Introduction
On Sunday 22 July, I went for a joy flight in the only Australian registered Antonov AN-2. It was fantastic! And since it is something a bit different I thought I would write a quick report.
I had noticed the big yellow AN-2 at Caboolture for the last couple of months when I went there for a flying lesson, but never researched or asked why it was there. And 3 weeks before the 22nd after going out for a flight I saw that they were offering two joy flights to my flying school, $140 each for an hour flight out to Moreton Island which I thought was quite good. It is a 9 seater plane so there were 18 spots and I put my name down for the flight I also asked my friend Josh if he would like to go and he did so I put his down as well. We couldn’t wait to go up in the Antonov!
Caboolture Aerodrome
I got to the aerodrome just before noon; I let someone in the Caboolture Recreational Aviation office know that I was here for the flight. Josh showed up about 20 minutes later, we started having a look around at all the aircraft at the aerodrome. We then went over to Hangar 21 where my flying school was putting on a barbecue. After that Josh and I went over to the Antonov to check it out.
What an awesome bird!
Head on
The Antonov AN-2
At 2pm, the Saario brother’s brought the plane around to the hangar for the first joy flight.
July 22, 2012
An-2 Joy Flight
Antonov Charlie Charlie Echo
YCAB-YCAB
VH-CCE AN2
Row 4 (back), left hand seat
All nine passengers boarded the beast and took their seats; unfortunately I was last to board and was left with the back row which doesn’t have windows. But once we got in the air we would be free to move around.
We taxied out to RWY12 and lined up, we were off the ground in no time, quicker than my Jabiru gets up! We climbed out of Caboolture and made our way to Moreton Island. Once we got above our safe altitude which I think was 1000 feet, we were free to move around.
Off to Moreton Island
As we left the mainland and were over the ocean, the co-pilot asked if we didn’t mind if he opened up the rear door! Never been asked that before! It sure was a great experience flying in the old AN2 with the door open on our way over to Moreton Island.
Leaving the mainland
Passing over Bribie Island
As we made our way to Moreton the pilots said to look out the side of the aircraft because we would have Caboolture Recreational Aviation’s Nanchang joining us, flown by my instructor.
Nanchang VH-NNF joins us!
Amazing!
Moreton Island!
