Last float video until spring

[gkremers]

This Saturday morning is like most for me, fly somewhere for breakfast and meet up with some friends. On my way down the lake looked so nice I had to splash in quick before heading to Plainwell. The floats are coming this coming weekend, back to wheels and skis for 4 months or so.

https://vimeo.com/194271310

Gary

[gkremers]

Supposed to be coming OFF....

[FlyerChief]

Hi Gary,
Great video... it looks like you had a bit of fun there. I'm a little jealous... my floats came off about 4 weeks ago and I did a couple of weeks of farm bustin' on the bush wheels before bringing her home to do my annual and other scheduled maintenance. I did have a great year on floats though with over 140 hours on the floats and another 10 hours on wheels this year. We are very blessed to live in this part of the world with so many lakes and rivers to enjoy. I'm already looking forward to the 2017 float flying season. Maybe we'll get lucky and have someone from the sunny south post some float flying videos to help us get through our northern winter.
Looking forward to seeing a few skiing videos in your Highlander too.
Dan

[moving2time]

Gary, what is the object on your Left Wing Strut that is right in front of your camera on the this video? The only thing I can guess is maybe a mirror pointed at the floats for reference. Otherwise I have no idea. Nice video. At first I thought that you did not retract the nose gear but it appears to be further extended in the final landing on pavement. I didn't realize it didn't go further in when retracted. Thanks. Wanna be float plan pilot. Joe B

[gkremers]

Joe,
Yes.... it's the mirror for the float so you can confirm up/down main gear. There are also LED indicators on the panel that confirm each gear is up or down. I'm a newbie when it comes to float flying but having a great time learning the ropes. I think I do at least 4 or 5 Gear checks before landing!!!

Gary

[moving2time]

Gary, When would you be switching back to floats in the Spring? I talked to you a couple of times hoping to fly out for a visit to check out the gas shock gear you had mounted on your Highlander. Unfortunately my CUB suffered an engine issue that required an overhaul that has kept me grounded since February. Still not back in the air but down to a couple of minor items and I should be back up and flying. Would you go directly to the floats now that you are flying them or would you spend some time on the main gear before going back to the floats. Haven't com,e across anything in my area with the gas shock mods and I would really like to see how they perform. I plan to sell the CUB next Fall and build a Highlander over the Winter. The tandem seating in the CUB really isn't for me and I want to get a Highlander flying before I get any older! Joe B

[gkremers]

Joe,
I'll be on wheels and skis until Spring. Depending on the temps I hope to get the floats back on in April. I'll try and get some video of the gear in action. If your in my area let me know?

Gary

[av8rps]

What another great video Gary. Just beautiful of your Highlander amphib over some gorgeous scenery. Really makes me wish for spring. Your Highlander looks like it performs exceptionally well on those floats.

And I am really glad to see more interest in flying Highlanders on floats. They are great airplanes in pretty much any mode, but flying them on floats is truly a great experience.