> Is the ventral bulge extra fuel? If so, I’d expect that engine to be an
> uprated one, particularly with the drag of the skis.
It's a cargo pod. This one is probably the Aerocet which holds up to
300 pounds and 10 cubic feet of cargo. There is very little speed loss
(less than 2 knots). They are very popular as you get better CG
control as loading up the rear baggage area will skew the CG too much.
Also, most importantly, they are usually used to carry flammable and
hazardous items such as bear spray in a separate containment area.
Technically, the FAA prohibits pepper spray and other similar "Mace"
products from being carried in the cabin.
Rust's flying service is really about the best charter and tour
operator in Alaska. This specific airplane is usually used for the
sightseeing flights where they land high up on the glaciers, as well
as other back-country sites for off piste skiing, etc. For charter,
it's commonly flown to serve infrastructure needs where the only other
alternative is helicopter. (remote towers, etc.). Later in the summer,
they'll pull the skis off and it'll be used to haul fishermen to
remote locations. The skis extend and retract (photo shows them in the
retracted position) for runway operations.
There are a few hundred charter operations just in the Anchorage area,
and during the summer months they are all going full-tilt. One of my
favorites has a couple Cessna 195 floatplanes (with the triple tail).
A tiny bucket-list item for me is to get a flight in one of those.
Anchorage is the "big city" in Alaska, but within five minutes of
taking off, you are in the wilderness.
AK Schnozz
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