Ice Pilots

[Simpo Two]

OK, I can't resist it any longer.

Why are these guys using 1930/40 relics and not something more modern? Is it simply cost?

It seems a tribute to the engineering of the time.

I particularly like the C46; it's 90% DC-3 and 10% Stratocruiser: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtiss-Wright_C-46_C...

I'm confused about the Electra. I thought it was a twin favoured by 30's derring-do types, Cotten et al, but suddenly it's completely different and four engined... and now these guys come to England and buy a wreck wth no engines...?

[thehappyotter]

They made two Electra's

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_Model_10_Ele...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_L-188_Electr...

The L-188 used to be a regular sight over Coventry when I was last there back in '04. Atlantic Airlines had a fleet based there, not sure if they still do with the drama at Cov over the past few years.

[davidjpowell]

Oddly the one they bought had 4 engines...

[davepoth]

Simpo Two said:

OK, I can't resist it any longer.

Why are these guys using 1930/40 relics and not something more modern? Is it simply cost?

If you want to land on a rough field, it's best to do it in a plane designed to land in a rough field. Those old planes were built very strongly, and designed to last.