Long-lining by fixed-wing!
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: UK & places
Long-lining by fixed-wing!
Precision long-line load delivery and recovery. No problem? Try it with a fixed wing! Check this: http://www.newscientist.com/channel/...mg18624971.600
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Beyond the black stump!
Years ago, I watched a TV show where they picked up an individual from the ground using this exact method. If I recall correctly, it was Craig Hosking who was flying the aircraft.
It certainly can be done.
It certainly can be done.
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Joined: Feb 2000
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
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From: UK
Marvin Michael, an ex Boeing TP who worked with Nate Saint at MAF talks quite a lot about the development of that long line technique in his autobiography "A passion for flying".
A bit nauseatingly evangelist in places (if, like me, you aren't a devout Christian anyhow), but otherwise a good read.
G
A bit nauseatingly evangelist in places (if, like me, you aren't a devout Christian anyhow), but otherwise a good read.
G
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 68
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From: CT, USA
Bucket Drop
The bucket drop used about 1/4 mile of nylon cord, with a bag tied to the end. By circling at low altitude, wind resistance caused the cord to spiral around in the shape of an inverted cone. The bag could be stabilized over one spot on the ground, low enough for a person to reach up and grasp it, to exchange mail, medicines, or in this case gifts.
It took a great amount of skill and practice. Wind was the main problem. The pilot cannot vary the angle of bank to correct for wind drift...the bucket would be all over the sky! He has to establish a proper and constant bank at exactly the right altitude, then let the wind drift him over the spot. Once a person gets hold of the bucket, it becomes easy to maintain position."
It took a great amount of skill and practice. Wind was the main problem. The pilot cannot vary the angle of bank to correct for wind drift...the bucket would be all over the sky! He has to establish a proper and constant bank at exactly the right altitude, then let the wind drift him over the spot. Once a person gets hold of the bucket, it becomes easy to maintain position."
http://www.dtlinn.com/bucketdrop.html
Last edited by Chiplight; 3rd May 2005 at 21:04.
Joined: Aug 1999
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
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From: Gold Coast, Australia
Very interesting, but none of the narratives describe the effect on the load when it is reeled back in to the orbiting fixed wing. Even at a leasurely 80kts, once the load comes out of the stabilised "hover", it must whip around something horrid. Not at all sure whether that will be a Nice Thing for a stretcher patient, or any large object. What about stability of the load, etc?
Fascinating stuff, nonetheless
Fascinating stuff, nonetheless
