Last spring a small grass strip airport was being evacuated as it was going to flood. I was pulling airplanes through 6" of water so they could take off from the runway which was on higher ground.

 

Why can't an airplane taxi though 6" of water?

 

Could it have been the muddy water spray sucked thru the intake???

 

This needs to go on the "Towing" thread as well! I think it will be the first airplane-pull picture.

 

I'll have to look for pictures of my father's 73 F150 sitting on the ramp, at the municipal airport I managed while in college. I used it several times to move airplanes, from Piper Cherokees, up to a lear 35. Worked fine as long as some one was on board to operate the brakes.

 

The density of the water on the prop blades could cause damage to the blade or engine. Flying through rain alone pits the blades of the props, solid water could curl the blade. Sudden stopage of the engine requires mandatory tear down for inspection. 20 year A&P mechanic useless knowlage

 

Thanks! I posted it under the "show us what you're towing with your f150."

One week after the planes evacuated the water was 6 feet deep where I took the picture. That was the day the one of the guys took his airboat out to the airport.

 

The tow never took place. He just strapped it up for the picture.
"WHAT IS THAT GUY DOING WITH MY PLANE?!"


Awesome story though.

 

Airport a few days later.... the hangars are past the trees on the left.

 

That is some deep water.
How much weight would you say you pulled?

 

I have towed a few in my time at the local FBO. They are luckily light and planes like 4 seater Cherokees and Cessna's can be moved by one man rather easily.

 

Empty weight is about 1500 lbs. plus fuel, so maybe a total of 2000 lbs.for the one with tip tanks.

 

That's not bad. How did you end up with the tow job? Just passing by? Work there? Have your own plane? Someone called you?

 

I kind of grew up at that field. My Dad has a plane there. It is for sale now as he is 85 years old and passed his flight check last summer but has failed some since then. You might say I have had a bit of a fight on my hands trying to convince a guy who is 85 who learned to fly Piper cubs when is was 19, flew B-17's in WWII that he should not fly without another competent pilot with him. The old boy thinks he is invincible.

 

Do it with kid gloves.
One day you'll be 85 and you won't want nobody manhandling you.