Here is the plan...

[Flying Trucker]

Afternoon all...

FSX and Windows 7

Here is the plan Number One:

Soon as the fog lifts we will:
-Start
-Take Off Flaps and Full Ski Down (I hope)
-Go to Full Power with Brakes On
-Release Brakes
-I promote you to Captain just prior to the water...Number One? Number One?



Comments and advice most welcome...

Hey guys, what do you mean you do not think it will work...skis are skis aren't they?

[CHUCK79]

I think it 'll work just fine, Doug ....the combination of the air in the tires and the skis should keep you on top of the water .......although I'd prefer to watch from outside the plane if you don't mind

[U4EA]

Cool shot and novel idea, but, methinks the tail-draggin' aspect will be a bit counterproductive.

I shouldn't really say counterproductive, because as soon as it bites water the elevators are gonna make an awesome dive planes!

[Flying Trucker]

Thanks Chuck and U4EA for the comments...

U4EA I am sure you know this but the control surfaces on the Douglas DC3/Dak were/are all fabric covered, so yes, one might say there is some dope on the aeroplane...
Not sure how long a fabric covered elevator would last as a dive plane.

The Old Girl gave me some time off as she was out with a few other Nattering Nannies.

I was just sitting there looking at the electronic gizmo's screen trying to figure out what I was going to do.

Thought about going to the Bugsmasher Field but it was and is snowing again...last day of winter also.

Came up with the idea while day dreaming about taxiing several different amphibians down the Water Aerodrome Ramp and onto the water.

Did land a Douglas DC3 with wheel/skis on water many times however it was ice.

Now as amphibians like the Consolidated Catalina/Canso, the DeHaviland DHC-3 Otter, Beech 18 and several different amphibious Cessna's go, taxiing from the water up the ramp to the apron or going from the apron down the ramp onto the water is an experience all it's own.

There are several courses that teach the proper procedure and having an experienced aviator or instructor on type is a plus.

Again it all comes down to education, experience and repetition.

[Fozzer]

....."There are several courses that teach the proper procedure and having an experienced aviator or instructor on type is a plus.

Again it all comes down to education, experience and repetition".

.....And making very sure that the front tips of those skis or floats don't dip below the surface of the water... ...!

..otherwise you will tip head-over-heels...and sink... ...!

Paul....keep the nose up!.... ...!

[U4EA]

Forgot about the fabric aspect. But I'm pretty sure either way there's a real fine line between aviator and submariner.

[Flying Trucker]

Thanks Paul...much appreciated for the comment.

Sure wish Paul when they add an aircraft with wheel/ski's to FSX that they would use the ski's that have different settings on them such as:
-Full Up Ski...wheels only down on landing/up in flight with wheels up
-3/4 ski...partial wheels
-1/2 ski...1/2 wheel and ski
-1/4 ski...3/4 wheels
-Full Down Ski...no wheels...all the weight of the aircraft is on the ski's...no brakes unless engine reverse available

There is a reason and use for each of these settings and the Douglas DC3s/Daks, DeHavilland of Canada Aircraft used most of those setting, think the Lockheed C130s here did also.

I suppose it might take a bit of work to configure something like that into a simulated aircraft and FSX but it would be more realistic and practical...

[Flying Trucker]

Thanks U4EA...when you stop to think of it submarines and aircraft both operate in a three (3) dimensional plane unlike surface ships or land vehicles which operate in a two (2) dimensional plane...