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Piper Malibu Jetprop from Kansas to Kruger  

 

The Jetprop on the job. 

there is this 300 000$ PT6 engine with a risk of sucking in foreign objects
the four bladed hot prop with little clearance
the fragile looking undercarriage
etc... 

Can the Malibu Jetprop deliver what the owner bought it for ?

Flying from a large city airport, climbing over the weather, giving passenger comfort, bridging 500NM with a speed of 250kts or more and then landing in the bush on runways that seams to be made for a C185.    

the inertial separator (ice door) is open
struts and tires inflated to specification
 the use of reverse thrust is avoided
the CG more to the rear limit

but still pilot technique is making a difference

turning the plane only on a stone pad with min. power or by using a tow-bar
slowly acceleration and adding more power as the speed is building up.
performing a short and soft field take off technic 

We are in a hot and high condition and at least the runway length is adequate. 

Why to go to places like this?

 

Safari, seeing wild animals and visiting the lodges around the Kruger National Park and all over southern Africa.

The tourist industry becomes big business in South Africa and visitors get the highest luxury possible out in the wilderness. Inspecting the Lodges is now the routine job of the Malibu Jetprop DLX. 

the salon of one of the private houses of the lodge

the Landover prepared with safari seating is the standard transportation

going back to Jo'burgs Lanseria airport

 

next taking a car and driving to Johannesburg International airport.
From then on comes the bad part of every ferry flight; going home with the airline in the back of the cabin.

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pilot@utility-aircraft.com