Flying the Old Ones: The DC-3 and the BU2000 Trimotor
Chris Grotewohl CFII MEI DE
The Bushmaster served her time in Alaska in the late 60's and early 70's. Although I don't know the complete history of the plane, I know she was started in the 50's and certified in 1966. The back of these photo's explained engine problems the current owners were going through at that time. It looks like she was worked hard like most airplanes in Alaska. The Bushmaster was used to haul supplies including musk oxen to Indian villages in Siberia. She was designed to work for a living.
A couple of old shots when 7501V was new. She was built in Long Beach California and I imagine the shots are there.
Here is a shot of the cockpit today along with today's interior. As you can see, three of everything. The throttles are typical and not lined up evenly which makes even power settings a challenge on take off. The great thing is the ship is airborne before it can get away from you. I wish I could say the same about landings. I usually pull the center engine to idle on landings and use the outboards to control my descent. The other shot is of me in the passenger area. Seats 14 folks.
One of the goofy pilots. The ship at the Kansas City downtown airport Summer 2000. It really draws attention.
