Big Ben - 12/20/2023 20:50





Some old airplanes use high pressure compressed air to start.

I once helped a guy start a Yakolev, IIRC he said it required at least 170 bar. He used a scuba tank, but that compressor would be a much more fitting start option if a whole line of those trainer planes needed starting.


Trying to rig up some “big iron”—triple rig—on a brisk -20 evening. About 3 a.m. Air starters on draw works engines—they’re great, spin the heck out motors—-but little electric compressor in sub wouldn’t work, we got no air.

SO—-WE GOT NITROGEN—-backup way to shut in blow out preventers…,and lotsa hydr hose….so….got ‘er plumbed, let me get up on floor, set the fuel hold the starter engaged——-ok, turn ‘er on. WOW—now that’s what I call cranking a motor!

Fired right up, blew seals outa air starter, clutched them together, started the other one, rig air building.

Got another—you guys did what?! Outa the toolpusher—about 1980, rig was worth about 24,000 a day—-let’s make some hole…,