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More water landings in the 'Land Of Ice and Snow' |
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Larry Woods - Dec 29,2006
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Dec. 29. 2006<br /><br />It didn't look promising early this morning. Low ceilings, 20 mph east winds and 29 degrees F are not the stuff of which sea plane dreams are made. Still, the weather forecast suggested that temperatures might just climb a degree or two above freezing and that the winds might just abate to 15 mph. With no ice in sight, I decided to 'keep an eye on things'.<br /><br />Son Larry arrived at 11:30 A.M. We decided to at least do a few circuits 'to increase our crosswind skills'. There was also a new rudder trim tab to adjust so we headed for the airport.<br /><br />Arriving at NZ8, we noted that the ENE winds had indeed abated a bit, now providing an acceptable quartering cross wind of 15 knots. The temperature however wasn't cooperating. At 30 degrees (and showing no inclination to rise), we noted skim ice on the puddles. No water flying today.<br /><br />Following a good warm up, we taxiied out, and lined up for takeoff. In less than 400 feet, we were airborne, the A-24 bucking a bit but climbing strongly in the surprisingly turbulent air. Finishing the circuit, we landed, taxiied in and shut down. Moments later, with the trim tab adjusted, we headed out again. <br /><br />Heading south, we soon had the Grand River in sight and decided to check out the water conditions. As luck would have it, the wind was blowing right down our favorite section so we did a low and over. No ice, no obstructions and modest waves. What the heck, let's at least get the keel damp.<br /><br />Moments later, we splashed in, and quickly taxiied back up river, watching intently for any signs of ice forming where water had splashed on to the airframe. A minute later, we were airborne again and heading for home, noting with pleasure that the windshield had shed all traces of water spray. Enroute, I noticed that our airspeed was down a knot or two,..... A bit of ice perhaps? <br /><br />On landing, we eyeballed the airframe. A few tiny ice drops had formed in crevices and corners. A quick check of the thermometer and the frozen puddles confirmed 30 degrees F. <br /><br />Nice to get in a 'late season' water landing, but that will do for this year. Never have been keen on airframe ice, irrespective of its source. (g)<br /><br />Best,<br />Larry <br /><br /><br />
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