kitfoxfugit(at)yahoo.com
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 Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2007 10:16 pm Post subject: Hand Propping Aeronca 7AC & Brakes - off topic |
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Aeronca 7AC Champs have heel brakes that really need
pushing. They are only for holding it on runup, and,
if space is tight, when doing a clearing 360 turn
before takeoff. I don't think you could hold the
brakes with blocks. I always liked heel brakes much
better than toe brakes, they are out of the way when
you don't need them and easy to get to if you do
(which is seldom in an Aeronca). You could never
apply them unintentionally. The Champ is real
forgiving, easy to fly, lands softly anywhere, is
roomy, and has great visibility, even on flairing.
Passengers enjoy riding in the back and being able to
look out both sides.
The small Continentals pop and sputter to life slowly
at low RPM with a closed throttle, and idle at a few
hundred RPM, without any tendency to go anywhere. It
takes a while for oil pressure to develop, so should
not be revved up any more than necessary. I assume
most pilots do take some precautions, such as tie or
chain the tail or chock the wheels, or have someone
standing on the brakes, ready to turn off the switch.
With its big wing, the Champ loves to fly, and will go
off by itself if you let it. There are two incidences
I have heard of, one in PA and one in CA, where Champs
took off and went flying around with no occupants,
until running out of gas and landing into the trees.
I can't see a Kitfox doing that.
Hand propping a Rotax is a different matter. The
plane definitely has to be well secured and the person
propping very careful, especially with 3 blades, since
it starts up so fast.
John Allen
Kitfox IV Speedster, 912 UL, in CA
Do not archive
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