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Way, way OT

Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2007 8:04 pm
by tshort
First off, I'm a big Simpsons fan.
So, I'm sitting here watching the Simpsons between coats of sealer on the new tile ...

Homer and Mr. Burns take Mr. Burns' Gulfstream to Chicago ... the pilot calls in N543C. So during the ads, I look up the N number:

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N543C

Funny. A G-IV that last flew from Springfield to Midway. Except if you look at the details, it is a '47 Stinson registered to some dude in Oregon... ? I am always amazed at the little things that the writers manage to hide in that show. How do you think they managed the data on FlightAware?

OK, enough of the random non-RV post.... :)

Thomas

Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 11:59 am
by dons
That is neat, how did they get away with doing that ? Maybe one of the writers know the real owner and they made a deal and got flighaware involved. Bet there weren't many people that found that tidbit.

Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 12:16 pm
by tmbg
oh, that's an easy one. There's no track; there was no flight. They simply filed a flight plan!


Clever though :)

Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 12:17 pm
by Womack2005
That is really bizar! If you look up the N# its a Bipe. But on FlightAware it says its a GIV :o

Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 12:56 pm
by smithhb
Flightaware captures it's flight data from ATC. If the pilot filed as a G2, it will list the flight as a G2, regardless of the actual aircraft type flown.

You could file any IFR flight as any aircraft you want, it would then have to be changed to your correct type by the controller when you call for clearance. My guess is that FlightAware would not again seek the type. I'm sure ATC would quickly catch on that they were not flying a G2...

BTW, it is a violation to intentionally file with erroneous information.

The tough part is how he got the Bipe to make that trip in 1:45...

Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 1:11 pm
by smithhb
N543C Status

Owner Type: Individual Owner Name: MCBEE EVERETT G
City: MADRAS State: OR
Zip: 97741 Country: US
Fractional Owner:
Aircraft Type: Fixed wing single engine Model Year: 1947
Airworthiness Class: Standard Transponder Code: 51561503
Serial Number: 108-3543 Aircraft Model: 9230408
Last Action: 2006-03-15 Cert Issue: 1993-11-10
Status: A second attempt has been made at mailing a Triennial Aircraft Registration form to the owner with no response.

Looks like this Stinson may have been de-registered and the FAA has not yet updated their records.