LawnDart21 0 #1 January 3, 2002 Okay, so I've jumped the Frankenotter maybe 50 times over the last year, and I agree with all the "FrankenFans", it's one of the fastest Otters out there (I saw it take off from practically a total stand still one time in Lake Wales, I mean, way less than 100 yards and the thing was airborn.......), but I digress, anyways, it's 30 degrees here in Boston and I figured I'd use this down time to see if anyone can confirm the FrankenOtter story. I know it's owned by Paul at CSS, but what is the history and is there any confirms on exactly how many different planes it actually comprises? I've heard 4 planes and 5 planes. Anyone know for sure? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
weid14 0 #2 January 3, 2002 I believe it is 5 planes, one of them being the old Skydive Chicago otter that caught fire one night. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stacy 0 #3 January 3, 2002 I"ve heard 5-6 planes in the 2 seasons I worked @ cross keys. it is fast... but our new otter is as fast if not faster! yahoo!!!Stacyhttp://users.snip.net/~stacy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #4 January 3, 2002 "Skydive Chicago otter that caught fire one night."Coincidence.....I think not......."I got some beers....Let's Drink em!!!"Clay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
weid14 0 #5 January 3, 2002 up to 7,500 feet it's faster, above that they climb about the same. The new one has re-inforced wings to take the additional torque the turbine can develop. less than 18 minute turn arounds are a beautiful thing (although it does keep the packers really busy). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
weid14 0 #6 January 3, 2002 benefit of the doubt.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diverdriver 7 #7 January 4, 2002 Quote"Skydive Chicago otter that caught fire one night."Coincidence.....I think not.......Care to enlighten me? I got called back to Ottawa early from California with the other otter. Was none to happy to get back to see 30EA sitting with a tarp over it.And it didn't just "catch fire". It was set on fire. You think you know something then I suggest you let the FBI know your feelings since it is still an open CRIMINAL investigation.As for how many aircraft I believe it's five. I was in Calgary when it was being put back together from different hulls. Out back of Rocky Mountain Aircraft is the "Otter Graveyard". If you're ever out there ask George to show you some pictures of what happened to the hulls discarded out back. Take a walk around and see how it is possible to screw up in an Otter. It's a bit sobering.On the lighter note, it was funny as hell to see that thing going together in the back corner of the hanger while other aircraft were getting routine maintenance done in the front. It really was like a mad scientist project back there. I'm glad to see it flying even if it is ugly as hell.Chris SchindlerD-19012ATP/CFII Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #8 January 4, 2002 "Care to enlighten me?"Just making an assumption based on the rumor mill surrounding certain DZO's backgrounds.....I have no direct knowledge of any of it. PS....I steer clear of federal law enforcement....until they hire me anyway...."I got some beers....Let's Drink em!!!"Clay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ducky 0 #9 January 4, 2002 hmmm?Not knowing much about anything, being a newbie that is... Is it possible this is the same "Frankenotter" I jumped out of for my Aff 4 and 5 in early December at ASC in GA????The very same day I take my mom to the DZ for the first time and she makes the comment that the only thing that would bother her is seeing the plane we jump out of. So the whole way there I'm assuring her its not that bad, a decent looking plane actually... (expecting the usual King Air) and as we pull in this "Frankenotter" rounds the corner of the hangar! She was like "what the hell is that, somebody's science project?"kwak Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PalmettoTiger 1 #10 January 4, 2002 I've got some good pictures of it on my computer at school; when I get back Sunday I'll post them and we can count the number of different paint schemes visible. Somebody send me an e-mail this weekend to remind me, I'm sure I'll forget by then. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #11 January 4, 2002 Let me go capture some stills on the camera in the other room and we can count them then....... I want to touch the sky, I want to fly so high ~ Sonique Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpervali 2 #12 January 4, 2002 From what I've been told (from an otter pilot) the plane was a rebuild with one thing in mind...hauling jumpers. When it was pieced back together the builders set it up to operate efficiently. Take jumpers up quickly and safely. The pilot said "the builders culled all the not needed stuff out of the rebuild." I think of it like a hotrod with doors that don't match.jumpervali Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
weid14 0 #13 January 4, 2002 well, there's only 1, go to www.freefalladventures.com there's some pics on the Cross Keys site Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PalmettoTiger 1 #14 January 4, 2002 I've attached the picture from the Cross Keys website (BTW, good job Stacy!) but you can't see much of the wing or tail. I can make out three different paint schemes (nose, pilot's door, and body) but I'm sure there are more. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
harro 0 #15 January 4, 2002 What grade of packing tape did they put that puppy together with????Freemind, freesky, freebeer, freefly, freesex Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
weid14 0 #16 January 4, 2002 that plane is rock solid and FAST! I would rather be in it than some of the nice paint jobs ones I've jumped from! When the pilot can hover the plane you know it is built. (major flaps, lots of power, just hovers there) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #17 January 4, 2002 "When the pilot can hover the plane you know it is built. (major flaps, lots of power, just hovers there)"Cheese and rice! I'd have to see that one....."I got some beers....Let's Drink em!!!"Clay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
weid14 0 #18 January 4, 2002 I was in one a couple of weeks ago that took about 10 feet to get off the ground, he kept it at like 10 feet till it got fast enough to climb, pretty cool. dont' let anyone tell you the otter can't do a barrel roll either Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #19 January 4, 2002 "dont' let anyone tell you the otter can't do a barrel roll either"Sure it can.....It's a turbo prop! No fuel or oil to run down the windshield in the event of negative G's...."I got some beers....Let's Drink em!!!"Clay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stacy 0 #20 January 4, 2002 teh tail is a different paint job as well, the rear emergency exit door displays a different paintjob as well in a photo i have. (can't post it due to permission stuff...)Stacyhttp://users.snip.net/~stacy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stacy 0 #21 January 4, 2002 the tail is a different paint job as well, the rear emergency exit door displays a different paintjob as well in a photo i have. (can't post it due to permission stuff...)Stacyhttp://users.snip.net/~stacy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dove 0 #22 January 4, 2002 Here's a cool pic - that's my boy! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ducky 0 #23 January 4, 2002 That's it!! Man that plane get's around! Where is it based out of?? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PalmettoTiger 1 #24 January 4, 2002 I count five different paint schemes. Truly a miracle of aeronautical engineering. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites AggieDave 6 #25 January 4, 2002 "We have the technology, we can rebuild him..."Once you're gone, you can't come backWhen you're out of the blueAnd into the black-NeilYoung Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
AggieDave 6 #25 January 4, 2002 "We have the technology, we can rebuild him..."Once you're gone, you can't come backWhen you're out of the blueAnd into the black-NeilYoung Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
