T-6's with BIG kahunas!

Kahuna · #1 02-22-2006, 08:15 AM

OK RV formation pilots. Who is going to be the frst to try this?

TerryPancake · #2 02-22-2006, 08:38 AM

That is COOL.. I've done that in a Cub. But I am sure we didn't look that cool. It cleans the tires real good. Nothing like a 80kt water blast to the tires.

Low & Slow · #3 02-22-2006, 08:39 AM

If anyone out there thinks they'd like to try this, please don't attempt it without locking the brakes first.

James Jennings
RV9 N94JJ reserved

TerryPancake · #4 02-22-2006, 08:49 AM

We didn't use brakes. The tires spun. In fact at those speeds it's just a hydroplaning. We actually had a bounce or two on the surface H2O is hard at 80kts.

f1rocket · #5 02-22-2006, 08:50 AM

This looks incredibly dangerous, but apparently it is not. I assume the tires want to skip off the surface?

I readily admit that I don't have the kahuna's to try it. I get the creeps just looking at the pictures.

Kahuna · #6 02-22-2006, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1rocket

This looks incredibly dangerous, but apparently it is not. I assume the tires want to skip off the surface?

I readily admit that I don't have the kahuna's to try it. I get the creeps just looking at the pictures.

Randy Im completely with you. Gives me the whillies looking at those pictures. I want to meet the guy that tried this first decades ago. How on earth did he manage to push the stick fwd that last 2 feet to touchdown and not pass out from fear and sweat. Good grief.

TerryPancake · #7 02-22-2006, 08:57 AM

I had a buddy try to get his J3 to do a complete circle with both tires in the water and he stuck the inside wheel in too deep at almost stall speed. But he also had to do the circle in a skid to keep both wheels on the surface. At "high" speeds it is really no big deal. But I am older now. I don't want to try to explain this to my insurance agent how I sunk my perfectly good airplane in a lake jacking around. I have seen many tail wheel airplanes use part water and part shore to land. Water for the first part and shore for last. It's kind of self critiquing.

rv8ch · #8 02-22-2006, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1rocket

This looks incredibly dangerous, but apparently it is not. I assume the tires want to skip off the surface?

I readily admit that I don't have the kahuna's to try it. I get the creeps just looking at the pictures.

I was sure the picture was a photoshop job, cuz no one would be crazy enough to try that... but after scrolling down. Wow. Those guys are insane. You've gotta do that very early in the morning on a completely calm day. Slight engine hiccup or muscle twitch and you're bait.

Janekom · #9 02-22-2006, 09:10 AM

Hi Guys,
I am fortunate enough to know these pilots - some of them for over 20 years now. They perform at all the airshows here in South Africa. They CAN fly and this is NOT a photo trick! Proudly South African!

petehowell · #10 02-22-2006, 09:19 AM

Kahuna,

Can you post a URL for the pics? My browser won't show them on VAF.com