Downwind Takeoff and Landings in DHC-2

[Rowdy]

Come on now Cat..

What do guys like us know about float flying? LOL.. I read this and it reminds me of the discussion years ago about landing with "Landing flaps" in a Beaver. I've personally never had a problem with the tailwind when it makes sense. I guess the biggest problem is knowing when it makes sense. We used to take a 30kt quartering tailwind to do the southbound landing in the bowling alley in Male. That was a -6 of course and it would be unlikely you would want to do that with a -2 or -3 but it was doable in that situation with that airplane. A beaver will land quite nicely with a 15 or so kt tailwind and if space and water conditions are good, then why not? Everyone should come and watch what goes on in the middle arm of the Fraser river every day. Into wind, down wind, cross wind. Sometimes at pretty high rates but it is obviously doable and safe.

Anyhow, I guess we should maybe leave this to the experts. Too bad we couldn't get these young guys out for a couple hours training to show them what the airplane they fly is actually capable of.

Cheers

couldnt have said it better!

[adhc2]

Ditto on the comments from Rowdy and the Cat Driver. Float flying is about commence sense and experience. The object is to operate efficiently using appropriate measures to protect the customers, machine, and to make the operator money. Time is money but one can still do the job utilizing downwind landings/takeoffs and step taxi without hurting machine. Proffessional Pilots do so all the time but only when appropriate. Its called airmanship so be a proffesional and and make valid decisions based on circumstances.

[999]

adhc2 is correct. For the new pilots you have to slowly learn how to do these things.There will be times when downwind takeoffs and step taxiing have to be done. A pilot should be able to do these things.Always ckeck with your boss/CP before doing these manouvers. You must have their approval,whether for practice or actual.

[Castorero]

Well worth CPR'ing this thread

Pearls and nuggets ...from the Sages in this industry

including the part about landing the -2 with full flaps...