Any TDR Member Pilots?

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I found this 310 in 93 in a hanger in Oxnard, CA I mentioned to lady at the fuel desk that I was there looking at 310's but they were all junk, she called this old boy up and before you know it I'm standing in front of this hanger waiting for the door to open up on a dust covered relic. The doors opened and there was this perfectly clean 1960 310, White w/yellow and black strips, it didn't have a speck of dust, dirt, or oil on it.
The old boy was being paid to take care of it by the estate of the guy that owned it. He had been the mechanic on the plane sense the day it was new, he was probably in his early 80's he said "well it hadn't been flown sense 71 or 72 but I keep it clean and run it up twice a week". It was like brand new and I fell in love with those tuna tanks. We went to the bank that afternoon when we fininshed there he said he needed to know when I'd be back so he could tell his wife when he was retiring. Neet guy, and I got a nice airplane, I just hope my wife sells the thing off after I'm gone.
I gained a new found respect for Sky King when I flew it from Oxnard to Scottsdale with the original panel I remember being happy it was a severe clear VFR day, flying IFR with that panel would have been a real trip.

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2000, 2500, 24V, 5spd, 4X4, SWB, Driftwood, Leather, Fog Lights, Rear Anti Spin, Camp Spl, Trailer Tow, HD Transfer, No Res or Muff

 

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The 310 is a sweet ride. I always liked the Cessna wing design.
The first three dates with my wife were in a 210.
She didn't know I could drive until the forth date.
And then there was this time at 5280 feet over eastern North Carolina... ...

Flying CAN be fun. #ad


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2000 3500 Quad Cab, SLT+, LSD, 4x2 Auto, 3. 54, Camper Option, Trailer Option, Sports Option, Sliding Read Window, BLACK. With Power Bolt Tailgate Lock, Dodge Sill Guards, Mag-Hytec Rear End Cover, Leer Camper Shell.

 

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My 2nd date with my wife was in our Saratoga. It was a short half hour flight to Pontiac, MI - there's a restaraunt on the field that you can park right outside. The flight home was very bumpy (moderate) and the landing was in a 20 knot x-wind gusting to 24. You know the kind of landing - like riding a bucking bronco at about a 30 degree bank, and at night I might add. After I landed (firmly) I thought to myself she'll never fly with me again. I looked over at her and she was smiling! It was at that point that I knew she was the one - she'd be able to handle all of my risk taking and eccentricities! I'm still working on getting that 5280 ft flight though!

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-Steve St. Laurent
'98 Quad Cab Long Bed (CMNSPWR), 4x4, ISB, 5sp, 4. 10 LSD, Prime-loc remote fuel filter,
boost & pyro gauges, TST Powermax, Permatech spray in liner, Grizzly stainless nerf bars,
BFG 285/75R16 AT KO's
http://my. voyager.net/stevest



[This message has been edited by Steve St. Laurent (edited 11-22-1999). ]

 

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It seems like there are a lot of "Dodge Pilots" out there. I worked on Kingair 90's, and 200's and Lear 24's and 25's for two years. I started out as a ramp rat, I fueled everything from DC-3 to Gulfstream III. I also got a lot of shotgun time in the 90's and 200's flying medical patients. I never worked on my pilots license but I hope to someday. I have never been in anything as quick as the Lear 24 with a real light load (check flight with the pilots, one other mechanic, and myself, not much fuel). I think those CJ610's are more powerful than a Cummins? No, probably not.

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HAPPY TRAILS

95 3/4 ton, auto, no muffler, empty cat, scotty air, clarion cd, trailer rigged etc. (Just traded my 91 for this one so I don't have all the goodies yet. )

77 Scout Traveller, 345, holley 4bbl, 6' lift, lots of rust etc. (I just kept it because it's got a Mopar transmission in it. ) I am in the process of rebuilding the body now.




[This message has been edited by CHACE (edited 11-23-1999). ]

 

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Steve,

I had the same expirence with my wife.
The first four flight were real bumpy winter weather flights and she just sat there with a smile on her face.
We were IFR from Savannah, GA to GSO and dodging thunder storms cells on a line from Atlanta to DC. Inter cloud lightning, hail and a real tough ride. She had a BIG grin on her face and I started to ask her if she was an ex-air force pilot or something and she says "Boy! It's really beautiful up here. I can see why you love it so. "
You've just GOT to love someone like that, sweaty hands and all. (my hands).

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2000 3500 Quad Cab, SLT+, LSD, 4x2 Auto, 3. 54, Camper Option, Trailer Option, Sports Option, Sliding Rear Window, BLACK. With Power Bolt Tailgate Lock, Dodge Sill Guards, Mag-Hytec Rear End Cover, Leer Camper Shell.

 

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Rick,
Finally got online. Will put info on forum as soon as I figure out the system,etc. Till then will stand by my #1 rule in my 48 years of flying. Never take-off without a good pre-flight and briefing!!!!

 

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Glad to see you here Skeet... I know these fellow aviation folks will be glad to hear your awesome flying background!
Welcome!

 

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Was never a pilot, but used to fly. Dad always had a J3 Piper Cub at home when I grew up, had his own little hanger & 2,000' strip. Everyone flew the Cub, even my mom, (she actually got a liscense!) He also had a J-5, PA-12, PA-14 too. My little brother took it up as a career, flew helos in the army, flew for KS. Nat'l Guard, (Helo's & a King Air) Retired, now flys Citation Ultra's for Warren Buffett's "Net Jet") My oldest son AND daughter-in-law are US Navy Helicoptor pilots, both fly SH-60B's. Are stationed in Jacksonville, FL

 

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Hey - I'm ASEL rated and a Naval Flight Officer in EA-6B Prowlers with over 2200 hours and 330 carrier arrested landings and 200 combat hours. I'm plunking along on my comm and inst; now that I'm back gainfully employed, I'll get it finished up. I have stick time in T-34Cs (PT-6 powered and yes, it is a great engine!), T-2s, TA-4s, Citations, F/A-18s (about 75 hours or so), F-15s, F-16s and F-5s. At the Navy flying club here at Whidbey Island, I'm checked out in our Cherokee 140s and 180, C-172s and T-34Bs (we have 5!! of 'em!!). Any PacNorwesters want to do a fly-in one of these days (OK, next spring/summer when the weather turns good again)? If anyone's up here (Seattle area) I'd be happy to take ya up in the Mentor.

 

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Hi folks. Just now ran across this forum. Great to know there is one for those of us who enjoy other things in addition to our trucks. My story is probably not as interesting as others, but here it is anyway. I've had my private ticket since 1986, all in singles (Cessnas, Pipers, Beeches). Sorry to say I'm VFR rated only. I had started my instrument work but then got transfered to another city and just never got back into it. Even though my love of flying has never gone away, I have been inactive for the past 4 years. My daughter developed anorexia at that time which put the skids to everything else I had going on in my life. Thank God she's okay now though. As a matter of fact, my last flight was to visit her in the hospital. Okay, I'll stop with the sob story. I have loved flying for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately, lack of time and money has never allowed me to pursue it any further than for recreational purposes. I envy those of you who have been able to have aviation as a career. I have always been partial to the PA-38 (Tomahawk) even in spite of it's reputation for twisting the tail off. I have always held to the idea of not getting into a spin in one. I know this is not a very glamorous airplane to most, but I think they are a blast to fly. I did find out, one night, that the windshield leaks. Anyway, I'll quit rambling and close with this, flying will always be in my blood as will tinkering around with my diesel truck. I just don't get to "exercise my privileges" as I'd like to. Hopefully soon I can get back into it on a regular basis. In the mean time, happy dieseling.

Wayne
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'96 3500 ext. cab, 2wd, auto trans, slt laramie, all stock, all black

 

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Wayne,

I know every pilot has a special feeling for the one airplane, but I found the Tomahawk to be the most lame excuse for an airplane I ever flew.
Can you say "tin can with wings"?
The FBO insisted I take one for a short IFR flight from GSO to RAL. Just as I got airborne a rain shower start to come in around the door (hatch). After a few minutes the latch disenguaged and the whole rain storm came in.
I called approach and requested a return to the field.
When I got it on the ground, the FBO says "yea, a few of them (ALL) have door latch and leak problems.
That was my first and LAST flight in a Tomahawk.
Give me a Super Cub any day.

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2000 3500 Quad Cab, SLT+, LSD, 4x2 Auto, 3. 54, Camper Option, Trailer Option, Sports Option, Sliding Rear Window, BLACK. With Power Bolt Tailgate Lock, Dodge Sill Guards, Mag-Hytec Rear End Cover, Leer Camper Shell.

 

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bmann, I didn't mean to raise the hair on the back of anyone's neck over an airplane and I certainly didn't mean to bring back unpleasant memories. I know that most people DON'T like the Tomahawk for lots of reasons. I've heard it called "Traumahawk" more than once from FBO operators. Call me crazy I guess, but I happen to like them. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that it was the PA-38 I learned to fly in. The first time I ever saw one, I thought it looked like a tadpole with wings. In fact my instructor called it a tub. But over time, it kind of grew on me. I seem to remember not thinking much of the Ram's current body style when it first came out in '94 but now, I wouldn't own anything else. Sure they are low and slow, but it IS flying and with the exception of my truck, it beats the hell out of driving any day of the week. Enjoy your Cub and most of all, happy dieseling.

Wayne

[This message has been edited by Wayne Patterson (edited 12-07-1999). ]

 

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Well put Wayne, I admire your restraint.

Ben - no more coffee or Mountain Dew tonight, O. K. ?? #ad


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1999 2500HD 4x4 SLT Driftwood QC LB 3. 55LSD 5spd Camper/Tow, Custom Front Bumper/Brush Guard w/PIAA Pro 90's, PIAA Platinum Headlamp Bulbs, Diamond Plate Bed Caps w/full frt&rr DiaPlate Protectors, Kelly Safari AWR LT255/85-16 tires, 2" Trailmaster lift coming 12/8/99

 

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Wayne,

Sorry that the post sounded so strong. I didn't mean it to be that way. Everyboby loves different things. I have fond memories of many planes and dislike few.
And your right, flying beats anything else. I would even fly a Tomahawk (if there was no other choice). #ad

I currently have a Citabria 7KCAB, Pitts S2S and a Baron B55.
I have flown a Funk. See if you can find one of those at your local field.
Or a Culver Cadet. A REAL thrill.
Or maybe a Knight Twister. A real ride. #ad

I LOVE flying.
Sorry if I put down your plane.



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2000 3500 Quad Cab, SLT+, LSD, 4x2 Auto, 3. 54, Camper Option, Trailer Option, Sports Option, Sliding Rear Window, BLACK. With Power Bolt Tailgate Lock, Dodge Sill Guards, Mag-Hytec Rear End Cover, Leer Camper Shell.

 

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No offense taken, bmann. We here on this forum have a common interest, that being a love for all things aviation. It doesn't matter what kind of plane you prefer, or I prefer, or anyone prefers. What matters is that we have the freedom to get together and discuss that common interest and sometimes even disagree. That's what makes America a great place to live, don't you think? If you are ever in the NW Arkansas area, look me up. We'll sit down over a cup of coffee and talk about planes. God bless and happy dieseling.

Wayne

 

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Rick,
You wanted me to post this so here goes.
I started flying when I was 15. Our neighbor was the AF ROTC instructor at Eastern Oklahoma A&M and had a J-3 Cub. I mowed the runway with a team of horses and he gave me lessons (illeaglly). Joined the AF right out of high school. Went to radar operator school and then public relations school and public speaking course while enlisted. Went through the Aviation Cadet program at the time the AF was transitioning from Cubs and T-6s to T-34 and T-28s. The greatest times were when we would go South from Hondo,Texas to Corpus Christi and make like Powerstroke drivers and jump some of the Navy Cadets for a little fun. Reason I say it was like a Powerstroke driver is because the only way we could catch them was out of a screaming dive. After that it was all over because they had about a 1/3 more horsepower and a 3 bladed prop on the Navy 28s. Graduated pilot training in the 6th from last class in the B-25 bomber. Was made instructor pilot in B-25s for the duration of their usefullness. I was then posted to Reno for F-86 tansition and gunnery. Finished that and went to SAC where I flew B-47 and B-52 bombers. Was riffed from AF because I had no college time. Took a 3 year vacation from flying to be a Motorcycle Cop in Oklahoma City. Got my helicopter ticket and trained helicopter pilots for Army at Ft. Wolters, Texas. Went to work for Petroleum Helicopters in '70. I was among first 100 chopper pilots in US to obtain Airline Transport ticket and full instrument rating in helicopters. At Petroleum I worked in Tx,La,Miss,Fla,Israel,Egypt,Sinia Dessert,and a couple of So. American Countries on Govt Contracts(State Dept). Was forced to retire due to physical or I would still be beating the air into submission.
22,000 hours +
Commercial Airplane,Single and Multi-engine Land. Instrument. Type rated in B-25 and C-47(DC-3).
PA18,T34,T28,PA28(r),T-6,Sennaca.
Airline Transport Pilot, Helicopters,Instrmt.
Bell G2,G4,J,206,204,205,212,412. Sikorsky S-76.
Hughes TH55,300,500. Hiller C,D,FH1100. Bolkow 105. Few minutes in Russian mil-6 and mil-8 while in Egypt.
Liscensed A&P Mechanic
You ask, do I miss flying? NAH! Not unless I hear an airplane engine or see a contrail. Mostly I miss the people of aviation, they are like the guys here on the TDR, a great bunch of people, who are independent thinkers with a few thrown in to show us what not to be.
Someone earlier offered a ride in the T-34. Don't be too surprised if I come knocking on your door.
Skeet

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98. 5 QC K-N Filter Custom made 3" glasspack muffler.
Now it sounds like a diesel.

 

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Thanks for the post Skeet - I know you didn't do it to impress anybody but I'm impressed, regardless.

You must have a lot (understatement) of memories from logging those 22,000 hours - really good, good, bad and just plain terrifying.

Rob


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1999 2500HD 4x4 SLT Driftwood QC LB 3. 55LSD 5spd Camper/Tow, Custom Front Bumper/Brush Guard, PIAA 90ProXT's, PIAA Platinum Headlamp Bulbs, Per-Lux 550 rr mtd aux b/u lights, Diamond Plate Bed Caps w/full frt&rr DiaPlate Protectors, Attwood 25Klb. rollover gooseneck hitch, Kelly Safari AWR LT255/85-16 tires, 2" Trailmaster leveling kit w/shocks, Muffler/Silencer Ring gone, Totem alum canopy, Mobil Delvac1 5W-40, and... cup smoothie

 

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Rob,
Thanks for the kind words. I had talked to JR Farmer earlier, prior to joining TDR, via e-mail. Was still hesitant to make the post because the last thing I wanted to do is start a "can you top this?" thread.
If you happen to get the Sunday "Parade" magazine with your newspaper read the cover item about the MFO peace keepers in the Sinai Desert. That's why I was over there except it was a Govt contract. Had 3 Bell 212's and a Pilatus Porter to do the inspections with. The MFO releived us in '82. Up to that time it was handled by E-Systems (CIA) and civilians as we supervised the pull back of Israel out of the Sinai and the advancement of the Egyptian forces. Sort of a fresh meat buffer to keep the 2 sides friendly. Brought back some great memories as I don't think there is a square foot of the Sinai that I did't look at one way or the other. One heliport we landed at was an Israeli OP that was at 9200 msl and a 60 by 60 pad. One way in and one way out. On the way out got a real rush when the terrain dropped from 3' under the skids to 6000 feet. Talk about a sheer cliff.
Again, thanks for the kind words.
Skeet

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98. 5 QC K-N Filter Custom made 3" glasspack muffler.
Now it sounds like a diesel.

 

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Glad to see that you finally made it Skeet... I for one would like to thank you for sharing some of your adventures with us, and gosh I do hope that you keep 'em coming!
While you were in South America with the state dept were you by any chance associated with East Inc?
I did a little stint with these folks in S. America... but I got older and wiser!
Later, Rick Farmer

 

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Rick,
Was mostly courier and diplomat transport tho I am familiar with inserting perimiters and bush beaters. Only way to grow older is to leave there (fast). Was relief on a big inch pipeline and also sling loaded a couple of oil drilling rigs into the jungle. One of our pilots in New Guinea had the natives shooting arrows and chunking spears at his chopper when he flew over. Takes a few hundred years for them to get the word down there.
On a later note, think I will keep my head down come the Y2K weekend. There are a lot of crazies in this world and no doubt that we have more than a few of them here in the US due to our lax immigartion policies and lack of border control. Gut feeling is there will probably be some fireworks somewhere.

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98. 5 QC K-N Filter Custom made 3" glasspack muffler.
Now it sounds like a diesel.