in one before.
I am now back home in Nanaimo B.C. and Mark and Clive are also at home.
As part of my agreement with owners of these aircraft I arrange for very reasonable insurance through Lloyds underwriters based on our past performance of safe mechanical repair and flying of these aircraft.
I have informed my contacts in Lloyds that I have terminated my involvement with this Cat due to safety issues, such as the owner demanding that I overload the airplane with fuel out of North Weald to save him money with the tax drawback.
Now all that remains to be seen is if we get paid for the work and expenses we have put into this project, I am out of pocket about two thousand dollars at this point in time, not to mention what Clive and Mark are owed.
The owner claims that Boeing Aircraft will pay us....
Anyone want to deliver a Cat to Israel? I can give you the contact number as they are looking for a crew.
Chuck Ellsworth
It was a real pleasure meeting you at North Weald and I am amazed at the wonderful pictures you posted here..thank you.
I wish to clarify our position with regard to this Cat.
I specalize in training pilots on the Cat and also world wide ferry delivery of these machines, this is the first instance wherein the Edwards Brothers and I have not completed a delivery.
First let me explain that test flying and ferrying aircraft such as this machine in the condition we started on it is a very high risk endeavour and requires experiencied people to safely complete the contract.
I only work with and fly with three other pilot mechanics with regard to the Catalina, they are Mark and Clive Edwards and Phillipe Jay.......
My agreement with the owner of this Cat was plainly understood and given in writing with regard to crewing of this machine.
Several days ago I was given an ultimatium by the owner that as his employee I would follow his orders and he would decide how this machine would be flown and by whom.
I had two choices and they were either I flew with him and his mechanic and follow his orders or he would find another Qualified pilot on the PBY and replace me.
That was a no brainer as I will not fly without my crew for safety reasons...It is out of the question for me to fly a machine such this with two other people that have never been in one before.
I am now back home in Nanaimo B.C. and Mark and Clive are also at home.
As part of my agreement with owners of these aircraft I arrange for very reasonable insurance through Lloyds underwriters based on our past performance of safe mechanical repair and flying of these aircraft.
I have informed my contacts in Lloyds that I have terminated my involvement with this Cat due to safety issues, such as the owner demanding that I overload the airplane with fuel out of North Weald to save him money with the tax drawback.
Now all that remains to be seen is if we get paid for the work and expenses we have put into this project, I am out of pocket about two thousand dollars at this point in time, not to mention what Clive and Mark are owed.
The owner claims that Boeing Aircraft will pay us....
Anyone want to deliver a Cat to Israel? I can give you the contact number as they are looking for a crew.
Chuck Ellsworth
Last edited by Chuck Ellsworth; 1st May 2004 at 14:01.
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Chuck
It was a privilege to meet you. And thanks to everyone who allowed me to hang around while you all were trying to get the old girl airworthy. I?m really sorry things have turned out this way and that you are out of pocket.
I understood there were certain tensions about the demands that were being put on you all with the tight deadline for delivery. You just can?t cut corners regarding the safe operation of any aircraft, let alone one that?s been standing around so long.
I know you made the right decision not to be pressured into doing something against your better judgment. It's an example to us all.
I just hope that whoever they get as a replacement has the same strength of character to prevent a case of ?press on-itis? from turning into a disaster.
Best wishes
Rallye Driver
It was a privilege to meet you. And thanks to everyone who allowed me to hang around while you all were trying to get the old girl airworthy. I?m really sorry things have turned out this way and that you are out of pocket.
I understood there were certain tensions about the demands that were being put on you all with the tight deadline for delivery. You just can?t cut corners regarding the safe operation of any aircraft, let alone one that?s been standing around so long.
I know you made the right decision not to be pressured into doing something against your better judgment. It's an example to us all.
I just hope that whoever they get as a replacement has the same strength of character to prevent a case of ?press on-itis? from turning into a disaster.
Best wishes
Rallye Driver
Chuck, you made a goodcall, this guy sounds like he hasn't a clue about the operation of any aircraft let alone a vintage one that has been stored for a very long while.
Better off out of pocket, than quite a few feet under
If you get over to blighty again pm me.
EGGW.
Better off out of pocket, than quite a few feet under
If you get over to blighty again pm me.
EGGW.
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Hey Reverend, great pics, excellent story and call. Now, should I do a cut & paste and send it to our infamous TC'ers and show'em what you're made of - maybe then, they'd straighten themselves out - if not I guess great big bitchslaps upside the head will be called for - can I help, can I help !?!?!?!
Back to caA, catch you later ....
Biggs
Back to caA, catch you later ....
Biggs
Somebody was flying this rather handsome beastie yesterday.
I was earning my own living test flying a small homebuilt a few miles from Duxford when I found myself in conflict with what at-first appeared to be something out of "Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind". Once self preservation had taken over from morbid curiosity and I moved out of the way (disrupting a glide performance test, but that's another story) it resolved into a side view of this rather handsome orange Catalina. I assumed that it was flying out of Duxford, but don't actually know if that's true.
I hasten to add that any conflict was purely down to two aeroplanes on conflicting courses in the same open airspace, and no lack of airmanship on anybody's part is suggested.
Pretty aint it!
G
I was earning my own living test flying a small homebuilt a few miles from Duxford when I found myself in conflict with what at-first appeared to be something out of "Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind". Once self preservation had taken over from morbid curiosity and I moved out of the way (disrupting a glide performance test, but that's another story) it resolved into a side view of this rather handsome orange Catalina. I assumed that it was flying out of Duxford, but don't actually know if that's true.
I hasten to add that any conflict was purely down to two aeroplanes on conflicting courses in the same open airspace, and no lack of airmanship on anybody's part is suggested.
Pretty aint it!
G
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Plane Sailing have recently ferried in their replacement PBY from Canada (C-FNJF). That's now based at Duxford and is an overall yellow with green trim lines.
It was probably that one you saw. The Flypast Forum has a report that its been flying over the past couple of days working up a display routine.
RD
It was probably that one you saw. The Flypast Forum has a report that its been flying over the past couple of days working up a display routine.
RD
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Going back to the orange Catalina, surely it's not the one that was stored at East Midlands back in the eighties is it 
Belonged to a Company called Avalon Aviation IIRC.
Belonged to a Company called Avalon Aviation IIRC.
Aha, all becomes clear.
I was just speaking to a colleague who does test flying for CAA. I mentioned the encounter with the Catalina, and he admitted to having been flying it at the time. 'Twould appear that he was busy conducting the UK airworthiness air test (and didn't see me at-all, just as well I got out the way!).
G
I was just speaking to a colleague who does test flying for CAA. I mentioned the encounter with the Catalina, and he admitted to having been flying it at the time. 'Twould appear that he was busy conducting the UK airworthiness air test (and didn't see me at-all, just as well I got out the way!).
G
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Anyone have any idea if the owner of the Orange Cat found a qualified pilot to fly his cat at North Weald?
When he gave me his ultimatum about how I was to fly it he seemed quite confident that he would have a replacement pilot in no time.
Maybe there is an insurance problem?
Chuck E.
When he gave me his ultimatum about how I was to fly it he seemed quite confident that he would have a replacement pilot in no time.
Maybe there is an insurance problem?
Chuck E.
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I am going to do something that I normally would not bother with, and that is share a problem that I have had with a customer.
My reason is two- fold , it is rather bizzare and I think needs to be shared.
The agreement to repair and ferry this Orange Cat took over a year before the go ahead was given. The estimate that was given a year ago was very close to the actual cost for the mechanical work performed on the airplane. It was clearly outlined that I was to be the Captain and the Edwards Bros would be flying as first officers.
The owner has finally paid Edwards Brothers for their work but has refused to pay my airfare and extra expenses stating that my refusal to follow his orders has resulted in the project being delayed and costing a lot of money, which he holds me responsible for because I misrepresented my qualifications.
Now it gets really bizzare, he wrote a letter outlining his opinion that I am incompetent and may have ruined his engines during the start ups and the taxi and high speed runs on the runway.
That part is subjective to some extent and I of course just ignored it, however in the letter he clearly stated that I was not qualified to fly his PBY due to my not having a valid pilot license because I did not hold a valid medical when I was in North Weald!!!
Several days ago I got a phone call from a friend in the USA, who also is rated on the PBY, he told me that he had received a call from the owner of the orange cat asking him if he could deliver it to Israel...........my friend said he should call Chuck Ellsworth as that is what he does for a business......the owner told my friend that I was the reason for all his problems because when he brought me to England he found out that I did not have a valid medical and that I am guilty of dishonesty by misrepresenting myself.
Sorry for airing my laundry here but this is bizzare beyond beliefe, it is one thing to tell people that I am incompetant but to accuse me of not holding a valid pilot license is truly something that I can not understand as I had faxed my licenses and medical to him and then was asked to scan it and e-mail it to him as the Israelis wanted a better copy of the license than the fax......my medical was and is group 1 valid until Aug. 01/2004 and I hold an ATP endorsed for the PBY among other things.
He claims Boeing Aircraft is involved in paying for the delivery of this aircraft...........
Normally I would just swallow the loss of the money for the airfare ( he authorized it and I paid for it due the fact he wanted me in North Weald on short notice.)
I am wondering if any of my friends on this forum could advise me of how they would react to such a strange problem as this one?
By the way, would any of you try and get the money out of him?
The truth is I refused to follow his orders with regard to flying the airplane due to safety considerations...period.
Chuck Ellsworth.
My reason is two- fold , it is rather bizzare and I think needs to be shared.
The agreement to repair and ferry this Orange Cat took over a year before the go ahead was given. The estimate that was given a year ago was very close to the actual cost for the mechanical work performed on the airplane. It was clearly outlined that I was to be the Captain and the Edwards Bros would be flying as first officers.
The owner has finally paid Edwards Brothers for their work but has refused to pay my airfare and extra expenses stating that my refusal to follow his orders has resulted in the project being delayed and costing a lot of money, which he holds me responsible for because I misrepresented my qualifications.
Now it gets really bizzare, he wrote a letter outlining his opinion that I am incompetent and may have ruined his engines during the start ups and the taxi and high speed runs on the runway.
That part is subjective to some extent and I of course just ignored it, however in the letter he clearly stated that I was not qualified to fly his PBY due to my not having a valid pilot license because I did not hold a valid medical when I was in North Weald!!!
Several days ago I got a phone call from a friend in the USA, who also is rated on the PBY, he told me that he had received a call from the owner of the orange cat asking him if he could deliver it to Israel...........my friend said he should call Chuck Ellsworth as that is what he does for a business......the owner told my friend that I was the reason for all his problems because when he brought me to England he found out that I did not have a valid medical and that I am guilty of dishonesty by misrepresenting myself.
Sorry for airing my laundry here but this is bizzare beyond beliefe, it is one thing to tell people that I am incompetant but to accuse me of not holding a valid pilot license is truly something that I can not understand as I had faxed my licenses and medical to him and then was asked to scan it and e-mail it to him as the Israelis wanted a better copy of the license than the fax......my medical was and is group 1 valid until Aug. 01/2004 and I hold an ATP endorsed for the PBY among other things.
He claims Boeing Aircraft is involved in paying for the delivery of this aircraft...........
Normally I would just swallow the loss of the money for the airfare ( he authorized it and I paid for it due the fact he wanted me in North Weald on short notice.)
I am wondering if any of my friends on this forum could advise me of how they would react to such a strange problem as this one?
By the way, would any of you try and get the money out of him?
The truth is I refused to follow his orders with regard to flying the airplane due to safety considerations...period.
Chuck Ellsworth.
Last edited by Chuck Ellsworth; 22nd May 2004 at 16:17.
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Chuck,
Depending on how much the money is you are owed, a UK 'small claims court' might be your best bet. If you have proof for everything above, it seems relatively straight forward to get the money back at minimal cost to yourself.
Not a pilot, lawyer or expert on anything related to your problem!
DeepC
Info.
Depending on how much the money is you are owed, a UK 'small claims court' might be your best bet. If you have proof for everything above, it seems relatively straight forward to get the money back at minimal cost to yourself.
Not a pilot, lawyer or expert on anything related to your problem!
DeepC
Info.
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I'd go down the small claims court route for the out of pocket expenses. It really costs you little to do and can seriously mess up his credit rating when the CCJs (County Court Judgements) start turning up.
However the issue of stating that you were/are not fit to fly and damaged his aircraft is more worrying as it is a direct attack on your business and proffesionalism. As much as I detest them I'd get an ambulance chaser er... lawyer involved. Sort of fire and forget. You never know he may settle out of court and give you the Cat
However the issue of stating that you were/are not fit to fly and damaged his aircraft is more worrying as it is a direct attack on your business and proffesionalism. As much as I detest them I'd get an ambulance chaser er... lawyer involved. Sort of fire and forget. You never know he may settle out of court and give you the Cat