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Backcountry Pilot • Loading an ATV (Quad Bike) into a single engine bushplane?

Loading an ATV (Quad Bike) into a single engine bushplane?

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Re: Loading an ATV (Quad Bike) into a single engine bushplan

Ah, that would be my initial report then recommending the use of the C-212 which just happens to be made (licensed) in Indonesia.
Best
FG
flyinggibbon offline
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Re: Loading an ATV (Quad Bike) into a single engine bushplan

as Gump gruffly said, and dissed... perhaps the Islander will work if you absolutely have to...

http://www.britten-norman.com/brochures/islander.pdf
BRD offline
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Re: Loading an ATV (Quad Bike) into a single engine bushplan

flyinggibbon wrote:I am a former army officer in Australia working on a project in outback Australia . As part of this project we need to be able to lift ATV's and associated trailers etc (seperated if needed) in a single engine or light twin STOL aircraft, has anyone done this or is it the opinion of the forum that I might have more chance of forming an intimate relationship with Claudia Schiffer (gives my age away that doesn't it)?

The dimensions of the ATV are LxWxH of 211.4 x 120.9 x 128.9 cm, weight approx 350KG and the vehicle needs to be able to load without a forklift to lift it on (ie drive on).

My initial thoughts were an AN-2 could do the job (Polish built to get round the experimental cat), however, the door is just a fraction to narrow and as it's a monocoque/spar construction widening the door might be an issue, though we do need upwards of 6 units.

Perhaps a Turbo Porter might do the trick, though I have a feeling the body is to narrow, ideally what I need as a rear clamshell door loading light twin or single or alternately an aircraft that has cargo doors that open both sides to allow the ATV to be moved into position.

I'm trying to avoid the C-212/medium lift aircraft as they will not be economic, the same goes for the beloved chinook of my former life.

Thanks in advance for all and any help.

Best, Flyinggibbon



Beaver or otter ?
182 STOL driver offline
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Re: Loading an ATV (Quad Bike) into a single engine bushplan

Get some retired Australian postmen to ride those things. They delivered mail for years and rode millions of miles on those Honda 110 Trail bikes.
Short of that how about downsizing the ATV's. Cheaper than upsizing the plane. The cargo door on the single Otter is listed at 45 X 46 inches. The Honda rancher is 43 wide. If the need is for a bigger ATV then tip them on the side onto a motorized tote, fold the handle bars down or take off the front wheels. Seat height on all of them is less than their width. The Rancher 350 is listed at 30.5 to the seat and the Four Trax is listed at 32 so you could go up in model size more yet.
Even just taking off the tires would narrow any of them up.

Still like the idea of hiring the retired postal workers though.
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Re: Loading an ATV (Quad Bike) into a single engine bushplan

I also think go smaller ATV. Even cheaper.
Honda TRX 90
Length: 58.6 inches
Width: 35.2 inches
Height: 36.1 inches
Seat Height: 25.5 inches
Ground Clearance: 4.0 inches
Wheelbase: 38.8 inches
Turning Radius: 8.2 feet
Dry Weight: 244 pounds
Skydive206 offline
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Re: Loading an ATV (Quad Bike) into a single engine bushplan

Skydive206 wrote:I also think go smaller ATV. Even cheaper.
Honda TRX 90
Length: 58.6 inches
Width: 35.2 inches
Height: 36.1 inches
Seat Height: 25.5 inches
Ground Clearance: 4.0 inches
Wheelbase: 38.8 inches
Turning Radius: 8.2 feet
Dry Weight: 244 pounds


We have one of these, fits in 206. Not easy to load, but doable. It's a Honda, so it's a good machine.

gb
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Re: Loading an ATV (Quad Bike) into a single engine bushplan

I'd vote PC-12. Huge cargo door on the transport version. Drive up a ramp onto a turntable and then park it right behind the pilot. RFDS uses them so there's lots of local talent to operate and maintain them in OZ. I saw the Oregon Aero PC-12 flying with the Cubs off a grass strip near Yakima. Impressive STOL and could carry golf carts back there. For an expedited departure, your clients could practice parking brake turns into the fuselage through that cargo door.

Of course, internet opinions are really cheap. :)

YB
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Re: Loading an ATV (Quad Bike) into a single engine bushplan

BRD wrote:as Gump gruffly said, and dissed... perhaps the Islander will work if you absolutely have to...

http://www.britten-norman.com/brochures/islander.pdf


You'll never hear me diss an Islander!!!! Never. I loved flying them, and they are probably the most underrated Part 135 workhorse out there. Low/flat deck makes them easy to load. Lycs seem way more pilot proof than the Continentals, and fixed gear made 'em friends with the mechanics. And best of all, when you get paid by the flight hour, slower is better.

I'm just saying that loading ATV's is one of the biggest pains in the ass a cargo pilot has to deal with, unless you're flying something with a ramp like a Casa, or you have a loader and ramp crew to help stuff the thing into your airplane. It is a bitch to do.

Gump
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Re: Loading an ATV (Quad Bike) into a single engine bushplan

I have a hard enough time with a Mtn bike in a 182.

Tim
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Re: Loading an ATV (Quad Bike) into a single engine bushplan

A friend of mine had a door mod done on his Beech 18 we used to drive two honda atv up the ramp. It worked great.
mr scout offline
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Re: Loading an ATV (Quad Bike) into a single engine bushplan

Although your end-users might prefer an ATV, you might find that a dual-sport motorcycle is better suited for the job. On the one hand, the motorcycle will better traverse narrow trails and rough terrain. More importantly, it's about 1/3 the size and wieght of a comparable ATV... making it manageable to stow in an airplane. You might be surprised how many pilots are willing to ride around on two wheels. The AOPA Readership Survey reports that 19.4% of airplane owners currently own a motorcycle and I've found that upwards of 50% have past riding experience.

I carry a street-legal motorcycle on most flights. I can unload it myself without any heavy lifting or assistance. After a little practice, my girlfriend and I are ready to hit the road in under 90 seconds. Here's how I do it:



If you can't find a convenient way to carry a quad, you might want to look into a 400cc Dual Sport with a big cargo rack and panniers. There's also a company that makes a rugged single-wheel trailer for off-road use.
MotoPOD offline
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Re: Loading an ATV (Quad Bike) into a single engine bushplan

Dang, that is nice! And with a couple paddles, it looks like you could do some whitewater with that pod??
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Re: Loading an ATV (Quad Bike) into a single engine bushplan

182 STOL driver wrote:
Beaver or otter ?


You'd need a heck of a ramp. Or this:

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Re: Loading an ATV (Quad Bike) into a single engine bushplan

Id be happy to sell you my Twin Otter so you could load your ATVs and move the people around. A little to spendy for me to fly ATVs around in. I know that Gump bitches about ATVs in 206s but it sounds like its been done alot.
Skydive206 offline
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Re: Loading an ATV (Quad Bike) into a single engine bushplan

Skydive206 wrote: I know that Gump bitches about ATVs in 206s but it sounds like its been done alot.


I have had the pleasure of helping to load ATV's into and out of a 206, it's not an activity i would wish to repeat #-o ](*,) .

Sounds like you need one of these http://www.pilotfriend.com/experimental/acft4/53.htm. I have read about them but never seen one.

Chris
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Re: Loading an ATV (Quad Bike) into a single engine bushplan

My dream bush plane is a fixed gear 336 Cessna with a turbine up front and the rear engine tossed and big barn doors on the back for things like a quad, kayak, etc. Bush wheels of course. The rear could also be a sleep in camper.
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Re: Loading an ATV (Quad Bike) into a single engine bushplan

I think you need a much smaller & lighter 4wheeler if they wont ride a motorcycle. Most of the big companies & a few Chinese ones make a kids 90cc. a few racks that slip on for whatever your hauling & away ya go.
L-19 offline
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Re: Loading an ATV (Quad Bike) into a single engine bushplan

WEIGHT:

Quads range from 300 pounds (100cc child models) to 800 pounds. In general, they are about twice the weight of a comparable motorcycle.

Volume:

A typical quad is about 85 cubic feet. After folding the hanldebars and pegs, my 225cc motorcycle stores in a 16 cubic foot box. That's 80% less volume.

Other Considerations:

Although commonly perceived as safer, analysis by the National Trauma Data Bank found that ATVs are more dangerous than dirt bikes. Because more people have motorcycle experience, you may find that your volunteers require less training and operate more safely on motorcycles. Another thing to think about... dual sport motorcycles are street-legal and can operate on public roads and highways.

Of course, if you need a large tow capacity or need to transport someone on a stretcher, the ATV may be your only option.
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Re: Loading an ATV (Quad Bike) into a single engine bushplan

What about the C-123? You can find them for sale under $300,000 and your running radial engines which are cool to boot. Loading ramp and plenty of useful load / cubic space to meet your needs. For the price and the fuel burn you would come out much cheaper than a C-208 or PC-12.

http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/FAIRCHILD-C-123K/1954-FAIRCHILD-C-123K/1123732.htm
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Re: Loading an ATV (Quad Bike) into a single engine bushplan

A couple of sheets of plywood for wings and the quad could fly itself :shock: Actually I suppose a guy could rig a really big para-glider and run a prop off the quad motor.

sounds like you sort of need that flying car thingy that the missionary outfit is designing in south america.
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