Which Chipmunk is that?
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Which Chipmunk is that?
I stumbled on this great post that I had not seen before. Rod tells me it may have been posted on PPRuNe before, but if so I missed it.
I posted it on Military Aviation, but I thought it deserved exposure here as well:
Which Chipmunk Is That? by Rod Blievers
I posted it on Military Aviation, but I thought it deserved exposure here as well:
Which Chipmunk Is That? by Rod Blievers
Lovely picture. I am not sure which UAS is represented on the fuselage. However, in 1970, WG478 was on the line at Church Fenton Primary Flying Squadron, I flew her on 9 October 1970 with Fg Off Cairns as the student.
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Anybody remember when the RAF Chipmunks were converted from Coffman Starters to electric ? we had lots of fun with them on misfires [approach with caution!!!] the mod was done after the early 50s,; we had the cartridge starters at Upavon when I was demobbed in 54
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WG478 was on the line at Church Fenton Primary Flying Squadron, I flew her on 9 October 1970 with Fg Off Cairns as the student.
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cartridges
The 22 chipmunks at Middle Wallop had their starters converted in the early 90’s. I believe the supply of cartridges were running out and Eley Kynock were not prepared to supply a new batch of cordite cartridges. I do have a tin of them if anyone wants some?
RAF Chippies still had cartridge start in 1983
Make that at least 1990.
Make that at least 1990.
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Thank you all for the replies to the my cartridge starter question ,the reason I asked was when I saw some Chipmunks for disposal at some airshow a few years ago the one with the engine cowl open had electric starting and remember remarking to my son how the fun and anxiety had gone and blamed it on "Elf and Safety" but now in my dotage I realize that it IS more convenient.
Any tales of "Hand swinging " the little darlings all mine seem to have been in the wet weather and end in failure with elderly [to me]very senior officers glaring at me the "young erk", wet,fed up, hoping "Chiefy" would find some cartridges in the stores.
Any tales of "Hand swinging " the little darlings all mine seem to have been in the wet weather and end in failure with elderly [to me]very senior officers glaring at me the "young erk", wet,fed up, hoping "Chiefy" would find some cartridges in the stores.
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In the 35 years I flew G-BCSL we often hand swung it either because the starter / battery was U/S (a frequent occurrence) or just to preserve battery life especially if it was a cold start.
Once one learned what the engine needs, it was easy. Prime by pulling the ring that allows fuel into the inlet manifold, pump the fuel pump lever up and down listening for the 'clack clack' of the non return valves in the fuel lines (the tanks are downhill of the engine in the tail-down attitude). When fuel trickles from the manifold drain onto the apron, stop pumping and wait for the dribble to stop.
Throttle closed and mags off, suck in (pull it though 4 compressions checking for good compression, and listening for the click of the impulse mag). No click, no start. If that's the case, clout the impulse mag with a block of wood or suchlike, and pull it through again whereupon you should hear the click.
Observing normal procedures, safety checks etc, call for 'THROTTLE SET. CONTACT'. On getting the cockpit occupants 'thumbs down' replaced by a 'thumbs up', swing the prop in approved manner. It will start. Usually.
If it doesn't, swing it again ('OFF' if you need to re-position the prop).
If it hasn't started after 4 or 5 goes, call for 'OFF. THROTTLE WIDE OPEN' and pull through backwards several blades to clear the accumulated fuel in the cylinders. You should be able to smell this. Then 'THROTTLE SET. CONTACT' and swing again. It will start If not, re-prime and start again.
Once one learned what the engine needs, it was easy. Prime by pulling the ring that allows fuel into the inlet manifold, pump the fuel pump lever up and down listening for the 'clack clack' of the non return valves in the fuel lines (the tanks are downhill of the engine in the tail-down attitude). When fuel trickles from the manifold drain onto the apron, stop pumping and wait for the dribble to stop.
Throttle closed and mags off, suck in (pull it though 4 compressions checking for good compression, and listening for the click of the impulse mag). No click, no start. If that's the case, clout the impulse mag with a block of wood or suchlike, and pull it through again whereupon you should hear the click.
Observing normal procedures, safety checks etc, call for 'THROTTLE SET. CONTACT'. On getting the cockpit occupants 'thumbs down' replaced by a 'thumbs up', swing the prop in approved manner. It will start. Usually.
If it doesn't, swing it again ('OFF' if you need to re-position the prop).
If it hasn't started after 4 or 5 goes, call for 'OFF. THROTTLE WIDE OPEN' and pull through backwards several blades to clear the accumulated fuel in the cylinders. You should be able to smell this. Then 'THROTTLE SET. CONTACT' and swing again. It will start If not, re-prime and start again.
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Where Were You Shaggy Sheep driver in September 1953/March 1954 when I needed your wisdom ? I was ground crew on HQ Transport Command Com Flt at Upavon where all the pilots were Group Captain and above to Air Vice Marshal keeping their flying hours up to keep their wings ,as an "Erk" the thought of God sprang to mind when they were in the front seat , but I must not protest as one senior officer took me flying in the back seat of the Chippie and the front seat of the Flights Tiger Moth. Pure Joy!!!!
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