The sound of radials!

[PSM]

Since just after sunset, there's been a C47/DC3 flying around us. It still has the radials and man I forgot how slow those things were. I tried to get a picture but it was too dark.

My first time with my hands on the yoke of an aircraft was a Central Airlines DC-3 when I was 9 or 10. I sat on the co-pilot's lap with his headphones on. (I'm using '50s terminology.) I flew the "range"; Dit-dah, dit-dah if to the left of course and dah-dit, dah-dit to the right. Steady tone on course. No wonder old pilots went mad.

I guess the Army is going retro in it's stealth technology.

Pat

[PRB]

Lots of guys here have jumped them, we used them for Robin Sage infils. I know I have, with the t-10 extension static line.

[PSM]

Originally Posted by PRB

Lots of guys here have jumped them, we used them for Robin Sage infils. I know I have, with the t-10 extension static line.

I was thinking that it was a sunset jump run since it circled back over the Fort, but no chutes.

You just got me thinking about some other possible infil, though. But, I doubt it.

Pat

[Pete]

O & I used them a lot back in the late 80's.

Instructors would jump them in the afternoon and then the students at night for infil into their little FTX.

[Guymullins]

Originally Posted by PRB

Lots of guys here have jumped them, we used them for Robin Sage infils. I know I have, with the t-10 extension static line.

I also did my first jump from one in 1970 with a T10 over Bloemfontein. Did many hundreds more from a DC3 in later years. Often had to start an engine using joined static lines wrapped around the propeller hub and pull-started with a Landrover.
Thats me sitting on the Avgas barrel on the right.

[PSM]

They're up again tonight. Pretty expensive piece of equipment to go cruising the main drag in.

Pat

[ZonieDiver]

Originally Posted by PSM

Since just after sunset, there's been a C47/DC3 flying around us. It still has the radials and man I forgot how slow those things were. I tried to get a picture but it was too dark.

My first time with my hands on the yoke of an aircraft was a Central Airlines DC-3 when I was 9 or 10. I sat on the co-pilot's lap with his headphones on. (I'm using '50s terminology.) I flew the "range"; Dit-dah, dit-dah if to the left of course and dah-dit, dah-dit to the right. Steady tone on course. No wonder old pilots went mad.

I guess the Army is going retro in it's stealth technology.

Pat

I've flown in a DC-3, and worked on a number of DC-4s - like the one below. I love the sound of a radial engine.

[Guymullins]

We still have many flying in our air force as well as in civilian roles. Most have been converted to TurboDak configuration which replaces the radial engines with turbines like the Pratt and Whitney PT6. Surprisingly, although much quieter, they still make a distinctive Dak sound. It must be the rivets rattling.

[mojaveman]

Originally Posted by ZonieDiver

.....and worked on a number of DC-4s - like the one below. I love the sound of a radial engine.

California Department of Forrestry was still using contracted DC-4s up until 15 years ago. During a large fire near my home one summer I watched one roll 45 degrees while it hugged a hillside and dropped a large load or retardant. Looking at the design of the DC-4 you'd think it wouldn't be possible to fly a plane like that. It was amazing to watch.

Radials are nice but I like a V-12 better. The whistling sound that a Merlin makes combined with the roar of all those cubic inches is awesome.

[PSM]

I got a better look at the DC3/C47. It's painted green. I wonder if EZ is back in the spy biz.

Pat