Labrador Moving

Pacific Aerospace Corporation P-750 XSTOL

2009-11-06T05:46:00.003-05:00

Photo from Pacific Aerospace

Here we have another outstanding product that could make a great little air freighter for Labrador. Capable of turbine powering itself onto a postage stamp, in a tough as nails, stable platform. And one that can carry 4000 pounds doing it.

Even better, this little jewel does so with a rather stingy diet. Managing to consume only 50 gallons of fuel per hour they say. What's that? Can it handle a short Labrador airfield you ask? Well, it does considerably better then that. Watch it own this mountain top dirt road, with 4000 lbs of goodies!:

Now that is impressive stuff folks. And capability and affordability the Labrador coast sorely needs.

Here is the P-750's company page

More current candidates to serve the coast

2009-10-26T05:19:00.005-04:00

Yet another decent ship suited for the small, basic port market is the Pallet Carrier ship. Particularly ones geared with 20/35ton cranes. These are supposed to center around the newer Euro-pallet craze, but are often reefer equipped or will handle TEU containers as well. Perhaps with some effort, large dimension stone as well. Most likely in smaller quanities. Here is a good example as seen at Auckland Shipbrokers:

The listing can be found here:

http://www.aucklandshipbrokers.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=873&Itemid=166

Here is another Ice classed 1A rated ship at Scandinavian Maritime Services:

Found at this location:

http://www.scandimar.se/admin/demosite_mod15/information.asp?pagenr=2716

The Ice Class is interesting, as few ship are stated as meeting Canada's new Polar Classing scheme. All existing ships apparently requiring permission from the Authorities to gain a new rating. This is interesting in that the most obvious justification for the expense of a ship lies with utilizing it all year. Bringing in revenue all year. We will explore that in another post.

Serving the Labrador Coast, a different type of Ship

2009-07-18T11:18:00.007-04:00

One issue plaguing the Labrador Coast is we try to make the coast fit "Standard" solutions. This imposes costs out of scale to serving the region. For instance the economy does not offer significant exports. In the near term it will not likely develop them. The fact is, heavy importing of goods are not offset by revenue returning exports. Very few coastal entrepreneurs could fill a 20 foot container with their goods. Placing them at the mercy of the mail service and their subsidized rate structure. At least if they want their products distributed.

But again we are dealing with standard options. Consider a small coastal freighter. One uniquely dedicated to coastal trade. We are not requiring a massive freighter. Hence we can dispense with many costs associated with them. Of course we still want a safe, modern and inexpensive to operate type. If it utilizes green propulsion, even better. Perhaps Bio diesel or Natural Gas/Electric Drive. Certainly it should be up to full Canada ice standards.

Consider this as a starting point:

This is a ship used by the thousand in WWII. It is the U.S. Army FS/FP class freighter. It represents a class very adept to working in small out of way places. Ones with little infrastructure. Sound familar?

These little ships were expected to perform, and perform at an austere and organic level of economy. They were designed for autonomy and dependability. Easy and cheap to build. Not fussy over their staff. Many soldiered on many decades after seeing retirement after the war. A testament to their designers.

Shipping on a budget

2009-03-23T09:50:00.002-04:00

Currently Labrador sees services from a relatively small seaborne contingent of fleets. Right now, the world is awash with various Marine transports, with a surprising number of cargo types suitable for coastal service. May of these are available at brokers for a pittance of cash. Surprisingly, many of these are in great shape and have much remaining sailing life in them.

The question for Labrador is what type of ships are needed. For sure a Geared Cargo ship is desirable. These have the necessary derricks and cranes to quickly offload the cargo. Ideally ones also carrying passengers would be ideal for a lower transport cost for coastal residents. However, these seem to be infrequently found. A Dry Cargo ship provides plenty of uses, particularly if it's gear allows stacking of containers. Currently there are some Container Carriers available. But they are hard to configure any other way, and tend to be high use items in the surplus ship market. Lastly there are also all manor of Landing craft around. Many of elderly or odd origin.

Aside from those are many types of passenger ships. There are a glut of light, overly top heavy cruise liners. Not particularly good for the Labrador sea. There are also a few genuinely laid out cruise liners that are much safer, but command premium prices. Yet every now and then you can run across a suitable ferry. Although most are unfit for this area. There are many good small ferries suitable for areas like Goose Bay to Rigolet, Cartwright and the sheltered communities just to the south.

Lastly there are all manner of service craft for a song. Tugs,Dredges,cranes and barges, and I'll add in the odd Tanker here, mainly as they garner tougher regulations and must be double hull in Canada. One could assemble quite a service fleet for $400,000 or so.

So there is a viable array of useful ships out and available. The question is what is needed and where. And what Labrador citizens would like to find employment with them. If it is too be done, it should be with local sailors. Even if they share time in the Naval Reserve service. Food for thought.

Transport problems strike the Northcoast

2008-10-31T09:41:00.002-04:00

Once again, another sad story of the poor transport system strikes the news wire. How many times does this need to happen? Why north bound goods going south bound? Why should coastal Labrador communities pay the price for this sort of poor transport management. This can be addressed in oh so many ways. Yet as some point out, the high cost of freight never seems to inflict alcohol sales. Why is that? This postal food subsidy needs to be re-thought out. The method of delivery should be changed. The wholesalers providing goods should be organized better. Yet another year, and again I hear people complaining of quality of goods in the Northern stores, and ones run by local folks. This is really not their fault. The owners seem as flummoxed just as much as anyone else. The stuff being brought to our shores is below grade. And the method of delivery shares much of the blame. What can be done? How should we solve a problem the government can't? By demanding a well reasoned solution. By taking advantage of all ready existing programs. By engaging our local government. This can be done. This can bring jobs to coastal Labrador. This can help move our goods out for sale. This can bring tourist to our shores. There is little need for years of study. We need to try things not considered in the recent conventions of thinking.

Planning for tourism and making it happen

2008-01-03T04:18:00.000-05:00

Looking from outside of Labrador from the standpoint of a potential tourist, things are very unclear. Yes you can go online and find a bit here or there. So if one is inclined to do the research!!!!! Well that's it isn't it. Being a self reliant peoples, we probably tend to think everyone else is too. Why should "Those people" do all of that work when other regions make it easier for them? And that's not something to argue about, it's a statement of fact. This really is not about competing with each other either. In fact if you look about, it requires teamwork. Attitudes of someone in Labrador saying what goes on in other communities does not concern them are the problem. We need all the assets and talents we can get. We want hotel and tour operators to flourish. We have to have viable and reliable freight and passenger service to get them here. So what if the trans-labrador is not a Super Highway? Do you think someone wants to come here for something they see everyday? Embrace it and do the best with it I say. By god it's part of the Adventure if you think about.

So what should be done then? Well let's look at that for a while. Can you think of going online and finding a website about a beautiful place. It opens up with with a choice of speeds(saddly not everyone is highspeed). That's important as you probably have a limited time to get info to that person. But from there you see a selection of images of beautiful scenes. You have links in those scenes. They take you to information displayed by those people who know it best. The people who live there. Here those people will give them a taste of what it's like to experience it. Here you will also find the places they can stay at, and the people to guide them. To their delight, they can also find out if there is room at the inn so to say. Or if Guide John has spots open on his tour. Perhaps pricing if the operators prefer.

Well that's good, but how will they get here? Well how about an "Explore getting there" link as well. You can bet your last dollar that Travel Agent Steve or Boat Captain Pete or Pilot Bob want the seats full. They are going to go where the money is. And the money wants to go see you. The old, "not financially feasible" response goes flying out the window. Instead, those fellas will probably welcome the income. Or become dinosaurs if they like, and do not adapt to patterns "We" create. By "we" I mean you living in Labrador communities. But they are part of the team too. We need them to succeed. We even need the freight handlers to succeed.

Still have doubts? I would too. Not up to building websites? Don't have a good computer? Still waiting for reports due in 2015? Sorry, I'm not buying all of it. What if there was a corportation that dealt in only managing it all? One that derived it's income off of that tourist fella with all the money. Not you the hard working Labradorian. One that could build it's own network of servers, intergrating with you out there, either with a software package, or alternatively a computer at cost. Then they employed a seasonal person in your town to talk to YOU and your community. That employee would take info and photos and return it to the company. The company would then build your part of the web based on your info. It's even possible that the seasonal employee could have the computer, and they could consult you and deliver updates and availabilities daily.

This would do a few things. First it makes it easier for you to become visible. It would also give invaluable info on real problems on how they relate to real demand. This allows justifaction for addressal of a solvable problem. A transport operator could take that to the bank literally. A hotel could show why it needs expansion. An adventure operator has documents supporting getting a new atv. They could capture more income if they get that loan. They have proof. You now have ammunition to hand to political figures. Suddenly the problem has problems, it might get solved.

The company could also offer a forum for discussion as well. And software to make daily tasks easier. After all, the company will not survive if the operators do not see improvement. This is highly doable.

2008-01-03T03:22:00.000-05:00

I've been reading the 2005 report on a new Southern Labrador Airport in Port Hope Simpson. Here's the final Summary:

SUMMARY
The current runway at Port Hope Simpson was assessed for operational effectiveness. Terrain
obstacles in the vicinity are troublesome, resulting in relatively high approach limits and circling
restrictions. The terrain conditions also prevent certification to a status better than non-instrument.
Should an alternative site be available where the effects of terrain obstacles are lessened,
accessibility would be considerably improved. Installation of good navigational aids and an enhanced
lighting configuration, as recommended, would result in a very effective airport, available at most
times in day/night IFR conditions.

============

So basically they are saying expanding the current runway would be impractical. I have not found anything more about current plans. It seems though they only evaluted the airport in terms of currently operating aircraft in the area. They did not explore other existant aircraft that could potentially operate from that length of field. Technically it is also possible to find rather large aircraft that also could land there. But aside from widening the field and improving it's ability to hold the additional weight, it would probably be a daunting task given the terrain. However when looking at a new field, that type of aircraft could dramatically lessen the cost of installing a new field. But a 900 meter field would cost quite less. The aircraft, the Ukrainian AN-70 regularly carries 20 ton loads off of 600 meter strips. That would also allow easier handling of other local types as well. This would also be a useful field for AN-38's or BE-32's or Chinese Twin Panadas. Each type would be of far more use then the current fleet.

Back in the saddle again

2007-12-21T03:19:00.000-05:00

Hello Good Readers,

It's been awhile, but I'm back to torture you with more transportaion ideas for Labrador. I've had time to study alot of different things and hopefully have found things to your liking(or maybe not). I've also been a bit concerned about the lack of tourism planning that seems to be the course. I'm starting to see that could be an important key to unlocking valuable revenue streams that would benefit all. The problem is certainly not the lack of interest. It's the lack of information on the precious few available assets we have(motels and operators,ferries etc.). So really it matters not what fancy equipment you bring in. If you can't find a place or tourist operater to take them, it's all for not. Some people do take the time to figure out our transport system. However, many times more then them will not bother. There are plenty of other places that figure it out for them, and part them with their money accordingly. And those customers are most pleased about it. What's the point of a holiday if traveling about is too complex? Come to Labrador to get stressed out trying to see the place? Not a very good marketing plan I'm afraid. This has me wondering if pulling those assets together in Labrador and creating a marketing/reservation system that works together might be the best first option to follow. An intergrated and responsive system that all Labradorian businesses can interact with.

The Harbin Y-12IV The econobox of STOL

2007-03-26T21:13:00.000-04:00

In today's money hungry aviation field, someone has made quite a bargin. And that someone would be Harbin Aviation of China. Not widely known in the west, yet already CAA certified due to joint production in Canada as the "Twin Panda". All of the 200 odd produced being sold to South American countries after fully westernizing the plane. Harbin astutely took their base Y-12 and produced the "E" and "IV" models slanted particularly at the west, based heavily on what happened with the "Twin Panda" project. The result is probably the most affordable small STOL airliner in it's class.

Looking a bit like a twin Otter with a double tail, the Y-12IV is the slowest of all our entries, but also the one with the greatest range. Almost double some of our other contestents.The aircraft has an accident shadow, but nearly all of the accidents were of the very early models, not one of the newer ones having any problems. The Y-12IV is said to cost around $2.25 million USD in 2005 terms. So far the few operators that have them, namely Pacific Airline fleets, seem to be very happy with them.

Antonov's Heavy Hauling AN-70

2007-03-08T09:01:00.001-05:00

One of the primary problems facing Labrador is moving goods in and out of the area. Clearly when talking about products available, there is an embarrassing amount of good traded at regional trade ports not that far away. The issue is no one is offering the bulk carriage ability to fetch these goods, and more importantly, deliver them to outlying Labrador and Quebec North shore communities. There are some important factors to consider. You need an aircraft which can carry a heavy load. You'd be very luck to find one which could take a heavy but reduced load to the smallest fields in Labrador. You are now entering the special world of military air freighters. These can be alarmingly costly aircraft. Hence this dictates not operating a large number of them. You would benefit most by having a small troop of them. These would from time to time service our small communities as needed. However, they could also earn their keep operating on certain trade port routes, handling commercial loads.

Powered by four amazingly powerful 14,000 hp turboprops driving D-27 contra-rotating props. The AN-70 can leap from a 600 meter strip with an unheard of 20 ton payload.All hats off to Antonov for yet another engineering feat And best of all, when given a nice big strip like Goose Bay, the AN-70 can carry a 47 ton payload a full 3000 KM. This puts many North American Trade ports suddenly on Labrador's doorsteps. They'd naturally be quite attractive to serving Labrador's burgeoning Natural Resources Industry. Al tough that would rate further down on it's priority of service charter, especially in light of not wanting to damage such valuable porters.

These AN-70's have all necessary gear to handle the job built right into them. In addition to the big yawning tail ramp, they have no less the four overhead hoist rails with a 12 ton lift capacity. And for mulish cargoes, there are front and back horizontal 1.5 ton winches to convince the load otherwise. Indeed I believe you can easy get most forms of transportion on board.

Currently there is a shortage of haulers in the AN-70's class, with only the long toothed and elderly C-130J it's only real analogue. Comparatively, there is no comparison. Antonov wins on oh so many fronts as to almost be laughable. What is not laughable is the seemingly internal Russian Air Force complaints that seem to be a planted story to sell Illushin products. But the brutish Turboprop Antonov still whips the competitor's IL-76 jet aircraft . To be quite honest, Germany has the right idea with the seemingly stillborn AN-7X project. The vaunted EAD's A400 beast is walking the cash tightrope thanks to the Airbus fascination with the A380. Both it and the C-17A are wildly more expensive. In fact for the price the RCAF paid for four lousy C-17A's, they could have purchased 30 AN-70's! When I see rampantly overpriced deals like that, I honestly feel like I've been robbed. Especially given the availiability of the marvelous AN-70.

The LET L420 The mighty little Czech

2007-03-04T09:21:00.000-05:00

When thinking of aircraft in the old Eastern block, the mind normally springs to the words Anotov or Tupolev as the big names in aircraft. Surprisingly one of the most successful makers in terms of overall production was a medium size firm based near Kunovice. The company produced the remarkably successful L410 light airliner, over which 1000 have been built. In the intervening years, LET produced their gliders while quietly improving their basic L410 design. Clearly the western oriented L420 features a number of attractions for the airline operator to consider. And it could be considered a pleasing visual design:

Another good feature which is unusual for this class is a "Stand up" Flight deck, where you can walk aboard head held high, rather then folding up and bowing your way to your seat. At least for most folks. Powered by a pair of 750shp Walter M601E engines, the LET L420 comfortably handles all adverse weather. Indeed the current L410 fleet daily navigates some of the earth's most unforgiving environments, with a very high degree of safety. Like most in this class, it features wide track, low pressure landing gear and is claimed to operate on ground supporting 85pd/inch, which is like rain soaked grass or gravel..Unlike the others, the Avionics are standard first rate western as basic fit, including weather radar and altimeter as well as EPGW and GPS. This speaks to LET's superior experience with rough field operators, it knows it's customers well. For all intents and purposes, the 15 seat, extra freight cabin would be just what Labrador ordered, with Tip tanks.

***************

News From Kunovice!

We have heard from the Marketing Director at LET a Mrs.Pospíšilová . There are some items I may have been remiss in pointing out. The L420 is normally a 19 seat airliner. The configuration I mentioned is that of a replaceable freight module allowing more freight by removing four seats and replacing them with this handy freight rack:

This option allows the plane to rapidly switch between 15,17 or 19 seats as required. Quite handy. I also forgot to mention the option of TCAS II if that is desired. Finally, I failed to address some rather comforting looking seating arrangements:

Some rather nice looking seats at that. My thanks to the folks at LET for the added information. I'm sure our readers will appreciate the added information.

Nain Bay: Atlantic Wholesalers closure.

2007-03-01T21:55:00.000-05:00

Nain Bay: Atlantic Wholesalers closure.

The Beriev BE-32K

2007-02-24T10:59:00.000-05:00

When dealing with flying into tough ice and snow cover short fields with nasty crosswinds, you hopefully have a craft designed for the task. That is precisely the idea behind the Bereiv BE-32K. The most amazing fact I can find about the BE-32K is that it is not in production. It already meets numerous certification types and likely would have no difficulty doing so. The quality of Beriev aircraft and the tough level of build usually exceeds that of western types. One must remember that this company's main business involves slamming large amphibious craft into violent sea states, so they know quite a bit about toughness. Particularly when given that those same aircraft are noted for fairly long life cycles doing so.

As you can see this is a twin engined craft, powered by two licensed production PT6-65B turboprops giving 820kw(1100shp) with a fuel load of 2250liters(594 us gal). The maximum payload is 1900KG, or 16 passengers . It has a span of 17meters, length of 15.7 meters and height of 5.52 meters, with a wing area of 32m2. . MTOW(max.takeoff weight) is 7300KG. It is an unpressurized aircraft with heated cabin, max altitude being 4200 meters. The wings and tail feature hot air de-icing, the windows and nose has electrical de-icing. The plane is designed to easily handle crosswinds up to 18meters per second. It has a 5.20 wide ground track with large low pressure tires to allow it to land on unpaved fields.

This aircraft is most suitable to the mission of servicing Labrador's short fields. There are a few changes to recommend. Seating would be limited to 14 to allow for extra freight carriage. Preferably more fuel could be added to increase the range a bit. The avionics would have to include an advanced EPGW terrain avoidance unit and also good weather radar. One also wonders if any "stretched" models are available, although that would certainly require moving up to the next stage of PT-6 engine to compensate. All in all, this plane could quite honestly thrive in Labrador.

===============

Mr. Vladimir Romanov from Beriev has contacted us and was pleased with the report. I have asked him some more questions and hopefully we will hear back soon. from him.

Those Tourist! How do we get them

2007-02-20T01:51:00.000-05:00

Do you not pity those who have not seen the masjesty of Labrador. Labrador is a rare etheral creature these days. A place modern people crave to visit. Yet saddly in many ways we are not prepared to greet them yet. And I'm sure most agree, bringing in tourist should not be allowed to spoil our pristine lands. It needs to be done well and thoughtfully. I can guarentee you, I could travel to many an outdoors show and fill a notebook with people willing to pay good money to visit Labrador. It's really an opportunity we should explore. And we should address all areas of how to get there and where they can go. Please discuss your thoughts.

Think outside that old box

2007-02-20T01:41:00.000-05:00

Has it come time to think about a new type of service for Labrador? We have boats,ships,planes and trains, as well as Ski-doos and Autos. But do we have Hover power? If you stop and think about it, large commercial hovercraft are a great fit for much of Labrador. Especially the coastal areas. They are not too weather dependant, unless there are particularly violent sea states. They are mostly diesel powered, and cost alot less to operate then ships or planes. And when was the last time you drove the Labrador Highway with 50 of your friends at 136KPH? I'd bet not alot of us. So maybe we should start to wonder wheter this is something we should think about. Please Discuss.

Aircraft for Labrador

2007-02-20T01:07:00.000-05:00

Flying in Labrador is clearly different then most regional areas. Most of the populus is spread out in small communities serviced by quite small un-paved runways, most 2500 ft or less. Thankfully there are three longer runways available that are paved. However two are located at the west end of Labrador. Of course that leaves the priceless Goose Bay with it's world class 11,000 foot runway complete with advanced facilities. Quite clearly this offers the best site to hub local flights from. Part of the problem with current transport options is tie ins to traditional routes. This ties the current flyer from Labrador into some rather expensive flights. Apart from flyers, there is also trade which occurs. There are un-tapped opportunities to expand trading ties at a number of airport venues. This could stream demands for labrador goods as well.

Looking at our situation so far tells us at least three separate craft will be needed. First off, a small nimble Short takeoff and Landing capable plane that is adept at flying in cold climate adverse weather, as well as manuevering in and around mountainous territory. There are actually quite a few aircraft that fit this description, and we will study these individually later. The second part is a competent Air Freighter. A craft that can pick up a heavy haul of groceries and drop them off at ANY of Labrador's demanding short feilds. There are only a few types that can pull off that stunt, and will be discussed later. Lastly if we've flown all these people into Goose Bay, do you really think they want you milling about aimlessly? Of course not, hence we need a standard larger airliner type to send you down the road. There are plenty of those types floundering about. And I'd be alot more interested to know where you'd like to go rather then look at all of those. So chime in and say where you'd like to fly to for much cheaper then you can now! Your input is priceless and highly valued here.

I hope that you will tell us where your at and the kind of places you wish today's air system would take you too. Mind you I do not intend this to be a critical attack on the current services. This is a forward looking and positive thinking approach to a workable and realistic safe alternative to today's standard. I hope to hear from you.