Restoring a Focke Wulf 190F-8 from World War II

by John on May 16, 2012

We have have recently noted an article about resurrecting lost RAF spitfires in Burma and then the finding of aviation’s equivalent of Tutankhamun’s tomb in the form of a lost RAF Kittyhawk P-40 found in Egypt’s desert but General Aviation News has a detailed article about an effort to restore a Luftwaffe Focke Wulf 190F-8 “White One” that was shot down over Norway on February 9, 1945.

The aircraft’s pilot, Luftwaffe Unteroffizier (Corporal) Heinz Orlowski had just gone up against an RAF Mustang (which crashed, killing the pilot) and had taken flak, probably from the German destroyer Z33 and support ships that the RAF planes had been sent to destroy, when his aircraft was hit by a shell. While attempting to bail, Orlowski got entangled and by the time he freed himself, he was already too low and the chute only partially opened. He landed on a mountain, sparking an avalanche that caused his flare pistol to ignite and seriously burn his leg. After being found hiding in a barn by locals, he was turned over to German ground forces and spent the rest of the war in a hospital.

In 1983, the “White One” and other wrecked FW190s were shipped to the Texas Air Museum on an exchange deal to be partially restored and put on static display to be visited by Orlowski in 1994 (he passed away a couple of years ago in Berlin). In 1999, the aircraft was acquired by Mark Timken with the intention of restoring it to its 1945 flight condition to become the second air worthy FW190F-8 fighter bomber.

Of course, restoring a World War II aircraft to flying condition is never easy and the article goes into considerable detail about the trials and tribulations faced by the restorers, including corrosion, having to translate the original flight and maintenance manuals from German to English and missing and damaged parts. In fact, the restorers have had to do a worldwide search for FW190 parts which, surprisingly, occasionally pop up on eBay – meaning restoration can continue until another missing part stalls progress. Hence, it will probably be another two years before the entire restoration is completed.

To learn more about project or about restoring World War II era fighters in general and how you can help, visit WWIIFighterAircraftFoundation.org.

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    Do Cirrus pilots have a safety problem?

    by John on May 15, 2012

    Richard Collins has written a thought provoking post for Air Facts noting that when the Cirrus first debuted, one of its executives pointed out that product liability would not be a problem because the aircraft would be so safe BUT since then, NTSB figures show 80 fatal Cirrus accidents in its database (nearly all of which have probably led to lawsuits….). In other words, 80 fatal Cirrus accidents despite the fact that:

    • Cirrus has worked hard to see that pilots are properly trained for the aircraft.
    • All Cirrus airplanes have an airframe parachute.
    • Cirrus was the first light aircraft with a glass cockpit.

    However, Richard also pointed out that the FAA had drastically reduced instrument rating requirements to make the rating less expensive – and potentially more lethal with the result being that there are now instrument-rated pilots who are actually not prepared for instrument flying in technically advanced aircraft like the Cirrus. He then added that:

    From the beginning the Cirrus has been sold as a transportation machine. That relates to weather flying like the airlines do. So a new pilot, and many Cirrus pilots are relatively new, gets an instrument rating and is suddenly trying to do what infinitely more experienced pilots are doing with airliners. And there are two of those experienced pilots in the front end of every airliner.

    On the other hand, a certain Capt. Dave posted a comment well worth noting:

    In my experience in both boating and flying, it always seems to be the rich playboy that buys more plane or boat than their experience deserves.

    Ray Stallings then added to that point with his take about Cirrus pilots:

    The thing that always impressed me the most about these people is their total lack of airmanship. The majority of them have much more money than sense (or pride in their flying abilities) and rely totally upon the avionics in the aircraft to get them from point A to B. They fly for the most part completely heads down, eyes glued to the PFD, even on CAVU days.

    So what do you our readers think: Is there something seriously wrong with Cirrus pilots or is there another explanation?

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      The real job of a copilot…

      by John on May 14, 2012

      I am the copilot. I sit on the right.
      It’s up to me to be quick and bright;
      I never talk back for I have regrets,
      But I have to remember what the Captain forgets.

      I make out the Flight Plan and study the weather,
      Pull up the gear, stand by to feather;
      Make out the mail forms and do the reporting,
      And fly the old crate while the Captain is courting.

      I take the readings, adjust the power,
      Put on the heaters when we’re in a shower;
      Tell him where we are on the darkest night,
      And do all the bookwork without any light.

      I call for my Captain and buy him cokes;
      I always laugh at his corny jokes,
      And once in awhile when his landings are rusty
      I always come through with, "By gosh it’s gusty!"

      All in all I’m a general stooge,
      As I sit on the right of the man I call "Scrooge";
      I guess you think that is past understanding,
      But maybe some day he will give me a landing.

      — Keith Murray

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        Best of the Web

        by John on May 13, 2012

        Facts and Photos From the Sukhoi Superjet 100 Crash in Indonesia. Last Wednesday, a Sukhoi Superjet 100 crashed in Indonesia. The Sukhoi Superjet 100 is the first new model to be produced in Russia since the end of the Soviet Union and Sylvia, the blogger behind the Fear of Landing blog, has put together an excellent post summarizing what facts we already know about the incident along with some photos and videos of the crash site.  

        Hawker Beechcraft Files for Bankruptcy. In other aircraft manufacturing news, financially troubled Hawker Beechcraft has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with the goal of reorganizing in order to eliminate about $2.5 billion in debt and $125 million of annual cash interest expense. Hawker Beechcraft will remain open and continue paying both its workers and suppliers.

        Piper Reports European Sales Better Than Expected. On the other hand, Piper has reported better than expected sales in Europe of new and more fuel-efficient business aircraft. Specifically and for 2012, Piper delivered three new Piper Meridian turboprops in France, a Piper Mirage pressurized single in Switzerland and has five more M-Class single-engine aircraft set for delivery later this year. This performance is higher than what was expected for the whole year.

        So-So Performance for General Aviation in First Quarter. Otherwise, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has released shipment and billings figures for the first quarter. Specifically, total worldwide general aviation aircraft shipments fell 2.1% from 377 in 2011 to 369 this year, billings for general aviation airplanes fell 8% to $3.39 billion, piston-powered aircraft shipments fell 2.1% from 188 to 184, turboprop shipments rose 3.3% to 63 from 61 and business jet shipments fell 4.7% from 128 to 122.

        International Learn to Fly Day Next Saturday, May 19. Meanwhile, next Saturday will be International Learn to Fly Day over in the US – a day that is intended to help people of all ages take that first step to discover flight. The first International Learn to Fly Day was in 2010 when the US House of Representatives passed a resolution declaring the third Saturday in May as International Learn to Fly Day. To find a local International Learn to Fly Day event near you, visit LearnToFly.org.

        Aviation Memorabilia Auction. Aviation memorabilia collectors should take note of RR Auction’s Space and Aviation Autograph and Artifact Auction, scheduled to take place from May 17 to May 23. On offer will be a whole range of early and rare aviation items including a handwritten letter by Wilbur Wright from 1910 to a student pilot discussing their “new machines” which “are much steadier in strong winds and easier to control than the older ones.” For more information, visit RRAuction.com.

        Garmin Hits the 100 Million Mark. Garmin has just announced that it has sold more than 100 million of its products to pilots, motorists, boaters, runners, cyclists, golfers, hikers, hunters and geocachers since the company was founded in 1987. For more information, visit Garmin.com.

        White House Still Supports User Fees. Finally and over in the US, the White House remains committed to a $100 per flight user fee that would “generate an estimated $10 billion over 10 years, reducing the deficit and more equitably sharing the cost of aircraft traffic services.” On the other hand, the fees will require the creation of a new collection bureaucracy – meaning it probably won’t raise any where near the estimates plus according to John Barrow (D-12-Ga), who co-chairs of the House General Aviation Caucus: “General aviation contributes $150 billion in economic activity each year, adds to the nation’s balance of trade and generates and over 1 million jobs.” So stay tuned…

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          Aviators Guide to Ireland

          by John on May 12, 2012

          Although based in the Bay Area, Max Trescott has brought our attention to the Aviators Guide to Ireland, a 400-page guidebook that includes detailed photos and information about 210 airstrips in Ireland.

          Max pointed out in his post about book that while the cost of flying in Europe can be outrageous (as many of our readers already know) but Ireland tends to be an exception as most airports do not have landing fees. That’s because most Irish airports are privately owned grass strips maintained either by farmers and aviation enthusiasts.

          As you can see from a sample airport entry below, the guide offers pilots everything they need to know about an airport or landing strip:

          The Aviators Guide to Ireland retails for €29.95 + €5.00 P&P in Ireland and £24.95 + £5.00 P&P in the UK. Pilots can order the guide by clicking here.

          And in case you have not gotten a chance to fly over to or above Ireland, check out this Above & Beyond video about Ireland:

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            Aviation’s equivalent of Tutankhamun’s tomb found in Egypt’s desert

            by John on May 11, 2012

            Not long ago, we mentioned an article about resurrecting lost RAF spitfires in Burma, a fairly questionable quest given that country’s wet and humid climate but the Daily Mail has just reported aviation’s equivalent of finding Tutankhamun’s tomb in the form of a well preserved RAF Kittyhawk P-40 lost over the deserts of Egypt.

            Apparently, Flight Sergeant Dennis Copping from Scotland, who was part of a fighter unit based in Egypt during the North Africa campaign against Rommel, must have lost his bearings while flying the damaged Kittyhawk to another airbase for repair. After crash landing, he then took whatever he could salvage from the aircraft and wandered into the desert.

            Since the crash site is about 200 miles from the nearest town and no human remains have been found at the site, its believed that the pilot’s decomposed body may lay anywhere within a 20 mile radius of the aircraft (Copping is not known to have any close living relatives).

            Seventy years later, an oil worker exploring the region discovered the aircraft, which happens to be close to a smuggling route from Sudan and Libya – meaning the area is not the safest place to be. As for the aircraft itself, its heading home to Britain as the RAF Museum at Hendon, north London, is planning to recover the aircraft for exhibition in the future and hopefully before anyone else rediscovers it and strips it for souvenirs or scrap.

            Below are just a few of the amazing pictures of the crash site that you can see more of on the Daily Mail’s website.

            Shifting sands: The final resting place of the Kittyhawk P-40 has been discovered in the Sahara 70 years after it crashed there

            At the controls: The plane's cockpit, but there are fears over what will be left of it after locals began stripping parts and instruments for souvenirs and scrap

            Heading home: The RAF Museum at Hendon, north London, has been made aware of the discovery and plans are underway to recover the aircraft for exhibition in the future

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              Do pilots need paper charts if they have a relevant iPad app?

              by John on May 11, 2012

              For pilots who have gone the electronic flight bag route with an iPad or another device, a pilot named John Thomas Moore  Jr recently posted the following extremely relevant question on the Ask a Flight Instructor website:

              Am I required to carry paper charts, and approach plates if i have a current foreflight app on an iPad?

              Koehn replied by posting that according to AC 91-78, part 91 operators do not need to carry paper charts and plates. They may also use an EFB provided it is current and contains equivalent information while part 121 and part 135 operators have begun replacing paper plates and charts with them. Gary Moore then quickly added that pilots need to remember to fully charge the iPad before taking off.

              We did recently mention that Sporty’s is now offering the Dual 2.1 Amp Cigarette Lighter Adapter [#7565A - $14.95] that’s ideal for charging an iPad and Stratus at the same time; the Backup Battery [#2126A - $99.95] pack which can increase the endurance of an iPad by 150%; and a 3.5’ iPad/iPhone Charging Cord [#9059A - $8.50 or $5 each for four or more] for $8.50. 

              We have also recently mentioned two must read posts written by John Ewing that included a review of the newest iPad (the iPad 3) plus another post about iPad 3 heat and battery issues. Specifically, John noted that heat will be an issue for pilots using an iPad EFB in non-air-conditioned cockpits when the weather is hot because it does not have an internal fan. Hence, pilots should read his list of tips to help avoid having an overheated iPad.

              In addition, John had written that the iPad 1 and iPad 2 both have a demonstrated battery life of at least 8 hours under intermittent use but the iPad 3 takes more juice to drive its high-density display and the latest 4G hardware. John then provided a quick list of tips for extending the iPad 3’s battery life plus he also suggested carrying and using an AC power adapter.

              Otherwise and just to be extra safe, it might be a good idea to still have a few paper charts handy just in case modern technology fails you when you need it to work the most.

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                Insurance checkout ends in a mishap

                by John on May 9, 2012

                General Aviation News will often reprint excerpts from US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident reports including one from a May 2010 report about an incident that seriously damaged a Piper Comanche in Carrollton (Georgia) but luckily caused no injuries.

                According to the investigation, the pilot had just purchased a share in the low-wing airplane and was receiving a checkout from a CFI for insurance purposes. While attempting to land the Piper Comanche with a simulated engine failure, the pilot misjudged the approach.

                However, the CFI did not attempt to take control of the Piper – even when it was apparent the aircraft would not make it to the runway. Instead, the aircraft touched down 90 feet short of it.

                The aircraft’s nose wheel then struck the edge of the runway causing the nose-gear to collapse and the pilot initiated a go-around. On the second landing attempt, the airplane skidded to a stop resulting in substantial damage to the firewall.

                After the incident, the pilot stated that the firewall damage was likely sustained as the landing gear crossed the edge of the runway pavement and that the majority of his flight experience had been in high-wing aircraft – where its also easier to see both the main landing gear and runway.

                Hence, the cause of the accident was ruled the pilot’s improper touchdown point while attempting a landing but the CFI’s actions or rather the lack thereof, was also ruled a contributing factor.

                Photo credit: shelbs2

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                  RAF Typhoon spotting during the Olympics

                  by John on May 8, 2012

                  Hat tip to David Cenciotti for reposting this image published on May 2 by the Daily Telegraph that was taken during Exercise Olympic Guardian. The viewing area appears to be located somewhere around RAF Northolt airport in west London (anyone from the area please feel free to tell us the exact spot…) and will no doubt be a great spot for plane spotters during the Olympics. 

                  RAF Typhoons will be up in full force to enforce the No-Fly Zone above and around London during the upcoming Olympics. There will also be a few SAM (Surface to Air Missile) batteries stationed on top of residential buildings to guard against a 9/11 style terrorist attack. 

                   
                  Picture: Julian Simmonds/Daily Telegraph

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                    More German aviation terms…

                    by John on May 7, 2012

                    For pilots thinking of flying to Germany, we mentioned a “useful” list of German aviation terms last week. Here are a few more:

                    PILOT—Der Pushenpullen Bankenyanken Tailschwingen Werker

                    PASSENGER—Der Dumbkopf Das Est Strappened En Der Baacken Mit Der Other Dumbkopfs Das Est Expecten To Leave Undgo On Scheduledtimen Und Arriven mit Der Luggagebags Somplaceneisen

                    STUDENT PILOT—Der Dumbkopf Das Learnen Fliegen Un Hopen To Jobenfinden Mit Der Airlinens

                    FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR—Der Timenbuilder Mit Less Den 1000 Hrs
                    Multienginefliegen. Teachen Dumbkopfs To Fliegen Vile Waitenwatchen Fer Der Letter Mit Der Joboffering Frum United

                    AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOT—Das Grosse Overpaiden Und Under Werken Whinencomplainer Biggen Schmuck Dat Fliegen Mit Das Big Airlinen

                    PARACHUTE—Der Stringencotten Das Est Usen To Floaten Der Tailschwingen Pushenpullen Bankenyanken Werker Down To Earthen Ven Der Fliegenwagen Est Kaputen

                    FAA—Der Friggenfliegen Dumbkopf Schmucks Das Maken Alder Rulens Und Regulations

                    Helicopter — Der Flingen Wingen Maschinen mit der Floppen Bladens dot ist
                    Fliegen by der Dumbkopfs vas iss too Stupiden for Knowen dees Maschinens ees not Safen ver Fliegen.

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