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R44 trans-Atlantic ferry flight

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Old 9th August 2008 | 19:15
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Question R44 trans-Atlantic ferry flight

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.
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Old 9th August 2008 | 20:49
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HI Sam,

The 2 guys were Johan Hansen and Arve Heltand. They were 2 of my students from Hillsboro Aviation.

Their website is Hjem

Hope this helps.

R22
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Old 10th August 2008 | 00:05
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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!
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Old 10th August 2008 | 02:39
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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.

Last edited by Runway101; 10th August 2008 at 10:21. Reason: Removed spelling mistakes
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Old 10th August 2008 | 06:43
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Cool

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.
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Old 11th August 2008 | 07:47
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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.

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Old 11th August 2008 | 11:44
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I am looking forward to your English report Johan. Can you tell us more about the fuel tanks that you had installed at HAI?
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Old 11th August 2008 | 12:03
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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.
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Old 18th June 2010 | 04:57
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plumbing?

Howdy.. can you tell me how the aux tank on the back seat was plumbed into the fuel system? I need to add an extra 2 hours endurance to a R44 myself.. any advice would be appreciated..
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Old 23rd June 2010 | 21:30
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Awesome, any updates on the English report
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Old 14th May 2014 | 18:41
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Did the trip report ever get done? Tried to call the number on their site but it's no longer working.

Cheers, Sam.
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Old 14th May 2014 | 22:25
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Across the Atlantic in a Robbie.....that needs pondering over a case of Beer!
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Old 14th May 2014 | 22:49
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Consider that Q (Quentin Smith) has flown the R44 twice around the world, as well as to both North and South Poles.
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Old 15th May 2014 | 00:50
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Far braver man than I, for sure.
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Old 15th May 2014 | 14:14
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Didn't Q end up in the drnk on his way to the South Pole? Or did he repeat the exercise afterwards?
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Old 15th May 2014 | 16:07
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Didn't Q end up in the drnk on his way to the South Pole? Or did he repeat the exercise afterwards?
Yes and yes, the second time with a Raven II.

Here is the video:
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Old 16th May 2014 | 13:15
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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.
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Old 17th May 2014 | 16:18
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Sounds like a fab adventure. Wish you tailwinds all the way.
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Old 18th May 2014 | 08:57
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If you need any assistance while you are in Iceland just let me know
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Old 19th May 2014 | 07:36
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Cool

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.
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