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Posted by Paul(in NY) [12.64.120.54] on Friday, June 03, 2011 at 18:13:07 :
In Reply to: OT but intersting, DC3s in Columbia posted by D Sherman [98.225.32.22] on Friday, June 03, 2011 at 17:35:51 :
Very interesting, brings back memories. Back in the 90's, I flew from Guatemala City into the Jungle to visit the Mayan City/Pyramids of Tikal. The plane was a old worn DC-3, The main door was held closed with a regular old hasp and a snap clip. Up front, in the passenger cabin was as I remember were (5) 55 gallon drums, not restrained in any way. An old Indian lady a few rows forward of me had a live chicken on her lap. Some old Indian guy was sitting next to me. He pulls out some kind of Black looking stuff, breaks off a piece and offers me a bite. I will never forget the pungent stink of whatever it was. Ha!, I smiled and said thanks but was not hungry. When we landed at Tikal (dirt strip) the plane sat there for the day. The Indian children climbed up on the wings, played in the wheel wells.
Coming back to Guatemala City, I found you could walk up front. Before the flight deck was the radio area. Antique radios vibrators and dynamotors running. On the flight deck, we were above the clouds. No modern Nav equipment, Just a compass and a large Timer so they could run their approach plates.
Most interesting, never do it again, but I am here to remember and talk about the experience.
Paul