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Posted By:
Nickens, Dan
Date Posted:
Jan 21, 2017
Description:
Coming on board up deck for some summer SeaRey time in New Zealand.
Date Taken:
12/25/2016
Place Taken:
Auckland, NZ
Owner:
Nickens, Dan
File Name:
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Category:
Yacht_Tending_NZ
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Read what others had to say:
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Nickens, Dan - Jan 06,2017
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There are lots of new faces wanting to fly. This one was an exuberantly determined young man hoping to impress his friends on social media.
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YesIam3919
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Nickens, Dan - Jan 21,2017
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Not all the work is afloat. The international airport at the golf course is a prime destination for the SeaRey. The "international" part of the "airport" is that a U.S. registered SeaRey uses it. The "airport" part of it is that it is a marginally long enough, mostly straight enough, and sometimes flat enough strip of earth near the golf course. Tucking in behind the trees is protection from wayward golf balls.
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Road Work
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Don Maxwell - Jan 22,2017
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Taking off from there doesn't look too challenging. Landing, on the other hand, must be somewhat more interesting.
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Nickens, Dan - Jan 22,2017
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That it is, Don, and I'm so happy you mentioned it because there's a story or two there.....but I will have to hold it until tonight.
""Flying before stories"" is my creed.
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Nickens, Dan - Jan 22,2017
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Well, never mind. Low clouds and fog are perfect for story telling, not so much for flying.
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Nickens, Dan - Jan 06,2017
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With the helicopter based off the golf course the SeaRey gets top billing on the boat. No more parking below deck. The 'Rey is top dog now.
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Ready on Deck
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Nickens, Dan - Jan 21,2017
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Being off a little island in a big ocean makes for some quickly changing weather. Some days it's better just to stay in bed.
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Dark and Stormy Start 3930
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Nickens, Dan - Jan 06,2017
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If you stay in bed long, however, you may miss a bright day. The forecast promised brighter but breezier, and delivered!
| | Attachments:
Better Day 3944
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Nickens, Dan - Jan 06,2017
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Parking on the lee side of a tall island is a mixed blessing. When the wind and waves are strong on the windward side, water on the other side may just lay flat, a deceptively calm port for a small seaplane. It's a false haven.
The morning routine began with the usual test flight (an excuse for the pilot to get some solo time). Immediately it was apparent that a calm port does not make for an easy launch when the wind blasts around the protective barrier from all angles. Gusts and waves of wind assault the back side from above and around. It made for a wild ride.
Fortunately I was the only one that was foolish enough to want to fly. I came back to the boat, happy to just secure the seaplane and wait for better weather.
While waiting, weather happened, but not for the better. I had settled into clearing up some long ignored paperwork when I got a radio call. "You need to come up on deck and check the seaplane."
That's never a good call so I quickly went up to see what was happening in the outside world. What I found was a gale blowing in heavy seas. The little seaplane was pitching up and down at radical angles, seeming to submerge on each downward roll. The wind had changed direction and was pushing frenzied swell into the formerly calm cove.
I ran straight to the bridge. There was managed chaos as the captain directed his crew to secure tenders and toys. I urgently broke in to say, "The seaplane is in imminent danger of sinking. I need to get out to it right away."
Before he could react, however, the situation got worse. We watched as one wing rose, burying the other in the churning water. I knew immediately that the starboard float strut had broken. The intact wing continued to rise even higher. A gust of wind shoved it up as the damaged side went down.
That should have been the end. I could just see the plane simply rolling over on the wings, inverted. Instead, the fickle gust reversed direction and the broken wing rose back up shedding water but still listing sharply to starboard.
"Go! Take the tender!" the Captain replied.
I ran from the bridge to the aft deck. The helicopter pilot, Steve, was standing there staring at the mayhem. "Take me out to the seaplane!" I demanded.
"In these waves? Are you kidding?"
"No! We've got to go now."
"In the little inflatable?"
"That's what we've got. Let's go."
To his credit, Steve didn't argue. Fortunately the bulk of SuRi was subduing the worst of the water at the stern where the inflatable was tied. We clambered in as the tiny boat flailed about on the angry sea.
Once out of the SuRi's suppressive influence the ride got really dramatic. When we ran down swell the seaplane would completely disappear. I held my breath hoping it would still be there when we topped the next wave. There were a lot of breathless times.
"What are you going to do when we get there?" Steve yelled through the spray.
"I want to get into the cockpit on the port side. With my weight and the ailerons I can try to keep the broken wing up."
We dropped below the horizon again. "Then what?" Steve asked.
"Then we'll see. I will let you know on the radio if I can make it back to the boat."
"You are not going to try and fly it out, are you?"
"I'm not suicidal. I wouldn't try that in a Catalina." After cresting another swell and seeing the bad wing stuck deeply into the gun metal gray water I had a moment of doubt. Maybe my plan was tending suicidal.
"Can you can let it blow you backward towards calmer water on the other side of the island?" Steve offered.
"Maybe. I'm not sure what I can do with it. I'll let you know when I'm in it."
Getting in was like boarding from a bucking bronco in a rodeo stall. Steve had his hands full trying to exert some control of the little inflatable, with water constantly spilling into the boat. I had to time the swell to reach out and open the cockpit without falling. The wet, slippery canopy didn't help. We were sliding in and out of contact with the Searey on each wave.
Finally the canopy slammed open. The cockpit was now fully exposed to the sea. A roll to the left would be enough to swamp it.
"I've got to jump! Go in again."
Steve looked at me sternly. "This isn't worth getting hurt over!"
"Right. Just try to get me close enough so I can jump in."
He timed a wave and pushed in. I jumped, landing one foot in and one foot over the water. After a second of teetering on the edge, I fell into the seaplane.
Being in the cockpit slowly lifted the opposite wing from the water. Water drained from the wing and out of the bilge. My world ended mostly wings level but radically rising and falling bow to stern.
Steve struggled to disconnect the seaplane from the anchor buoy. He had to try and run in, put the engine in neutral, pivot forward and grab the wildly oscillating bow line. It took several attempts and the two boats bumped decks several times. The Searey was the clear loser, giving up some gel coat in the battle.
Then I was finally loose. The Captain called on the radio, "What is your plan, Dan?"
A good question. Should I try to struggle back to the boat with one wing float-less? Or would it be better to try and sail backwards toward what might be calmer water? Passively accept what may be behind or try to drive forward? Sailing seemed to be a less stressful prospect....unless the right float strut broke in one of the gale force gusts. Then the airplane would almost certainly capsize. Going forward would be more of a pounding but less exposure in a shorter time.
"I'm going to try to come back to SuRi."
"Okay. Come in on the starboard side and I will try to block some of the swell. I'll have the crew set up the crane for you now."
The engine started and the airplane bucked forward. The cockpit was washed over in the face of every swell. Water came through the canopy gasket creating a dripping wet gray curtain. The bilge was constantly running to stay ahead of the stream.
With air flow over the rudder I could keep the bad wing out of the water, mostly. The angled rudder also pushed me in the general direction of SuRi. All there was to do now was to battle the gusts to keep the port wing down. If I didn't react quick enough the gusts were sometimes strong enough to push the good wing into the water. I cringed each time hoping the 1/2" plastic float strut brace would hold.
Approaching SuRi I could see the big boat was having a small, localized calming effect. The captain was keeping it at an angle to the swell, making a patch of water to starboard a bit less violent. The margins, however, became more critical in controlling the airplane. The defining moment would be when I killed the engine, opened the cockpit and grabbed for the crane line.
The seaplane wallowed closer. The lift line was swaying widely with SuRi's rolls. Everything had to be judged absolutely right to work.
Except my judgment did not take into account the wind eddies created by SuRi. I realized my error as soon as I switched the engine off, slammed open the cockpit and stood up into the wind and spray. The airplane veered to starboard. The crane line jerked out of reach to port. For a moment I hoped I might be blown back towards the line. That hope was dashed when the drift aimed directly for SuRi.
I dropped back into the cockpit and grabbed the radio. It was busy. "Could someone please bring an orange soda to sunroom for one of the young guests? They are in the storage refrigerator behind the Diet Cokes."
"CLEAR THE CHANNEL!" I yelled in panic as the plane moved dangerously close to the now looming SuRi. Silence. "Move the tender between me and the boat right now."
Nothing more came over the radio. The tender moved in as crew on deck scrambled to deploy massive bumpers between SuRi's steel hull and the fragile wing.
The tender managed to catch the seaplane but was precariously wedged between the wing and SuRi. The crane operator was moving the lift line towards me at as fast as he could. I stood up one more time and lunged for it.
With one hand on the canopy and one on the lift line I was quickly being stretched too far. Letting go of either one would likely put me in the tumultuous water between tenders, seaplane and SuRi. I held on desperately.
Suddenly a swell lifted the seaplane. The lifting hook dropped towards the seaplane attachment. The fortuitous lift allowed enough slack in the line to snag the lifting hook.
With the main hook attached, all I had to do was hook the stabilizing line. That was much easier with the crane holding the airplane in position.
Now all I had to do was get into the tender. The crane was moving the seaplane with SuRi, completely independently of the sea holding the tender. "Jump!" Steve yelled. That was the only way. I did, bouncing off the inflatable side and landing squarely on the floor of the little boat.
I lay there, wet, cold and relieved. The Searey would live to fly another day.
| | Attachments:
WetWay3954
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Friend, Joe - Jan 15,2017
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That's quite an story, Dan. Don't let your adventures outlive you.
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Dennis Scearce - Jan 07,2017
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Great save, Dan. Who wouldn't risk life and limb to save a Searey...
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Nickens, Dan - Jan 07,2017
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Exactly, Dennis! I don't know why heli types just don't get it.
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Carr, Frank - Jan 07,2017
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Cheese Dan, your adventures now exceed your old 'tales'; have you ever thought of taking up golf, or bridge?
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Nickens, Dan - Jan 07,2017
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Has Ann been talking to you, Frank? Golf? Bridge? Now that really scares me.
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Carr, Frank - Jan 08,2017
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Golf or bridge would be like penance for me Dan. My Ann is OK with me and my Searey (or at least
the Searey) but my SR has never
seen the South Pacific waters from above and below. Stay safe.
Last light without having to risk life and limb to rescue Searey parked safely in hanger.
| | Attachments:
Last Light
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Nickens, Dan - Jan 08,2017
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Ah! Serenity. I suppose we all have our penance to pay.
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Nickens, Dan - Jan 06,2017
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It was a lovely sunset. I watched it on deck, thinking of Dylan Thomas:
"Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light."
Not this night, Mr. Thomas. There was no rage at all against the dying of the light.
| | Attachments:
Dying Light 3989
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Dave Edward - Jan 07,2017
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Looks like another great travel adventure. Thanks for sharing. Did you use any of the ' little strips ' in the Wangawhai area?
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Nickens, Dan - Jan 07,2017
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We based out of Springhill last year, Dave. This year all I've got is the tree-lined beachfront road. I tried to pick the boss up there yesterday in a crosswind gusting 20 to 25 knots. He chose that time to park about 3/4 of the way down the road just about a 1/2 wing width off to the side. It was like a challenge, right? I tried three times (each secretly hoping he would move) to no avail. Now he wants me to find him a trike! Right.
The golf course did make a nice paddock for the SeaRey. It is beautifully lush green grass measuring 1200', in a gentle curve. To make it especially lovely they left the 100' trees on a sandy ridge. It only took one approach to convince the boss the trees have to go. Maybe next week I'll have a nice open field to play in.
(Unless the neighbor has something to say about it. Yesterday he was shaking his fist at the helicopter trying to land there.)
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Don Maxwell - Jan 07,2017
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""Date taken: 12/25/2016"". So, Dan, I guess this was your Christmas presence in New Zealand (apologies to Dylan Thomas: http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-child-s-christmas-in-wales/ )
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Nickens, Dan - Jan 07,2017
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That's it, Don! I was wondering why summer downunder feels like winter in Wales. I called Ann this morning and she was complaining about walking the dog in 50 degree weather. I was floating in the SeaRey warming it up and checked the OAT: 44 degrees F. I didn't tell Ann. That would have been insensitive.
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Wayne Nagy - Jan 07,2017
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As usual, Dan, you had me on the end of my seat! Quite the adventure!
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Nickens, Dan - Jan 07,2017
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Adventure? That seems to be SuRi-normal, Wayne.
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Nickens, Dan - Jan 10,2017
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An early return to SuRi from Whangarei after fleeing afternoon gales. Mornings often start out with some low clouds, but the wind is generally not abusive.
| | Attachments:
Early Departure 4036
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Nickens, Dan - Jan 10,2017
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SeaLegs is another one of SuRi's toys. It's a great option for coming ashore when the wind and waves are too blustery and tall for SeaReys.
| | Attachments:
Floating Ashore 4047
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Don Maxwell - Jan 10,2017
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That's pretty slick, Dan. What provides the motive power on legs?
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Nickens, Dan - Jan 10,2017
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All three wheels have hydraulic powered motors, Don.
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D'Angelo, Kevin - Jan 13,2017
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Glad you saved the plane and didn't hurt yourself in the process Dan. Your a dedicated Pro to your boss. Most of us would do the same when our own bird is in danger especially as our own investment of time and money. Chuck had a similar experience in some unexpected surf in the Bahamas a few years ago and with Heather's help turned out ok also.
You have some especially changeling situations with your job that keep you on your toes.
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Nickens, Dan - Jan 13,2017
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The big bird was getting ready to depart for a tourist flight from the Ardmore Aerodrome (NZAR). "I'm a tourist," I volunteered. "You'd need to be a tourist with a reservation at Tauranga to join up," I learned.
| | Attachments:
Kindred Souls 3198
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David Geers - Jan 21,2017
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Thanks again for sharing your adventures Dan, so enjoy reading your entertaining activities. Remember OZ is not very far from NZ...
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Nickens, Dan - Jan 21,2017
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Cautionary Tale
Is there more I could tale? Of course! Did I mention I was almost crushed under the airplane as it was lowered onboard? A large swell hit SuRi side-on as the SeaRey approached the deck. I raced forward and grabbed for the float strut. On the wet deck I lost my footing, sliding down as the airplane rocked towards me. I held my arm up defensively and it was gouged by the folding wing attachment brackets.
The tear in my arm was long and bloody. It would have taken a bunch of stitches if I had been ashore. As it is, I'll have a 3"" long scar to show for a peril filled day. And that's the tale I'll tell in grimy smoke-filled pubs anytime the ship pulls into some foreign port.
(There are alternative explanations.)
Alternate: Reality 1.0
After having a good scare with the wind and swell once, I learned to run to shore at the first sign of freshening seas. The next day as the wind and waves built I left as soon as the SuRi logged 20 knot winds on the bridge.
There was a problem with that rush to safety. In my hasty exodus I neglected my personal effects. I was safely ashore, but without clean clothes or toiletries. As I drove to the local hotel I spotted a hometown fixture with those things: a K-Mart! Who knew New Zealand had K-Marts.
K-Mart had what I needed at an un-Kiwi like cheap price. As I made my way towards checkout I stopped to figure out how to get there. Apparently in some effort to thwart shoplifters the store had arranged restricted access to the registers. A long, narrow isle of mercantile had to be navigated to get out.
Strange, but no worries. I set off towards the way out. The narrow exit isle was further restricted by a wayward stock cart extending halfway out at the entrance. I swerved around it, misjudging the available space. Two armloads of goods further complicated my routing calculus.
A sudden sharp pain in my left arm stopped me in my tracks. I looked down to find an empty goods hook at arm's level now decorated with bloody skin. With blood dripping from my arm I hurried to checkout, dropped my stuff on the counter and clasped the wound to stem the flow.
The young clerk looked at me with concern and said, ""You're bleeding, sir!""
I held my reply for a second to get control of my tongue. Finally I said, ""Yes, do you have a napkin?""
""Just a sec. I think I've got a paper towel under here."" It became a bloody towel in no time.
I waited patiently for her to ask how it had happened. There was no further interest in the wound after blood was prevented from fouling her checkout counter. I fumbled to get to my wallet while holding pressure on the wound, finally just handing it to her for payment.
When it was obvious she wasn't going to ask what had happened (maybe she was just being polite), I pointed to the hazard area and explained. She thought about it for a minute, then sympathetically replied, ""Oh, yes sir. Some of the staff have been scratched quite badly on the hooks too.""
Well, apparently Kiwis are not a litigious bunch. She took my money and we parted with smiles.
There are lessons in tales and stories to be learned from everyday living. What I learned is that not all injuries occur in hazardous circumstances, but an ugly scar deserves a good tale. This is last you'll hear from me about the dangers of K-Mart!
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