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Does anyone live/fly in the NWT, CA area?
Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2004 3:46 am
by rosborne
I have been helping a couple of missionaries in the NWT, CA area and would like to take my C170A up there but would like some suggestions about flying up there.
Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2004 4:32 am
by blueldr
The heating system in the C-170 will never make it up there, and they don't make long johns long enough. That's why the factory offered an optional combustion heater installed. My airplane used to have one. If you fly in a parka and have another parka in the right seat, it gets pretty crowded and kind of difficult to fly.
Wait 'till summer.
Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2004 10:09 pm
by Pete Kuckenberg
I've flown 8 round trips between Alaska and the lower 48, 7 times through the NWT. This can be the best time of year to fly up there...IF THE WEATHER PERMITS. Just be sure to dress for it and don't skimp on the survival gear. A pre heater that does not need electricity (Northern Companion) might be good to have. You might be supprised at how much better your 170 will perform when it's real cold. My personal limit on the cold is -20, but I'm getting a little wimpy in my old age. Where are you going up there?
Pete
Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2004 10:38 pm
by hbcroft
When do you plan to make your trip? If you are looking at ski operation, I suggest you wait until March...longer days...somewhat warmer although you can still get -30-35C temp.
Where are your friends located in the NWT? I may be able to help you with your flight planning....been pretty much everywhere in the NWT.
Bruno
Ft Smith, NWT
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2004 1:18 am
by logsdon
I have lived in the NWT for thirty years and have been flying since ‘86. There is certainly a lot of beautiful country to explore up here and I would encourage you to visit. I fly mostly on floats in the summer. The 24 hour daylight and generally VFR weather in the summer are delightful. Fall (September to freeze-up) are often nasty with wind, freezing rain and low ceilings. Flying in the deep winter (December-February) means long pre-heats, very little daylight and COLD (it was minus 38C this morning). Spring flying (March-May) is great and usually within the capability of the 170 heater. Airports are few and far between and many do not have avgas.
We have a biannual Floatplane fly-in in Yellowknife which draws pilots from all over North America. I have never met one who wasn't glad he made the trip and many come back year after year. Did I mention fishing?
Like Bruno, I would be glad to offer whatever help or advice you need. Feel free to contact me through the forum or by e-mail. If you have never fished off floats at midnight on a glassy northern lake, you really should consider a trip.