Another cool flight

A friend (K.) took me up in his Ryan, PT-22. These were built in the mid 40's as primary trainers for WWII. The open cockpit, inhaling exhaust and the clackaty-clack of the radial engine was eventful. The engine has such a distinct sound that when you are on the ground and it is flying you can hear it approaching from miles away and know which plane it is.


Specifications (PT-22):
Engine: One 160-hp Kinner R-540-1 five-cylinder radial engine
Weight: Empty 1,313 lbs., Max Takeoff 1,860 lbs.
Wing Span: 30ft. 1in.
Length: 22ft. 5in.
Height: 6ft. 10in.
Performance:
Maximum Speed: 131 mph
Ceiling: 15,000 ft.
Range: 352 miles
Armament: None

Number Built: ~1273

Number Still Airworthy: 85+


Getting geared up for a chilly ride.
K. flies, for employment, the Erikson air crane used for heavy lifting and fighting fires. He is sent all over the world for jobs.


K. flies it from the back and needless to say he can never see over the nose, even in landing. He let me take the controls for awhile and then he pulled some light aerobatics. Another great war bird!