Dud engine signal

ercoupepilot · 18 October 2006, 12:03 PM

Having just read "Winged Victory," the tempermental Le Rhone rotaries are almost another character and layer an added dimension to the story. The phrase he "gave the dud engine signal" and went home comes up quite a bit.

So, what exactly was the "dud engine signal"?

Brad · 18 October 2006, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ercoupepilot

Having just read "Winged Victory," the tempermental Le Rhone rotaries are almost another character and layer an added dimension to the story. The phrase he "gave the dud engine signal" and went home comes up quite a bit.

So, what exactly was the "dud engine signal"?

I think that is when the pilot sticks his head WAY down between his legs to kiss his... ummm... tailfeathers... goodbye!

Greybeard · 19 October 2006, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ercoupepilot

"gave the dud engine signal" and went home

Probably refers to shut-off procedure of engine (common to all A/C engines, tough, even nowadays) which requires to shut-off before fuel and then magnetos to avoid any backfire; this latter, indeed, would make propeller spinning a bit more after its stop, enough to harm a mechanic approaching the just stopped A/C. Thus, pilot should yell his signal to dude (mechanic) to assure him about correct procedure has been followed.

TomVrille · 19 October 2006, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ercoupepilot

....what exactly was the "dud engine signal"?

Whatever signal was agreed upon with the flight leader, before takeoff, to alert him that you were breaking off the patrol and returning to base.

Ginger. · 19 October 2006, 09:25 AM

I would have thought the first bit of the 'dud engine signal' was you falling behind with a cough and a splutter.

GASML · 19 October 2006, 10:20 AM

I think that TomVrille is as close as anyone.

It wasn't always the case of a total engine failure. Often rough running or a plain loss of power would mean you couldn't hold formation and certainly in the latter stages of the war, it was pushed home by many flight commanders that it was better to turn back than become a 'sitting duck'.

As far as the signals - certainly in the case of scouts I think it was almost as simple as waggling the wings and a thumbs down. In the case of two-seaters, sometime very flares might be fired - but I bet that wasn't too popular if it was a fuel leak!

But ultimately, particularly as most allied flights were across or over the lines and returning against the wind, I'm pretty sure a sudden silence would be followed by a very rapid glide for home!