PA-25 Pawnee (x2)
Melbourne Gliding Club owns and operates two Piper PA-35 Pawnees as its tug aircraft. Despite their age (manufactured in the 60s!), these aircraft remain sought-after as some of the best tug aircraft in the world. Originally designed as a crop duster, they were fitted with powerful engines to allow them to carry large, heavy loads of pesticides in an internal hopper.
Empty, they are light, powerful, and ideal for quickly getting gliders into the air.
Operating two tug aircraft is a key strength of Melbourne Gliding Club, as it allows the club to operate aircraft at both the home airfield at Bacchus Marsh, as well as at other destinations during gliding camps and expeditions.
| Piper PA-25 Pawnee - Aircraft Data |
| Country of Manufacture: | USA | Registration: | VH-BCK, VH-TNC |
| Manufactured: | 1967 (BCK), 1964 (TNC) | Empty Weight: | 662 kg |
| Construction: | Fabric / Steel Tube | Wingspan: | 11 m |
| Best Glide Ratio: | Don't even think about it | G-Limits: |
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| Instrumentation: | Steam gauges | Maximum Speed: | 188 kph / 107 kts |
| Member Rate: | $7.30 / Minute (Tow rate) | Engine | 235 hp Lycoming |