We found a Forgotten Grumman HU-16 Albatross Amphibious Seaplane

We definitely find some cool stuff when flying. This was one of my favorite finds on the trip.
It has been sitting here a very long time.
#aircraft #airplane #aviationlovers

[@mundanestuff]

Nice flight and nice plane. Both of them. That albatross is expensive as hell to fly, not like jet expensive, but probably in the $2k/hour range? Still, out of my league, lol

[@SirDrifto]

I'd love to see one fly.

[@mundanestuff]

@@SirDrifto one was briefly in residence at a museum I used to volunteer at as a kid in the 80s. Thing was a beast. They parked it right next to a long time museum member PBY Catalina, and a Grumman Goose. The PBY and Goose were very well restored and flying. The Albatross was flying but a total visual disaster. Passed all inspections though. It flew off after a very long and complex annual and I never saw it again. Can't remember number or name.

[@electricaviationchannelvid7863]

I was waiting for the Dornier modern versions in this size category...made of composites...I like the shape/design of the Albatross! I do not know who can have build plans/build rights for it?

[@indigenoussober407]

It's my lifelong dream to own an Albatross. Even if it's my final few years, traveling the world in this is just.... ecstasy.

[@jimmyadams5682]

I just found this plane today when I went to check out a King Air that was donated to my high school I teach the AOPA aviation courses at. Found your video while researching the Albatross. A friend of mine says it’s been sitting there for 30 years.

[@SirDrifto]

Wow that's way longer than I expected.

[@TheGentlemanRacer]

The liveaboard version of the Albatross is like having a flying Yacht.

[@SirDrifto]

It sure is!

[@hokepoke3540]

I FOUND ONE IN GLOBE ARIZONA YEARS AGO, IT IS STILL THERE. SOMEONE BOUGHT IT FROM A DEA AUCTION IN EL PASO IN THE LATE 1980'S AND FLEW IT TO GLOBE WHERE IT WAS BOMBED BY THE FORMER DRUG CARTEL OWNER AGAIN AND THIS TIME THEY JUST LEFT IT SIT AND ROT. SHAME SURE WOULD MAKE A NICE MOTOR HOME BUT SO COSTLY TO FLY, AT THE PRICE OF AVE GAS YOU WOULD HAVE TO BE A BILLIONAIR JUST TO FILL THE TANKS ONCE.

[@user-jz5el3os3v]

We had those when I was in the USCG. Those amphibians were used for everything from SAR, CSAR ( combat - search - and rescue) , weather research ( flying into hurricanes to record dropping presseure), chasing phosphorus trails at night in the ocean tracking submarines, etc. Riding in the nose bubble has very cool visibility, but can be a very rough , turbulent ride. The USCG all but had them phased out by the late 1970's / early 1980's. The one we had was pickled and turned into a lawn ornament at the USCGAS Cape Cod . Like my old chief used to say, " Hey, it flew in here, it can fly outt'a here ". Money be damned, these beutiful air planes need to stay air worthy. Very enjoyable video. B. T. W., the engineers at Grumman came out with an ECO ( engineeering change order ) to fix the cracks and structurale wing issues for high stress / military / ordinance carrying applications. It eliminates twists and cracks, and allows for high horsepower turbo prop repowers / applications. Take care

[@johnkamm386]

So needs some love...HU 16

[@Blowinshiddup]

I read somewhere about spar issues with the -B version, essentially they took the existing wing and incorporated a 6ft stretch outboard of the engines. Fatigue tests showed a reduced life to around 25,000fh. No info on what the life of the short-winged -A had.

[@docjeffry]

I have flown into KOKM many times. first time, I spotted this bird sitting northside of the old hangar with the red door. I always swore I would go back to check it out. Two years later I did just that. I was given the opportunity to sit in the left seat with my arm hanging out the window like Jimmy Buffett. The airport manager at the time told me that about "15 years ago (23 years ago now), this aircraft was being moved from KRVS, Riverside and one of the engines lost power. The pilot did a one engine landing and the aircraft has been there ever since". Look up the tail number. It's registered to a 501 (c)3 that the owner is probably still deducting on.

[@chinabluewho]

Less than 500 of these HU-16 planes were made.

[@drfinneman]

Nice Video. Very well done.

[@SirDrifto]

Thanks papa goose

[@Rustytales]

Hello Where is this plane located? Do you know if this one is for sale and how to contact the owner?

[@WayneStcroix]

Where is this located at

[@pinaxd1860]

Where is this bird? Would love to find her a home

[@docjeffry]

KOKM, Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

[@biggen1644]

So, I came back to this video and comment section popped right up🤦 anyway, would love to know where that albatross is. Thanks!

[@neicerjosealmanzamesino196]

En qué lugar está el Grumman?

[@docjeffry]

KOKM, suerte!

[@vrosi1963]

Were is it so we can find a buyer hopefully so it will not continue to rot away

[@docjeffry]

KOKM

[@davidnewton8756]

Where is this?

[@docjeffry]

KOKM

[@defenestratefalsehoods]

i was hoping for a tail number on it

[@831BeachBum]

N8497J HU-16B

[@defenestratefalsehoods]

@@831BeachBum wow, thanks

[@roypoe1865]

Where is the Grumman?

[@docjeffry]

KOKM