The Loop Newspaper - Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide

Nick Smirnoff (NPPA)

This 1951 built Albatross was flown in by pilot Dave Cummings from its home base in Oxnard, California. One of only 13 still flying today this is the only one that works commercially. The plane was noted for its water landing capability and saved many a downed pilot's life in its ocean search and rescue missions. It needs only 1,500 feet of runway and can cruise up to 3,000 miles at 165 knots.