What kind of plane is Hemisphere Dancer?

Grumman HU-16 Albatross flying boat
Hemisphere Dancer is singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett’s personal seaplane. A Grumman HU-16 Albatross flying boat, serial number 137928 and civil registration number N928J, the aircraft is central to the action in Buffett’s best-selling memoirs, A Pirate Looks at 50.

What airplanes does Jimmy Buffett Own?

According to Forbes Jimmy Buffett takes his trips to paradise in style aboard his Dassault Falcon 900. Buffett also has a pilot’s license and owns several other airplanes, including a Cessna 208 Caravan, Grumman Albatross, Grumman Goose, and a Boeing E-75 Stearman.

Does Jimmy Buffett still fly?

Although musician Jimmy Buffett caught the flying bug back in his college days, he didn’t have the funds to pursue his passion until he became a successful singer-songwriter. Now an avid pilot, Buffett owns a Dassault Falcon 900, which he uses on tour, and has owned three other planes in the past.

How many Grumman Albatross are still flying?

Of the 345 Grumman Goose aircraft made, an estimated 30 remain airworthy.

Did Jimmy Buffett crash his airplane?

On Thursday, August 25th, 1994 around 3:00 pm Eastern time, Jimmy Buffett crashed his Grumman G-44 Widgeon, N1471N, while attempting to takeoff in the waters off Nantucket, Massachusetts. The airplane nosed over, and Jimmy was able to swim to safety, sustaining only minor injuries.

What happened to Jimmy Buffett in Jamaica?

Jamaica Mistaica Incident » Jimmy Buffett World. On January 16, 1996, Jimmy Buffett’s Grumman HU-16 Albatross, dubbed the Hemisphere Dancer, was shot at by Jamaican authorities as he taxied in the waters near Negril.

Can Brad Pitt fly a plane?

BRAD PITT. Brad Pitt is an accomplished pilot and in addition to having mastered the more common or garden aircraft, he owns a World War II-era Supermarine Spitfire.

How far can a Grumman Goose fly?

The Goose has a maximum speed of 175 knots at 5,000 feet and a cruise speed of 166 knots at 5,000 feet. The travel range is 560 nautical miles. It can fly up to 21,300 feet and can climb at a rate of 1,100 feet per minute. The aircraft is loaded with two 325 lbs depth charges or two 250 lbs GP bombs.

How much does a Grumman Goose cost?

Throughout the war, the Goose served as a utility, patrol, and rescue aircraft. It provided excellent service worldwide. The $62,180.00 Gooses were sold to the civilian market by the WAA for between $6-10,000.

Was Jimmy Buffett shot at in Jamaica?

During his tour, on January 16, 1996, Buffett’s plane was shot at by Jamaican police. The “Hemisphere Dancer” was carrying Buffett, U2’s Bono, his wife Ali, their children Jordan and Eve, and Island Records producer Chris Blackwell. Police suspected it was smuggling drugs.

What was the Grumman Goose used for in World War 2?

The Goose was Grumman’s first monoplane to fly, its first twin-engined aircraft, and its first aircraft to enter commercial airline service. During World War II, the Goose became an effective transport for the US military (including the United States Coast Guard), as well as serving with many other air forces.

Where did the Grumman G-21 Goose get its name?

The G-21 was used for air-sea rescue duties by the Fleet Air Arm, who assigned the name Goose. After the war, the Goose found continued commercial use in locations from Alaska to Catalina and the Caribbean .

What was the purpose of the Hemisphere Dancer?

In their early years, the twin-engine amphibious flying boats were used primarily as search-and-rescue aircraft for the Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. In 1996, the Hemisphere Dancer was shot at by Jamaican authorities as it taxied in the water near Negril.

Is the Grumman Albatross a Camper plane?

Thanks goes to Dave W for the tip! This flying camper was refurbished in 1998 and includes many amenities such leather couches, bunk beds, TV, and a bathroom. Things may be a little dated inside, but it actually looks a lot like many of the old campers we have featured.