R44 trans-Atlantic ferry flight
Thread Starter

Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Here
I heard about a couple of guys who flew California-Norway! Anyone have any links to their story, or anyone else who has flown the pond in an R44?
Thanks, Sam.
Thanks, Sam.
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Where do you want me to live
I never met Johan or Dan, but Arve was a blast to hang out with.
I heard that they had to carry their own fuel as there were several areas they couldn't get fuel in (and the gas cans in the pix sure confirm that!).
Incredible trip. More fun than having RHC crate your heli and ship it for you!
When I was down at RHC for the safety course, I had the pleasure of meeting 2 South African gentlemen who were there because their company purchased an R44. I asked them if they were flying it back (having Arve's trip fresh on my mind)...."NO WAY! We'd be shot down over Africa!" Good point. Sounds like an exciting trip, though!
I heard that they had to carry their own fuel as there were several areas they couldn't get fuel in (and the gas cans in the pix sure confirm that!).
Incredible trip. More fun than having RHC crate your heli and ship it for you!
When I was down at RHC for the safety course, I had the pleasure of meeting 2 South African gentlemen who were there because their company purchased an R44. I asked them if they were flying it back (having Arve's trip fresh on my mind)...."NO WAY! We'd be shot down over Africa!" Good point. Sounds like an exciting trip, though!

Joined: Oct 2007
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From: airport
One way to get over these long distances is to fly ahead and deposit some fuel cans at a beach or some rocks you remember. Then fly back and repeat as long as needed. When you start your trip, you can then pickup that extra fuel at these fuel deposits. Not sure if they did it in that fashion, but sure looks like it.
They also had a long range tank installed as far as I know. I hope the pilot will come up with that English translation of the trip once he finds the time, so that we can learn more about it.
What I heard is that the fuel prices (maybe especially Avgas?) in those areas are sky high. Not just expensive, but multiple times the price of what it normally is.
They also had a long range tank installed as far as I know. I hope the pilot will come up with that English translation of the trip once he finds the time, so that we can learn more about it.
What I heard is that the fuel prices (maybe especially Avgas?) in those areas are sky high. Not just expensive, but multiple times the price of what it normally is.
Last edited by Runway101; 10th August 2008 at 10:21. Reason: Removed spelling mistakes
Thread Starter

Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Here
Avgas in Greenland is about USD16/gal, an added complication is that in Iqualuit (northern Canada) you have to buy complete 50 gal drums - so if you want 60 gals you pay for 100!
Thanks for the links, I'll go have a look.
Sam.
Thanks for the links, I'll go have a look.
Sam.
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: USA
Crossing the Atlantic
Hi Guys, Johan here...
I've written a 17 pages article about our trip. It's in danish, but I'm in the process of interpreting it to english. Give me a couple of weeks... Then I will post it here.
I've written a 17 pages article about our trip. It's in danish, but I'm in the process of interpreting it to english. Give me a couple of weeks... Then I will post it here.
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: USA
Arve had the backseats removed and there was a 15 gallon aux tank installed. It was wired to the busbar and we could, in flight, pump fuel from the aux tank to the main tank. We did this by only pumping when the main tank was below ½ and we timed the pumping to 12 min. In this time almost all the fuel would have been pumped to the main tank.
Thread Starter

Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Here
Going to do it next month (R44) - looking forward to it!
Actually; there are 'lots' of people that have done this over the years.
I've managed to find/create a route with a maximum over water leg of 214nm, Scotland to Canada
Fly safe, Sam.
Actually; there are 'lots' of people that have done this over the years.
I've managed to find/create a route with a maximum over water leg of 214nm, Scotland to Canada

Fly safe, Sam.
Thread Starter

Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Here
Hi Heliice,
We'll be in Egilstadir on the night of the 11th (dependant weather) if you're about? Then straight out for Greenland...
You're based in Iceland or in Norway? Going with 5 helis to Norway first week of June - any top tips for heli spots (got some ideas already but...).
Fly safe, Sam.
We'll be in Egilstadir on the night of the 11th (dependant weather) if you're about? Then straight out for Greenland...
You're based in Iceland or in Norway? Going with 5 helis to Norway first week of June - any top tips for heli spots (got some ideas already but...).
Fly safe, Sam.




