aircraft skis

Aircraft Skis - When COO member Mark Heizler took control of this Cessna 170, it flew on mixed skis in the winter.

Growing up my father was into all kinds of fins, wheels, and water activities. He was a boater, camper, and boat salesman. In fact, he was the first Ski-Doo snowmobile dealer in the country. The snowmobile really added to our fun. Back then it seemed like winters were snowier and longer, so having another fun snow activity was appreciated.

Aircraft Skis

I know the Midwest isn't the best place to ski - there are only a few hills to jump down - but with the Ski-Doo snowmobiles, we were soaking up snow on water ski after snowmobile. When it got boring, we moved on to our snowboarding. Maybe we should patent the idea and make a deal out of the snowboard harp.

Plane With Skis And Jato Rockets Takes Off From The Shackleton Glacier In Antarctica.

We used to build an old wooden water ski that was about a meter or two long. After removing the joints, we inserted pieces of wood into the skates where they were attached so that our feet would not slide forward. In the raised front of the ski, dig a hole. We tied one end of a short ski rope, sewed it through the hole and attached a loop to the other side of the handle.

Our house on Hyland Avenue was on a big hill. At the bottom of the hill there was a flat area with a few cars parked on the edge. On the east side of Hyland Avenue, there was a beautiful tree-lined hill down the street from the cemetery. Like little snowboarders, we want to stand on our water skis, grab the rope like rodeo stars and slide down Cemetery Hill towards Hyland Avenue. Ego and youth want us to avoid trees, shovel snow, and usually face planters right in front of parked cars. Clever, no, but at the same time fun.

Here we skied a few times a year and were able to avoid trees, cars and intersections. We were not always in complete control. There was the occasional fall that would send water skis, err, snowboards flying between cars and the street. There was an incident that caused a few tire tracks on one of the boards. Guess it was just dumb luck that the board only ended up under a passing car. I like to use the word "brave" to describe some of my current styles although "stupid" might be better.

It's the responsibility they create when children (and adults) do "brave" things. Back when I was a kid, I don't think we were threatened with lawsuits or liability issues if a snowboard hit a car. As children, we didn't have much money to worry about losing. A snowboard is made from a water ski that no one wants. If it breaks, we make another one. But now the cost of a good snowboard or skis can be more than 1, 000 dollars. "Toys" have received a high price and money does not "grow on trees" like when I was young. So now the empty boards crossing a busy street give me chills. Well, one reason is because I work in the insurance industry.

Skis Mod [wip]

As an adult, I think I don't have to escape from these situations as often. I should know better - maybe. Many times I thought I knew better but clearly I didn't. Like the time I flew a Cessna 150 out of a snow-covered grassy field in a boat clearance. Or the time I tried to follow the river home and the ceiling went down until I was below the bluffs without swimming. Thanks for a reliable engine!

It is happening. By now, you're probably wondering how my childhood snowboarding fits on a plane. Yes, we make experimental decisions that put us in situations unlike busy streets and domestic snowboards. And in this case, winter snow brings visions of reaching frozen lakes with skis (or without them).

Many pilots have traded in their Cessna 170 or Piper Super Cub family skis for the thrill of sitting on a frozen, snow-covered lake. Usually, it is a good experience but sometimes it ends with bad results. Like the board and tire tracks, skids in flight can have disastrous consequences for an aircraft if the landing is not long enough or smooth enough.

But if you are interested in discovering the world of ski-equipped aircraft, let's discuss a few things. First, what kind of ski are you thinking? The FAA divides it into two categories - plain skis and compound skis. With clear skis you replace the wheels entirely with skis. These are usually the cheapest options. Although they have their issues such as moving the plane in a dry environment.

Nose Ski 1000

Combination skis combine wheels and skis. They can be installed around the wheels (to allow the wheels to continue without snow conditions - they are often called "i" skis or have reversible wheels. In my opinion, reversible wheel skis mean a lot of money and enough weight and not practical.

Personally, I think the best choice of skis are combination skis that allow the wheels to go into the skis. But I guess it depends on the type of plane you are using.

On a side note, I've seen ultralights use floats to stay in the snow; I'm not sure if it really matters, but it seems to work.

Another issue with replacing skis with wheels is that they eliminate pedaling systems. The friction and drag of the skis usually slows the plane down and eliminates the need for brakes but there is always the risk of ice or a runway that is too short. There may also be occasional damage from hidden obstacles, snow drifts, dirt, or ice floes that drive the aircraft to the landing area. Ground cycles, nosedives, and equipment damage are common claims for aircraft with skids attached.

Graupner Snow Skis For The 1800mm Husky

Most insurance companies have no language in their policies that doesn't include putting your pride and joy on skis. An airplane is an airplane. Unlike floats, adding skis doesn't change that. But there are some companies that don't like skis. In a quick review I found a policy that states the following: "The insurance provided by this policy shall not apply during the operation of the aircraft when the object or purpose of the operation is any of the following, regardless of whether any payment. . : ... (g)Taxi, take off or stop on snow or ice, while the aircraft is equipped with skids."

Also, you should make sure that the policy does not cover departure from the airport. If it happens you cannot land on your friend's farm or any private non-government airstrip even if you have access and permission to fly there (with or without skis). To be sure, contact your flight insurance agent and ensure that airport landings and ski use are not covered by your policy.

There are many things to consider before adding skis to your aircraft. Here are a few things to think about.

If you are wondering out loud here, if you land a glider on a supposedly frozen lake and the plane falls through the ice, what will happen? It is now on (or at least in) water. Does seaplane insurance require a seaplane rating?

Air Glas > Home

Scott "Sky" Smith is a nationally recognized author and speaker. He is the author of "How to Buy a Single Engine Airplane" and "How to Buy a Skymaster." He is a single-engine and multi-engine pilot with over 30 years of experience. Smith is also the owner of Sky Smith Insurance Agency. More information at SkySmith.com.

Click here or above for a free newsletter, and your choice of download: 172 Owners Guide, 182 Owners Guide, or Digital Magazine. and A&P subsidiary Acme Cub Training specializes in versions of the Piper Super Cub PA-18 and other Cub models. He is also a flight instructor who teaches hang gliders, hang gliders, and hang gliders.

"Ski flying is the best way to fly if the snow is good and the light is good," he said. “It's very difficult to land a plane on skis. The plane is sliding sideways.”

Steve Williams descends deep snow just above the Knik Glacier overlooking Prince William Sound. (All Photos by Rob Stapleton Jr.)

Intracontinental Air Operations

Early Alaskan pioneers developed hang gliders in the 1920s and practiced them well into the 1940s. Many of these developments are still used in general aviation today.

There are many legends of Alaska - Carl Ben Eielson, Harold (Thrill-em, Spill-em, no Kill-em) Gillam, and Bob.

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