Flying antique aircraft. 1

[Compositepro]

I just read a fascinating article on learning to fly antique aircraft. The author refers to the method of starting the engine by hand-cranking the prop as an "Armstrong starter". I learned a few things. The last half is a little more interesting.

http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archives/101/3641-full.html?ET=avweb:e3641:405155a:&st=email#228859

 

[MikeHalloran]

Thanks.


Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[berkshire]

Composite Pro,
You must be subscribed to Avweb, I read that article too. Hand propping is getting to be a lost art, and one that if not taught properly can result in lost fingers and slashed legs. Not to mention fatalities. I learned this gentle art with a friends Airknocker 7ac , 65hp continental no electrical .
B.E.

You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.

 

[Sparweb]

Thanks for the article link!

Love this quote:
"...and cruised at less than their cockpit decibel level..."
How true! All those struts and wires.

And on neutral yaw stability:
"...The concept that the pilot must take action to keep the tail behind the rest of the airplane in flight takes a degree of adjustment."

Yet another surprise for the unsuspecting pilot.

STF