I was lucky enough to go for a ride in a Grumman HU-16 Albatross out in LA, and what an adventure it was. Like nothing I have ever experienced before. The aircraft is owned and operated by Row44 as a test aircraft for their satellite connectivity systems. Here's what I got.
The Queen Mary makes for a heck of a backdrop
http://i880.photobucket.com/albums/a...psa898a847.jpg
As does an LAPD Helicopter, which was there for no reason other than to check us out!
http://i880.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps3b96b7a4.jpg
Clear blue seas
http://i880.photobucket.com/albums/a...psde9ed59f.jpg
http://i880.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps732abc42.jpg
http://i880.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps02b888e2.jpg
http://i880.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps9a8e8ba9.jpg
http://i880.photobucket.com/albums/a...psf93b0238.jpg
http://i880.photobucket.com/albums/a...psef0a418a.jpg
http://i880.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps77f9d226.jpg
http://i880.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps03911645.jpg
http://i880.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps3dae1648.jpg
http://i880.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps16f95915.jpg
Forward looking port hole!
http://i880.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps42d98b8b.jpg
Takeoff video. Skip to about 2:30 for throttle up:
http://youtu.be/JIEwduE0ldQ?hd=1
Buzzing the coast:
http://youtu.be/1NNYhqWsRVY?hd=1
Nose bubble landing
http://youtu.be/XSCtr2AdQcg?hd=1
