The Vultee Aircraft Corp. BT-13 “Valiant” was a single-engine, tandem-seat trainer produced for the U.S. Army Air Corps, U.S. Navy and foreign allies prior to and during World War II. The aircraft was selected and produced as a primary and follow-on intermediary trainer due to its ruggedness, forgiving flight characteristics and stability. Most of the pilots produced in the early years of World War II conducted initial training, or Basic Training, hence the BT name, on the BT-13.
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The History of the P&W R-1340 Powered T-6 Texan
The North American Aviation T-6 Texan two-place advanced trainer was the classroom for most of the Allied pilots who flew in World War II. Called the SNJ by the Navy and the Harvard by the British Royal Air Force, the advanced trainer AT-6 was designed as a transition trainer between basic trainers and first-line tactical aircraft. It was redesignated T-6 in 1948.
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The Aeroshell Aerobatic Team Comes to Ottumwa Air Show
A four-plane synchronized flying team sponsored by AeroShell arrives in Ottumwa this week for the Fly Ottumwa airshow.
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The Tri-Motor R-985 Powered ‘Tin Goose’ Still Soars
Though the 1928 Ford Tri-Motor aircraft, also called the “Tin Goose,” is no time machine, the pilot and passengers agreed the 30-minute ride on the first commercial aircraft and mass-produced airliner gets close enough.
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What’s That Silver Plane in the Air? Air Canada’s Lockheed 10-A Electra Takes to the Skies to Mark the Airline’s 80th Anniversary
In honor of Air Canada’s 80th anniversary, Air Canada’s Lockheed 10A vintage aircraft are taking to the skies across Canada. After taking off this morning from Vancouver, BC, the L-10A will be making overnight stops as well as fuel stops at airports across Canada and will be on public display at the Royal Aviation Museum in Winnipeg on September 13 and 14. More information is at http://www.royalaviationmuseum.com.
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Flight Test: Beech 18 Expeditor
Flying this iconic aircraft is a challenge, in terms of preparation, operation and landing — but what a joy!
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The 100 hour Radial Engine Annual Inspection Series – Compression Check
This is the fourth topic in the series about the 100 hour / annual inspection. This series focuses on maintenance performed during an effective 100 hr. inspection on R1340 and R985 engines:
- Oil Change with filter/screen & sump checks.
- Valve adjustment – Positive or compression.
- Ignition timing check – Spark plug servicing.
- Compression check – differential.
- Air filter and carb – heat system check.
- Fuel System Screens.
- Cylinder Head Checks.
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Magneto Timing on a Pratt R985 or R1340 Radial Engine
This article focuses on one specific item of maintenance performed during an effective 100 hr. inspection on R985 and R1340 engines: Ignition timing check.
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Radial Engine Preservation: 5 Simple Tips to Follow for Radial Engine Storage Pre-Service
“How long did you say the engine sat idle?” What should be done to an engine to return it to service after it has sat idle for years? Answering that question requires the answer to several other questions: Was the engine preserved before it was put into storage? Was it stored in a climate controlled facility? No? Out in the weather? Were the exhaust stack(s) and carburetor air inlets plugged? Was the engine periodically run-up to operating temperature? Did it have preservative oil ran in the engine before entering storage?
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Going the Distance with Radial Engines
There are a few practices that will help you to get the best service life out of your engine and enhance safety.
They have been broken up into two topics:
Operational and Maintenance
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