Operation Piranha Dodger

***Willy*** · April 14th, 2017, 13:44

I got the telex last night to get ready for an extended Flight 19 "mission" into the South American rain forest and that it might be a good idea to bring along something that floats unless I like to swim with the pirahnas and crocagators. Contacted the aircraft specialist at the Swap N Shop and picked up this one. A bit scruffy looking, but I don't think appearance is going to be an issue where we're going.

**Taco** · April 21st, 2017, 12:54

Hey there! Here is a picture over KSFO of the Grumman Duck that I will try to fly in this new adventure.

***Willy*** · April 27th, 2017, 19:27

Did a quick shakedown hop from Key West to Havana and we're anchored out in the harbor. Hope the Cubans don't remember the last time we were here......

**Taco** · April 28th, 2017, 12:23

Hey all

, as predicted the Grumman was a problem, so Dudley and I check out most of the airports and old landing strips on most of Cuba looking for a plane to replace the Duck, Well, as things would have it, we found an derelict PBY, and from the first we thought we are in trouble now. But strange enough, someone has been keeping the old bird up to some degree. But looking at it for the first time we thought the old gal was ready for the beer can factory.

Hehe, we ran into some luck for a change, and the owner, we were told, was the old fellow setting next to the hanger. As we approached we notice that he was waring a WWII leather jacket. After we came to an understanding about the PBY the old gentleman explained the jacket. Evidently, along with a few Cubans they went to the US and joined the AAF in WWII and flew many a mission in the B-17s of the Eight Air force. Bought the PBY as war surplus.

Got some help from some of the locals and the old gentleman and went over the PBY from stem to stern. A big surprise, everything worked, and the engine started just great. Test flight was first class.

***Willy*** · May 1st, 2017, 19:58

We flew on down to MUTD (well near it), I took a few shots of the interior of the Avia. Kind of got a little bit of a South Louisiana thing going with it.