Air America The Movie

[Guest drizzt1978]

Hey Air America was on the other night and i got too thinking. Can anyone tell me what the main plane is that mel gibson and coke boy fly....Its refered to as a "freaky little thing" seems to be a STOL type aircraft, with a huge engine????

 

Any Takers???

 

 

[Barefootpilot]

It a PC-6 Porter. Awesome aircraft and very legal (not like they say in the movie) It was used throughout the world as a cargo hauler and very popular with the military to get into those short ugly stips. It was also a great jump plane for the skydivers taking 10 (I think) to 14,000' in about 10 mins. Its on my list of must fly aircraft. Pilatus are not making them anymore but they are buying old airframes back putting a bigger PT6 engine and refitting the airframe with new everything so there is still a chance. There is still one in NZ flying jumpers but none in Oz. (They also fitted them with floats but apparently where not that good)

 

Adam.

 

 

[Guest drizzt1978]

Good work Adam!!!

 

 

[Guest Crezzi]

Not a great photo but this is one a couple of years ago at Glenorchy in NZ

 

 

 

[Guest ozzie]

Air America actually flew Helio Stallions, Made in the USA by the CIA.

 

similar to the PC6. There is also a Helio Courier that is piston powered

 

I think the ex army porter owned by Luke McWilliams is still in WA.

 

Check out my footage of the porter landing at Elderslie DZ

 

http://www.recreationalflying.com/forum/video-clips-forum/14822-stol-landing-pilartus-porter.html

 

ozzie

 

 

[Barefootpilot]

Hey Ozzie.

 

Lukes porter ended up in NZ after someone did a full power run up while standing on the brakes... result - One curly prop! The closest thing to a porter in oz is the Beaver with a Garret in the front of it. Its a rocket ship but you've probably seen it and possibly even jumped it! There are some great video's of porters on you tube with one of the skydivers jumping from one aircraft and getting back in a porter doing a beta decent while in free fall.

 

 

[Guest ozzie]

The garrett powered beaver, "the walleroo 605". seen it, jumped it, maintained it ,flown it. real shame that it used to be owned by someone who did not deserve it.

 

still hear it on the occasional weekend droning away to hight over our house.

 

Always wondered how it would perform with the Advanced Wing Design modification.

 

Ozzie

 

 

[Barefootpilot]

Yes the owner is a "little strange" but I managed not to have to much to do with him. I think it is still floating around the NSW area or where ever the work is at the time or where they will let him land!

 

The advanced wing would probably work well for wheeled Beavers with the extra weight actually being able to be used. Its completly wasted on the float planes as you can only carry the same as the straight wings as it just won't pull itself out of the water with the extra weight onboard. The straight wings also fly a lot nicer with more aileron response but will bite in a stall!