From a retired USAF B-52, C-17, C-5 mechanic, with a few years of QA and training detachment experience…don’t let people get in the prop “destruction” area/plane of rotation. Your cameraman walked right through it. What do I mean? Think if the prop broke, disintegrated, etc., you would never want to be on the sides of the centrifugal area of it…you know…where all the pieces would be in line with your body. In addition, what others have said…”two hands, one blade” of the prop, to start.
PLEASE... learn about how an aircraft works... you'll find with full up up elevator "that's the to flappy things in the back" your tail will stay planted on the ground. It will not leave Tera Firma. 20:32
My father was born in 1921 and was a life long motorcycle enthusiast. He told me about these Harley Davidson air planes and claimed he actually tried to fly one in the 30's but crashed on takeoff. I had never seen one though until now... Thank you!
As a pilot, your hand propping technique scared the shit out of me. I highly suggest watching a youtube video on how to handprop and for the love of god have an FAA inspector go over it before you put that thing in the air
If you get to keep hands with that hand prop technique, and then taxi or fly a tail dragger with no piloting training? Holy Crap! Time on earth is running out fast.
@@staplests Imagine during ww1 when pilot training was riding in the gunner seat of a 2 seater and your first time ever at the controls was a solo flight in a Sopwith Camel powered by a radial engine that spins its whole mass around a fixed crankshaft. Good times 😆
"It seems like everything's fine." LOL. Love this guy's spirit of adventure. Not many people like that anymore. The old helmet was a perfect touch. Ditto on the hand prop technique. Scared the hell out of me. Two hands on one side and get back! Watch the videos on how to do it. Great job. I have a Yamaha R3 and was wondering if I could use the engine for a homebuilt. Now I know. The guy who built this was a genius. Thanks. I just subscribed !
If you ever do this again, don’t use both hands on either side of the propeller to start it. Very dangerous. Just turn it until you get it on the top of the compression stroke, just like a motorcycle, then use both hands on one side making sure that you follow through with your down pull and clear the propeller path. By the way this is my new favorite channel, I absolutely love the host. Edit: after revisiting this comment and thinking about it, with a hand on either side of the blade, if the engine were to kick back with your hands on it, it would kind of twist you into the blade, pulling your chest right into the spinner.
Thanks a ton for watching!! Couldn’t get the old VTwin to even pop the way you mention to start it. Most airplane engines engines have several more cylinders and/or far better than a 315 degree firing order. Found that we had to get it past two compression strokes to get it to fire. One pull simply wouldn’t do it. Admittedly not the best solution, but appeared to be the only solution.
@@mattwalksler You know better than I do, just thought you’d be a better bike mechanic with both your arms 😜 be safe brother and keep up the great work!
So true, I cringed when I saw that. Having hand-spun propellers for over 50 years, using a leg to swing back as you pull down helps move the body back.
Man I love every video y’all make, but as an aircraft mechanic and motorcycle enthusiast, this video is just on a different level. Nothing quite like hand propping a small aircraft.
Real cool relic! As a 30+ year aircraft mechanic with 40+ years of motorcycling in a word "if HD built an airplane would you fly in it" is a resounding "NO"! Glad it exists, thanks for preserving and showing it off.
That's an awesome little airplane. Like some others have already said, I HIGHLY suggest getting that thing officially checked out. It'd be amazing to see it fly.
What a thrill to see this running! The guy who built this plane, Wilson Miller, was from nearby Oneida, NY. When I went in the antique business full time in 1986 the 1st major aviation collection I bought was from an old friend, Sam Rinaldo. Sam was a watchmaker, flight instructor, Piper CUH restorer & model builder. He was lifelong friends with Wilson Miller & when Wilson passed he bequeathed his aviation stuff to Sam. Not having from to keep the airplane Sam sold it to a legendary local antique dealer, Ed Evans of the Green Door in Rome, NY. The plane eventually found it's way to a HD guy in the Midwest before Dale bought it for the museum. I ended up with most of Wilson's aviation collection includin magazines, books, models, photo albums etc. I'd always wanted get the stuff associated with this airplane back together with it! When I found out Dale had bought it for the Museum I had a mutual friend Frank Westfall (of Cannonball & Art Deco Henderson fame!) take it to a swap meet and sell it to Dale for me. It's great to see it running! BTW if you tip it over I thinl I have a spare prop in the garage! Tom Heitzman (aka stuffinder.com)
Thanks for sharing. I just have to mention that I had an uncle Bruce Linsday who was a great aviator in the Navy and took me up back in 1960 in a piper cub for a fun ride. Probably not same Bruce but had me wondering. Peace and Safety to you!
I've seen that thing in the museum for years but never thought anyone would be crazy enought to fire it up. Love the video and thanks for sharing ! See you this Spring!
That prop spinning looks utterly amazing it looks like it's bending but it's just the shutter on the camera that is amazing...... The things people made back then. The genius
Starting takes 2 people: 1 to spin it, and 1 to work the engine controls in the cockpit. When you spin the propeller, use both hands on one blade for safety.
You're right (I used to fly a Champ with no electrical system). I was kinda cringing watching these guys starting this airplane. I'm glad no one got hurt.
@@clarkbabin9799 If they're at the same place as you when you have a broken leg, they can get you to the hospital if airplanes are the only way in or out.
Man .. love to see you continuing the family adventure .. my wife and I used to visit you guys back when we attended bike rallies there in Maggie Valley .. still miss y'all and the Apple Cover Inn (back when Derrick and his wife owned it) .. it's just amazing to see that old metal still working .. thanks for doing what you do and taking the time to share it with us ..
Now, "Wings through Time!!" This Airplane really should go to the EAA at Oshkosh, Wisconsin for its 100th Anniversary. It wasn't too far behind the Wright Brothers. Amazing how a Twenty year old could devote all of his thinking and resources to such a unique project that was on the cutting edge of technology at the time. Try to think of anything, that a contemporary Twenty yr old is capable of, a century later.
The first successful model airplane engine, the 'Brown Junior' was designed by Bill Brown when he was in high school. Went into production in 1934 & many still running today. Yes...times have changed.
What a twenty year old is capable of a century later...crying about how oppressed they are & running for their "safe space" when they are "offended". :D
@@AncientApparatus That comment is just saying you're old with extra steps. That time was different there were no regulations at all. Still, there are several (young) people on YT alone who built their own aircraft as well. A 19 yo girl flew across the world recently. The aviation (construction) sector isn't as accessible as it was at that time, especially in terms of money and regulations. Anyway, what extraordinary thing did you do when you were 20?
@@mintoc8853 You're right & there are still many extra ordinary young people in the world today & I congratulate those who are. I don't know that it had anything to do with regulations rather more to do with a more disciplined life. My point was that overall many young people have been deceived &/or have become complacent.
Sorry to hear about your dad I've always enjoyed watching you guys and the history you've preserved for the last two decades and to see the legacy continue is really awesome. I hope one day I can visit the museum
I'd ask around the local airports to see if there are any Experimental Test Pilots in the area. They would look everything over to insure it's air-worthy, and if so pre-flight and fly the thing for you. Having been flown recently would probably increase the value substantially. It would be nice to see it in the air, too.
lol needs more than a look over from a pilot to be considered air worthy. Needs an airworthiness certificate from an IAM, registration, and an operating manual, all of which this plane doesn't have. probably gonna need a lot of time and money to break through the red tape and get that plane in the air
I made a cloth covered model airplane as a teen, I would give important body parts for those plans again ( scaled down airplane blueprints) if you do the maths( cg) and are fairly meticulous should have no problem flying your own craft.
Yes. Kit planes magazine was publishing plans, material lists, and flight reviews. I have every copy from 1926- current. Everything makes more sense when you go back to the beginning because it was pretty common to design and build the entire airplane as well as share your designs. Later, people quit sharing.
Great piece of history about that airplane!! You should go out to the local airport and take some flight training. Also get in touch with some pilot members of the experimental aircraft Association.
Wow that was awesome!.....I got emotional when it fired up. I thought just imagine if your dad was there aside you matt.....don't ever stop what you do man you have beautiful property and a dream business. Best channel on you tube.
This was totally incredible and awesome. To see this fire up and run was exciting to watch. Who ever thought that a Harley Davidson could power a air plane? Now just to see it fly.
I watch many of your videos and love the detail. May I ask you do a series where. You lay out a few engines next to each other and discuss the technical enhancement of time. What changes between the 1930’s, 40’s, 50’s , etc. seeing the changes in technology.
Bringing in an experienced vintage aircraft expert would have been a good idea. You're about half right on everything except the engine. I'd fly it in a heartbeat after about a week of serious inspection, although the fabric probably won't pass airworthiness. Maybe a crow hop or two. Other comments have already addressed some serious issues with how you guys went about this adventure.
Spot on. Exactly what I thought. This is a relic. That they didn’t seek an assist from experienced vintage aviators or help from the EAA says a lot…….. what could possibly go wrong.
What got me was the comment about "...the flap on the tail." Well that was all I needed to hear about their "experience" with "aircraft". Glad they decided NOT to fly it as it is not a legal ultralight that didn't require a license to fly.....BUT does take training!
If it weighs less than 254 lbs., you might be able to fly it as an ultralight. There's also a limitation of 63 m.p.h. at full power. I concur with the improper propping technique. I had an Aeronca Champ and a Chief. I also towed banners with cubs with no starters. Before even taxiing, those ailerons should be connected as they actually help to keep the wings from picking up if there's any wind. Don't taxi if the wind is over 10 m.p.h. or so. Have an aviation mechanic (A&P) look it over and do a boroscope of that engine before even thinking about flight. He'll be interested in the condition of the fabric as well as the wooden structure underneath. Many modern A&P's don't have knowledge of fabric covered airplanes.Control cables are quite important too! If it doesn't meet the requirements for ultralights, it will have to be registered as a light sport aircraft. Good luck with everything. I'll be checking in to see your progress. Do you have any flight time? If not, you'll need a good stick and rudder man to test fly it. Not too many around anymore.
Steve Wittman also built a Harley powered airplane called the Hardly Ableson in 1923 when he was still in high school. It was his first attempt at building a plane and it barely got off the ground. It looks like the same engine (probably so given the time period) but Steve's engine sat lower with the prop mounted above and driven by a belt. It was also very crudely constructed. Nothing like the highly successful race planes he built later in life! (Or the Wittman Tailwind homebuilt that people are still building today!)
Best video I have watched in ages. I am a 68 year old pilot. You guys were so wreckless, disrespecting an airplane in that manner! But it was great fun. Glad no one was hurt, killed or maimed.
I kind of agree. He had me pretty scared. That thing could be pretty touchy with little room for error. It's called PIO, ie pilot induced occilations. Lots of experimentals have crashed over control issues. Safety first.
Hands down the best episode ever!!! This was so great with real emotion and live sound and this plane I could tell wanted to go much further today! Always enjoy anything from Wheels Through Time!
Wow !!! I was memorized by that plane when I seen it the first time and now seeing it run just makes my day , can't wait to come back , will see you in May
every time i visited the museum i would see that plane and wondered if it could fly... Thanks for sharing this start up video..will be visiting again soon.
The carburetor on airplanes is ALWAYS mounted under the engine to avoid fires in flight should a carb, gas fittings, o-rings or fuel hose leak gasoline. Updraft carburetors are on every carbureted airplane.
Every? That's an absolute, and absolutes are seldom true. Technically, the Bendix-Stromberg pressure carburetors used on many large, radial engines are still carburetors, and they are downdrafts.
@@Hopeless_and_Forlorn I agree about the absolute, im sure there were one or two instances at the very least in the beginning of aviation where carburetors above the engine leaked and caused a fire, unless this happened to be a moment of brilliant foresight.
@@gulfcoastaero8048 You're thinking of a T182 or 182RG with Lycoming O-540-L3C5D and Marvel-Schebler/Tillotson HA-6 horizontal draft carburetor mounted in the rear with intake facing aft. The standard 182s with Continental O-470 engines have a Marvel-Schebler MA4-5 updraft carburetor. Early Bonanzas had Bendix PS-5C single point fuel injector units commonly called "pressure carburetors" but they were not carburetors at all. They were single point fuel injection units.
You've gotta get this thing in the air it's amazing Get it inspected for airworthiness and a pilot that's willing and fly it even if it's just the once It's brilliant
Pardon my pedantics, but an amateur-built experimental airplane cannot be considered "airworthy" because it is not built in accordance with a specific Type Design. In legally safe flying condition it is considered to be "in a condition for safe operation" but never "Airworthy." That term is reserved for certificated aircraft only. The most critical aspect with regard to flying this airplane with any margin of safety is it's fabric covering. Being that this is an experimental aircraft with no CAA or FAA Type Certificate, most of the criteria is recommended but not mandatory. In the case of the fabric, however, in the name of safety the airworthiness standards for certificated aircraft MUST be adhered to, even though it has no Type Certificate.. Contrary to popular belief, aircraft have never used canvas as a covering material. If it has Grade A Aircraft Cotton or lrish Linen fabric covering I doubt that it would pass inspection. For a small airplane like this the minimum tensile strength of the fabric is 46 lbs per square inch. Natural fabrics deteriorate over time to the point where they will no longer bear the minimum load. Sometimes the dope coatings will still look beautiful but the fabric underneath is rotten. That's why we often call the old Grade A Aircraft Cotton Fabric "Rotten Cotton." If, at some point, the fabric has been replaced with newer Dacron polyester fabric with adequate UV protection (silver dope or PolySpray) and kept hangars then the fabric may still be serviceable. Second would be the integrity of it's wood structure. Many wooden airplanes from the 1930s on down were built using casein resin glue that deteriorates and releases after awhile. Insufficient varnishing of the structure can result in decay of the wood. Any landing mishaps like ground loops can overstress wing spars causing compression failures that can be very difficult to detect. All this would need to be very thoroughly checked. Repairs should be made with Resorcinol adhesive. Since it is an experimental, epoxy adhesives could probably also be used.
You guys didn't pull this engine down and make sure each component was in decent condition ? You didn't check EVERY cable and connection to make sure THEY were in decent shape ? You didn't verify any gauges ? You spin-started by the prop in an utterly unsafe manner ? Would you have trotted a bike out of a garage that hadn't been run in 20 years , tried to fire it up and head out ? We'd LOVE to see this thing going , but seriously - no attention to good practice ?
On a couple of your videos ive watched lately youve just let the carburetor alone when doing your pre start maintenance and that is a testament on the quality of old school gasoline. Im a young guy and dropping the float bowl is pretty much where i start when something has sat for even just a year
BUT PLEASE PUT SOME ADDITIONAL WIEGHT IN THE TAIL OF THIS MACHINE..TO KEEP ITSELF LEVEL IN FLIGHT...& FOR LANDING IT...DONT WANT ANY NOSE DIVES UNEXPECTEDLY.... GOD BLESS ONE & ALL... & DO FLY IT PLEASE.../ IF YOU BOUGHT A VINTAGE H.D. BIKE WOULD YOU REQUIRE A INSPECTOR TO LOOK IT OVER...BEFORE GOING SOMEWHERE ON IT ?? JUST GO DO IT..FIX IT LATER...
Yikes! That hand propping technique will get you killed! You need to learn the proper method, which has you backing away from the prop with every (two handed) flip of the prop,
Well, I for one was let down that you didn’t actually get it off the ground. Just to get it up into ground effect and skim along for a few feet would have been fine. But, it was scary for you, and I understand that. If you decide to go further with it, be sure to visually inspect all the control cables, pulleys and fittings for corrosion and any signs of weakness. Make sure the control surfaces and moving freely with the controls. I’d also take a hard look at the wing and strut attachments for signs of corrosion or fatigue. It looks like it ought to be a lot of fun to fly!
Lol, madman! Well done Matt. You might remember me asking about the grips on your race bike a few weeks back. I bought a vintage racing bike! My first vintage bike by a long shot. 1951 Norton, fresh out of the barn and is a factory made Trials bike! Thanks for the inspiration!
I bet it was time to change your shorts after that little taxi run. I haven't operated a plane in more than 30 years but that thing looks like a widowmaker to me. Cool, very cool. One thumbs up is not enough so here ya go 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
The utter madness of a couple of bike guys unleashed on a vintage airplane. The smiles say it all. All the old prop folks are correct - mistakes were made. All the better that no-one died. After that it's a win. As for putting that thing in the air - nah, even dale isn't that crazy.
Matt sounded like a mad scientist when that thing started up the first time. I fully expected him to scream "It's Alive!" I have my doubts that thing could get an airworthiness certificate in today's world. Brings new meaning to flying by the seat of your pants.
Sorry to hear about your dad. He was a really great guy. I've been to your museum a few times and each time I looked for him and spoke with him. No matter what he was doing, he would stop and talk. I am truly sad to know he is no longer with us...
I was almost as excited as Matt was & when Sketchy appeared l cracked the F up , love it . I was at the shop back in Mt Vernon , lL yrs ago getting a rocker arm for my 47 Knuck & don't remember seeing this plane but l'll see it this year when l come down to pickup my winning ticket 37 Knucklehead lol .
It would be so cool if they would bring their 1920 Harley-Davidson Powered Airplane to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The event will be taking place July 25 - July 31, 2022.
MAtt!!! does the gear drive at the front use engine oil also?? Is that why it had extra oil? You really don't want that to be running dry!? Amazing as always 👍
Another pointer too, you want a slow reliable idle or you could float of the end of the runway landing or you could also loose power when you need it. If my KR2 was not at dead idle on landing, it would float off the end of the runway in ground effect.
@@davidhakes3884 That airplane would have taken a lot of work to get truly airworthy including recovering. Every control wire, nut, bolt, fitting would have to be checked and the engine would likely need to be disassembled and possible overhauled. It is unique sounding though!
@@donadams8345 Hi Don I am from a flying family. Light weight ceconite would be a quick fabric job, I wouldn't even paint it. I flew a Lot in Alaska and have flown some Very sKetchy Aircraft.I just get a kick out the Bike museum. Regards.
I fly a Briggs&Stratton V-twin powered plane, and if I'm not mistaken, B&S is a Harley Davidson brand? So, basically I fly a modern interpretation of this same theme 😁
Very cool. But that was not a good way to hand prop an airplane. (I’m a pilot and aircraft mechanic) I’d be more careful next time and maybe find someone with experience with hand propping to teach you the proper way. Find a TH-cam video on how to do it. But very cool video.
I was waiting to hear whether any of them are licensed pilots. I'd have wanted a real pilot in the seat with his hand on the throttle before I spun it over.
did you ever figure out what that bolt or screw was that landed on your hand when you got in the cockpit? I'll be coming to visit in April or May, I live only 2 hours away! Thanks for sharing these amazing moments with us!
It also looks like the wing has almost no "wash out" which would make it a lot more prone to tip stall and go to a spin. Got to keep speed up to never stall.
Dale should have taken out the decompressor shims under the cylinders to run the 87 octane as they were only running about 40 50 octane back then also what are you doing about lead additive for them valves
Ive seen them fill up at least one gas tank from a Sunoco fuel can, i dont know if its true or not but i have been told that Sunoco race gas has lead in it
@@brenttate9299 i dont recall anything about a pump or 87 octane, and the point was that Sunoco is at least one brand still making specialty fuels with lead in it, aviation gas still has lead in it too, if you need lead in your fuel due to old valves its a better alternative than inconsistent mixtures of additives dumped into your tank with ethanol infested pump gas
@@Full_Otto_Bismarck the reference of pump gas meaning out of the pump at the gas station meaning unleaded. Why are you answering Dale's question the question was aimed at Dale
A real masterpiece for a twenty year old. Yes, it definitely belongs in the EAA museum in Oshkosh Wisconsin. A forever lasting tribute to this young aviator. Please protect this little bird, she’s precious.
Pull the propeller from ONE SIDE ONLY! PLEASE! Your right. Two hands together straight down. My goodness man, you will lose your arm if not careful. Watch videos of the technique in starting aero planes of the First World War. This machine is similar. It is very cool, but pay attention to the little things! Cheers!
I enjoyed this video. I started flying at age 15, 62 years ago. Some advice prop on the down stroke, hands cupped, thumbs up, step back on the stroke down. Shame I wasn’t there, I’d taxi that for you, after a walk around, and control check. So what do you think the rotational speed would be?
You need to keep the tail firmly on the ground. To do that pull the stick back as far as it will go. That keeps the elevator fully in the up position and that keeps the tail planted firmly on the ground. You should have gone to your local airport and talk to someone who has a tailwheel endorsement. Remember this, without any kind of proper training, you will be very dangerous behind the controls of ANY aircraft!!!
From a retired USAF B-52, C-17, C-5 mechanic, with a few years of QA and training detachment experience…don’t let people get in the prop “destruction” area/plane of rotation. Your cameraman walked right through it. What do I mean? Think if the prop broke, disintegrated, etc., you would never want to be on the sides of the centrifugal area of it…you know…where all the pieces would be in line with your body. In addition, what others have said…”two hands, one blade” of the prop, to start.
This is the only way to proper handstart a propeller airplane ...not.
Thanks captain obvious for the excellent tip and resume. Like a nurse who couldn't become a doctor. Lmao
PLEASE... learn about how an aircraft works... you'll find with full up up elevator "that's the to flappy things in the back" your tail will stay planted on the ground. It will not leave Tera Firma. 20:32
The amazing young men in their flying machines. They go uppity up up. They come down dity down down.
Hold my beer boys! It would have been smart to have someone with aviation and airplane knowledge to be advising this little experiment.
My father was born in 1921 and was a life long motorcycle enthusiast. He told me about these Harley Davidson air planes and claimed he actually tried to fly one in the 30's but crashed on takeoff. I had never seen one though until now... Thank you!
Fly it mate fly it it looks awesome
Better not get that joke in the air.
As a pilot, your hand propping technique scared the shit out of me. I highly suggest watching a youtube video on how to handprop and for the love of god have an FAA inspector go over it before you put that thing in the air
I am sure there is no intention of putting it in the air. makes for a good youtube video to say today might be the day.
If you get to keep hands with that hand prop technique, and then taxi or fly a tail dragger with no piloting training? Holy Crap! Time on earth is running out fast.
@@staplests Imagine during ww1 when pilot training was riding in the gunner seat of a 2 seater and your first time ever at the controls was a solo flight in a Sopwith Camel powered by a radial engine that spins its whole mass around a fixed crankshaft. Good times 😆
Nice video explaining the correct technique…
th-cam.com/video/EQm0hfEES6o/w-d-xo.html
When complacency happend. Be carefull when using this technique
th-cam.com/video/66KhR3uEof8/w-d-xo.html
"It seems like everything's fine." LOL. Love this guy's spirit of adventure. Not many people like that anymore. The old helmet was a perfect touch. Ditto on the hand prop technique. Scared the hell out of me. Two hands on one side and get back! Watch the videos on how to do it. Great job. I have a Yamaha R3 and was wondering if I could use the engine for a homebuilt. Now I know. The guy who built this was a genius. Thanks. I just subscribed !
What we _saw_ was an "I _IMAGINE_ everything's fine because I 8HOPE* so ." That's certainly a "spirit" of SOMETHING , but "adventure" ?
If you ever do this again, don’t use both hands on either side of the propeller to start it. Very dangerous. Just turn it until you get it on the top of the compression stroke, just like a motorcycle, then use both hands on one side making sure that you follow through with your down pull and clear the propeller path. By the way this is my new favorite channel, I absolutely love the host.
Edit: after revisiting this comment and thinking about it, with a hand on either side of the blade, if the engine were to kick back with your hands on it, it would kind of twist you into the blade, pulling your chest right into the spinner.
Thanks a ton for watching!! Couldn’t get the old VTwin to even pop the way you mention to start it. Most airplane engines engines have several more cylinders and/or far better than a 315 degree firing order. Found that we had to get it past two compression strokes to get it to fire. One pull simply wouldn’t do it. Admittedly not the best solution, but appeared to be the only solution.
@@mattwalksler You know better than I do, just thought you’d be a better bike mechanic with both your arms 😜 be safe brother and keep up the great work!
So true, I cringed when I saw that. Having hand-spun propellers for over 50 years, using a leg to swing back as you pull down helps move the body back.
Yep my 65 sportster with 10.5 compression sent me into the air
follow through? what? this isnt baseball here
Man I love every video y’all make, but as an aircraft mechanic and motorcycle enthusiast, this video is just on a different level. Nothing quite like hand propping a small aircraft.
Real cool relic! As a 30+ year aircraft mechanic with 40+ years of motorcycling in a word "if HD built an airplane would you fly in it" is a resounding "NO"! Glad it exists, thanks for preserving and showing it off.
That's an awesome little airplane. Like some others have already said, I HIGHLY suggest getting that thing officially checked out. It'd be amazing to see it fly.
What a thrill to see this running! The guy who built this plane, Wilson Miller, was from nearby Oneida, NY. When I went in the antique business full time in 1986 the 1st major aviation collection I bought was from an old friend, Sam Rinaldo. Sam was a watchmaker, flight instructor, Piper CUH restorer & model builder. He was lifelong friends with Wilson Miller & when Wilson passed he bequeathed his aviation stuff to Sam. Not having from to keep the airplane Sam sold it to a legendary local antique dealer, Ed Evans of the Green Door in Rome, NY. The plane eventually found it's way to a HD guy in the Midwest before Dale bought it for the museum. I ended up with most of Wilson's aviation collection includin magazines, books, models, photo albums etc. I'd always wanted get the stuff associated with this airplane back together with it! When I found out Dale had bought it for the Museum I had a mutual friend Frank Westfall (of Cannonball & Art Deco Henderson fame!) take it to a swap meet and sell it to Dale for me. It's great to see it running! BTW if you tip it over I thinl I have a spare prop in the garage! Tom Heitzman (aka stuffinder.com)
Thanks for sharing. I just have to mention that I had an uncle Bruce Linsday who was a great aviator in the Navy and took me up back in 1960 in a piper cub for a fun ride. Probably not same Bruce but had me wondering. Peace and Safety to you!
I've seen that thing in the museum for years but never thought anyone would be crazy enought to fire it up. Love the video and thanks for sharing ! See you this Spring!
Remember Mat is Dales son. Yes he is crazy enough. LOL 😆 🤣
Did you get to make air worry and fly love the vidio
That prop spinning looks utterly amazing it looks like it's bending but it's just the shutter on the camera that is amazing......
The things people made back then.
The genius
Digital cameras make spinning props look like
they are made out of rubber!
Guys, get the airframe checked out by someone
who knows how!
steve
Starting takes 2 people: 1 to spin it, and 1 to work the engine controls in the cockpit. When you spin the propeller, use both hands on one blade for safety.
You're right (I used to fly a Champ with no electrical system). I was kinda cringing watching these guys starting this airplane. I'm glad no one got hurt.
3 people, the third helps clean up the mess in your pants
@@VintageAmmoTim 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I had neighbors as a kid that were plane enthusiast and most of them knew how to fly. Even the kids. I hate my phone . It's doing what it wants.
@@clarkbabin9799 If they're at the same place as you when you have a broken leg, they can get you to the hospital if airplanes are the only way in or out.
Man .. love to see you continuing the family adventure .. my wife and I used to visit you guys back when we attended bike rallies there in Maggie Valley .. still miss y'all and the Apple Cover Inn (back when Derrick and his wife owned it) .. it's just amazing to see that old metal still working .. thanks for doing what you do and taking the time to share it with us ..
Now, "Wings through Time!!"
This Airplane really should go to the EAA at Oshkosh, Wisconsin for its 100th Anniversary.
It wasn't too far behind the Wright Brothers.
Amazing how a Twenty year old could devote all of his thinking and resources to such a unique project that was on the cutting edge of technology at the time.
Try to think of anything, that a contemporary Twenty yr old is capable of, a century later.
The first successful model airplane engine, the 'Brown Junior' was designed by Bill Brown when he was in high school. Went into production in 1934 & many still running today.
Yes...times have changed.
What a twenty year old is capable of a century later...crying about how oppressed they are & running for their "safe space" when they are "offended". :D
That's exactly where it belongs. In the museum at oshkosh!! And hauled there in an enclosed trailer.
@@AncientApparatus That comment is just saying you're old with extra steps. That time was different there were no regulations at all. Still, there are several (young) people on YT alone who built their own aircraft as well. A 19 yo girl flew across the world recently. The aviation (construction) sector isn't as accessible as it was at that time, especially in terms of money and regulations. Anyway, what extraordinary thing did you do when you were 20?
@@mintoc8853 You're right & there are still many extra ordinary young people in the world today & I congratulate those who are. I don't know that it had anything to do with regulations rather more to do with a more disciplined life. My point was that overall many young people have been deceived &/or have become complacent.
Wow that WAS INCREDIBLE! Such a amazing piece of history and was so cool doing this and documenting it!
Dale that one was for you brother thank you so much Matt for filling his shoes and doing an excellent job
This has got to be the best. All ended well. Thank you for the sheer excitement/anticipation value.
Even with all the hard work you all do, you are living the coolest lives I could ever imagine. Thanks for sharing
Sorry to hear about your dad I've always enjoyed watching you guys and the history you've preserved for the last two decades and to see the legacy continue is really awesome. I hope one day I can visit the museum
I love that you guys actually run these old machines, just as intended!
Cool video, but as soon as he called the elevator a "flap" I was like "Oh please don't let this guy be planning to take this thing in the air.".
I'd ask around the local airports to see if there are any Experimental Test Pilots in the area. They would look everything over to insure it's air-worthy, and if so pre-flight and fly the thing for you. Having been flown recently would probably increase the value substantially. It would be nice to see it in the air, too.
Lol I'd ask around the local lunatic asylums to see if there were any nutters who think they're pilots about...
Im a pilot, I'd fly it.... once screws stopped coming out of the cowling haha
lol needs more than a look over from a pilot to be considered air worthy. Needs an airworthiness certificate from an IAM, registration, and an operating manual, all of which this plane doesn't have. probably gonna need a lot of time and money to break through the red tape and get that plane in the air
Eh it’ll be fine
@@crab9980
Bullshit!!
Fly that puppy....FAA part 103.
Comeon! Fly that MF!
Can you imagine what it was like in those days to make something like that and have the balls to fly it! Well done 👍🏻
My thoughts exactly. I guess I'm getting old.
I made a cloth covered model airplane as a teen, I would give important body parts for those plans again ( scaled down airplane blueprints) if you do the maths( cg) and are fairly meticulous should have no problem flying your own craft.
There are still a lot if people that build and fly their own planes. MOST are kits but some are just from plans
I’d fly it 🤷🏼♂️…that thing seems more sturdy than many modern ultralights
Yes. Kit planes magazine was publishing plans, material lists, and flight reviews. I have every copy from 1926- current. Everything makes more sense when you go back to the beginning because it was pretty common to design and build the entire airplane as well as share your designs. Later, people quit sharing.
Great piece of history about that airplane!!
You should go out to the local airport and take some flight training. Also get in touch with some pilot members of the experimental aircraft Association.
Wow that was awesome!.....I got emotional when it fired up. I thought just imagine if your dad was there aside you matt.....don't ever stop what you do man you have beautiful property and a dream business. Best channel on you tube.
I met him last year, pretty cool guy
This was totally incredible and awesome. To see this fire up and run was exciting to watch. Who ever thought that a Harley Davidson could power a air plane? Now just to see it fly.
An airplane......
Just awesome. I can just imagine puttering around at 1500ft on a warm sunny day
I watch many of your videos and love the detail. May I ask you do a series where. You lay out a few engines next to each other and discuss the technical enhancement of time. What changes between the 1930’s, 40’s, 50’s , etc. seeing the changes in technology.
WOW!!! Matt, that was scary and fabulous at the same time!! Thanks for taking that chance.
What a beauty!! Your knowledge of the items and their history is absolutely amazing sir
Bringing in an experienced vintage aircraft expert would have been a good idea. You're about half right on everything except the engine. I'd fly it in a heartbeat after about a week of serious inspection, although the fabric probably won't pass airworthiness. Maybe a crow hop or two. Other comments have already addressed some serious issues with how you guys went about this adventure.
Spot on. Exactly what I thought. This is a relic. That they didn’t seek an assist from experienced vintage aviators or help from the EAA says a lot…….. what could possibly go wrong.
@@Lt_Tragg They where never going to fly it, why bother.
@@kingcosworth2643 You can crash a plane without flying it.
Ah, how about them there "ailerons"? Both were down, almost useful and no tie down?
What got me was the comment about "...the flap on the tail." Well that was all I needed to hear about their "experience" with "aircraft". Glad they decided NOT to fly it as it is not a legal ultralight that didn't require a license to fly.....BUT does take training!
Proverbial wing and a prayer! That's what your wing man's for, to give you a leg up into the cockpit, then he spins the prop!
That is SO freaking cool! I'm a huge aviation fan.
If it weighs less than 254 lbs., you might be able to fly it as an ultralight. There's also a limitation of 63 m.p.h. at full power. I concur with the improper propping technique. I had an Aeronca Champ and a Chief. I also towed banners with cubs with no starters.
Before even taxiing, those ailerons should be connected as they actually help to keep the wings from picking up if there's any wind. Don't taxi if the wind is over 10 m.p.h. or so.
Have an aviation mechanic (A&P) look it over and do a boroscope of that engine before even thinking about flight. He'll be interested in the condition of the fabric as well as the wooden structure underneath. Many modern A&P's don't have knowledge of fabric covered airplanes.Control cables are quite important too!
If it doesn't meet the requirements for ultralights, it will have to be registered as a light sport aircraft.
Good luck with everything. I'll be checking in to see your progress. Do you have any flight time? If not, you'll need a good stick and rudder man to test fly it. Not too many around anymore.
Amazing! I love that you guys took this thing out of the museum and not only fired it up, you taxi'ed. That qualified you for absolute madman status.
This is what we're all about! Every bike in the museum fires up and runs!! Be sure to come visit us this year!
Steve Wittman also built a Harley powered airplane called the Hardly Ableson in 1923 when he was still in high school. It was his first attempt at building a plane and it barely got off the ground. It looks like the same engine (probably so given the time period) but Steve's engine sat lower with the prop mounted above and driven by a belt. It was also very crudely constructed. Nothing like the highly successful race planes he built later in life! (Or the Wittman Tailwind homebuilt that people are still building today!)
Best video I have watched in ages. I am a 68 year old pilot. You guys were so wreckless, disrespecting an airplane in that manner! But it was great fun. Glad no one was hurt, killed or maimed.
I kind of agree. He had me pretty scared. That thing could be pretty touchy with little room for error. It's called PIO, ie pilot induced occilations. Lots of experimentals have crashed over control issues. Safety first.
As long as he is WRECKLESS, it's fine...reckless or not.
😂👍
Saw that plane at your shop around 1998 or sum time we were up for Cherokee Bike week glad to see you got it running! Enjoy the video bro! Thanks!
Hands down the best episode ever!!! This was so great with real emotion and live sound and this plane I could tell wanted to go much further today! Always enjoy anything from Wheels Through Time!
I love that when someone shows you what is possible they can go on and create magnificent things
Stay tuned for part 2, when Matt takes it on the Tail of the Dragon.
I'm so glad this is here in NC! I will definently be making a stop next time I'm in that area!
Wow !!! I was memorized by that plane when I seen it the first time and now seeing it run just makes my day , can't wait to come back , will see you in May
every time i visited the museum i would see that plane and wondered if it could fly... Thanks for sharing this start up video..will be visiting again soon.
The carburetor on airplanes is ALWAYS mounted under the engine to avoid fires in flight should a carb, gas fittings, o-rings or fuel hose leak gasoline. Updraft carburetors are on every carbureted airplane.
Every? That's an absolute, and absolutes are seldom true. Technically, the Bendix-Stromberg pressure carburetors used on many large, radial engines are still carburetors, and they are downdrafts.
@@Hopeless_and_Forlorn I agree about the absolute, im sure there were one or two instances at the very least in the beginning of aviation where carburetors above the engine leaked and caused a fire, unless this happened to be a moment of brilliant foresight.
Rotax aero engines for example don’t
Bonanza and a Cessna 182 are what’s called side draft carbs.
@@gulfcoastaero8048
You're thinking of a T182 or 182RG with Lycoming O-540-L3C5D and Marvel-Schebler/Tillotson HA-6 horizontal draft carburetor mounted in the rear with intake facing aft. The standard 182s with Continental O-470 engines have a Marvel-Schebler MA4-5 updraft carburetor.
Early Bonanzas had Bendix PS-5C single point fuel injector units commonly called "pressure carburetors" but they were not carburetors at all. They were single point fuel injection units.
You've gotta get this thing in the air it's amazing
Get it inspected for airworthiness and a pilot that's willing and fly it even if it's just the once
It's brilliant
Pardon my pedantics, but an amateur-built experimental airplane cannot be considered "airworthy" because it is not built in accordance with a specific Type Design. In legally safe flying condition it is considered to be "in a condition for safe operation" but never "Airworthy." That term is reserved for certificated aircraft only.
The most critical aspect with regard to flying this airplane with any margin of safety is it's fabric covering. Being that this is an experimental aircraft with no CAA or FAA Type Certificate, most of the criteria is recommended but not mandatory. In the case of the fabric, however, in the name of safety the airworthiness standards for certificated aircraft MUST be adhered to, even though it has no Type Certificate..
Contrary to popular belief, aircraft have never used canvas as a covering material. If it has Grade A Aircraft Cotton or lrish Linen fabric covering I doubt that it would pass inspection. For a small airplane like this the minimum tensile strength of the fabric is 46 lbs per square inch. Natural fabrics deteriorate over time to the point where they will no longer bear the minimum load. Sometimes the dope coatings will still look beautiful but the fabric underneath is rotten. That's why we often call the old Grade A Aircraft Cotton Fabric "Rotten Cotton." If, at some point, the fabric has been replaced with newer Dacron polyester fabric with adequate UV protection (silver dope or PolySpray) and kept hangars then the fabric may still be serviceable.
Second would be the integrity of it's wood structure. Many wooden airplanes from the 1930s on down were built using casein resin glue that deteriorates and releases after awhile. Insufficient varnishing of the structure can result in decay of the wood. Any landing mishaps like ground loops can overstress wing spars causing compression failures that can be very difficult to detect. All this would need to be very thoroughly checked. Repairs should be made with Resorcinol adhesive. Since it is an experimental, epoxy adhesives could probably also be used.
What an amazing channel! Thank you for taking the time to do all this!
You guys didn't pull this engine down and make sure each component was in decent condition ? You didn't check EVERY cable and connection to make sure THEY were in decent shape ? You didn't verify any gauges ? You spin-started by the prop in an utterly unsafe manner ? Would you have trotted a bike out of a garage that hadn't been run in 20 years , tried to fire it up and head out ? We'd LOVE to see this thing going , but seriously - no attention to good practice ?
Right?
Party pooper.
On a couple of your videos ive watched lately youve just let the carburetor alone when doing your pre start maintenance and that is a testament on the quality of old school gasoline. Im a young guy and dropping the float bowl is pretty much where i start when something has sat for even just a year
Too cool. With Tail Wheel planes, it's common to "Fly the Tail" on the ground.
man i wish i had time to sit in my garage hand filing a gear reduction case casting like that, sounds meditative
Fantastic !! I saw it at the museum but even greater to see it running now !
Man that is awesome I would love to see some brave guy take off and land that at a small air port. I know it will still fly.
BUT PLEASE PUT SOME ADDITIONAL WIEGHT IN THE TAIL OF THIS MACHINE..TO KEEP ITSELF LEVEL IN FLIGHT...& FOR LANDING IT...DONT WANT ANY NOSE DIVES UNEXPECTEDLY.... GOD BLESS ONE & ALL... & DO FLY IT PLEASE.../ IF YOU BOUGHT A VINTAGE H.D. BIKE WOULD YOU REQUIRE A INSPECTOR TO LOOK IT OVER...BEFORE GOING SOMEWHERE ON IT ?? JUST GO DO IT..FIX IT LATER...
Yikes! That hand propping technique will get you killed! You need to learn the proper method, which has you backing away from the prop with every (two handed) flip of the prop,
thrust is the other reason you dont put it on the crank. The stock crank isn't made to handle the thrust, but the gearbox he made probably is.
You never fail to impress! Thank you again for sharing your adventures with us! On the list to visit WTT this summer!
Dude I was smiling the whole time! Glad to have seen and heard this thing running brother.
That's superb, everytime I ride my Fat Bob ill be flying that bad boy. Big love from Great Britain guys
Well, I for one was let down that you didn’t actually get it off the ground. Just to get it up into ground effect and skim along for a few feet would have been fine. But, it was scary for you, and I understand that. If you decide to go further with it, be sure to visually inspect all the control cables, pulleys and fittings for corrosion and any signs of weakness. Make sure the control surfaces and moving freely with the controls. I’d also take a hard look at the wing and strut attachments for signs of corrosion or fatigue. It looks like it ought to be a lot of fun to fly!
Man that thing is awesome! I was laughing along with you when she fired up. Perfect for the next raffle?!?
I would love to see you put a pilot in that thing and get it airborn.
Lol, madman! Well done Matt. You might remember me asking about the grips on your race bike a few weeks back. I bought a vintage racing bike! My first vintage bike by a long shot. 1951 Norton, fresh out of the barn and is a factory made Trials bike! Thanks for the inspiration!
Now that’s my kind of crazy!!! Clear Prop!
It was nuts haha
Jimmy needs to fly that
Have mice camp in it for 30 years and Jimmy will fly it.
Jimmy, are you flying it?
Words cannot explain how cool that it! Love it!!
I bet it was time to change your shorts after that little taxi run. I haven't operated a plane in more than 30 years but that thing looks like a widowmaker to me. Cool, very cool. One thumbs up is not enough so here ya go 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I love it " My Wifes not here right now" lol be safe gent's
The utter madness of a couple of bike guys unleashed on a vintage airplane. The smiles say it all. All the old prop folks are correct - mistakes were made. All the better that no-one died. After that it's a win. As for putting that thing in the air - nah, even dale isn't that crazy.
Amazing! How fast will it taxi before it's off the runway? Bet it wouldn't take much!
wouldn't surprise me if stall is as low as 40 knots indicated! it needs some instruments fitted, airspeed, attitude and altimeter at a minimum.
Might lift the tail at 50mph or less - it's probably about the same performance as an early WW1 scout.
Matt sounded like a mad scientist when that thing started up the first time. I fully expected him to scream "It's Alive!" I have my doubts that thing could get an airworthiness certificate in today's world. Brings new meaning to flying by the seat of your pants.
Simply amazing! Awe inspiring. Well done.
A beautiful example of a 20s plane. You wouldn't catch me in the cockpit though. Well done on getting the motor running.
One of the coolest thing I've seen on TH-cam Awesome 👍 Thumb's up just ain't enough !!!
Sorry to hear about your dad. He was a really great guy. I've been to your museum a few times and each time I looked for him and spoke with him. No matter what he was doing, he would stop and talk. I am truly sad to know he is no longer with us...
That is so freaking awesome!!
I was almost as excited as Matt was & when Sketchy appeared l cracked the F up , love it . I was at the shop back in Mt Vernon , lL yrs ago getting a rocker arm for my 47 Knuck & don't remember seeing this plane but l'll see it this year when l come down to pickup my winning ticket 37 Knucklehead lol .
What a blast, smiles galore, loved it!
I love how the propellor looked when it was bendy :)
Brother that was epic...I see Shauns antics are rubbing off on ya...Loved it. 🙏🇺🇲
Airplane flying handbook FAA - H- 8083 3C chapter 2 ground operations. Not rules but will keep you alive and not give people the wrong idea.
I always tie the tail wheel, in this case tail skid when hand propping for safety.
It would be so cool if they would bring their 1920 Harley-Davidson Powered Airplane to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The event will be taking place July 25 - July 31, 2022.
MAtt!!! does the gear drive at the front use engine oil also?? Is that why it had extra oil? You really don't want that to be running dry!? Amazing as always 👍
Exactly what I thought and Hook up the ailerons!! Pre flight that baby very closely.
Another pointer too, you want a slow reliable idle or you could float of the end of the runway landing or you could also loose power when you need it. If my KR2 was not at dead idle on landing, it would float off the end of the runway in ground effect.
@@davidhakes3884 That airplane would have taken a lot of work to get truly airworthy including recovering. Every control wire, nut, bolt, fitting would have to be checked and the engine would likely need to be disassembled and possible overhauled. It is unique sounding though!
@@donadams8345 Hi Don I am from a flying family. Light weight ceconite would be a quick fabric job, I wouldn't even paint it. I flew a Lot in Alaska and have flown some Very sKetchy Aircraft.I just get a kick out the Bike museum. Regards.
The engine and the gear reduction assembly are lubricated independently.
They may also be designed to use different lubricating oils.
Fly it. The wright Brothers took a chance and it worked out. This plane looks like it's built well enough!!!
C'mon Matt, I wanted to see you fly it around Maggie Valley! 😉
FAA entered the chat..
I fly a Briggs&Stratton V-twin powered plane, and if I'm not mistaken, B&S is a Harley Davidson brand?
So, basically I fly a modern interpretation of this same theme 😁
Very cool. But that was not a good way to hand prop an airplane. (I’m a pilot and aircraft mechanic) I’d be more careful next time and maybe find someone with experience with hand propping to teach you the proper way. Find a TH-cam video on how to do it. But very cool video.
I was waiting to hear whether any of them are licensed pilots. I'd have wanted a real pilot in the seat with his hand on the throttle before I spun it over.
Everyone's an expert when it comes to comments. Totally cool to breath life back into an antique. No one got hurt, everything was fine.
I remember seeing it on my visit to WTTM....amazing, true to your moto everything there runs! Plus I'll never look at Miller Lite the same way!😁👍
did you ever figure out what that bolt or screw was that landed on your hand when you got in the cockpit? I'll be coming to visit in April or May, I live only 2 hours away! Thanks for sharing these amazing moments with us!
Just a heads up, when taxiing hold the stick back. That way the tail will stay on ground
It also looks like the wing has almost no "wash out" which would make it a lot more prone to tip stall and go to a spin. Got to keep speed up to never stall.
That is so cool I never knew until you made this video and thank you for sharing wheels through time.
Much Respect
Incredible machine, and it proof’s that Harley engines are bomb proof 😍
Coolest vid on the tube bro !
Give Mike Patey a shout out. He can work out the physics in 5 min.
Dale should have taken out the decompressor shims under the cylinders to run the 87 octane as they were only running about 40 50 octane back then also what are you doing about lead additive for them valves
Ive seen them fill up at least one gas tank from a Sunoco fuel can, i dont know if its true or not but i have been told that Sunoco race gas has lead in it
@@Full_Otto_Bismarck don't care what the can says anything can be put into it he did say that he was running 87 octane pump gas
@@brenttate9299 i dont recall anything about a pump or 87 octane, and the point was that Sunoco is at least one brand still making specialty fuels with lead in it, aviation gas still has lead in it too, if you need lead in your fuel due to old valves its a better alternative than inconsistent mixtures of additives dumped into your tank with ethanol infested pump gas
@@Full_Otto_Bismarck the reference of pump gas meaning out of the pump at the gas station meaning unleaded. Why are you answering Dale's question the question was aimed at Dale
@@brenttate9299 dale passed away for one thing, two, I really don't know, im bored
A real masterpiece for a twenty year old. Yes, it definitely belongs in the EAA museum in Oshkosh Wisconsin.
A forever lasting tribute to this young aviator. Please protect this little bird, she’s precious.
The plane plus all of Mr. Millers photos and scrapbook are beautifully displayed inside the museum. Hope you can come check it out!
Pull the propeller from ONE SIDE ONLY! PLEASE! Your right. Two hands together straight down. My goodness man, you will lose your arm if not careful. Watch videos of the technique in starting aero planes of the First World War. This machine is similar. It is very cool, but pay attention to the little things! Cheers!
I enjoyed this video. I started flying at age 15, 62 years ago. Some advice prop on the down stroke, hands cupped, thumbs up, step back on the stroke down. Shame I wasn’t there, I’d taxi that for you, after a walk around, and control check. So what do you think the rotational speed would be?
You need to keep the tail firmly on the ground. To do that pull the stick back as far as it will go. That keeps the elevator fully in the up position and that keeps the tail planted firmly on the ground. You should have gone to your local airport and talk to someone who has a tailwheel endorsement. Remember this, without any kind of proper training, you will be very dangerous behind the controls of ANY aircraft!!!