Flying a 1946 airplane from home to work.

What it looks like to fly to work from home in a 1946 J3 Cub.
Follow along and also see what's going on in the aircraft maintenance hangar.
Find the 1st release Blaircraft Merch. here! ----- www.bonfire.com/blaircraft-1s...
#blairmech
#blaircraft
#pipercub

[@donaldbrittsan984]

The Rabbits foot is a nice touch 😂

[@DaveWrightKB9MNM]

my very first flight in a J3 was in a float plane. Pilot sat me in front, reached over, cracked the throttle and shimmied up to the prop and with one swipe, it came to life. He had been flying all day so it was nice and warm. We flew over the lakes in the area and landed. It was wild coming in on the water. I'll never forget that day!

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

Awesome. Good for you! I haven’t had the float plane experience yet. However, I’ve recently met a couple aircraft owners with floats. Perhaps soon I’ll get a chance.

[@sheriwalbright7224]

Thank you for sharing…glad for a good day!!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Good Morning Sir, you tube had suggested you channel and I love it. ( I'm currently doing my PPA ) and I have 35 acres land. YOUR Channel is OUTSTANDING Sir, ( I'm Very Busy But I will see all you videos )and you will provide a lots of good information. btw I'm an engine technician in the RCAF ( going to retire soon ) CHeers 👍👍👌👌😇😇🍻🍻

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

Good morning, I’m glad you found the channel. There’s so much good stuff happening this year. Aside from flying the J3, there’s the runway work and Clipper upgrades. I’m most excited to share the PA-16 Clipper project. It’s going to be very unique and quite a performer! 35 acres of land? That’s amazing good for you!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

@@Blaircraft.Engines Thank You Very Kindly yes that land was my grand Father who purchase it back in late 1920's in Lac Mégantic region ( Piopolis ), thank you again for making your OUTSTANDING videos Sir Cheers

[@T.Watts89]

​@@RCAFpolarexpressIs that the place that the train thing happened?

[@av-eng]

Its awesome !

[@camerongruntman2940]

So cool! Reminds me of dropping into your home airfield such a sweet time! I wanna redo those cub seats 🪡

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

We should look at getting the seats done… they are about due! I’ll mention it to the owner.

[@tri-stateairport3923]

Awesome video!

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@johnmar8188]

Nice video

[@williambobst1480]

Great video

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

Thanks!

[@Robb-jf7vg]

In the early 1970's, an A&P mechanic that worked at my local airport, flew back and forth to work all year long. His plane was a tidy little two-seater built by Luscombe in the 1940's! And only on rare occasions did he have to miss work or drive in! His "Commute" by air was about 40 minutes. But a whole lot longer in the car.

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

My J3 commute is about 20 minutes.

[@williamralph5442]

The Cub must be a blast to fly. Thanks

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

It really is, so simple too.

[@rescue270]

I flew a Luscombe for years. It started best with no prime. Closed throttle and pulled through four blades until I heard the carburetor squishing. The closed throttle acts like a choke on the carburetor idle circuit. Crack throttle about 1/16" and mags on both (no impulse couplings on the S4 mags). It would usually start on the first or second pull. I never needed to prime it unless the temperature got down below about 55°.

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

Yeah, I rarely prime. Definitely gets plenty of fuel turning it through!

[@roseanncloskey]

Excellent music and flying your cub.6/22/2023yr

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

Thanks!

[@jonasmaragno9527]

Lindo j3

[@lynnkramer1211]

My 1946 Ercoupe has an Continental C85 engine which is pretty similar to your engine I think. They start pretty easily most times. I use an electric starter, but have hand propped it many times.

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

Nice. The was second type of plane I flew in… about 22 yrs ago

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

I decided to finally put together a store for some Blaircraft Merch! This company has great quality that I have tested. You can find it here----> www.bonfire.com/blaircraft-1st-release/?

[@davidadams405]

Starting my Cub, I always stand behind the prop with my left hand holding on to the door frame. I’ve heard too many horror stories of people being hurt hand propping. Nice video.

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

I’d really like to install impulse mags and I would be able to start much easier.

[@davidadams405]

@@Blaircraft.Engines yea, that would help. Hard starting is an even better reason to be behind the prop when hand propping, in my opinion. Another thing that I think makes a difference is a wood prop has so little weight as compared to a metal prop. I also have a wood prop and sometimes I have a hell of a time getting it started. The flywheel effect of the added weight on a metal prop can be an advantage in hand propping.

[@JohnChvatalGSTV]

The Taylorcraft A65 is finicky too. It likes throttle cracked a smidge, 3 shots of primer (more or less depending on temperature), slowly pull through 4-6 blades, mags on… usually starts within the first throw or two of the prop.

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

I should probably pull the prop through a few more times and see if that starts helping some. Seems like it often varies from plane the plane. Thanks for your comment/feedback!

[@terryboehler5752]

Listen to the air filter. Throttle closed, pull it thru.When it's ready you will hear a wet juicy sound.

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

@@terryboehler5752 impulse mag/mags would be so nice though!

[@terryboehler5752]

By the way, your form when propping looks good. Be very cautious winding the prop when you're just pulling it through. When you're trying to start it, your form makes you move away from the prop as you should. The winding action does not do that. Your form would tend to feed you through the prop if it fired. I've personally seen three people do battle with a propeller. Each one lost.

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

@@terryboehler5752 Thanks for the feedback. In the video I show the mag switch off initially just before pulling it through, kinda hard to tell probably. Definitely always respect and be careful around the prop, just simply good practice. 👍

[@commentatron]

Very nice! Did you do your primary training in a J3 when you were 16? Are you an A&P?

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

I’ve been flying the J3 about 15 yrs. I did my training in a C-172, flew it the first 5-7 yrs. I later owned a 172 for a bit while flying the J3. The J3 isn’t mine, I help take care of it and fly it when I have the chance. Yes I’m an A&P/IA as well.

[@tayseerismail8521]

First time working on J3/annual and its missing all cowl fasteners(pins). Any help of part #. Thanks

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

I don’t recall that I have looked at the part number for these myself, however I can see what I can find if you still need I number?

[@dakjoshua2]

Wonderful to see the aircraft I received my solo-on in 1979.Where can I fly it if I want-to.Can someone help me with details please.

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

J3 Cub rental/instruction isn’t found everywhere. I would ask a local flight school, they’d have a decent idea where might be closest.

[@DSmith-nb6fm]

Great demonstration of a prop start! The safety that you demonstrate routinely is a great example for aspiring pilots!

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

Thanks!

[@FlyMeAirplane]

Well not really. Having no impulse couple makes it really hard to start. I didn't think it was possible, so I learned something! The Impulse couple is a spring deal that engages at low RPM and delays the magneto timing to after top dead center. Without that part the spark is really weak and also at about 24 degrees before TDC. With ignition set to BTDC if the mags do fire they can cause a kickback. My only complaint was that he wraps his fingers around the prop. If the engine did decide to kickback he could lose some fingers.

[@DSmith-nb6fm]

Yeah the non-impulse takes more of a pull through. That's why his form moving back is so important along with mentioning to be careful when you get tired. Getting sloppy in your form could be very deadly and he makes that very clear. I thought his grip was minimal but maybe he could improve there, I'm not an expert. I've been watching his channel for a while and believe he has been starting and flying that plane for 15 years. He had another prop start demonstration a while back. You should check it out.

[@ldalton7414]

Soloed a J-3 in Ohio in 1957 when I was junior in high school. Sure wish I still had one in a hangar somewhere . . . although it would be in the sky as much as possible. Flying powered parachute these days and if flies about half as fast as a J-3. And is that Amish country? There's a horse drawn wagon early in the video.

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

Yes Amish country for sure. I learned to fly in southern Ohio myself at PMH.

[@ldalton7414]

@@Blaircraft.Engines I learned in Chardon. Geauga County. The airport is long gone. We had a flying club in Hiram, where I lived and flew out of Farview airport. It's still on the charts, but don't know if it's active these days. We had two Taylorcraft BC-13Ds, both 1946. One summer I tried to fly every day to Kent where I was attending KSU. Ground fog was a challenge sometimes. Hitchhiked to campus and one guy gave me a ride a couple times so I took him up and then he'd stop and wait for me at the airport. Worked pretty well. But one day, I was late for class and the prof asked why. When I told him, I found myself talking with a reporter from the campus newspaper and a few days later there was a feature story about the nut who flew to school every day. It took a lot longer to fly than it did to drive, but it was a heck of a lot more fun. Keep flying and fly safe!

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

@@ldalton7414 Awesome. Great story. Ground fog is a pain sometimes, but sure is amazing to fly over! I was the 16 year old in high school that would fly over football practice, Good times! Stay safe!

[@jamesavery6015]

I’ve got an 8B Luscombe with that Lycoming 0-145-b2. You know of a good parts supplier for that engine? El Reno in Oklahoma used to be mine but they’re no more. Rated 65 hp but I’m guessing more like 50 on a good day😂

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

I haven’t had a chance to fly in a Luscombe, I hear they’re great aircraft! Unfortunately I can’t think of any source right now for that particular model of engine. However I haven’t looked, but I’ll keep an eye out for parts. If I hear of anything soon I’ll reply to your comment again!

[@rescue270]

My Luscombe was an 8A with Continental A65. 8Bs are rare. I did have an old Aeronca with a single ignition Lycoming O-145-B1 engine. Believe it or not, some parts, like cylinder head gaskets, were still available from Lycoming. I sold that airplane ten years ago, so I don't know about now. El Reno's stash went somewhere into private hands, but I still see caches of O-145 parts showing up on eBay and Barnstorners from time-to-time, so be vigilant. Best thing you can do is find and buy a spare, serviceable engine and keep it handy. Those engines are cheap to buy because parts are scarce and very expensive. That's what I did. I had a serviceable dual-ignition O-145-B2 out of a Piper PA-15 Vagabond. Weird little engine, didn't have as much torque as a Continental A65, but they are bulletproof and, except for parts prices and availability, I liked it. You practically can't wear one out, and I could climb it hard on a very hot day and it would never get too hot. Mine had last been overhauled in 1945 and was still running fine! Except for the time it pulled a cylinder head stud and blew the gaskets. Each cylinder head uses three gaskets. The cylinders themselves are cast into the cylinder/crankcase unit and are not removeable. The cylinders could be bored out three oversizes, then the whole cylinder/crankcase had to be replaced. No sleeving was permitted. I'm told that .030" oversize pistons are no longer available anywhere.

[@rescue270]

@@Blaircraft.Engines I learned to fly in my old Luscombe. You'll either love it or hate it. It is the most rudder-dependent airplane I've ever seen. After all these years, I still have a tendency to overuse the rudder because of that thing. Move the stick to one side with no rudder and it goes into a real adverse yaw with the tail down and barely turns. The rudder actually does a lot of the actual turning rather than just keep the tail more in line. You also have to be aware of which way the wind is blowing. If you're crosswind and turning downwind, you lead with rudder. Turning crosswind to upwind, lead with ailerons. Straight and level in even light chop you have to kinda keep your feet wiggling the pedals to keep it from wagging it's tail. Almost like you're herding it through the air. I did like it though. It's disjointed control interdependence taught me a lot about how to fly, and made it very maneuverable, despite a rather slow roll rate. Landing was not the white-knuckle spazz attack some people tend to associate with Luscombes. It actually landed pretty easily, with no touchy proclivity to porpoise, which my Aeronca was awful about. The main gear being very close to the CG helped a lot there. Taxiing it with the original 4" solid Scott tailwheel was a trip. If you started veering off to one side, you immediatetly applied full opposite rudder and waited. The instant you felt it respond, you got off the pedals entirely, and it would drift back to center. If you held any rudder at all until it was straight it would swing off in the opposite direction. I imagine with a Maule or larger Scott tailwheel it would be different. The cable-operated drum brakes were just there for visual effect. The Cleveland DMB wheels have an AD on them to check for cracks every 100 hrs, and they do crack! Had to replace one of my wheel halves when I gave it it's second annual.

[@edwardstephens247]

Isn't the haze coming from the Forrest fires from Canada!

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

I didn’t hear much about the fires until after this, but it sure makes sense. So I was more than likely seeing some smoke inside. It was definitely different than normal haze.

[@lynwoodjones]

🤗

[@wvn-scale5395]

Is that a Power flow system exhaust on the Mooney?

[@wvn-scale5395]

Yep, it does. I didn’t watch to the end, I work for Powerflo, make sure you remove the system and use lots of anti-seize on the slip joints.

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

@@wvn-scale5395 Yes. I’m aware and know the importance of it. Thanks! Tell Jim I said Hey! We spoke at Sun-n-Fun this year. We’ve been talking about a power flow system for the Clipper next spring.

[@homeboy7727]

Hey, what is your static rpm on a fullpower with brakes locked

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

Honestly, I'm not sure on the J3. It's hard enough to hold it at 1700 rpm doing a mag check. Never really look when I takeoff during the ground roll.

[@theflyingfool]

Noice! How long does the flight take?

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

About 20-25 mins in the J3.

[@theflyingfool]

@@Blaircraft.Engines Nice! Just enough time to enjoy it!

[@gunnarlandin3258]

Why don't you stand behind the prop when starting instead?

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

No impulse mag, it requires much more of a pull through.

[@RelativeWind]

Nice landing.... I think

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

lol. It was… I was actually just holding the camera during this flight for the footage. I put in down and just flew the plane for both landings. 😁

[@RelativeWind]

@@Blaircraft.Engines tail mount go pro/ camera options?

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

@@RelativeWind I have several mounts, even a custom one built way out on the wing where a light would go. Honestly, I decided last minute to take a camera and even make this video. My main focus right now is building my runway and the clipper upgrades coming up. But I’m thinking next time I’ll be sure to use one of my mounts as well.👍

[@lj5673]

What’s up with the clipper??

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

I was actually just talking about the Clipper plans a few minutes ago. I’ll be picking up a new stainless steel firewall for it in a couple weeks. Just started taking the engine apart. I have the cylinders sold. I plan to remove the wings in the next couple weeks to start the restoration on those. The new engine build will follow…

[@michaelburke6552]

How far do you live from work?

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

This airport is about 25 mins in the J3, I also do work at another airport which is about 15 mins.

[@Qtip855]

Do you have to pilot from the back seat when there is only one person? NEVER cut the landing sequence😖

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

It’s placarded solo flying from the rear seat. However, I’ve heard of smaller people flying from the front. Just have to be mindful of the CG. Honestly after flying from the rear seat over the last 15 years, it’s much more comfortable to flying in the back. I think I can even see more all around.

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

I didn’t have a camera mounted during this fight and was actually holding it. Unfortunately I did not record the landing… 🙃 I just switch to just flying the plane and focusing on my landing. Next time I’ll be sure to have a second mounted camera to capture the landing! 👍

[@Qtip855]

@@Blaircraft.Engines Thanks for the reply and concern, now I’ll subscribe😊❤️

[@dhansel4835]

Why did he sit in the back seat???? Balance ???

[@jamesavery6015]

Yup….J3 cubs are solo from rear seat only.

[@THEGOGETTERSINVEST]

✝️✝️✝️

[@randwardle2540]

Gross weight of your cub?

[@crissd8283]

You need an impulse mag.

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

Yes… I just started a champ this week with two slicks installed. So Nice!

[@jamesherndon2108]

If you do add impulse mags you may want not to throw your leg out in front of you like you showed...not a good technique jmo...

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

@@jamesherndon2108 And it will be so much easier, so I won’t need that much effort. I really to be on the lookout for at least one impulse slick & gear.

[@jamesshort1464]

if you have enough money to own, and operate a plane, you have enough money to retrofit a starting motor

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

Unfortunately there is no FAA approved starter options for the A series continental’s. However, an impulse coupling would be the ticket here for much convenience. 👍

[@gunnarlandin3258]

A cub should never have a starter.

[@jimbower9268]

Adding a starter, even if it’s possible, would open up a big can of worms. A starter means an electrical system, which requires a whole lot of other equipment on that airplane.

[@pauleyplay]

@@jimbower9268 Relay switch battery & wires ?

[@glennstubbs8232]

A starter and battery add unnecessary weight. Additionally, a bunch of older planes have no provision for a starter to be added. Money can’t fix everything.

[@JohnSchiavoneJrBSEERN]

annoying "music"

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

Thanks for the feedback. 👍