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If you like STOL aircraft videos, go to the tube of you and search for the Valdez STOL fly in.
I grew up in Valdez...As I do like STOL aircraft videos I went there, so you didn't have to. Actually any aircraft videos float my boat but I lean towards military aircraft and those flying machines of an unusual nature. Especially if those aircraft are flown by talented pilots. The following video shows just how good these Alaskan bush pilots are at Short Take Offs and Landings.
As I got a little carried away yesterday with that double post, I found myself at a loss for what to post today. Freddy saved the day.
Here's a link to a newspaper article from 2011 regarding the results of the competition that year. Also has another video.
I tell ya, I can't get enough of this stuff. So I'll give you another link, this one is longer (nearly an hour) but it's all good.
While I'm at it, I guess I need to give the MV-22 Osprey a shout out, seeing we're talking STOL. Also, I have a Marine buddy who flies those beasties. One of the thrills I had last summer was seeing two of them fly past Chez Sarge. I'm waiting for more. Patrick?
We get a lot of Huskies and Cubs and Super Cubs in and out of KIBM during the summer. Pure enjoyment. As for the Osprey, "I told Orville and I told Wilbur and I told Larry, that thing will never fly..."
ReplyDeleteFirst I had seen of those type aircraft. I like 'em!
DeleteAmazing, they remind me of Goony Birds, only more graceful.
ReplyDeleteNice comparison, now that you mention it, that's exactly what they remind me of.
DeleteLike you said though, more graceful.
One time at a fly-in pancake breakfast, the winner of the spot landing contest was a Navion pilot who landed gear up. He didn't want to accept his trophy.
ReplyDeleteI can see why.
DeleteGood story!
My dad flew a Navion, we never took off or landed anything like these guys. He did say it was an excellent plane for short runways. Of course it wasn't equipped with those giant tires and special suspension.
DeleteThat's pretty cool Joe.
DeleteYep, those folks are GOOD! And they can do that pretty much anywhere...
ReplyDeletePeople who are good at what they do are a joy to behold.
DeleteOne time my dad asked me if I wanted to go up with him while he was practiced some touch and goes. This was when he had his Champ. His Piper PA-12 came after I joined the Big Grey Canoe Club.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, he was trying to touch down before the lines at the East end of the runway at Valdez and stop before he got to the lines or crossed the lines or something. On one he ended up touching down on the gravel just shy of the runway, and bounced up onto it. I've teased him about having a huge runway and missing it ever since. This was over 30 years ago, and he laughs every time I bring it up. Reminds me I need to give him a call.
Hahaha! Great story.
DeleteLike, like, LIKE!!!
ReplyDeletePretty cool stuff!
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