Flutter flutter splutter

[PeterL]

Another of those questions born of nothing more than basic curiosity. We're all familiar with the stereotypical image of the WWI scout pilot, diving on the enemy, machine guns chattering, white silk scarf fluttering in the slipstream. Have any of those forumites lucky enough to fly in real open plan fully air conditioned aeroplanes tried it with a couple of yards of silk trailing behind? Are you still breathing? And could you provide a Federal Standard equivalent for the colour of your face please?

cheers

Peter L

[mike_baram]

Never tried it, but the dancer, Isadora Duncan, was done in by a trailing scarf. Seems it caught in the spokes of the rear wheel of the sports car she was a passenger in.....I can assume whatever color her face was, it wasn't pretty.

It was a Bugatti! Probably "Molesheim Blue" as was her face. (unless it was purple)

[mike_baram]

Ahh, the Bugatti.
Responding to complaints that the brakes in his cars were too small to stop the cars safely, Signor Bugatti said "I make-a da cars to go fast, notta to stop!".

[Barrett]

I lost one of my logbooks along the way but estimate c. 600 hrs in open-air cockpits. After the first flight I always made sure my scarf was tucked in tight--the dangly image in the slipstream makes you nuts, flitting & flapping. It's been said that nervous Great War airmen imagined it to sound just like a Spandau (or Vickers, depending on the paint on your wings), and I can sorta understand that, though it'd represent a pretty slow rate of fire.
More disturbing is the engineering in some biplanes that scientifically arrange for the burble off the top wing to run directly down the back of the collar. It also tickles the top of the helmet, leading to an itchy sensation.
FS numbers would have to be guesstimated, since my mirror was set for checking my six rather than admiring my steely-eyed countenance. (OK, OK, maybe it was more like squinty-eyed.) Anyway, skin tone was proportional to season/altitude/turbulence.
Urrrrp....

I've had the experience of a ride in the front af an open cockpit biplane sans scarf. I remember not only the wind but the individual waves of air generated by the propellor blades beating against my face. I should imagine that a scarf flying in the wind while marginally safe would only add another distraction to the pilot. Obviously if it was safely tucked under a coat it would be alright.

I experienced 15 minutes above Rhinebeck New York last year, minus the scarf. I marveled at the multitude of sounds and the lack of visibility both above and below. Flying those contraptions must be pretty difficult. A 90 mph wind is called a hurricane to those of us on the ground. If you read this forum and you ever get an opportunity, try it! It gives you a whole new perspective.

[Stephanie]

I would also imagine that, if let flutter for a period of time slightly longer than that required to turn one's face purple, the scarf itself would be reduced to tattered threads.

However, because of my previous 'research' into pilots flying in nothing but their underwear, pyjamas, etc., I also believe that, despite the variable conditions mentioned by Barrett, adrenaline and endophine rush could possibly have overcome some annoyances.

[stevedrew]

Peter,
I've "flown" that fast at zero altitude with my scarf trailing in the wind, and the tendency is to keep your neck down, which holds the scarf in place somewhat. Mind you, I was "flying" on my motorcycle, and basically keeping my head looking forward, not flinging it from side to side looking for "enemies". This would cause you to lift your chin off your scarf, and hence allow the slipstream to pull it harder.
Steve Drew

[Brad]

I have flown both with scarfs and neckties I find that they both end up in my face however it does varie with the airplane the N-28 tries very hard to rip my helmet and goggles off while in the Waco the air is still and the scarf just hangs down limp. VBR Brad