Updated: Put skis on the plane today!

[Skydive206]

I dont have the money to put this thing on Skis. It sure would be fun.

[jhflying]

Merry Christmas, everyone! Thanks so much for the tips and advice. I know that 1,000' is too short, but that's all she wrote unless I can convince my neighbor to use part of his horse pasture (probably not). I'm worried about buying the skis and then finding out that it just won't work on my airstrip, but it sounds like I'll just have to take the plunge and try. I also was planning on regularly packing down the airfield with my snow machines and drag it smooth. Fortunately, my short water TO experience might come in handy. At least I don't have big trees at either end of the field, like most lakes have.

Thanks much,
John
PS. I love the pictures that folks post on the ski forum. I can't wait until I submit mine.

[bush master]

Here are several pictures of our experimental scratch-built PA18-95 on skis at our ranch.

[aktahoe1]

Great pics Bush master!!

Had the opportunity to take Zane out last week. Anxiously awaiting his video. Kinda cool to see how this thread has grown in the past month or so....76 ski landings for now and counting. More snow coming in tonight!

These are from a buddy who called and said he had a camera. Asked if he could come over and fly around to get a few photos. How could one resist??

[mountainmatt]

Beautiful pics! You seem to be having a ton of fun, good for you.

[Zzz]

AKT1... Been working on the video, but slowed down by building up a new machine. Soon!

Here's a taster:

[Super-Maule]

Skis for the Maule:
GT is cool!

[mtv]

James,

Before you get too far, give Aeroski a call and chat about the length of the rigger arms. Those are the old style, and the wheel/tires stick down a lot more than the later model riggers. And, that means STUCK. A lot.

The later arms are a LOT better.

MTV

[aktahoe1]

My first attempt at a video. Zane got me all inspired to try and make one.

I have had these GoPro HD cameras for awhile but never really do anything with them as far as trying to make a video. So here goes...

http://www.vimeo.com/18374661

The first landing I did not pull my wheels up as I really have been wanting to know what it would be like landing in the snow with them down. In a nutshell...I think its a good concept for landing up hill with the need to stop quick and short. Otherwise, it could possibly lead to hazardous possibilities. The big ski out front stops the plane from wanting to tumble forward. Do this on amphibs and your upside down now in the water! The plane stopped quick and then got stuck almost immediately. Once stuck, I pumped the wheels up and let the skis take over. Added power and off we went.

The first half of the video is where I have been landing a lot. The second half at Gold Lake was a new one in deep snow. I cannot begin to express my excitement for ski flying. Everyone needs a set!!! Seriously! The lakes are all frozen over now and the options are endless.

Anyway, going back to Gold Lake tomorrow with skis for my feet as well. Way to many possibilities out there.

Really cool to see everyone all fired up on ski flying here on the site. I have had mine for just over a month with almost a 100 landings now on them. There just crazy...thats about all I can say.

I hope you enjoy the video...

http://www.vimeo.com/18374661

AKT

[Skydive206]

Nice little Cub on Skis at my ranch. All the snow is already gone.

[Vick]

Anyway, going back to Gold Lake tomorrow with skis for my feet as well. Way to many possibilities out there. AKT

Nice video, awesome shots of the area. Have you ever heard of anyone bagging lines on the Buttes or around Gold Lake? Using sleds is for chumps, looking forward to your TR of the insert in the 180 followed by some skinning. Let me know if you ever need a right seater.

[aktahoe1]

Vick-

I can always use a right seater...for that matter you can have left seat!

Have played in the Buttes a far amount. Great sled access! Should have some good TR's after the coming weeks weather.

Come on up to Tahoe anytime! I only have 4 weeks left before I am AK bound for the heli season.

Kevin

[58Skylane]

Video was great!!

[JDW]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRgqhskHH7A&feature=player_detailpage
Not sure how this works?

[mtv]

JDW,

Metro Field still pretty quiet these days? Looks about the same.

MTV

[electricsnail]

Just got mine on, first flight was yesterday, the wasn't much snow but enough to have some fun! Too bad it have been about a year since I have flown the plane with wheels! Right into the fire with the skis, and my first landing (i think it counts for at least two) showed it.







M

[mountainmatt]

Nice pictures/plane Esnail.

Maybe the landings had something to do with one wheel being down and one up??

[electricsnail]

Yah I wish the wheels were the problem! If I could keep them on it wouldn't be such a pain in the ass to find an airport you can gas up with straight skis.

[dlhanst]

Hey ak,
can you send me a pm, I'm looking for some info about ski flying in your area. Thanks.

[Jimmy M]

Sittin' tall & purty on 180 gear and new red skis