[Jonathan_S]

Some of the fire myths got old quick, but it was interesting to see them start a fire with ice.

I did noticed that Jamie's calculations for the plane myth assumed a two bladed prop, but the engine Adam got had a three bladed one. That by itself would have messed with the spacing of the slices on the other plane. I wonder why they didn't mention that.

 

[nataylor]

Some of the fire myths got old quick, but it was interesting to see them start a fire with ice.

I did noticed that Jamie's calculations for the plane myth assumed a two bladed prop, but the engine Adam got had a three bladed one. That by itself would have messed with the spacing of the slices on the other plane. I wonder why they didn't mention that.

No, I think Adam's calculations were for a 3 bladed prop. They were talking about 1500rpm, and he mentions 4500 slices per minute.

 

[Jonathan_S]

Huh. Then I guess I was the one who wasn't paying attention. I really thought he only double the RPM to get the blade rate...

Oops.

Well, I still think it would have looked more like the photo if they had used a two bladed propeller, as that would have increased the distance between strikes, and required a lower ground speed to replicate the damage.
As it was, they clearly didn't have the test rig running fast enough and the cuts were way too close together.

 

[mportuesi]

As it was, they clearly didn't have the test rig running fast enough and the cuts were way too close together.

But, it was still proof of concept, and enough to confirm the myth. I'm not sure they wanted to buy another plane fuselage for a second try.

 

[LoadStar]

I was shocked by the results. I'd have thought you'd see more spiral type cuts because the plane is moving forward at the same time as it's cutting... or you'd see the blades of the prop just hit the plane and shear off.

They said it's "bad form" or whatever to hand start a prop without someone in the pilot's seat. Um... it's not just bad form, it's illegal - it's in the FAA Pilot's Handbook that you HAVE to have someone in the pilot's seat.

 

[nataylor]

But, it was still proof of concept, and enough to confirm the myth. I'm not sure they wanted to buy another plane fuselage for a second try.

Yeah, kinda funny they didn't do a second try (assuming the engine was still workable). When Adam was building the plane frame, he made mention that they wanted something that could easily slip a new tail on to.

 

[Jonathan_S]

Of course, due to the close spacing of the cuts on the test target, and the resulting tearing of the metal, it actually looked less like the photo than the chainsaw attempt.

 

[IJustLikeTivo]

They said it's "bad form" or whatever to hand start a prop without someone in the pilot's seat. Um... it's not just bad form, it's illegal - it's in the FAA Pilot's Handbook that you HAVE to have someone in the pilot's seat.

Care to cite the FAR or AIM regulation for that?

I missed this episode, might have to go back and find it. I've seen the plane and what happened happened. No myth involved.

 

[darthrsg]

they need to threaten the "mythterns" with their jobs cause i think i have seen my dog bust better myths than the last few they have done. i think they will test the aluminum foil space ray deflector helmet next or try to find the treasure on a map from the back of a cereal box. i really like the whole cast but "the help" is lacking lately. it is time they tackled some more urban legend type stuff.

 

[DeDondeEs]

they need to threaten the "mythterns" with their jobs cause i think i have seen my dog bust better myths than the last few they have done. i think they will test the aluminum foil space ray deflector helmet next or try to find the treasure on a map from the back of a cereal box. i really like the whole cast but "the help" is lacking lately. it is time they tackled some more urban legend type stuff.

Yea like the one with where a guy wakes up with his kidney removed in a tub of ice in a hotel room. They could use one of the mythterns for that.

 

[Unbeliever]

Care to cite the FAR or AIM regulation for that?

No FAR/AIM reference because it doesn't exist. HOWEVER, there is a FAA safety circular about it. "Preventing Accidents During Aircraft Ground Operations"

No one should attempt to start an aircraft engine without a qualified person at the cockpit controls.

However, the NTSB, quotes that pamphlet on all hand propping accidents, and the FAA usually tries to pin a reckless charge based on that.

edit: Oh, and I think LoadStar mentioned that because Adam mentioned that as fact after demonstrating how to hand-prop a Citabria after Jaime failed to hand prop a Piper 6/Saratoga.

Edit #2: Hah! it is legal. 91.105 (a) During takeoff and landing, and while en route, each required flight crewmember shall—

(1) Be at the crewmember station unless the absence is necessary to perform duties in connection with the operation of the aircraft or in connection with physiological needs;

Even though it's not takeoff, I would imagine starting the aircraft is part of one's duties in connection of operation of the aircraft.

--Carlos V.

 

[YCantAngieRead]

I have to say, I LOVED this episode (the plane part, that is.) I so didn't think that was going to work. I completely thought it'd do something different, and actually laughed when it worked.

Do I think that's what caused the photo? No, but it was really cool none the less.

 

[vertigo235]

I actually liked the fire creation myths too. Altough a few of them i allready knew from watching Survivorman

 

[nedthelab]

Does anyone have the official email to the mythbusters? Looked everywhere - from good to discovery channel - no dice

thanks