He just couldn't say no! Chuck is back at North Weald this week to do another Catalina ferry flight - this time to Israel.
They were running the engines yesterday. As they hadn't been started for a very long time, problems were anticipated.
The starboard engine fired up OK, but then hydraulic fluid started pouring out to create a big puddle on the apron. A quick bit of packing around the cooler sorted that one out, and the engine was run up successfully and the prop feathering checked after shut down.
The port engine proved to be more recalcitrant. It started OK as well, but was quickly shut down because no oil pressure was showing. An air lock was suspected, and more oil put in.
It was started a second time, with the same results. They started bleeding the system, then called it a day. Work resumes agin this morning.
The Catalina is due to fly out on Saturday, and arrive in Israel on Monday, where it is going to a museum (the plan is to keep it in flying condition).
RD
Chuck checking the starboard engine
Running up the starboard engine
Checking the feathering
Part two to follow...
Starting the port engine the first time
Start up the second time
Chuck in the office
