Thinking about Speculator

Thinking about the flying season ahead

MSPA 2010 Safety Seminar at Maddens on Gull Lake

Tribute to Jim written by Rich Grover

In the rising of the sun and in its going down we remember him,

In the blowing of the wind and the chill of winter we remember him,

In the blueness of the sky and the warmth of summer we remember him,

In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn we remember him,

In the chill of winter when the snow falls softly and the warmth of the fire that warms our souls we remember him,

As long as we live he too shall live, for now he is a part of us, as we remember him.

- Rich Grover
written for Jim Poel

Sad News about Jim Poel

Beyond the edge of darkness I see the gift of light
where all the things I dreamed of are now within my sight,
beyond the pain and suffering that held me down so long,
I see a new sun rising I hear a brand new song."

Written by Rich Grover for Jim

How to launch a float plane when there is no lake

Wow! Talk about crazy take offs!!!

Not bad for a Ford commercial either.

Here is a "takeoff" that is interesting. I've heard of this type of takeoff but have never actually seen it. Just another day for a bush pilot!

Thought you might like to see what kind of aviation related things they do in Prince George , B.C You have seen hundreds of float planes come and go...but bet you haven't seen one take off like this. Video was taken
in Prince George ....got to give the pilot full marks for guts. I imagine you only get one shot at this... notice the fire truck following them...they obviously had a few doubts themselves. Anyway, you have probably heard in 'aviation lore' about all sorts of things pilots have attempted with airplanes.

Well, be prepared to witness one of them. When a float plane is landed on the grass and taken to the hangar for maintenance, obviously it has to depart once again. Landing a float plane on grass is easier than becoming airborne on grass.This is where 'Dolly' comes in. Put the aircraft on a 'dolly', fire it up, tow it down the runway, and, once a certain speed is attained, push the throttle to 'Warp Factor 9', and you are airborne.

Get ready, here is how the good people at Hill Aircraft Service Ltd. in Prince George , B.C., accomplish a 'dolly take-off''!

Don't let those boys fool ya! We had a great time!

Thank you to Dawn and her wonderful family and friends!!!

Click here to see all the images.