Microlighters

Greetings all,

I am new too all this, but learning a lot from reading the forums.

Tell me something. Have been reading some of the ground accident comments and the softness has shown concern about being decapitated by the prop. Must admit, I wouldn't be too happy about that myself Is it possible to fit a cage around the prop of a Trike? Just a thought from one who know's nothing, yet.

Alles van die beste

Uncle Spud Murphy wrote:Have been reading some of the ground accident comments and the softness has shown concern about being decapitated by the prop. Is it possible to fit a cage around the prop of a Trike?

Hi Uncle Spud,

Only necessary if your softness decides to climb off and fly on a broom next to you.

Otherwise, your training will be sufficient to protect both of you.

Regards
John ZU-sEXY

yes spinning prop is a scary dangerous thing. A few years ago a guy skydived from a trike. as he turned and jumped, his hand was chopped off by the prop.

He managed to land safely. C205 knows more about this

Also if ever you land out in the rural areas you will be swamped my local kids. Again you have to be so careful when you start up and taxi that they don't run into the prop

a cage would be nice, like the power paragliding guys wear

The only issue with the cage is the weight it adds to the trike. And then their is always the mod thing with caa

Morph wrote:his had was chopped off by the prop

Morph is that head or hand ??

Landed safely can mean he didn't land on somebody ........

hand

sorry typing quickly

Wonder if cage will affect airflow and efficiency?

I think the parasitic drag, the interference with the efficiency of the pop and the added weight will be huge penalties for a danger that only exists for a very short period on the ground. A danger managed with checks and procedures. In addition to this, a cage only addresses one danger associated with run away props... i refer to the unfortunate gent who took off with the bar still tied to the profile tube and struck a building. A run away aircraft is a danger not only the prop.

Could an instructor post a start-up procedure?

I realise that my hand crank procedure is inadequate should there be a runaway engine situation. Firstly i have done this with a passenger already strapped in. Secondly standing by the side of the aircraft you do not have quick access to the mags. I do stand with my legs in-front of the rear wheel struts, to catch the aerie if it starts rolling forward given that the brake is inadequate. But should the engine rev up to full power I am sure I will be knocked over. Placing bricks under wheels will not stop a full throttle aerie either. The only solution seems to be a fool proof throttle system.

Something that forms part of the pref-light check is very important to prevent run away engine is pulling and releasing the foot throttle and confirming a audible click from the carbs signalling the throttles are free and returned to close. Even if one throttle stays open it will not runaway in that situation.

Also if ever you land out in the rural areas you will be swamped my local kids

When I am about to start up, I show the kids a handfull of R2s and R5s and tell them I am going to drop it over there. They take off for the spot and I take off without creating kid carpaccio.

An option is a cut out that we use on the quads, jet ski's and boats. You strap it to yourself and if you move away from the vehicle it will cut the ignition. The cord is coiled so allows for a fair amount of movement.

Sounds like a good idea for the runway plane problem, especially if you have to hand start it

Just dont want it cutting out in the air with the wind blowing the thing out etc

Morph wrote:Sounds like a good idea for the runway plane problem, especially if you have to hand start it

Just dont want it cutting out in the air with the wind blowing the thing out etc

Won't blow out in the wind, it takes a solid tug. But if attached to the pilot will not allow him to move more that 1- 1-5 m away from the aircraft.

Dre'man55 wrote:An option is a cut out that we use on the quads, jet ski's and boats. You strap it to yourself and if you move away from the vehicle it will cut the ignition. The cord is coiled so allows for a fair amount of movement.

This is probably the best idea to alleviate the run away problem with rope start trikes.

Well worth investigating.

Arnulf wrote:

Dre'man55 wrote:An option is a cut out that we use on the quads, jet ski's and boats. You strap it to yourself and if you move away from the vehicle it will cut the ignition. The cord is coiled so allows for a fair amount of movement.

This is probably the best idea to alleviate the run away problem with rope start trikes.

Well worth investigating.

I was looking into that but there are certain problems that could be NASTY.
Some people will tie it to the main tube under the seat and never use it - the Human factor is allways a big question

I prefer the Idea of making the pull starter longer and then routing it to a point that it is reachable from the Front seat ! ?!

The pilot who let the skydiver jump out without stopping the engine is responsible for the parachuter. Stupid for not switching off.