John Deere

The other night I was flying along at 10,000ft in the SUV. I was really enjoying my last flight for the week, the drone of the engines, the unusual warmth of the Janitrol heater and some descent weather for this time of year. As the lights from the farms and ranches of New South Montucky slid under the wings, I marveled at all the domestic and international traffic on frequency. Life was good. The radio came to life …

JD4630: Good evening Center, John Deere 4630 checking in FL410.

Center: John Deere 4630, Center, Roger.

I couldn’t resist. I just had to say on the radio what went through my mind.

Me: I didn’t know John Deere made airplanes.

JD4630: We don’t. We’re actually a Citation X going to KBFI.

Me: Let me guess, your aircraft is painted John Deere green?

JD4630: (chuckling) No, but our wheels are painted yellow like the tractors.

Me: No kidding?

JD4630: Yeah. We actually get made fun of once in a while but it is all in good fun.

Me: I can only imagine. Have a nice flight.

JD4630: You too.


Wow. Who knew? Its flights and radio chatter like this that make me feel good about being a pilot. It brings joy to my heart and a smile to my face.

Super Duty SUV

A couple of weeks before Christmas, in preparation for the big Christmas package hauling rush, the company checked me out in the Super Duty SUV (SDSUV). Man what a treat! I love flying this airplane!

The SDSUV is considerably bigger than the SUV. Its gross weight is 1600lb (725.7kg) heavier than the SUV. The engines are essentially the same. However, the SDSUV’s engines are rated at 50 hp more, as well as geared and swing a much bigger three bladed prop. Not to mention that they sound really cool.

The aircraft handles fairly well. It reminds me of how the Ambulance handled, or maybe one of those gigantic land yachts they used to drive in the 70’s. (Maybe some of you have driven one)

The first day on the line with my new ride the rampers brought me 2250lbs (1020.5kg) of freight. The weight of the boxes plus the day's required fuel load brought my gross weight about 50lbs (22.7kg) shy of the 8400lb (3810kg) limit. The SDSUV handled the load wonderfully and performed much better than expected. Most aircraft I have flown are gutless wonders at or near gross weight. I don’t think that the plane knew it was so heavy. I know it didn’t act like it.

Landings in this aircraft are a breeze. The SDSUV is rock solid in the approach configuration and the flare is a bit flatter than the SUV I’m used to commanding. However, at low gross weights, it requires full nose up trim and a fairly healthy dose of bicep in the flare.

The trailing link landing gear makes me look like a pro. My occasional carrier landings are now virtually non-existent (tail hook not included, void where prohibited, no purchase necessary)

Now that the guys in the brown and purple suits and the one guy in the red suit have slowed down, I have been sent back to my SUV flying duties. The SDSUV will be outfitted with carpet and seats for the charter department and be placed on standby for the freight fleet to handle those occasional heavier loads.

I hope to be able to climb into the left seat of the SDSUV again real soon.