[email protected] wrote:Ending a commercial creer because of getting blind on one eye??

Have a good friend who lost one eye, still flying for an airline and is also an airshow pilot.

Flyhound wrote:I've owned trikes and tailwheel aircraft. My last plane was a 182 with a Texas Skyways engine conversion. It was actually the plane that JFK junior flew before he bought the Piper Saratoga that got the better of him. That 182 was capable and noteworthy because of past ownership, but it wasn't fun. It was also thirsty as can be. I sold my share in that plane (it was a 6 way partnership) and bought a 180 Hp Maule MX7-180-C. I fly the Maule a lot more than I flew the 182, I smile more when I'm flying it, and it's cheaper to operate. I never liked the plastic interior pieces in Cessna aircraft and I had a crush on Maule taildraggers for years before buying one. Some folks with 182s can go places I won't attempt with my Maule, but that's more pilot skill than airplane. I'm just an average Joe in the cockpit. The Maule takes me and my other toys (like bikes and camping gear) all the places I want to go and I enjoy every minute of flying it. I like the option of doing wheel, or 3 point landings, and I like looking at my plane when it's parked. I've had pilots of private jets come look at my Maule on the ramp, then offer me a tour of their plane. A 182 isn't likely to generate that kind of exchange. So, it isn't about capability for me, is all about the fun factor a particular plane offers, and that calculation is personal. I have the plane that makes me smile. I hope you can say the same whatever you wind up with.

Mark Y. wrote:

[email protected] wrote:Ending a commercial creer because of getting blind on one eye??

Have a good friend who lost one eye, still flying for an airline and is also an airshow pilot.

I am sure some one eyed pilots can do ok on demonstrated ability. But so can a lot of drunk drivers. The loss of depth perception is one tool that is gone. I imagine can do just fine for an airline with a co-pilot - But sorry, airshow pilot one eyed is just a death wish.

Zzz wrote:Wheels coming off this thread. Haven't checked it in a few days and am trying to backtrace the tangent of one-eyed pilots.

Zzz wrote:Wheels coming off this thread. Haven't checked it in a few days and am trying to backtrace the tangent of one-eyed pilots.

Zzz wrote:Wheels coming off this thread. Haven't checked it in a few days and am trying to backtrace the tangent of one-eyed pilots.

TangoFox wrote:

Zzz wrote:Wheels coming off this thread. Haven't checked it in a few days and am trying to backtrace the tangent of one-eyed pilots.

I have also heard a few pilots say they would give their left testicle for a certain plane!!

Not sure if they would be required to get a SODA or not tho

Zzz wrote:Wheels coming off this thread. Haven't checked it in a few days and am trying to backtrace the tangent of one-eyed pilots.

contactflying wrote:Here it wasn't a medical issue but a FSDO doctor issue. I have known crops dusters with one eye and there was Willey Post. Here most got no waiver for anything for a time. With my wrap sheet I elected not to try. Some pilots shopped around the midwest for another FSDO.

mtv wrote:
Ah, but what you’re failing to take into account in that deep snow dissertation is that VERY large NOSE ski on the 206. Which provides huge additional float, and really helps keep the prop up out of the snow. Really, you should go out with someone with a 206 on FliLite 4000. Note that I did NOT suggest a 206 on c-3600 skis, BTW. One of my massively stuck stories involves that setup..... But, on Fli Lites, I’d put a good strong light 206 up against a 185 most days in deep stuff.

Of course, they’re scarce as hens teeth.

MTV

Squash wrote:

mtv wrote:
Ah, but what you’re failing to take into account in that deep snow dissertation is that VERY large NOSE ski on the 206. Which provides huge additional float, and really helps keep the prop up out of the snow. Really, you should go out with someone with a 206 on FliLite 4000. Note that I did NOT suggest a 206 on c-3600 skis, BTW. One of my massively stuck stories involves that setup..... But, on Fli Lites, I’d put a good strong light 206 up against a 185 most days in deep stuff.

Of course, they’re scarce as hens teeth.

MTV

Ok. You've got my attention. I am willing to leave my incredulity at the door and tag along in a 206 on FliLite 4000s. Wait, maybe I will leave it with my cub pilots and have them escort us with shovels and snowshoes.

In all seriousness, I would like to see the setup in action in challenging conditions. One of the issues in deep snow with the Landes GLH3000s or LH4000s on TDs is the propensity for the plane to lose it's floatation when there is any lateral translation like in a slow turn or on a side slope. I do wonder how well a ND on skis stays on top in similar conditions. I look forward to learning more.