Grumman HU-16 Albatross Adventure

[yankees368]

I was lucky enough to go for a ride in a Grumman HU-16 Albatross out in LA, and what an adventure it was. Like nothing I have ever experienced before. The aircraft is owned and operated by Row44 as a test aircraft for their satellite connectivity systems. Here's what I got.

The Queen Mary makes for a heck of a backdrop


As does an LAPD Helicopter, which was there for no reason other than to check us out!


Clear blue seas




















Forward looking port hole!


Takeoff video. Skip to about 2:30 for throttle up:


Buzzing the coast:


Nose bubble landing

[megatop412]

Sweet! We tried to get a ride on one of those when they were flying between LA and Catalina Island but the airline was out of business by the time we got there in '85

[Whitese]

did u have a headset or earplugs on?

[yankees368]

Only while in the seat up front, otherwise, no.

[gonzalu]

Sick videos... what great opportunity!

[yankees368]

The second shot, the one with the helicopter, is one of my favorites shots I've ever taken

[Bones]

yankee368 those were great videos