1977 Lake Amphibian L-4

[@travisbouton4056]

Cool aircraft boat.. thanks kind sir for the information

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thanks, it is a great little plane.

[@blancolirio]

Check with Gordon Mills -Alpine Aviation here in Grass Valley. He has a Lake for rent, and will get you checked out in yours at Oroville!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thnaks Juan. He's the guy.

[@andymunnings9109]

"Hi? Mark! I liked your overview of the lake buccaneer. It was a good brand developed for it's time, and? It is still a popular aircraft choice of today. Although? I would only like a pt6 turbine engine upgrade on this aircraft. This airplane was a good design. It deserves an upgrade and a resubmission to the open market for sale of purchase." 👍

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

That would be some upgrade. 700 HP.

[@mikekaban]

You’ll find many videos of the carbureted version on my page. Good talking to a couple months ago. Glad you got it down there safely. Mike Kaban

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thank you.

[@dulcevendetta]

i love this plane

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Me too.

[@Bravo21]

Thanks Mark. I have always liked these aircraft and they have a great reputation. I have never flown one, but did have a blast on MS Flight Sim flying one around the world. Huge fun.

[@jbj27406]

Always loved amphibians and flying boats, and the Lake is actually descended from or related to the Grumman line of amphibians if I'm not mistaken. I always loved the entire shape and lines of the Lake except for the high mounted engine pod and the resulting high line of thrust issue. They did a great job of combining all the needed elements into the design and it's a very functional and attractive airplane even if a little ungainly looking because of the engine placement. I always dreamed of taking the entire engine, pod, and prop off the centerline, obtaining another duplicate unit and mounting them one each over the section of wing the carries the main spars and the landing gear to make what I believe would be a gorgeous Lake twin, somewhat along the lines of a Twin Comanche vs. a Comanche, or a Baron vs. a Bonanza. That would free up the otherwise pretty proportions of the cabin roof and upper fuselage and create a beautiful amphibious twin. I'm not an engineer or designer, but I've always thought that it would work. As a young private pilot I flew throughout the Eighties and earned about 350 hours including some instrument training and some actual and simulated instrument time. I had a very romantic notion of flying in those days and was a very dedicated and serious minded--however poorly funded--pilot. To the point, I was so swept up in this idea that in my naivete I presumed to write a letter to Armand Rivard explaining my hope that his company would build the plane of my dreams. To his credit and his graciousness he actually wrote me back a long personal letter in reply thanking me for my interest in his aircraft and expressing his appreciation of my idea. He actually took the time to write me back and included a Lake aircraft lapel pin with his letter. Looking back, I now realize that I must have seemed like a starry eyed fifth grader writing to the President of the United States with his big plans for world peace. I was in my thirties in that decade, and looking back at my meager flying "career" brings me many of my fondest memories. Love what you're doing, Mark, and wish you the very best.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thank you for taking the time to write this.

[@KDAero]

Flying boats and amphibians are the most fun and adventurous aircraft to fly! ❤ Lake is a bit on a heavy side and tricky to operate on water, but there are almost no alternatives to it.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

So no self check -outs?

[@rrip1527]

My dad got his seaplane rating in a '75 Lake Amphibian in 1977 on Lake Tapps in Wash state. An Eastern Airlines captain friend of his owned it and let him fly it all week to get familiar with it and I sat in the right seat the whole time. What a great memory.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

What was it like.

[@rrip1527]

@skywagonuniversity5023 It was a blast. It was very loud, but I was 13 and didn't care. It was very easy to fly, as I had never had a lesson at that point and after a couple takeoff and landings I did all of the flying. Plenty of power too. It even had a paddle strapped inside next to the seat, I believe. My biggest surprise was how quickly it came to a stop after you touched down. It felt like it was sinking because it sat so low in the water. My dad sold airplanes so I spend my childhood flying with him in countless different planes, and that one and the Skymaster were my favorites, and the Mooney comes in 3rd.

[@tsbrownie]

I flew over one on the way up to Alaska. He was sitting with the cockpit open on a hanging lake on the top of a flat top mountain. I was envious.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Fishing out of it?

[@tsbrownie]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 Very likely. Could not tell for sure.

[@TheWiseGuyzz]

Absolutely love it Mark! A goofy airplane but I bet the smiles per gallon are very high! Thanks again!

[@jrbaeronz9840]

Hi Mark, there are 3 Lakes in NZ, - an LA4, an LA4-200, and an LA4 250 Renegade which is the one which flies from Dairy Flat airfield on the north shore in Auckland. It's by far the noisiest aircraft there, and has a very distinctive sound being a pusher. Interesting aircraft. Thanks for the report.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Three in the whole country? Want to make it four?

[@doctortmd]

Another fantastic production. Keep em coming!

[@richardkimrey]

Thanks Mark for presenting something different for us. Interior looked very comfortable.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jimpinkowski3394]

I used to see one on weekends, beached by Dyke 8 in Folsom Lake, but that was many years ago when Folsom Lake was shown on the sectional as a seaplane base! I still have the pictures...!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

All bodies of water are seaplane bases in an emergency. ';-)

[@jonathonhinson2070]

That was made in Sanford Maine, then finished in Laconia, NH. I did my private check ride with a gentleman who was a test pilot for Lake.

[@billybud9557]

This was my dream plane when I lived and worked in Alaska. Great walk about, Mark.......let's go flying to a mountain lake.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Sounds great!

[@psjasker]

Futzing around with airplanes on a beautiful hill in a beautiful place. Looks like heaven to me …

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Hey, That's my job. :-)

[@monostripezebras]

Beautiful aircraft

[@danhansen3109]

My pop took a young me and our fbo janitor for a joy ride in one of these after doing major repair to the hull. We landed in the Colorado river with it, put the gear down in the water, taxii'd up the boat ramp, parked it and had lunch at the resort. You should have seen the reaction from the resort staff. Management later found out about this and dad got a stern talking to about it but he was A&P and seaplane rated. I guess he felt it just had to be done. Its the fondest memory I have of him as his kid.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

That is great. Why was it not allowed.

[@danhansen3109]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 From what I understand it was a insurance issue. It was worth the risk to him though! I remember the crazy feeling of sinking as the plane settles off the step, super fun.

[@TriPcr189]

Love the plane! It's one I'd have in my hangar, if I had a hangar, even though Colorado does not allow amphibian landings. Thank you for taking advantage of it's appearance!

[@ronboe6325]

What a great surprise! Did not expect an amphib.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Neither did I just before I bought it.

[@robbyowen9107]

Thanks Mark!! Hope you're able to fly it soon!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Me too.

[@stephenqueen7686]

Kool vidieo Iceman.although i started to paddle faster here on the lake when i heard the banjo music.😂

[@RusscanFLY]

Such a cool and unique Airplane. I can’t wait to see videos of it flying. Definitely interesting for sure. Thank you for the overview!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thanks for watching!

[@Steve-ui1ej]

Great looking and interesting aircraft. Thanks for sharing it with us Mark.

[@benoneal8326]

Some EPs have tanks in he wings. Go to Lakefest in Oklahoma this year.

[@Whiteyn11667]

Thanks . Fun plane to lake hop.

[@wiffleful1]

Excellent video Mark. That’s a cool plane! You look like a natural climbing up to the engine.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Take 9 OK, Do it again. Take 10. But thanks.

[@cwmatson3940]

For a check out, talk to Gordon Mills at Alpine Aviation at Nevada County….great dude!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

That is who I'm going to talk to.

[@jimbloom7568]

I've been intriguiged by the Lake since I first saw one. Thanks for the overview. I hope you get to fly it. 👍

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I hope so too!

[@steveconaway774]

Another great video. There aren’t many videos explaining the Lake and none that explain it as well as Mark does.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thanks.

[@iffyaviator]

I used to work on this bird in Anchorage,Alaska about 6 years ago. This Lake has been Meticulously Maintained by Aero Twin Inc for years.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

That is exactly where it came from.

[@johnbunker5102]

Watched one land wheels up on grass runway. ( new - inexperienced owner ). Damage was virtually all cosmetic on the keel. Sanded out scratches and repainted. One tough little airplane.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Same on asphalt. Tough keel.

[@johnwrycza]

I owned a LA4 for ~10yrs - a great STOL aircraft, with more adverse yaw than you can imagine - type specific training required; the key difference being pulling the throttle back results in the nose going UP vs down - much more efficient vs a Cessna 172 on amphib floats - after enough forehead hits on the throttle I added a 'hit head here' sticker to the throttle

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Tell me more about the adverse yaw.

[@ph5915]

That was neat! Never expected the throttle & mixture up there, and the water rudder! Wow! Thanks, Mark!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Glad you liked it!

[@innovativeintelligence4172]

Nice clean plane, motor cranked nicely, mark you can climb like the great black bear of the pacific northwest... great video

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

The ferry pilot was very impressed with the engine.

[@scottminshall6420]

Always thought the Lake was a neat airplane. thanks for sharing, always enjoy the content.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheBarzook]

Thanks Mark for this very detailed video, just like we like 'em! That throttle/prop/mixture position sure would have me mixed up I'm sure!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Strange how you get used to it.

[@loddude5706]

Nice machine! - with a tartan paint job you could sneak up on Nessie over Loch Ness : )

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Aye

[@rlsmith6904]

Cool. Thanks Mark.

[@hotttt28]

Love it and reasonably priced!

[@gregpratt9432]

I look forward to you flying this one!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

So do I.

[@mattgish]

Really Cool! Love your videos! I really want to get my private and start flying.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Start. One small step etc.

[@mikemc330]

Nice job, Mark!

[@danielreuter2565]

Thanks Mark! I saw this listing and was hoping you would do a video!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

It's be better if I flew it onto water.

[@danielreuter2565]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 that would have been even better!

[@elevationtransport3753]

Very interesting 👍✅

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Thanks for the visit

[@ronstowe8898]

Great video.

[@FINSuojeluskunta]

Very cool, seen many but never in this good of condition. Never thought about the engine controls...they pretty much have to be on top or the cables would have some crazy angling

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Yes, directly under the engine.

[@billtisdale6122]

I believe they were assembled in Sanford Maine, flown green with a removable seat and basic instruments to Houston TX for completion with the interior and radio package.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Interesting.

[@sski]

There's one of these for sale at my local airport (C47 Portage, WI), as well as a pristine Ercoup. I've been mulling over the two. The Lake would be great for fishing and camping. The Ercoup is classified as an ultralight so there's that. Choices...

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Get the Lake.

[@mindysdad3110]

And now for something completely different! Please post a splash report on this really nice amphib.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I really want to get it wet.

[@v1rotait23]

A lovely classic plane. Would be great to see it in some water. Mark, I didn't hear the phone ring, did you finally have it on mute, lol? 🤣

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I was lucky about the phone. It rang between shots.

[@Conn653]

The Lake L-4, an ATV of aircraft 🙂

[@zombieapocalipse2020]

❤

[@billtisdale6122]

I got a few hours in one back in ‘75. LA-4-200

[@wayneschenk5512]

Wish they still built them.

[@genxpilot69]

Mark, would y’all mind please sharing the 360-degree, motorized gimbal and mount being used? Would be greatly, greatly appreciated! 🙏🏼💯✈️

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

If you are asking about the camera gimbal, it is a DJI Ronin-SC. It comes with a universal mount. - Don the Camera Guy.

[@genxpilot69]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 awesome! Thank you very much, Don the Camera Guy!!

[@FlyingNDriving]

Be interesting to see you in the back seat to see how much room there is and how good your view is... Looks a little obscured. Moving that lake around easier than a new couch in the living room!

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

It's a bit bigger than a 172 inside.

[@hotttt28]

Loader up and hope !

[@badbilly1083]

Man with the Golden_Gun

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Can you see it?

[@jpaulkepler4638]

Amphibious aircraft are fascinating to me. Albatross being the favorite with oddities like a Seabee converted to a twin. Thanks for posting this, looking forward to seeing you fly it. Folsom lake ???

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Not sure which lake yet. It's all about insurance.

[@Mark-mm2px]

I imagine that the engine noise in the cockpit must be significantly less due to the engine position

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

It's still right there though but yes.

[@FlightSimDude]

👍

[@theflyingfrog]

My dream plane! I was fortunate enough to fly one for an hour over here in France recently, but it’s since been grounded due to a prop problem (the hot exhaust gasses have damaged the composite propeller). Anybody interested can check out the 2 videos I made about the Lake on my modest little KZbin channel.

[@onedsc1]

Mark is cruising Placerville showing off. Do they allow sea planes on Lake Tahoe? Don't think I have ever seen one.

[@maxcleveland3446]

One has to be inspected for invasive species before landing on lake. There once was a Republic Seabee based near Cascade Shores. A PBY Catalina was tested at the lake in the late '30s. CL-415 Scoopers are sometimes on call at KTVL.

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

It would easily land there with the invasive species check but it's the high altitude and potential for rough water that would limit it. At least there is 22 miles length to take off.

[@maxcleveland3446]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 Early in the AM, the lake is glass smooth, most days. And on a cool day, density may be less than 6300!

[@myleslovegrove7856]

May be a daft question but is it able to cope with salt water or is it not certified for that?

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

It can go in any water. You have to rinse it after salt.

[@chester8420]

15:02 hahaha!

[@salt7pepper1964]

I have alway wondered if you had to put a lake in. Does not engine not come down like a hammer on your head?

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Yes it does. So don't do that. You can land on grass and even a runway on the hull with minimal damage.

[@salt7pepper1964]

I flew in one back in the 80s in Alaska. As we passed over the mountains, I thought to myself, if we have an engine out now, we'll never hit us. That is when I said to myself. "Single engine water I will stick with floats. Lol Maybe Seabee.

[@publicmail2]

I used to think opening song is corny, but it's grown on me...

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Branding. You can tell it is one of our videos from the 1st note of the opening song. - Don the Camera Guy.

[@billclisham8668]

Were the VGs from the factory or were they added later??

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

They were added. 98% sure.

[@aircraftadventures-vids]

You made a lot of comparisons to your Mooney. Do they also compare in speed? 😂

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Erm, no, the speed difference is 50 kts, but the coolness when fishing out of the lake is better than that.

[@aircraftadventures-vids]

@@skywagonuniversity5023 Well, you CAN land the Mooney in a lake. Once.

[@danielkemp4860]

PLEASE get it on water 🙏

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

I'll try

[@deansibley5508]

Hello Mark we met many moons ago. Shoot me a message if you’d like a seaplane check out. 14000 total 1200+ seaplane about 6 in the lake and the UC1 Seabee. AMES ATP

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

Where are you based.

[@garymartin9806]

I want to see it land and take off on water

[@skywagonuniversity5023]

So do I.

[@genxpilot69]

First!😂

[@bobrichardson5905]

These things take forever to get off the water. I'd take a used husky on amphibs. Was never a fan of how these look...kinda clunky.

[@FlyingNDriving]

Husky UL and speed with amphibs is pitiful

[@bobrichardson5905]

That lake cant get out of it's own way on some of the canadian lakes I see

[@terry12327]

JET SKI that can fly, too! 😅