Saw a Zantop Electra take off from YYZ in the late 1990s. Man, that thing rotated fast...and I followed the smoke trail for a good ten minutes after it took off.
The Navy picked the "Electra' platform as it's mainstay ASW aircraft for the same reason the Hurricane Hunters (53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron) chose it.
It was unbreakable.
I talked a lot with some of the long-term P3 pilots back in the day (because I worked with VP-31, an 'Orion' Squadron), they universally agreed that the P3 was the only aircraft that could take the constant strain of ASW operations in all weather conditions.
Trusted airframe, maybe. The wing was another thing. We called the L-188 a glass winged aircraft. Lots of inspection. Zantop was talking of putting new P-3 wings on them, but it was not worth the money.
The 'Electra' got off to a bad start but after Lockheed fixed (way over-fixed) the Engine/Wing oscillation problem they became one of the best airliners ever built.
I loved flying on 'Electras".
Smooth as glass, powerful, one of the best takeoff rolls in aviation...LOTS of acceleration.
Near record setting climb to cruise.
Just a total thrill.
I am trying to find a way to get another flight on one.
I think the 2 cargo door ones are ex- hawiian air. Zantop bought the Transamerica ones two. They had Hamiton standard props. The Electra were a great airplane.
Flew in and out of Adak, AK on Reeve Aleutian Airways Electras in 77-78, nice solid aircraft, after that I understood why the U.S. Navy picked them for their P3 Orion ASW aircraft.
My father (Robert Barren) flew for Zantop for close to 30 years. Her started off on the c-46 or 47 out of school, then went to the convair then the electra and finally the dc-8. Awesome video
I used to fly Lears for Zantop Airways out of Metro, but we occasionally picked up at Willow Run....1973-74. Ah, those were the days. The Zantops sure knew how to throw a Christmas party, that's for sure. I was 23 y/o back then and life was chock full of possibilities. Reese, if you're still out there somewhere, my hat is off to you my friend, and Pat Smith and Bob Radowick.
Yes it was a Great time for alot of old potnaz's aka zipper's. But this is from after Zantop handed over the hub to Connie Kalitta ( no name on the L-188's ) it was sad to be around the last few year before the company close the doors. But alot of zipper's move over to Kalitta and Active aero ( GREAT MEMORIES ! ) THANKS AGAIN FOR THE POST.
great plane i love it..
OberstGenosse 2 days ago
Saw a Zantop Electra take off from YYZ in the late 1990s. Man, that thing rotated fast...and I followed the smoke trail for a good ten minutes after it took off.
Coaljet 1 month ago
Douglas planes rule.
mike1948roadmaster 2 months ago
The Navy picked the "Electra' platform as it's mainstay ASW aircraft for the same reason the Hurricane Hunters (53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron) chose it.
It was unbreakable.
I talked a lot with some of the long-term P3 pilots back in the day (because I worked with VP-31, an 'Orion' Squadron), they universally agreed that the P3 was the only aircraft that could take the constant strain of ASW operations in all weather conditions.
They really trusted the airframe.
And they got home in it.
hammerogod 3 months ago
Trusted airframe, maybe. The wing was another thing. We called the L-188 a glass winged aircraft. Lots of inspection. Zantop was talking of putting new P-3 wings on them, but it was not worth the money.
mike1948roadmaster 2 months ago
The 'Electra' got off to a bad start but after Lockheed fixed (way over-fixed) the Engine/Wing oscillation problem they became one of the best airliners ever built.
I loved flying on 'Electras".
Smooth as glass, powerful, one of the best takeoff rolls in aviation...LOTS of acceleration.
Near record setting climb to cruise.
Just a total thrill.
I am trying to find a way to get another flight on one.
hammerogod 3 months ago
Detroit Willow-Run Airport June 1994...!
mprophet100 4 months ago
When was this filmed?
peregrineflier 4 months ago
Zantop pilots were REAL pilots!!! I flew around Level 6's with them guys before... they ALL had BALLS!!!
12Jetdiver55 9 months ago
I think the 2 cargo door ones are ex- hawiian air. Zantop bought the Transamerica ones two. They had Hamiton standard props. The Electra were a great airplane.
pabsan07 10 months ago
Flew in and out of Adak, AK on Reeve Aleutian Airways Electras in 77-78, nice solid aircraft, after that I understood why the U.S. Navy picked them for their P3 Orion ASW aircraft.
JSStryker 11 months ago
My father (Robert Barren) flew for Zantop for close to 30 years. Her started off on the c-46 or 47 out of school, then went to the convair then the electra and finally the dc-8. Awesome video
cny72209 11 months ago
I used to fly Lears for Zantop Airways out of Metro, but we occasionally picked up at Willow Run....1973-74. Ah, those were the days. The Zantops sure knew how to throw a Christmas party, that's for sure. I was 23 y/o back then and life was chock full of possibilities. Reese, if you're still out there somewhere, my hat is off to you my friend, and Pat Smith and Bob Radowick.
Sundogjeep 1 year ago
Hi rolfen...no 707s at Detroit Willowrun airport...only DC-8s.
mprophet100 1 year ago
Is that a 707 (at the end)? In 1994??
rolfen 1 year ago
Hi angelof DarkHumor.....THX for the kind words...glad you like it.
cheers Mp
mprophet100 1 year ago
Yes it was a Great time for alot of old potnaz's aka zipper's. But this is from after Zantop handed over the hub to Connie Kalitta ( no name on the L-188's ) it was sad to be around the last few year before the company close the doors. But alot of zipper's move over to Kalitta and Active aero ( GREAT MEMORIES ! ) THANKS AGAIN FOR THE POST.
( DKJ )
angelOfDarkHumor 1 year ago
I must know you. I was there 84 to 93. Afternoon hanger (MSD)
mike1948roadmaster 2 months ago
wonderful! she's a screamer!
Jigwoohoo 1 year ago
Isn't Willow Run a Beutiful place to be at!
WillDogJones1 2 years ago
Thank you for posting this mprophet100!
Music to the ears! I used to work that very ramp sending these birds out every day. Zantop is missed! Good memories!
wmmurdoch 2 years ago