Was the Nomad really that bad?
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: US of A
Posts: 116
Was the Nomad really that bad?
Just like to get some feed back from those that have experienced it. This thread is inspired by Chimbu Warrior who said that the Harbin Y-12 made the Nomad look like cutting edge technology.
I remember some of the accidents, the four corners publicity and Army pilots refusing to fly it.
To those who have been there, tell us how you really feel about this aircraft and what you think about its coming back.
Cheers,
DW.
I remember some of the accidents, the four corners publicity and Army pilots refusing to fly it.
To those who have been there, tell us how you really feel about this aircraft and what you think about its coming back.
Cheers,
DW.
Bottums Up
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: dunnunda
Age: 63
Posts: 3,441
N22 not too bad, N24 not so good.
Fuel gauges (4 off) with a face the size of a 5 cent piece.
Some instrument gauges had 1/4 increments, others 1/5.
Sharp edges every where, so skinned knuckles were the norm.
N22 had infinite flap selections available from 0 to 40 degrees. N24 was known to be longitudinally unstable about the Flap 20 range, therefore only 3 flap positions, 0, 10 for take-off and 40 for landing. However in about 1994/5 after another airworthiness scare, the aircraft (N24) was limited to Flap 10, which gave a very small speed margin when flying an approach in bumpy conditions. Flap 10 max speed being only just above Vapp.
Fuel gauges (4 off) with a face the size of a 5 cent piece.
Some instrument gauges had 1/4 increments, others 1/5.
Sharp edges every where, so skinned knuckles were the norm.
N22 had infinite flap selections available from 0 to 40 degrees. N24 was known to be longitudinally unstable about the Flap 20 range, therefore only 3 flap positions, 0, 10 for take-off and 40 for landing. However in about 1994/5 after another airworthiness scare, the aircraft (N24) was limited to Flap 10, which gave a very small speed margin when flying an approach in bumpy conditions. Flap 10 max speed being only just above Vapp.
Last edited by Capt Claret; 10th Jan 2009 at 07:53. Reason: don't think there was a flap 5, changed to Flap 10.
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: I'm a wanderer
Age: 40
Posts: 414
Currently flying the N24, its not a STO machine, but does the L pretty good! 
We've got the new flap Mod which allows us to use full flap again, instead of none or 10 degrees.
We have had no problems in operating them over the last 24 years, as long as they are maintained and operated as the manufacturer specified. We had one aircraft that performed a scheduled run on behalf of Air NZ, and had better reliability than the Metro/Saab that also performed the run.
Certainly having the enhanced B17 on board greatly improves the hot & high performance, with an OAT close to 30 degrees C at 2500' AMSL, we can easily get full rated power out the engines, the other without the enhanced turbines seems to run out of puff with those conditions. Plus the added bonus is the fuel consumption with two engines is less than the C208B. Maintenance is also cheaper than the C208B too.
The NG N24 which Gippsland Aero are developing would be a great machine!
We've got the new flap Mod which allows us to use full flap again, instead of none or 10 degrees.We have had no problems in operating them over the last 24 years, as long as they are maintained and operated as the manufacturer specified. We had one aircraft that performed a scheduled run on behalf of Air NZ, and had better reliability than the Metro/Saab that also performed the run.
Certainly having the enhanced B17 on board greatly improves the hot & high performance, with an OAT close to 30 degrees C at 2500' AMSL, we can easily get full rated power out the engines, the other without the enhanced turbines seems to run out of puff with those conditions. Plus the added bonus is the fuel consumption with two engines is less than the C208B. Maintenance is also cheaper than the C208B too.
The NG N24 which Gippsland Aero are developing would be a great machine!
Bugsmasherdriverandjediknite
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Bai, mi go long hap na kisim sampla samting.
Posts: 2,858
After a little bit of research recently, I would have to agree with you there empacher48. talking about cost efficiency and capability.
I'm not sure about it from a pilots view as I have only flown the van and not the Nomad. keen to fly the nomad though.
I'm not sure about it from a pilots view as I have only flown the van and not the Nomad. keen to fly the nomad though.
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: I'm a wanderer
Age: 40
Posts: 414
Originally Posted by the wizard of aus
I'm not sure about it from a pilots view as I have only flown the van and not the Nomad. keen to fly the nomad though
It will be a really really good addition to the Airvan, and with the changes to the Nomad which GA will make, it will be a lot better than the originals I fly. Plus the product support GA are going to provide (based on how they have been with our Airvans) it will certainly be a winner!
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Australia
Posts: 862
Bushy
Maybe it had a bit more to do with two fatal accidents that killed 5 Aircrew?
I've also seen the photos and spoken to the pilots of the ADF Nomad with the twisted wing spar at Tindal.
I recall I think from the 4 Corners report the designer of it I think it was saying about the pilot concerns in the early days about the aircraft. His response was words to the effect of you don't listen to what pilots say about aircraft 'issues'.
But A - B, I'm sure it was a fine aircraft. The ten hours I had in it were certainly 'interesting'.
Maybe it had a bit more to do with two fatal accidents that killed 5 Aircrew?
I've also seen the photos and spoken to the pilots of the ADF Nomad with the twisted wing spar at Tindal.
I recall I think from the 4 Corners report the designer of it I think it was saying about the pilot concerns in the early days about the aircraft. His response was words to the effect of you don't listen to what pilots say about aircraft 'issues'.
But A - B, I'm sure it was a fine aircraft. The ten hours I had in it were certainly 'interesting'.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: US of A
Posts: 116
I also remember the designer saying that pilots were unqualified to comment on design or something like that.
I just began flying a new C208B with G1000 set up. Interesting to hear that the N24 is more efficient.
The Caravan has had some harsh critics here. Mainly due to icing, but we now have the TKS, weeping wing. Also seems like most of the PT6 failures are in countries where you would expect average mx, at least thats what I am going to believe when I am flying accross a short stretch of ocean in winter. Then again, flying a 30 year old 402 with ten people... only flown it on one donk at light weights.
We have one guy here who flew nomads in the USA and had nothing good to say.
Jack Thompson did a doco a few years back on the testing of the Nomad, was a pretty good show.
Thanks for the replies. Looking forward to seeing the new Nomad.
I just began flying a new C208B with G1000 set up. Interesting to hear that the N24 is more efficient.
The Caravan has had some harsh critics here. Mainly due to icing, but we now have the TKS, weeping wing. Also seems like most of the PT6 failures are in countries where you would expect average mx, at least thats what I am going to believe when I am flying accross a short stretch of ocean in winter. Then again, flying a 30 year old 402 with ten people... only flown it on one donk at light weights.
We have one guy here who flew nomads in the USA and had nothing good to say.
Jack Thompson did a doco a few years back on the testing of the Nomad, was a pretty good show.
Thanks for the replies. Looking forward to seeing the new Nomad.
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Australia
Posts: 32
Yes! and in no particular order:
C150, C152, C180, C182, C185, C206, C207, C208, C210, C402, PA32, Pawnee, Agcat, Agwagon, Maule M4, M5, Beagle Airdale, Turbo Commander, B36, B55, B58, B200, MU2, Bae31,32 and 42, F27 F50, F100, A320, A321, A330, B747, B744
C150, C152, C180, C182, C185, C206, C207, C208, C210, C402, PA32, Pawnee, Agcat, Agwagon, Maule M4, M5, Beagle Airdale, Turbo Commander, B36, B55, B58, B200, MU2, Bae31,32 and 42, F27 F50, F100, A320, A321, A330, B747, B744
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Qld troppo
Posts: 3,467
Yes! and in no particular order: C150, C152, C180, C182, C185, C206, C207, C208, C210, C402, PA32, Pawnee, Agcat, Agwagon, Maule M4, M5, Beagle Airdale, Turbo Commander, B36, B55, B58, B200, MU2, Bae31,32 and 42, F27 F50, F100, A320, A321, A330, B747, B744
A few years I took part in a SAR exercise were I had the opportunity to talk to a highly experienced ADF accident investigator. To say he hated the Nomad with a vengence would be putting it mildly!
Dr
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 28
Nomad
Just luv the character assassinations that occur on this forum! I managed to achieve 1000+ hrs in the " go anywhere, can't see me, twin engined, executive transport module " - otherwise known as a military Nomad.
Some good characteristics, some not-so-good characteristics. Within reason it would land on nothing, but you needed a hydraulic jack to become airborne again - 'specially when conditions were "hot'n high".
For a balanced overview I strongly recommend the article by Glen Duus on the Fourays site. www.fourays.org/features
Personally, I wish GA the best of luck with their Nomad recreation. I hope to get another Vat of 58KIAS in one of our Company's optioned machines.
AR
Some good characteristics, some not-so-good characteristics. Within reason it would land on nothing, but you needed a hydraulic jack to become airborne again - 'specially when conditions were "hot'n high".
For a balanced overview I strongly recommend the article by Glen Duus on the Fourays site. www.fourays.org/features
Personally, I wish GA the best of luck with their Nomad recreation. I hope to get another Vat of 58KIAS in one of our Company's optioned machines.
AR
Guest
Posts: n/a
Capt Vin Rouge
next question!
"I've flown both the N22 and N24 and can honestly say it is the worst aircraft and the most dangerous I have ever flown."
I operated an N22 for three years on many different ops, quite happily as it happens, and so did many other aeroplane drivers, for much longer periods.
Some were not overly impressed, but I have never heard it described as dangerous before, and from one who has so many types, as stated on PPRuNe, makes me feel quite humble to have survived such a time in such a dangerous aircraft.
next question!
"I've flown both the N22 and N24 and can honestly say it is the worst aircraft and the most dangerous I have ever flown."
I operated an N22 for three years on many different ops, quite happily as it happens, and so did many other aeroplane drivers, for much longer periods.
Some were not overly impressed, but I have never heard it described as dangerous before, and from one who has so many types, as stated on PPRuNe, makes me feel quite humble to have survived such a time in such a dangerous aircraft.
