Shortest Field You Are Comfortable Taking Your '62 Into?

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Boatguy
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Re: Shortest Field You Are Comfortable Taking Your '62 Into?

Post by Boatguy »

I like Max's podcast, but I found that particular interview to be pretty negative. I thought it was overly focused on 60yr old airplanes and cultivated an aura of fear around twins in general. Can't question the gentleman's flying credentials, but I don't think his assessment of the GA "light twin" fleet was well informed.
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TwinStarScott
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Re: Shortest Field You Are Comfortable Taking Your '62 Into?

Post by TwinStarScott »

Point well taken Russ. It would great if Max would soon broadcast a follow-up interview with a highly experienced TwinStar MEI, who could then expound upon the numerous virtues and safety advantages TwinStars enjoy over six lever twins.

Are there any volunteers, who know Max, that would willing to contact him with such a suggestion?
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TomC
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Re: Shortest Field You Are Comfortable Taking Your '62 Into?

Post by TomC »

Ok just a quick short field pirep, since I started this thread...

Thanks for all the thoughts, they gave me confidence to trust the performance charts and fly into (and helpfully, out of) 0B8 this morning (2,328 ft, 100 feet wide). It was really a non event both on take off and landing, I would do it again with confidence. Important note: I was lightly loaded (me, my sunglasses and 30 gals of fuel), the field is at sea level, it was cool (8 degrees C) and there is literally a beach off either end of the runway so there are no obstacles to clear (which is what makes 0B8 fun, it's the closest I'll ever come to a carrier landing). Tons of room on landing, I stopped in less than 1,500 feet, and using short field technique on takeoff I was wheels up in about the same. I was anticipating a degree of "pucker factor" on takeoff, but really it was just a non event.

Thanks everyone for your feedback on this thread, it was super helpful. The more hours I build in the 62 the more impressed I am by the capability of this amazing aircraft: 7 seats with plenty of head and leg room for an XXL pilot (I'm 6'7, 250lbs), 15 GPH of Jet A in cruise, and short field capabilities so I can access my favorite fishing spots? There is no other aircraft that even comes close.

Tom
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Re: Shortest Field You Are Comfortable Taking Your '62 Into?

Post by jb642DA »

Hope the fish were "biting" Tom!!??
Looking!
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Colin
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Re: Shortest Field You Are Comfortable Taking Your '62 Into?

Post by Colin »

I love Fishers. Been in and out of there with my DA40. I haven't made it in the DA42 yet. There's almost always an onshore breeze to help you, too.

(I do know someone that went off the end in a little charter Piper. At night. In the rain. The pilot swam out without helping either passenger and my friend went back to get the other fellow. He now gets soused before any flight, even large commercial.)
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TomC
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Re: Shortest Field You Are Comfortable Taking Your '62 Into?

Post by TomC »

Wow that's some story, glad your friend made it. I'm pretty sure that airport is closed from sunset to sunrise so not sure why they were taking off in the dark. The runway is unlighted. Either way, I guess he's got a pretty good excuse for having a few cocktails now when he flies...
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TomC
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Re: Shortest Field You Are Comfortable Taking Your '62 Into?

Post by TomC »

I got skunked on this trip John, but to be honest I only fished for about 30 mins. All I could think about was the takeoff, and wondering if I'd be swimming back to New Jersey :) So I cut it short. Hopefully next time I land one that takes me over max gross weight...
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Colin
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Re: Shortest Field You Are Comfortable Taking Your '62 Into?

Post by Colin »

They were landing in the dark. Possibly against regulations. I've never poked around for the NTSB report, but now you have me curious.

Some of the old military base buildings were for sale out there and I looked hard at the bakery. My wife thought the place was a little remote (but that's what i love about it).
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Colin
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Re: Shortest Field You Are Comfortable Taking Your '62 Into?

Post by Colin »

Can't find it, but I did find this one, which happened at night, and it mentions the airport lights. So there *used* to be night operations there.
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Re: Shortest Field You Are Comfortable Taking Your '62 Into?

Post by AndrewM »

I also listened to Max's podcast on twins. Some interesting comments but I too was kind of surprised there was no mention of the relative handling characteristics of the Diamond twins when under single engine operation.

Then I learnt of this one today: https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/regi ... in-indiana

The guy involved was the FAA DPE who I did my private check-ride with. Very sad.
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