The Twin Otter: A Reliable and Tough Aircraft
The Twin Otter is a reliable and tough aircraft used in remote areas, particularly in Canada’s Arctic, where it’s critical for mining operations and connecting communities. Its small size and mighty mission make it a lifeline in harsh conditions, with temperatures as low as -20°C and strong winds.
Operating in the Arctic
Air Tindy Pilots operate five Twin Otter planes, servicing mining camps and offering scheduled and charter flights throughout the Arctic. The planes are versatile, capable of carrying cargo, fuel, or passengers, and are essential for the region’s billion-dollar potential.
Pre-Flight Preparations
The team is preparing to start up 30 airplanes by warming up the hydraulic fluids and avionics using a giant blow dryer. They heat the inside of the aircraft to ensure everything works properly, especially the GPS and radios.
Fuel Caching Trips
The Twin Otter aircraft carries fuel as cargo and caches it in remote locations for future use. The pilots, Mike and Kenny, are delivering 5,200 kg drums of fuel to an environmental monitoring station at Back River, 1,000 km Northeast of Yellow Knife. The fuel caching trips are essential for detecting changes in the local environment before they become a problem.
Operational Capabilities
The Twin Otter is chosen for its versatility and durability, and its twin turbo prop engines allow it to operate in extremely cold temperatures, making it reliable in temperatures as low as -60°C.
Turbo props are more fuel-efficient and powerful than jet and piston engines, capable of moving a 2-person crew and a pickup truck’s weight at 280 kmph. They provide a significant kick during takeoff and low-altitude operations, reducing takeoff rolls to 300 ft.
Ski Landings
Cory’s team is preparing to land on a frozen lake, but the surface snow could conceal danger. They need to be trained to judge the type of ice and surface conditions. The biggest challenge is knowing when it’s safe to land, as surface water can accumulate beneath the snow, making it hard to get accurate information.
Royal Canadian Air Force Captain Cory Gander checks for surface water on a frozen lake using skis to brush the snow. After confirming there’s no water, he lands the plane safely on the lake, clearing the way for the next stage of the exercise to ensure the ice is strong enough to support a space camp.
High-Lift Wings
The Twin Otter aircraft has high-lift wings designed for short takeoffs and landings, allowing it to operate on short runways and even on snow and ice. It can take off and land on a strip under 250m long, whereas most passenger jets require a runway at least 10 times that length.
Refueling and Fuel Caches
The Twin Otter plane is currently flying with limited fuel and will need to refuel at Bailey River to continue its journey. The plane is carrying fuel drums, but Mike will need to transfer fuel from the stored supply to the plane’s tank to ensure it can fly.
Pilots need a safe place to land, especially when carrying fuel, and must carefully select a spot on the lake. The fuel caches are located by GPS, but require visual confirmation from the air.
Conclusion
The Twin Otter is a remarkable aircraft, essential in Canada’s Arctic, capable of landing on skis and tundra tires. The speaker, a pilot, has a deep admiration for the plane and enjoys flying it, citing its unique capabilities and the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors.
Key Vocabulary
| Word/Phrase | Explanation/Context |
|---|---|
| Reliable | Trustworthy and consistent in its performance. |
| Tough | Strong and resilient, able to withstand harsh conditions. |
| Harsh conditions | Severe weather or environmental conditions, such as extreme cold or strong winds. |
| Charter flights | Scheduled flights that are booked in advance for a specific group or purpose. |
| Avionics | Electronic systems used in aircraft, including navigation, communication, and control systems. |
| GPS | Global Positioning System, a satellite-based navigation system. |
| Cache | To store something, such as fuel, in a hidden or remote location for future use. |
| Turbo prop | A type of aircraft engine that uses a turbine to drive a propeller, providing more power and efficiency. |
| High-lift wings | Aircraft wings designed to produce more lift, allowing for shorter takeoffs and landings. |
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Vocabulary Quiz
The Twin Otter: A Reliable and Tough Aircraft
The Twin Otter is a reliable and tough aircraft used in remote areas, particularly in Canada’s Arctic, where it’s critical for mining operations and connecting communities. Its small size and mighty mission make it a lifeline in harsh conditions, with temperatures as low as -20°C and strong winds.
Quiz
Test your understanding of the Twin Otter’s capabilities:
Grammar Focus
Grammar Point: The use of the present perfect tense with just and already
The present perfect tense is used to describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present moment. In this text, the present perfect tense is used with just and already to emphasize the timing of the action.
Example 1:
The team is preparing to start up 30 airplanes by warming up the hydraulic fluids and avionics using a giant blow dryer. They have already heated the inside of the aircraft to ensure everything works properly, especially the GPS and radios.
Example 2:
The pilots, Mike and Kenny, are delivering 5,200 kg drums of fuel to an environmental monitoring station at Back River, 1,000 km Northeast of Yellow Knife. They have just arrived at the location.
Example 3:
The Twin Otter plane is currently flying with limited fuel and will need to refuel at Bailey River to continue its journey. The plane is carrying fuel drums, but Mike has already transferred fuel from the stored supply to the plane’s tank to ensure it can fly.