[ARC5] [Milsurplus] More Moron-ities. This Will Turn Your Stomach

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On Thu, Oct 20, 2011 at 12:38 PM, Francesco Ledda <frledda at att.net> wrote:

> Now, airplane performance is tied their weight. Engine life is pretty much
> determined by how they are used; the least amount of time the engine is on
> takeoff power, the longer for the engine. Therefore, the sooner the airplane
> reaches safe altitude, the sooner the engine can be throttle back.
> Furthermore, single engine performance is very dependent on weight (Climbing
> with a failed engine).  This is the reason why non flight critical items are
> removed.

The odd thing about the radio side with the Collings Foundation is
that, at least in their B-24 and B-17, the intact radios are indeed
installed, just no cabling the last time I checked. I was a member for
a few years and seem to recall being told that it was just low on
their list of priorities compared to things like maintenance and
airframe repairs.

In the case of the B-24, they actually sent a group to a mountain in
VT where a B-24 cartwheeled into the mountain on a training mission in
WWII, searching for parts. One of the things they found was the armor
plating for one of the pilot's seats, that I had uncovered and dragged
part way down the mountain during a Scout hike in the 70s. The fellow
told me they had cleaned and restored it, then displayed it at their
facility since the added weight was pointless. True enough, we have
plenty of complete, restored warbirds in museums, very few still
flying in comparison.

They also seemed agreeable and interested in having operating examples
of radio installations available for display during their special
events, perhaps full time. My life changed and I moved south, but I'd
bet there's still an opportunity there.

When I flew with them back in the early 90s, it was $300 for a flight.
I'd be surprised if it hadn't gone up considerably since then. As you
say, parts are scarce, fuel is expensive and keeping the planes flying
is the goal of these aircraft organizations. The majority of viewers
see the aircraft flying overhead or sitting on the tarmac. Those who
tour the planes view them, they don't operate the equipment. In the
argument about authenticity, why would having working WWII era radios
rate any higher than functioning .50 cal Brownings?

And the list goes on, from accurate clothing to maps, charts, and so on.

I'll leave it to the airplane folks to present their side as they see
fit, and the radio folks to show their side. I'm just thankful for
anyone still flying them. Anyone who is deeply bothered is free to buy
their own aircraft and outfit it as they see fit. The more, the
merrier. (o:

~ Todd,  KA1KAQ/4