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Old April 25th 06, 11:36 AM posted to rec.aviation.rotorcraft,rec.aviation.piloting
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Default Would you fly this one?


"Greg Farris" wrote

The picture about four slides later is not bad either!
http://1000aircraftphotos.com/Helicopters/1046.htm
Buzzsaw in the breadbasket - front and rear!

How much efficiency would be sacrificed by putting a wireframe guard
around these things? I don't mean a tight mesh that you couldn't still
get a finger into - but at least something rigid enough to keep you
from slipping in up to your waist! Damn.


Damn, is the least you can say? Double damn!

Ever seen a prop spin off of a model airplane engine? I have.

I was testing the needle setting by holding it pointed straight up, wide
open throttle. If it sags, going lean pointed up like that, then it needs
more adjustment.

For what ever reason, (either it got loosened, or I forgot to tighten it) it
suddenly departed the engine. I was surprised (understatement of the year)
to see it continuing to spin, in the same rotational plane. With no weight
holding it down, the thrust lifted the prop straight up into the air about 5
feet rather quickly; then it arced back over my head. (and two or three
other ducking bystanders) It happened so quickly, I barely had time to duck
and pull the throttle down, to avoid hand grenading the engine.

Now picture one of those props doing the same thing.

Oh, and I also wonder what OSHA would think about that setup, nowadays.
(:-o)

Nah, that's a lie. I don't have to wonder! g
--
Jim in NC