FLYING THE HUDSON

摘要

With only one, single-pilot Hudson airworthy in the world, the list of people currently qualified on type is quite exclusive. Steve Death kindly gave his view of the aircraft: "I like to fly the Hudson," Steve begins. "It goes well, as it is overpowered, it has oodles of horsepower, and we are flying it relatively light; without bombs, ammunition or usually full fuel. It has got Wright R-1820 Cyclones rated at 1,200 h.p. "I've been flying it for about nine years, since it came to Temora. Tony Alder introduced me to the type, but as it only has a single set of controls, you are either flying it or you aren't. We fly it with two crew, however, the second person is there to help double check the checklist, as a second pair of eyes (and the pilot on the left-hand really can't see out of the right side). But the most important job is to pump the gear down if required in an emergency; there's a handle behind the seat, which a solo pilot might be able to operate in a pinch, but you really want a hand with that.