Beech 18 on floats carves a path through history BY THOMAS B. HAINES P H OT O G R A P H Y B Y C H R I S R O S E THE LAST OF THE 1.5 GALLONS of oil chugs into the left engine's tank, satisfying the big Pratt & Whitney R-985-for now. Meanwhile, grunts on each of the Beech's massive straight floats furiously work hand pumps, sucking gallons of lake water from leaky compartments. Over on the right wing, a pilot curious to experience flight in a Beech 18 earns his keep by pouring avgas from five-gallon jugs into the softball-sized filler port. VIDEO EXTRA Fly along with the author in this online video. www.aopa.org/pilot AOPA PILOT | 51http://www.aopa.org/pilot