Spitfire Merlin Starter Courses

Just an update on this…after much discussion and input from engineering, it’s been decided not to go ahead with this idea. Disappointing but the benefits are outweighed by potential engine wear issues and risk with regard to inexperienced individuals starting the motor.

We’re working on a few other lines though…possibly Spitfire Pilot experience courses open to everyone – a day at our premises at Goodwood including a flight (Tiger Moth, Chipmunk or Harvard) and a close up tour of the Spitfire, with chance to sit in the aircraft for photos.

Those of you who have heard of the Adventure Aviation initiative spearheaded by the HAA will know that it’s looking possible that in the near future we will be able to offer Spitfire flights to all. Exciting times.

They’ll be factored into the costings 😉

I would think that starting an engine whilst warm, (especially in the summer) up to 6 times would be preferable to one cold start in the winter.

Better have a handy supply of fire extinguishers to hand

A few interesting observations here; looking at the growing popularity with running aero engines mounted on trailers, specifically Merlins, at an event theses engines are run up to 6 times a day, with very little (apparent) detrimental effect.

Merlin Pete’s own engine has probably the most hours as a ground runner, I recall that one of the Merlins achilles is cam lube, and that from a cold start this is where a problem can be; I believe he has installed an oil priming pump for this reason.

Another weak point on some engines is the starter mechanism itself; there seems to be at least 2 types (not including 12/24V options) I believe one type is preferable.

I would think that starting an engine whilst warm, (especially in the summer) up to 6 times would be preferable to one cold start in the winter.

The likes of Spits will probably have a hot pot in the oil system which will help, the larger MK 19 certainly has.

I’m not an aero engineer by any stretch, but in the car world in a similar scenario, you’d look at some way of pre heating the oil, and changing the oil for a different type, with characteristics that favour cold starts over long duration. (so long as you weren’t flying it with that oil in)

Hi Tony

I don’t doubt the credentials of yourself or others on here. And we are not talking about a free for all roll up roll up press the boost and starter button here etc.

There will be a number of starts costed into the years programme and a certain number will be available for the starter courses. It will be a finite number, the courses will be limited.

As I say, we’ll see how it pans out…at the moment it’s judged to be economically viable.

Dunbar, will add to your comment, one commenting here is also ex BBMF i believe and some are licenced Engineers, I myself having 38 years experience both RAF and civilian with 23 odd years experience on piston engined aircraft of all sizes and types.

I think its laudible Dunbar……but I cannot wait until they offer spit flying intros to non pilots like me!! There should be an if in there somewhere but I am a glass half full kind of guy!!

Hear all the comments, but here’s a few thoughts (btw I’m a pilot with some engineering knowledge, not an engineer…)

Boultbee are all about sharing the Spitfire experience…at the moment, non- pilots can’t fly the Spitfire. This is a way of allowing enthusiasts to share some of the experience.

There is of course a cost in engine wear. I believe this cost will be offset by the not inexpensive cost of the course.

On our Spitfire Intro courses the engine can get started 6 times in a day. Our engine(s) are looked after by ex BBMF engineers and Arco.

We’ll see how it pans out.

they can come n start my Merlin up for that money, I’d even wash there hands afterwards,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

It doesnt matter, time ex or not, it wont last long

Mick.

Do you get food and does it come with a starter? :diablo:

Maybe they will insert a time expired engine for these sessions?

Hmmmm – Not sure mr Rolls n mr Royce would approve. Not the best way to ensure the longevity of your Merlin. Still what would I know about it,,,,,,,,

Mick.

Nope.

You’re not are you? Have fun

Hope this below doesnt come to fruition and to misquote Macbeth

Double Bubble, boil and trouble;
Fire burn and coolant bubble.

😉

Dunbar.

You have a PM

Correct.

Sure way to ensure the engine goes in a skip at the overhaul time.

Will be interesting to see how the engine holds up to this as in the RAF we were taught that a percentage of unrecorded ground running hours were factored in when making a flying hour overhaul life for an engine….. Good luck 🙂 should get a few takers..

I would be very surprised if you do not get an awful lot of takers!