C-130 take off from South Pole

[MichaelCox]

I hear the wind gets pretty bad down there, could you give me an average ratio of good to bad days for flying over the Antarctic mainland?

[StalinsOrgan]

To answer an old question - the skies do not retract into the fuselage, but they do come up a bit to help with the aerodynamics - the landing gear doors have to be removed or modified IIRC. We used to repair them at NAC/Air New Zealand Christchurch, although I never worked on them - they're big things!

[mejw1]

since your at the south pole, does that mean your walking and flying upside down? lol

[starlionblue]

They strapped skis on the landing gear. Does this mean they fly with the gear down the entire time or can the skis be retracted into the wheel bays?

[ksbeattie]

Honestly, I'm not sure. I think though that the skis can be retracted at least enough to allow a 'normal' landing with the wheels.

[AllSingingAllDancing]

What a cool and nifty video! Amazing to think that we've found ANY way to keep human beings alive in such a barren place.

And I love the Hercules airplane. Vroosh vroosh! They're old but they're a happy airplane. Weee!

[godmoney518]

Nice video of the 109th in action.

[SlappyFlight]

This is what amazes me about the C-130 and it's age. It can do just about anything but cook dinner and even that is questionable.

[ksbeattie]

Actually, I believe there is a spot on those planes for heating up a meal.

[apeppink]

Yeah it's an old plane. An oldie but goodie. First designed in the late '50's I think. Nothing but evolutionary changes in the design since then.

[Shaundakahl]

I fly on the KJ, great vid

[iscemil]

It's very good video.Thamks ksbeattie.I always dreamed about south pole.]