Dave Calkins
Registered User
Anchorage, Alaska
Steve. Finally someone makes a really great decision in 2021
I worked a Beaver for several years in Kodiak. It was on amphibious floats. Actually, the floats were the vast majority of maintenance on that plane. The P and W 985 is a great engine, with proper pilot technique. Consistent and thorough warm up and respect of limits is key to keeping that engine happy. Kenmore long ago significantly increased their average time between overhaul by mandating warm ups.
otherwise very reliable engines. Some use a bit of oil, but I’ve flown really tight ones.
The airframe is arguably one of the toughest, most durable ever built. There’s a reason that lots of Alaska coastal air taxi operators went to Cessna 206s, but many have now gone back to Beavers. Load haulers, but they tolerate the work much better.
Consider the average total time of virtually all Beavers.....the one I flew was “low time” when I flew it, at 7000 hours or so. That was in the 80s. It was sold then and went to an air taxi. It’s still flying air taxi in Kodiak....a year round gig, btw.
Theyre tough in other words. I was devastated when management replaced that Beaver with a new 206.
MTV
That's no pool that's a beaver pond.Very nice, but a pool might be more maintenance then a beaver ;- )
Glenn
Very nice, but a pool might be more maintenance then a beaver ;- )
Glenn
that's no pool that's a beaver pond.
Is that a pipe line right of way crossing the upper third of the property? Perhaps an old railroad bed?
Is that a pipe line right of way crossing the upper third of the property? Perhaps an old railroad bed?
Congrats, looks like an awesome place. How long is the bike ride to downtown and the airport?
Hey TRD: What's wrong with Viking?
Who stated there is something “wrong with Viking” as you ask? I cannot speculate an answer to your question as it is well beyond my purview. I have, however, formed an opinion based on the ever-increasing edicts that flow from their solutions to an alleged fleet wide problem with the DHC-2 series aircraft. My opinion is formed by detailed data and experience as why I believe Viking Air is not making sound science-based decisions regarding the long-term viability and supportability of the Beaver. I have reached out to Viking over the years to provide my assessments with possible solutions with either no response or no interest. Hence my tongue in cheek opinion Cub owners should be grateful Viking Air is not interested in the PA-18 series Type Certificate (TC).Hey TRD: What's wrong with Viking?
Your reply is both arrogant and condescending. I provided you my time providing insight to a known problem effecting the Beaver community. I prefer to make things better rather than quitting. A simple thank you and press on is the proper response. BTW, Viking did not build the Beaver. Over and out!Gee, I'm sorry; it was a simple question.
Wasn't it obvious from your wish that we all "pray" that Viking never owns the 18 TC that you held a negative view of them?
If you're not happy with Viking and the aircraft types they build and support, maybe you should stick with or switch to Cessnas for your heavy STOL lifting.