Ace photographer Rob Stapleton sent us these two photos of N703, a Grumman Goose owned and operated by John Pletcher of the Goose Hangar at Lake Hood Seaplane Base (PALH) in Anchorage, Alaska.
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Thank GAN for using the photos and especially for the reference, “Ace Photographer.” Also for recognizing Alaska aviation activities and aviators on your site and in your pages of the GA News.
That would be a gander and a goose.
These are two really great pictures. Thanks for publishing them on your website.
As FYI, many years ago, a friend of mine and his boss ferried two of these fine Grumman aircraft from Miami to their new-found home in the U.S. Virgin Islands. But they wanted to fly in formation, as much of the flight was overwater. So, a mini crisis ensued. How to fill out the Remarks Section in the FAA’s Flight Plan. Do they refer to the planned two-ship formation as a flight of “Two Grumman Gooses,” or as “Two Grumman Geese?” They were unsure what to do.
They finally settled on the phase, “One Grumman Goose and another just like it.” Their overwater flight was then flown uneventfully. Sadly, though, both aviators subsequently lost their lives in separate Grumman Goose accidents.
Question: Given all the policy and rules we have today in aviation, what is the recommended phraseology in 2017 in the event someone else might want to file and then launch a flight of two of these fine Grumman aircraft? I really would be interested in knowing; does anyone know the answer?
Signed,
An interested reader.
Funny story, but sorry to read of the pilots’ later losses.
For flight plans, recommend “two Grumman Gooses,” as the planes’ official name, then add “(i.e., Geese)” for a light touch. Having worked with FAA people – admittedly as an airport person, not a pilot – I found them generally good people, professionals who saw that those policies and rules were implemented, and truly helpful in doing so, with a sense of humor for items like this.
Safe and happy flying!