Trip Report: Antonov AN2 Joyflight at Caboolture (Photos)

[Brandon Giacomin]

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!

[Brandon Giacomin]

All the passengers were allowed to visit the cockpit inflight, I made my way up to the cockpit last.

The old cockpit of the AN2 with an iPad used as the GPS






My instructor in the Nanchang was looking for whales for our joy fight, he couldn’t see any so he returned to Caboolture and we returned shortly after. I had a window seat for the return leg.

Leaving Moreton Island


Over Bribie Island


And back to the mainland


On downwind for RWY12


Finals for RWY12


Short finals


Touchdown and one of the smoothest I have ever had


Taxiing back to the hangar


Cabin


After a fantastic flight we disembarked and the next group boarded. Some of the passengers including Josh and I made our way over to RWY12 to get some good departure shots.

The AN2 makes a fantastic departure out of RWY12


Off to Moreton Island


And the Nanchang follows with a departure off RWY06

[Brandon Giacomin]

The very good looking CTLS of Go Fly Aviation departs off RWY06


And that was the end of my very enjoyable joy flight.

Conclusion

It was an amazing experience, I had a great time. I am very glad I did the flight and well worth the $140. I would definitely recommend this flight; they offer joy flights out of Caboolture a couple of times a month. Thank you for reading!
http://www.an2.com.au/Site/Welcome.html

[Maikha Ly]

Brandon, that is a fantastic trip report of a unique experience and some great shots to go with it, thank you so much for the time and effort to share!

[Jim M]

Brandon,what a fantastic trip report on something that is a bit out of the ordinary,and therefore very interesting.

I really enjoyed reading it,and all of the photos,so thanks for posting.

Love the photos of the Nanchang out the window!! Awesome stuff.

Cheers
Jim

[Brandon Giacomin]

Thank you Maikha and Jim

[Ryan Hothersall]

What a great report and photos.

Would love to fly on that one day.