This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
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Ice Pilots

Sat Jun 18, 2011 2:52 pm

been watching the Ice pilots marathon on national geo channel.When was the last time you saw either a c-46 or Dc-4 fly? Dc-3's ya still see.these planes are earning their keep.incredible! remember the only replacement for a Dc-3 is another Dc-3

Re: Ice Pilots

Sat Jun 18, 2011 2:58 pm

There's a new episode on tonight at 9:00 pm EDT. Good thing as I was wondering last week what happened to them. I too am hooked on the show.

Re: Ice Pilots

Sat Jun 18, 2011 9:19 pm

I think this is a great show. I reality show that shows reality - what a concept.
Our cable is having trouble with NGC but I am able to get it on Demand and am woring through the 4 episodes.

I read that in Canada they have actually shown 2 full seasons so far = what we are seeing is only the begining of season 1

Re: Ice Pilots

Sat Jun 18, 2011 9:31 pm

Actually, I believe what the Nat Geo channel is currently showing in the U. S. is season 2.

Re: Ice Pilots

Sat Jun 18, 2011 9:36 pm

NatGeo is broadcasting season #1 and the second season has been available in Canada already. there was some delay because of licensing for US distribution.
Second season;
http://www.icepilots.com/episodes.php#
The second season of Flying Wild Alaska is in production:
http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/flying-wild-alaska/

Also make note of the different theme music (Lenny Kravitz) on the original episodes rather than the ho-hum US version.

Re: Ice Pilots

Sun Jun 19, 2011 12:01 am

I have yet to see Ice Pilots (I'd have to pay for the next tier of cable to get Nat Geo) but I enjoyed Flying Wild..glad to hear it's coming back.

SN

Re: Ice Pilots

Sun Jun 19, 2011 6:47 am

come here to so-cal stevie and you can watch it on my big screen.you gotta bring the beer
Battle creek? where they make the cereals? its ok,you can still come and watch.

Re: Ice Pilots

Sun Jun 19, 2011 7:43 am

I was watching the show last night, the episode about the water bombers flight to the Azores. Can someone explain to me what a "runaway prop" is? Uncontrollable pitch?. Ensuing damage to the engine from over revving?.......Thanks, John

Re: Ice Pilots

Sun Jun 19, 2011 8:41 am

jbell wrote:I was watching the show last night, the episode about the water bombers flight to the Azores. Can someone explain to me what a "runaway prop" is? Uncontrollable pitch?. Ensuing damage to the engine from over revving?.......Thanks, John


Your guess is correct. A runaway prop is caused by a failed prop governor. That will cause the engine to overspeed, eventually leading to failure. I've seen WW2 photos of B-17 props spinning away from the aircraft after running away and shearing off the shaft! :shock:

Cheers,
Dean K5DH

Re: Ice Pilots

Sun Jun 19, 2011 9:35 am

Thanks Dean, I did notice that they were able to "feather" the prop. An adjustment in the other direction?...........Thanks, John

Re: Ice Pilots

Sun Jun 19, 2011 10:17 am

On most radials there is a feathering pump that is separate of the governor. It's possible that even with the governor failed that the pump can override it and get the prop to feather. If you notice however, after landing, the prop un-feathers somewhat. I don't know what that might mean because I'm not versed in the operation of that prop, but usually if it's moving without pressure, it means something is open or leaking that isn't supposed to be. Don't anyone in Canada or the UK spoil what the real problem was. :)

Re: Ice Pilots

Sun Jun 19, 2011 10:25 am

I've been enjoying the C-46 footage especially. I wasn't so thrilled with the air time spent showing the guy shopping for a birthday cake. I've also seen enough of the disappointed customers whose stuff didn't arrive exactly on time in the middle of winter. And we all know that the crusty old mechanic is PO'ed about pretty much everything. That said, I think it's better than 98% of National Geographic's current line up.

Re: Ice Pilots

Sun Jun 19, 2011 10:58 am

Have enjoyed the show, too, but they seem to take some dramatic license in some episodes. For example, I don't know all that much about the C-46, but in one of the early episodes they had to shut an engine down and it wouldn't feather. I'm just guessing that a C-46 would go nowhere but down with a prop that wouldn't feather.

Seeing the outside engine change in -40 degrees separates the men from the boys!

Re: Ice Pilots

Sun Jun 19, 2011 12:07 pm

My best friends dad,who I have mentioned many times here(probably too many times) was flying B-29's out of Scotland after the war and had a prop runaway.it flew off the engine and buzzsawed the side of the fuselage.he showed me pics.looked like no fun to me

Re: Ice Pilots

Sun Jun 19, 2011 4:00 pm

Runaway prop is a killer.

Runaway bride is a savior.
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