Turd_Ferguson

I was just wondering if anyone could help me identify a company that flies pipeline patrol in GA-8s. There was one that landed at the local airport, tail # N753SE, and I was just curious who flies them. I've got some time in the GA-8 and I absolutely love that plane.

geosync

Where are you located? Are you sure they were doing pipeline patrol? The only operators of the Airvan in the states that I know of(isn't saying much) are the Civil Air Patrol and now the California Highway Patrol. I am however intrigued with the turbo version and the upcoming turboprop stretch version Airvan 10. Looks like a better, roomier, modern Cessna 207. But the Airvan 10 will probably be in the used Cessna Caravan price range, which would be a tough sale.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped..._JP7497758.jpg

http://www.southbayriders.com/forums...hments/482409/

Turd_Ferguson

I'm located in Illinois. I'm part of the Civil Air Patrol, that's actually where I've got my flight time in the Airvan. This one wasn't a CAP plane. It was yellow and had "Pipeline Patrol" on the bottom of the wing. A friend of mine might have a picture of it. I'll try to track it down and I'll post it. The Ga-8/Airvan8 is very rare in the states. That's why I was really curious as to who is using them for pipeline patrol. I would take a pay cut from my current occupation to fly pipeline patrol in that plane lol.

Turd_Ferguson

Here's the picture of it.

Burrito Bandit

This doesn't help you but there is one GA8 at my local airport, I haven't flown it yet but it is intriguing. I'm still partial to the C206/207/208 series though.

Turd_Ferguson

The GA-8 is a little different. Especially the ones that were made by Gippsland and not Mahindra/GibbsAero. But it is on the top of the list of my favorite single engine GA aircraft. When I first flew it, my instructor said that it was the easiest plane he had ever flown. I took that comment lightly since I've heard that from so many people about multiple types of planes, but this time it was true. This plane may be big, but it's a big ol' baby. The hardest thing about this plane is the steering on the ground. It's direct connected and if you're going slow, you have to use A LOT of pressure to get the thing to do what you want. But other than that, it's a fun, easy plane to fly. Stall characteristics are so gentle and with the tundra tires on it, landings are a breeze. One tip though, speed on final and over the numbers is important because slightly too slow or slightly too fast and you're either dropping or floating forever. I haven't had a chance to do any grass field work with it, but I'm going to soon.