Went for a $5.00 plane ride in West Virginia back in 1999 with two buds. Was truely a West Virginian experience to say the least. Very risky flight after being offered Kentucky Moonshine from the plane's mechanic.
The maximum weight with full fuel in a Cessna 172 of the type you flew is about 620 pounds. I'm guessing that the three of you plus the pilot well exceeded this limit. Not a very safe flight if that was the case. Only half full fuel tanks would gain you another 104 pounds, raising the limit to about 724 (or four 181 pound persons). Good thing you had the moonshine.
this was interesting?
im not sure if you're allowed to fly throught the gorge anymore. i know you arent allowed to fly under the bridge.
singleandlovingit 3 years ago
ole $5 Frank kicked Ass
sdmfWVchapter 3 years ago
I've been up with ol' $5 Frank a few times. Good times. :-)
WVaCritter 4 years ago
Frank Thomas was one of the best and most experienced 172 pilots to have flown these skys! He passed away 2 years ago in his sleep! RIP
thegales5 4 years ago
The maximum weight with full fuel in a Cessna 172 of the type you flew is about 620 pounds. I'm guessing that the three of you plus the pilot well exceeded this limit. Not a very safe flight if that was the case. Only half full fuel tanks would gain you another 104 pounds, raising the limit to about 724 (or four 181 pound persons). Good thing you had the moonshine.
wvajeff 4 years ago