Boarding PH-PBA!

[Hanno Spoelstra]

At 14:00 hrs today I will take off in PH-PBA for a scenic flight.

More later!

Meanwhile look up what kind of aircraft PH-PBA is....

[Bill Murray]

I envy you my friend, not too many of those old soldiers left.
Funny, they were quite common when I was younger (1950s).
Now the few you see are mostly used as "Fire-fighters" dropping retardant materiel on our massive brush and forest fires in our middle and western parts.

Our local airport does have some sort of 1940's biplane that you can hire for a two hour or so tour over the Atlanta area. Quite expensive, but I may get Pat to get me a ticket for my 75th birthday in a couple of years.

Enjoy your tour, my friend.

Cheers
Bill

[Barry Churcher]

Have a great flight Hanno. Make sure you take a few photos of the Dutch countryside. I have read about the DDA before but I must confess I had to Google PH-PBA this morning.
met vriendelijke groeten.
Barry

[Keith Webb]

I had my first flight in one of those just last year. It was wonderful, and I marvelled at how well insulated and quiet it was (relatively speaking) compared with a bomber like the Hudson.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Thanks guys! Can't talk right now .... I have a SEG from ear to ear!

[Bob Carriere]

..... a DC - 3...?

NRC used a completely refurbished DC 3 to do geological survey a few eyars ago...... it was the most suitable for slow stable long flight time dependable research plane around ...... the contractor had it refitted just for that purpose....

Bob

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Bob Carriere

..... a DC - 3...?

A C-47 to be precise, and one with a unique history: PH-PBA c/n 42-100971 - read her history here. Suffice to say I was thrilled to fly in such a classic aircraft, not to mention a D-Day and Market Garden veteran, plus the ex-Royal and ex-Netherlands Government aircraft! I was lucky to fly in PH-PBA, as normally these scenic flights are carried out by PH-DDZ, currently undergoing maintenance, which has less of a history.

PH-PBA is operated by DDA Classic Airlines under full JAR regulations, and it is tribute to their crews and volunteers that they are able to keep these aircraft flying. The passengers are briefed before flight and then taken to the aircraft for a tour around the aircraft, pointing out construction details etc. Then they take off, and the passengers are given the opportunity to have a look in the cockpit and change seats with other passengers to enjoy the view of the landscape only 1400ft below. After landing all passengers are handed over some memorabilia as a remembrance of the flight. The whole experience is worth every Euro and this must be one of the best birthday gifts I ever had!

I've uploaded a few videos on youtube, nothing compared to Keith's professional work, but interesting to see maybe: http://www.youtube.com/user/mcspooltube

Hanno

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by Bob Carriere

..... a DC - 3...?

NRC used a completely refurbished DC 3 to do geological survey a few eyars ago...... it was the most suitable for slow stable long flight time dependable research plane around ...... the contractor had it refitted just for that purpose....

Bob

That is right Bob, straight, level and boring make the best platform for aerial photography. People click on goofle Earth and just "expect" to see high quality current imagery. They forget how much back end work goes into collecting, processing and preparing those images.

A couple of my Geo Tech classmates have gone to work in that industry. Hard work and many idled hours in airports between meetings, conferences and trade shows. But they've done well enough.

[Rob Fast]

Bloody hot, great ocean vacation...got stung by a jelly fish in 8 foot walls of sheer delight.