Before getting started, the answer is a resounding... "Yes!"
The question was, "Does Michelle (Mike) have the intelligence to run through all of the correct checklists based upon water and/or land takeoffs and landings?"
- Yes, you can takeoff from an airport and fly to an airport.
- Yes, you can takeoff from an airport and fly to a water landing.
- Yes, you can takeoff from a water landing and fly to an airport.
- Yes, you can takeoff from a water landing and fly to a water landing.
You can even change your destination airport while enroute from, (e.g.) a water landing, to an airport, or visa-versa. For example, you can say, "Make the destination airport Papa, Alpha, Golf, Yankee." Or, you can say, "Make the destination water landing Three, Zulu, Niner."
The Goose is a Beauty!
As I was developing the various (and complex) checklists for this aircraft, I fell in love with it. It's really a blast to fly. I particularly enjoyed making a water landing on Lake Tahoe,
then after landing, I said, "Maintain Taxi Speed!" Well, Michelle did her thing, and we skimmed across the water at about 18-20 knots. Then, as we approached the shore, I wiggled the throttles and pulled them back to the cut position, and Michelle gave me back control of the speed. As the nose touched the shoreline, I said, "Landing Gear Down", and as the aircraft crept up onto the land, I said, "Floats Up." What a really cool plane! You have to give it a go! This is one versatile air-boat!
Some Things to Look Out For!
- DON'T HIT THE BRAKES AT A SPEED GREATER THAN 5 KNOTS OR THE NOSE WILL GET BURIED IN THE CONCRETE!
- DON'T TURN THE AIRCRAFT AT 15-20 KNOTS, OR YOU'LL LOSE A WING!
Before applying the brakes, let the aircraft coast to a near stop. You can "tap" the brakes gently to help the coast... but be careful. And remember, make gentle, slow and wide turns.
Here's a Very Interesting Document!
http://www.fsinsider.com/product/learning/Documents/FlyingFloatPlanes.pdf
Wikipedia Overview
The Grumman G-21 Goose amphibious flying boat was designed as a ten-seat "commuter" plane for businessmen in the Long Island area. The Goose was Grumman’s first monoplane to fly, its first twin-engined aircraft and its first aircraft to enter commercial airline service. During World War II, the Goose became an effective transport for the US military and Coast Guard, as well as serving with many other air forces. During hostilities, the Goose took on an increasing number of combat and training roles. In postwar use, the adaptable little transport continued in use.
Design and development
In 1937, the Grumman Model G-21 was designed as a light amphibian transport. The typical Grumman rugged construction was matched to an all-metal, high-winged monoplane powered by two 450-horsepower Pratt and Whitney Wasp Jr. nine-cylinder, air-cooled radial engines mounted on the leading edge of high-set wings. The deep fuselage served also as a hull and was equipped with hand-cranked retractable landing gear. The fuselage also proved versatile as it provided generous interior space that allowed fitting for either a transport or luxury airliner role. Having an amphibious configuration also allowed the G-21 to go just about anywhere, and elaborate plans were made to market it as an amphibian airliner.
Operational history
Envisioned as corporate or private "flying yachts" for Manhattan millionaires, initial production models normally carried two to three passengers and had a bar and small toilet installed. As well as being marketed to small air carriers, the G-21 was also promoted as a military transport. In 1938, the US Army Air Force purchased the type as the OA-9 (later, in the war years, examples bought from civilian owners were designated the OA-13A) the US Navy variants were designated the JRF.
The amphibian was soon adopted by the Coast Guard and, during World War II, it also served with the RCAF in the transport, reconnaissance, rescue and training roles, and used for air-sea rescue duties by the RAF. The RAF, in a common naming convention with all of its aircraft, designated it "Goose".
On returning to civilian service, after the war, the Goose found use from the wilderness of Alaska to the sunny climes of Catalina.
A total of 345 were built, with about 60 still airworthy today, some of them in modified forms, such as the Turbo-Goose.
Give the Goose a Try!
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