the pic in post 1 or 2 looks like this ...
so it probably is. Hard to tell with the articles photo resolution, but isn't the 177 Cessna's smallest retractable?
Posted on 09/16/2005 2:50:04 PM PDT by linkinpunk
Jeep, Doing 80MPH, Drives Under Plane To Fix Landing Gear
UPDATED: 5:16 pm EDT September 16, 2005
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- It was a literal fix on the fly at the New Smyrna Beach Airport. Three men in a jeep drove within feet of a small plane to fix its landing gear while it was still in the air.
The jeep had to go just about as fast as it could go down the runway, and the small Cessna had to slow to almost stalling speed for it to work.
"It's not something, from a safety standpoint, we would promote under normal circumstances," said New Smyrna Beach spokesperson Shannon Lewis.
An instructor and student were approaching the airport, ready to land, when they noticed their landing gear wouldn't lock in place. They radioed in their predicament and then circled for about an hour before crews on the ground could come up with a plan to get them down safely.
"We went through the normal procedures, emergency procedures, did a little bit extra by driving out," said Tony Perna, Epic Aviation.
With emergency vehicles in place, the Cessna flew in low and slow with a jeep right beside it. After several passes at about 80 miles per hour, the three-man crew in the jeep was able to see the problem and figure out how to fix it.
On a final pass, the men used a five-foot long pole to push the landing gear into place and lock it. With that done, the plane was able to land safely.
The instructor was flying the plane during the low passes. Epic Aviation would not let Channel 9 speak with him.
The airport will now investigate to see if the impromptu in-flight inspection broke any major rules.
"Investigating the incident and determining if any action needs to be taken," said Lewis.
When the airport is done with their investigation, they will forward their report to the Federal Aviation Authority.
With all due respect, horse-pucky, Clarissa! You simply have yet to encounter a worthy challenge. When that challenge comes, you'll find that you have what it takes.
It was a waste of the few minutes I spent watchng, but I recall it now, for some reason.
-PJ
the pic in post 1 or 2 looks like this ...
so it probably is. Hard to tell with the articles photo resolution, but isn't the 177 Cessna's smallest retractable?
I love my Jeep Cherokee
Wow, it reads like a movie. Fantastic job!
BTDT, as a joy-rider on a test hop... off the USS Kitty Hawk. Nothing quite like a cat launch in an F4 - other than a successful trap at the other end of the flight, that is! Definitely a treasured memory.
Me and 'my' bird, circa 1966 ...
What's the stall speed on a 172? As I recall, if they were lightly loaded (only one or two people) you couldn't hardly get them to settle out of the ground cushion. You had to be careful that you didn't run out of runway. We actually had to take a passenger along (with the student and instructor) for a couple of flights to see how the aircraft handled differently with a heavier load to get checked out in it. Of course, I only few the fixed gear versions. But they would fly at less than 80 mph.
Thats a good looking machine.
Do you recall the name of the short piece?
It's called 405.
-PJ
The Stall speed on an RG might be the same as a C-712 Fixed, I would say around 60mph or less depending on the flap setting.
Some safey weenee at it again? Did he understand his job prospects as a safety engineer under a Communist regime?
Click the link in my last post ;-)
Why were you in Florida today instead of at work?
eschewing the usual 10 foot pole
Thank you bureaucrats.
I go where I am needed my son.
You know that.
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