I just had my introduction to the world of radial engines and I have a profound new respect for those aviators that used these engines.
The ground crew "topped" of the oil tanks with 13 quarts of oil. They were in a race, as just about as much oil was leaking on to the tarmac as was being poured into the oil tank.
The engine start technique required only 3 hands. 1 hand to hold the yoke in the aft postion so that one could see the panel and 2 hands to get the engines started. Press the starter for 3 blades, turn on the mags, oh and while you are at it, play with the primer, throttle setting, and mixture. I now understand that the starting technique is mostly a "black art" as opposed to following steps in the check list. During the starting sequence, the engines hissed, belched, farted, and coughed all the while violently shaking the airplane with loud backfires. Oil completely coated the tires, underbelly, and surrounding tarmac along with the thick cloud of white smoke streaming toward the rear of the aircraft. By holding my tongue in just the right position, having the planets align correctly, offering a prayer and a sacrifice, the engines finally smoothed out. I do enjoy the purring engine sound once up and running.
Once the engines are finally running, then the real challenge begins. There are no less than 3 systems to regulate the engine temperature (oil shutters, oil bypass, and manifold shutters (similar to carb heat). The temperature range is very narrow, so dealing with these systems is a constant task while flying.
Wow! The modern aircraft engines have come a long way and we pilots that use them are really spoiled. I really don't know how the folks in the "great white north" deal with these engines as the air temp was in the high 30's during my flight.
All in all an interesting and great learning experience.
The ground crew "topped" of the oil tanks with 13 quarts of oil. They were in a race, as just about as much oil was leaking on to the tarmac as was being poured into the oil tank.
The engine start technique required only 3 hands. 1 hand to hold the yoke in the aft postion so that one could see the panel and 2 hands to get the engines started. Press the starter for 3 blades, turn on the mags, oh and while you are at it, play with the primer, throttle setting, and mixture. I now understand that the starting technique is mostly a "black art" as opposed to following steps in the check list. During the starting sequence, the engines hissed, belched, farted, and coughed all the while violently shaking the airplane with loud backfires. Oil completely coated the tires, underbelly, and surrounding tarmac along with the thick cloud of white smoke streaming toward the rear of the aircraft. By holding my tongue in just the right position, having the planets align correctly, offering a prayer and a sacrifice, the engines finally smoothed out. I do enjoy the purring engine sound once up and running.
Once the engines are finally running, then the real challenge begins. There are no less than 3 systems to regulate the engine temperature (oil shutters, oil bypass, and manifold shutters (similar to carb heat). The temperature range is very narrow, so dealing with these systems is a constant task while flying.
Wow! The modern aircraft engines have come a long way and we pilots that use them are really spoiled. I really don't know how the folks in the "great white north" deal with these engines as the air temp was in the high 30's during my flight.
All in all an interesting and great learning experience.