BRY THE DUNKER GUY
“BRY THE DUNKER GUY”
Fall is arriving and soon floats will be obsolete in the majority of our Canadian geographical locations all across the country. A large number of us will simply moth ball our craft until the spring time six months ahead, others will have floats removed and the trusty old wheels reattached to our undercarriage.
For the year round runway bound folks other than winter weather concerns and the usual cooler conditions, there really are no adjustments other than winter survival gear in most cases and a broom to dust the future snow off.
Regarding the water to tarmac configuration it may be prudent to do a few circuits with a pilot who is current on a similar type, and familiar with the new wheel to eye height which you have been away from since the spring when your floats were installed.
Remember also that significant water temperature changes have taken place in the past 90 day’s, and in the unlikely even you should end up having to put down on a liquid surface with out the ability to slide in smoothly to a stop be prepare for a shock to the system.
When aircraft inadvertently ditch into cold water with wheels the persons on board could be subjected to the instantaneous impact followed by a hard to describe cold submersion which totally takes your breath away.
Once this scenario has taken place, inverted underwater an overwhelming disorientation experience is next followed by a mad panicked out of control desire to find an exit.
The answer to preparing for such an event is to mentally plan for the occasion in advance, and have previously trained for a ditching by simulating the event in how to Egress from inverted aircraft in the warmth of a local swimming pool.
Aviation Egress Systems will be on the road this October thru November 2005 offering one day courses all across Canada at a variety of locations from Victoria BC to Val- d’Or Quebec.
To find out where and when we will be in your neighborhood contact me either by phone or e-mail and I would be happy to give you all the details.
As for those of us who fly floats at places such as the BC coast year round as I do with challenging weather conditions and large swells capable of swallowing an aircraft whole, Egress training is a must and should be repeated every few years to keep current especially for the commercial operators.
For new seaplane pilots requiring a float endorsement or just a refresher before going back out on pontoons there are many options and locations available to you, although I highly suggest like anything of quality do some homework and be sure you are paying for experienced leadership in seat beside you.
For year round float training available on the west coast located at Vancouver BC I suggest contacting wwwfloatsafety.com an operation associated with Professional IFR which is a long term dedicated pilot training facility who boasts decades of past successes.
In Ontario Paul Armstrong with Thompson Air Service (613-378-6636) also well known and respected operates a Cessna 180 near Deseronto during their float flying season.
Where ever you train or operate float aircraft take it serious and fly responsibly with a good solid understanding of how to handle your equipment on a daily basis, but also what to do if things go bad in a very unforgiving area of aviation.
Bryan Webster is a 10.000 hours plus pilot with over 25 years experience flying over 35 aircraft types all over North America. In 1998 he founded Aviation Egress Systems to promote pilot/passenger ditch training and still flies part time in a De Havilland Beaver on the BC Coast.
For information or to enroll in Egress training contact Bry the Dunker Guy at 250-704-6401
Toll free at 1-877-GO-DITCH
Email info@dunkyou.com
www.dunkyou.com