My Day In The Air

[d2dave]

Had a fun day on Saturday. I went with the postie to help deliver the mail.

This postie was a bit different. We did it in a plane.

The run involved 28 landings, two of which had to be aborted and go around again, due to animals either on the landing strip or close by.

I got to fly the plane including three complete unassisted take offs. I had a lot of fun.

The Delivery Vehicle.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/07/451.jpg

One Of The Landing Strips.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/07/452.jpg

Me delivering some mail

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/07/453.jpg

And me flying. I know I look like a dag with my glasses, but without my reading glasses I can't read the instruments
and it was so bright I had to wear sunnies.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/07/454.jpg

[Homestar]

Nice! Would love to do that, sounds like a great day - so you looking at a new career now Dave?

[Mick_Marsh]

And here's me thinking you were talking about being in the dunes again.

[Ranga]

You'll be catching up to your lad soon!

[Tins]

Had a fun day on Saturday. I went with the postie to help deliver the mail.

This postie was a bit different. We did it in a plane.

The run involved 28 landings, two of which had to be aborted and go around again, due to animals either on the landing strip or close by.

I got to fly the plane including three complete unassisted take offs. I had a lot of fun.

The Delivery Vehicle.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/07/451.jpg

One Of The Landing Strips.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/07/452.jpg

Me delivering some mail

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/07/453.jpg

And me flying. I know I look like a dag with my glasses, but without my reading glasses I can't read the instruments
and it was so bright I had to wear sunnies.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/07/454.jpg

Piper? A little bigger than the PA28 I was learning in.

Tell me, are you smitten?

[d2dave]

Piper? A little bigger than the PA28 I was learning in.

Tell me, are you smitten?

You bet I am.[smilebigeye]

This plane is a 7 seater with the third row removed to carry the mail.

It also helps having a big six for lots of grunt, as some of the runways are very short, so short that they can't be used in summer as the engine has less power on hot days.

My instructor reckons that this is not a good plane to learn in.

[d2dave]

Nice! Would love to do that, sounds like a great day - so you looking at a new career now Dave?

Unfortunately he has quit this job. He finishes in 10 days. This was my reason for needing the trailer, to bring a load of his stuff back.
He was originally going to be there for another 18 months, otherwise he would have been more than happy to take you on the run.

He benefits with a passenger as the pilot sits in the left seat and the door is on the right.
So the passenger has to get out at every stop and deliver the mail.

As for a career change. A bit late at my age, but if I had my time again this is what I would do.
Beats driving a truck.

[Tins]

You bet I am.[smilebigeye]

This plane is a 7 seater with the third row removed to carry the mail.

It also helps having a big six for lots of grunt, as some of the runways are very short, so short that they can't be used in summer as the engine has less power on hot days.

My instructor reckons that this is not a good plane to learn in.

I agree with him. A smaller Piper, like the PA 28 ( if they're still around ) or a Cessna 150 or similar.

[Gordie]

I agree with him. A smaller Piper, like the PA 28 ( if they're still around ) or a Cessna 150 or similar.They certainly are still around and going strong...I learnt in a 152....but the PA28 or a 172 would be nicer to learn in.

[Hugh Jars]

The PA32 (Cherokee Six) is a bit of a dog (sorry). IMO the C182 is much nicer to fly. The Archer is my choice of 4 cyl/4seats/fixed undercarriage if you're learning to fly a Piper, or touring with a small family :)

[LRDan]

The PA32 (Cherokee Six) is a bit of a dog (sorry).

That it is! Give me a 206 any day... The Six has proved itself on this run since the 60's, many other aircraft have been used but none have withstood the punishment that these cop. It is not uncommon to have rocks the size of a melon end up on the strips.

With the longest leg being 30nm and and average of about 10nm between stops, you're not in the cruise long enough to feel its doggedness [biggrin]

[Hugh Jars]

The 206 was my favourite single. I had a soft spot for the 210 as well ;)

[JDNSW]

I am not a big fan of the PA32, although I have flown them a bit. Like a couple of the others, I prefer the Cessnas - done quite a few hours in 210s, and rather like them, although I do not think they would be suitable for this job - with the short legs you want fixed gear.

But at least with the Cessnas you can load, unload, and wait in the shade! My personal preference for this type of job would in fact be a 185, but they don't have the same carrying capacity as the 206 or PA32. (Personal disclosure - I owned a C180 for a number of years)