Albatross Photographs

This part of the Parakeet Island project is a real interesting challenge.  To get to the tropics there are only two real options.  Fly or sail.  What better way is there to get to a tropical island than jumping on actual Albatross seaplane and taking off into the wild blue yonder.  There are less than 35 of these birds flying today.  One is called the Hemisphere Dancer and is owned by a Parakeet Island favorite, Jimmy Buffett.  Our hope is to get our Parakeet Island Airlines Albatross here this year as part of the Island Cove adventure miniature golf course complete with turning props, roaring engines and bikini clad stewardesses.  Okay, just the turning propellers and roaring engines.  

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit several airplane salvage yards in Tucson, AZ (known as the "Boneyard").  I had a rough idea of the size and uniqueness of these planes before my trip, but climbing into a real one gave me a brand new perspective.  I learned a lot about the history of the Albatross.  Did you know only 464 were built in the late 40's and early 50's?   Visit www.HU-16.com for more Albatross information.

An Albatross is over 60' long, has a wingspan of over 90', is nearly 13' tall belly to top and has a tail reaching over 24' into the air.  With that in mind, you can see the exciting logistical challenge we are facing.  Keep watching and see how it goes. 

Here are some pictures of a HU-16 Albatross Seaplanes. 

 
"Sittin' in the boneyard"

"Here are four of the remaining Albatross HU-16 seaplanes."

STAY TUNED FOR MORE!!!