David Hempleman-Adams overflies Cape Columbia
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The Pink P;ane left Manaus this morning and will try to reach Campo Grande during the night. Making good progress still despite a difficult met yesterday.
MLS-12D: I don't know how many hours DHA really has, but is it really an issue? Will it make it less of a challenge, or to the contrary, make it more difficult? But then again, so what!
I don't see your point in trying to make this sound like a little x-country vacation. It may not be the greatest challenge but I still believe that it is for the better than GA plane still attempt things like that. Oh yes, it all happen 70 to 80 years ago (yes, sorry but 60 years ago, it was WW2 and the great flights and crossings had been long done already, the legendary pilots were mostly retired by then).
But don't even try to compare, or put this on the same level, the Aviation in the time of Lindbergh, Amelia, Saint-Exupery or Guillaumet was worlds away from ours today. Nevertheless, it is still a challenge today to fly a single-engine piston as fast as possible, across 7 countries, across vast mass of water or remote land areas. It is not impossible, it has already been done, yes, but not at this speed. They are in the plane from 6 a.m. to midnight most days, hardly have time to snack during the day, and have been deprived of sleep for 2 weeks now. And no, I don't think it is easy. The engine failure we had in the Arctic also shows that they are challenges with small piston engines. This could have happen in the middle of Hudson Bay or during the 570 nm crossing of the Caribean Sea. You may thing anyway that Lindbergh was kindda in the same situation, just a guy flying alone in a single engine airplane, over a vast mass of water, keeping the same heading. Boring isn't it.
I am not trying to make an issue about David Hempleman-Adams and Lorne White, not trying to say that they're the greatest aviators of our time (oh no! I am the greatest!), but I think that it is good that thinks like that get the attention of the media, and I love seeing that 1972 C210 doing that flight, going to these extremes. I love aviation, I love airplanes and I still get very enthousiast when I see people trying these kind of adventures. I wish more would try that kind of crossings, giving themselves goals, and would love to read about it too.
What are you getting excited by these days, football?
MLS-12D: I don't know how many hours DHA really has, but is it really an issue? Will it make it less of a challenge, or to the contrary, make it more difficult? But then again, so what!
I don't see your point in trying to make this sound like a little x-country vacation. It may not be the greatest challenge but I still believe that it is for the better than GA plane still attempt things like that. Oh yes, it all happen 70 to 80 years ago (yes, sorry but 60 years ago, it was WW2 and the great flights and crossings had been long done already, the legendary pilots were mostly retired by then).
But don't even try to compare, or put this on the same level, the Aviation in the time of Lindbergh, Amelia, Saint-Exupery or Guillaumet was worlds away from ours today. Nevertheless, it is still a challenge today to fly a single-engine piston as fast as possible, across 7 countries, across vast mass of water or remote land areas. It is not impossible, it has already been done, yes, but not at this speed. They are in the plane from 6 a.m. to midnight most days, hardly have time to snack during the day, and have been deprived of sleep for 2 weeks now. And no, I don't think it is easy. The engine failure we had in the Arctic also shows that they are challenges with small piston engines. This could have happen in the middle of Hudson Bay or during the 570 nm crossing of the Caribean Sea. You may thing anyway that Lindbergh was kindda in the same situation, just a guy flying alone in a single engine airplane, over a vast mass of water, keeping the same heading. Boring isn't it.
I am not trying to make an issue about David Hempleman-Adams and Lorne White, not trying to say that they're the greatest aviators of our time (oh no! I am the greatest!), but I think that it is good that thinks like that get the attention of the media, and I love seeing that 1972 C210 doing that flight, going to these extremes. I love aviation, I love airplanes and I still get very enthousiast when I see people trying these kind of adventures. I wish more would try that kind of crossings, giving themselves goals, and would love to read about it too.
What are you getting excited by these days, football?
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Maybe if they weren't claiming that this was a big adventure (it isn't), or that H-A was the Pilot-in-Command (he isn't), I'd be more tolerant.
In any case, there is no need for publicity. Apparently (please correct me if I'm wrong) this flight is not raising money for charity, and clearly it is not doing anything that hasn't been done before, so ...
Seems like this a nice trip, but no more. Frankly, it is of no interest to anyone except the two people aboard and their immediate families. If they want to host a website, fine, but there's no reason for anyone to post regulate updates on this forum under the guise of news.
In any case, there is no need for publicity. Apparently (please correct me if I'm wrong) this flight is not raising money for charity, and clearly it is not doing anything that hasn't been done before, so ...
Seems like this a nice trip, but no more. Frankly, it is of no interest to anyone except the two people aboard and their immediate families. If they want to host a website, fine, but there's no reason for anyone to post regulate updates on this forum under the guise of news.
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MLS-12D,
Sorry, but I really don't understand your point, and the reasons behind it, but believe me, it is not a "nice trip" and if tourism was the purpose, it would have all been stopped already, and believe me, it would have been easy to blame it on an engine failure or very bad weather.
As for the 'pic' thing as it really seem to annoy you, the plane is N-registered, DHA is a PPL holder and has been checked out on C210, he's seating on the left-seat, by FAA regulation, he is therefore the pilot-in-command (I believe that you would disagree with that too, and maybe start on comparing FAA and JAA, etc, etc). You seem to be quite bitter about DHA attempting this challenge, or is it about the character himself? I don't really know, or really care, but you should chill out about things, try to get a life or go after real causes. Go flying.
Sorry, but I really don't understand your point, and the reasons behind it, but believe me, it is not a "nice trip" and if tourism was the purpose, it would have all been stopped already, and believe me, it would have been easy to blame it on an engine failure or very bad weather.
As for the 'pic' thing as it really seem to annoy you, the plane is N-registered, DHA is a PPL holder and has been checked out on C210, he's seating on the left-seat, by FAA regulation, he is therefore the pilot-in-command (I believe that you would disagree with that too, and maybe start on comparing FAA and JAA, etc, etc). You seem to be quite bitter about DHA attempting this challenge, or is it about the character himself? I don't really know, or really care, but you should chill out about things, try to get a life or go after real causes. Go flying.
Not so N, but still FG
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I think that MLS' point is that a lot of hoo-hahing about two people doing something which pushes no boundaries and establishes no precedents and which appears to be aimed at promoting a commercial venture is all a bit tedious. Hey, if I could get someone to sponsor me to fly a long way, including some long water crossings, with a very experienced pilot sitting next to me and some sort of support network, I'd be pretty chuffed, but I wouldn't crow about it as though I was Scott of the Antarctic.
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MLS-12D & FNG,
The way I look at this is a little different. David gets a lot of publicity with any undertaking now, since he has accomplished so much in the past.
Now if all this publicity inspires some young kids to take an interest in aviation or inspires someone who has wanted to learn to fly all their life but never took the plunge, then it is all worth it.
We need more good stories in aviation. I am tired of all the stories in the mainstream press either tied to 9-11 or a plane crash.
Happy Flying,
Capt. Richard J. Gentil, Pres.
Naples Air Center, Inc.
The way I look at this is a little different. David gets a lot of publicity with any undertaking now, since he has accomplished so much in the past.
Now if all this publicity inspires some young kids to take an interest in aviation or inspires someone who has wanted to learn to fly all their life but never took the plunge, then it is all worth it.
We need more good stories in aviation. I am tired of all the stories in the mainstream press either tied to 9-11 or a plane crash.
Happy Flying,
Capt. Richard J. Gentil, Pres.
Naples Air Center, Inc.
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I agree Richard,
I would also rather read about a flight like this than a flight to "France" in our UK mags.
I have flown in North and South Amercia and much of it is very difficult, with few facilities outside the major cities.
Give the lads a break, and if DHA is a low time PPL I can't think of a better way to gain experience, no matter who is flying the aircraft.
If I had the chance again I would go with him.
Tony
I would also rather read about a flight like this than a flight to "France" in our UK mags.
I have flown in North and South Amercia and much of it is very difficult, with few facilities outside the major cities.
Give the lads a break, and if DHA is a low time PPL I can't think of a better way to gain experience, no matter who is flying the aircraft.
If I had the chance again I would go with him.
Tony
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Exactly, FNG.
ShenziRubani, if H-A wants to say that he's in charge of the flying, it's no skin off my nose. A bit hard on his 'co-pilot', but I guess he doesn't have the money, so he has to put up with it (shades of Wilmer Stultz and Louis Gordon!)
This publicity is self-generated; it's not just happening out of the blue. Or was someone else responsible for the silly press release?
An unfortunate consequence of all the inexplicable publicity is that H-A comes across as a prat ... that's too bad, as it seems that he's done some genuine stuff previously.
P.S. For the story of someone who did some real flying in a real airplane, without self-promotion or lots of paid help, see Solo to the Top of the World.
ShenziRubani, if H-A wants to say that he's in charge of the flying, it's no skin off my nose. A bit hard on his 'co-pilot', but I guess he doesn't have the money, so he has to put up with it (shades of Wilmer Stultz and Louis Gordon!)
The way I look at this is a little different. David gets a lot of publicity with any undertaking now, since he has accomplished so much in the past.
An unfortunate consequence of all the inexplicable publicity is that H-A comes across as a prat ... that's too bad, as it seems that he's done some genuine stuff previously.
P.S. For the story of someone who did some real flying in a real airplane, without self-promotion or lots of paid help, see Solo to the Top of the World.
Last edited by MLS-12D; 20th Jul 2004 at 23:12.
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Okay MLS12-D, it is too obvious in your comments that you have something personal against that guy and therefore your opinion cannot be fair, or balanced.
Too bad.
Too bad.
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How do you deduce that? I agree with MLS's stance on this. I have no personal animus towards the participants. It is often considered bad form on PPrune to tell others what their comments mean.
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Indeed.
I have never met H-A; don't know anyone who has; and know nothing about him or his past accomplishments, other than what is available on the website. For all I know, he is a real salt-of-the-earth type.
I'm just put off by the ridiculous, vainglorious, commercially-motivated publicity (to quote from the website: "this fantastic voyage .... (undertaken by) an extreme explorer ... they embark upon such a remarkable journey". Give me a break
).
There have been many worthy flights that have promoted aviation by showcasing a solo pilot meeting personal challenges and raising money for charity. Think Carl Hiebert, or Doug Cairns. Those people are real heros, and it is unfortunate that their achievements are cheapened by all the unmerited praise and attention being bestowed upon this cheesy, slick commercial venture.
But of course, that's just my opinion.
I have never met H-A; don't know anyone who has; and know nothing about him or his past accomplishments, other than what is available on the website. For all I know, he is a real salt-of-the-earth type.
I'm just put off by the ridiculous, vainglorious, commercially-motivated publicity (to quote from the website: "this fantastic voyage .... (undertaken by) an extreme explorer ... they embark upon such a remarkable journey". Give me a break
).There have been many worthy flights that have promoted aviation by showcasing a solo pilot meeting personal challenges and raising money for charity. Think Carl Hiebert, or Doug Cairns. Those people are real heros, and it is unfortunate that their achievements are cheapened by all the unmerited praise and attention being bestowed upon this cheesy, slick commercial venture.
But of course, that's just my opinion.
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Anyway, how is he getting on?
I think that these enterprises are a complete hoot for those that undertake them, until something goes wrong, the latter being the main reason why I would not undertake one.
Getting paid for flying has to be nice and if you can do something for charity in the process than that is even better.
Exposing yourself to the additional risks that flying in these remote places brings with it is something which these people obviously enjoy otherwise they would not do it.
That makes them folks who have an interesting tale or two to tell but not explorers as we undertstand explorers to be.
Think that some folks are a bit harsh on the Pilots but have to say that the bickering is probably fueled by the agressive defence by the spokesperson for the home team on here.
So rather than contributing to the bickering can you give us an update?
FD
I think that these enterprises are a complete hoot for those that undertake them, until something goes wrong, the latter being the main reason why I would not undertake one.
Getting paid for flying has to be nice and if you can do something for charity in the process than that is even better.
Exposing yourself to the additional risks that flying in these remote places brings with it is something which these people obviously enjoy otherwise they would not do it.
That makes them folks who have an interesting tale or two to tell but not explorers as we undertstand explorers to be.
Think that some folks are a bit harsh on the Pilots but have to say that the bickering is probably fueled by the agressive defence by the spokesperson for the home team on here.
So rather than contributing to the bickering can you give us an update?
FD
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I'd like to hear more too.
I also think it's great when a student pilot posts his first solo story, sure it's been done before but it's an adventure to the person doing it and no harm in letting everybody know about it.
I also think it's great when a student pilot posts his first solo story, sure it's been done before but it's an adventure to the person doing it and no harm in letting everybody know about it.
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I agree with what you say about first solo posts, slim slag. They appear to have died out here after they all got stuck in one mega-thread. Ditto skill test passes (although posts on that subject have not dropped off to the same extent).
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I just got a call, after being stuck in Bahia Blanca due to weather and very low freezing level (they were picking up ice at 4,000' yesterday, they have managed to make it to Punta Arenas late this afternoon.
The trip is almost done, now the fun part starts for me as I am heading South to pick up N210SM and fly it back to Pittsburgh. Not crazy like those 2 daredevils though, I am going to make it safe and will follow the coast and the cross along the Caribean.
The trip is almost done, now the fun part starts for me as I am heading South to pick up N210SM and fly it back to Pittsburgh. Not crazy like those 2 daredevils though, I am going to make it safe and will follow the coast and the cross along the Caribean.
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Tony,
I would call anyone that crosses the heart of the Amazon Jungle in a single engine piston plane a "Daredevil". You are betting your life on everything working in that plane, especially the engine, while you are making that crossing.
Happy Flying,
Capt. Richard J. Gentil, Pres.
Naples Air Center, Inc.
P.S. Chris, will you be stopping in Naples on your way back to PA?
I would call anyone that crosses the heart of the Amazon Jungle in a single engine piston plane a "Daredevil". You are betting your life on everything working in that plane, especially the engine, while you are making that crossing.
Happy Flying,
Capt. Richard J. Gentil, Pres.
Naples Air Center, Inc.
P.S. Chris, will you be stopping in Naples on your way back to PA?
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Yes, I am not sure it is normal flying to do it with freezing levels reaching ground, or IMC for hours, over the Amazon, in a single-engine. But then again, that's my personal opinion, I understand if others don't agree.
Richard, we will definitely stop in Naples on the way back, it is still a pilgrimage for us to go back to NAC.
Hope you are still super busy.
Chris
Richard, we will definitely stop in Naples on the way back, it is still a pilgrimage for us to go back to NAC.
Hope you are still super busy.
Chris
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Richard,
I think it was a good thing for DHA to do and I agree that any publicity like this is better than air crashes etc, but dont push it too far.
I spent enough time in South America to know just a little (although it was over 20 years ago).
There are lots of pilots who cross the heart of the Amazon Jungle in a single engine every day for years. Some of my friends have been working there for 30 years.
South Amercia is NOT the hostile place most people think it is, sure there are vast areas of rain forrest. There are also many usable airstrips and logging camps with fuel and supplies and aircraft engineers, the weather no worse than many areas of the USA, and people still fly there (sometimes in IMC).
The ferry pilots who cross the North Atlantic every week (without publicity) are at much more risk than DHA ever was on this trip.
I am always interested in reading about a good trip but not when people start talking $h1t£.
Tony
I think it was a good thing for DHA to do and I agree that any publicity like this is better than air crashes etc, but dont push it too far.
I spent enough time in South America to know just a little (although it was over 20 years ago).
There are lots of pilots who cross the heart of the Amazon Jungle in a single engine every day for years. Some of my friends have been working there for 30 years.
South Amercia is NOT the hostile place most people think it is, sure there are vast areas of rain forrest. There are also many usable airstrips and logging camps with fuel and supplies and aircraft engineers, the weather no worse than many areas of the USA, and people still fly there (sometimes in IMC).
The ferry pilots who cross the North Atlantic every week (without publicity) are at much more risk than DHA ever was on this trip.
I am always interested in reading about a good trip but not when people start talking $h1t£.
Tony
Last edited by TonyR; 23rd Jul 2004 at 08:03.