As both Vintac and Rich have said advancing the ignition reduces the risk of damage from detonation at higher power settings.

Retarding the ignition minimises the risk of back firing at low power settings which can in particular cause damage to the gear drives to the magnetos.

Maybe not technically the best pic here, but what can beat Sywell and a collection of open cockpits on a Summer’s day?

The Mikron III with a little more horsepower, and more importantly torque, is probably more suitable for a Pietenpol.

The Mikron II with 62 hp really needs a clean airframe to make the most of it. Even then I have to watch weights with the Tipsy, as full fuel load or two larger people can reduce rates of climb quite dramatically.

I have done some flying in a Pietenpol with a 65 hp Continental A-65 and it too can get quite marginal with a full passenger load.

Mind you, a Piet with an inverted engine would look nice.

If you or your friend are ever in the vicinity of Bicester, we would be happy to introduce you to both types!

………..if you haven’t seen the umpteen repeats of the programme already. But perhaps this is the inevitable consequence of BBC funding cuts and a surfeit of channels!

Well I for one hadn’t seen it before! Glad I caught it, an excellent documentary!

Maybe as all those cuts bite, we can persuade the BBC to start rerunning the series “Wings” :diablo:

I look forward to having to do potentially expensive engine work with no finances for it and having to scrape together enough to just operate a unique in Europe aeroplane that is only one of five flyers. Anyone want to send the money they have decided not to spend on the Vulcan? Donations welcome.

Sad to hear of the problems Melvyn. However, I can sympathise…..

Congratulations to all. I had some reservations about episode 1., but last night’s second part was superb. Hit the perfect balance between the archeology and the rela-life tragedies and dramas behind it. Brilliant!