Nice Grumman Mallard tourism story
|
But the writer described it as a German built Grumman Mallard.
R |
German built Grumman Mallard? Didn't see that anywhere in the article.
|
Saw that article this morning. I had the privilege to be involved in the first of their Kimberley Air Safaris and I don't mind saying they are superb, well maintained aircraft ideally suited to their mission and flown by extremely talented and professional pilots.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....cf810b3e10.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....ff1a12942a.jpg |
I crew changed on that aircraft every two weeks for years in the late eighties, between Karratha and Varanus Island, a flight of about 40 minutes. Sat in the right hand seat many times to as the pilots knew I was a keen student pilot at the time. I remember sea water trickling in around aft window seals, how it was handled backwards though the narrow channel when a wind change meant taking off from the other side of the island. Of the wind-up and down pilots and co-pilots windows. It had a mishap on takeoff one year, damaging the engine and starboard wing by memory. It was recovered and sat on the island for months whilst they found (or made) jigs for a replacement wing.
It was said that it once belonged to Elizabeth Arden, and that she kept it moored on the Hudson. But that was just a rumour, don't know if it is true. Fabulous aircraft. |
Originally Posted by vne165
(Post 11522382)
It was said that it once belonged to Elizabeth Arden, and that she kept it moored on the Hudson. But that was just a rumour, don't know if it is true.
Fabulous aircraft. |
Yes, fair enough - was aware that they have multiple....it maybe a different airframe. But was a time I'll never forget.
By memory the one we used was sold into the Whitsundays and then on to Paspaley I think. There's not many about is there? |
Mini thread drift… but still heartwarming. Made in Darwin, no less!
https://www.amphibaircraft.com https://darwininnovationhub.com.au/a...ern-territory/ |
VH-PPT was originally VH-JAW which operated out of Shute Harbour with Air Whitsunday. They also had a Radial powered Mallard, but don't know where that went ex Air Whitsunday!
PS. After some more googling..... Built 1947 as NC2966 & based in France for next 20 years. In 1952 when owned by Christian Dior, famous passengers included Aga Khan & King Farouk of Egypt. 1966 sold and based in Michigan, USA. 1972 bought by Frakes & converted to Turbo Mallard & used as a demonstrator until 1975 when it became C-GHUM. 1983 sold to Air Whitsunday (ferried as N2419X) & regd VH-JAW. 1985 sold to Vowell and seen here on delivery. Used to fly oil workers to Harriet oil field,Lowendal Island. To VH-PPT of Paspaley Pearling. |
Ah - well done, Capt! That's it.
Not Arden, but Dior. I'm getting old... |
Built 1947 |
Leadie - if only humans were the same!
|
Great story!
If anybody is keen - check out @thatmallardguy on Insta. He is a Mallard Captain who has a stack of great Mallard (and general seaplane) pictures and videos on his Insta page. |
CF,
Attention to detail. Article. Fifth para. 'The German manufacturer Grumman only built 59 Mallards in total' . . . . . . . R |
Yep. When I click on the link in post #1, I see…. The US manufacturer Grumman only built 59 Mallards in total.
Maybe you have an earlier story in your cache. ?? :) |
Originally Posted by lucille
(Post 11522407)
Mini thread drift… but still heartwarming. Made in Darwin, no less!
https://www.amphibaircraft.com https://darwininnovationhub.com.au/a...ern-territory/ |
Originally Posted by lucille
(Post 11522407)
Mini thread drift… but still heartwarming. Made in Darwin, no less!
https://www.amphibaircraft.com https://darwininnovationhub.com.au/a...ern-territory/ Most non-seaplane folks don't appreciate how much work goes in to maintaining aircraft operating on the open (salt-water) ocean, making daily hose-downs and compressor washes a seriously big deal. Sometimes the airport fireys help out, which is quite a spectacle in itself. (PS: It wasn't only PPT that transferred from Air Whitsunday.. some of the pilots did too! :cool: ) |
All times are GMT. The time now is 04:21. |
Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.