Knights of the Sky Foundation

[Chill31]

Hi everyone!  There has been a growing interest in my WWI endeavors, so I decided I would open it up for more people to be involved.  It's fun to play with the planes on my own, but the real enjoyment comes from sharing it with others. So this is the beginning, let's see where it goes!

 

If you have a few minutes, please take a look: https://knightsofthesky.org/

[E_Davjack]

If only I lived on the East coast rather than West, I would spend some weekends volunteering my wrenching skills. 

 

What would be the next aircraft you would like to have and fly? 

[Chill31]

 

2 hours ago, EmerlistDavjack said:

If only I lived on the East coast rather than West, I would spend some weekends volunteering my wrenching skills. 

 

What would be the next aircraft you would like to have and fly? 

We are planning to build the N17 along side the N11 restoration.  I think the N17 is a great fit because of the American use in WWI (a little bias here), its use of the Rhone 9J (which we have), and the fact that I don't know of a flying example here in the U.S. 

 

How about you?  What do you think would be interesting/fun?  

[E_Davjack]

Good choices!  The N-series are beautiful aircraft with a rich history.

 

I personally, had I the capital, would build an Albatros DV.  Just, such a pretty bird.  Either that or an SE5a, same reason.  Second after those long-nose craft would be a Camel, to put me up near the nose.  Though, probably a modified Camel (landing gear location and non-rotary engine) that is less likely to kill me the moment I have a lapse in concentration. 

 

Do you know anybody who has a kit from these guys?  They have a lot of Full Scale Nieuport kits, and a full-scale Camel.  Sadly, their German stuff is mostly underscaled.   http://www.airdromeaeroplanes.com/

 

Do you plan on building modern-made aluminum-tube kits like these, or fabricating wooden frames?  I personally think that as long as it looks right from the outside, it is right.  A simple two-seater like a Strutter 1 1/2 would be a great addition for an airshow crew.   With modified dual-controls it could serve as a checkrider for aviators. 

Edited October 1, 2018 by EmerlistDavjack

[Chill31]

I posted some updates on the website to include more pictures of the Rhône 9Jb.  This engine has the appearance of being “like new.”  There is still a bit of cleaning and measuring to do before we know for sure.

 

Here is a link to the calendar if you wish to join in and get your hands dirty with WWI grease, and here is a link to pictures of the Rhône overhaul.  Workdays are scheduled for Mar 2nd and 23rd.

On 9/30/2018 at 10:40 PM, II./JG1_EmerlistDavjack said:

Good choices!  The N-series are beautiful aircraft with a rich history.

 

Do you know anybody who has a kit from these guys?  They have a lot of Full Scale Nieuport kits, and a full-scale Camel.  Sadly, their German stuff is mostly underscaled.   http://www.airdromeaeroplanes.com/

 

Do you plan on building modern-made aluminum-tube kits like these, or fabricating wooden frames?  I personally think that as long as it looks right from the outside, it is right.  A simple two-seater like a Strutter 1 1/2 would be a great addition for an airshow crew.   With modified dual-controls it could serve as a checkrider for aviators. 

 

I do know a couple aerodromes planes owners. They seem to enjoy their plane well and get to experience many of the same quirks found in more authentic replicas. However, those kits are not quite authentic enough for me to pursue them as a true WWI flight experience.

 

The steel tube fuselage offers some important safety advantages over wood, in ne being the fact it doesn’t splinter in a crash.  I think it is wise to build a WWI replica with that in the back of your mind. However, I am not willing to sacrifice authentic weights and balances, so there is a middle ground I am trying to find. Perhaps a steel tube cockpit with wood everywhere else.  Or perhaps just accept that a crash is going to beat you up pretty well...

[No.23_Gaylion]

I need to swing by! Will be headed down that way often coming up. 

[Chill31]

Getting the Dr.I to be Le Rhone powered is my highest priority.  I have spent some attention toward acquiring a 130 hp Clerget though, and it looks like we've made a deal.  Pictures once everything is finalized.

[Chill31]

The Clerget deal is complete!  It does leave me in a place where I must decide which direction to go with my next airplane project.  Should I pursue the Nieuport 17 or change direction and build a Sopwith Camel?  I could do the N17 with the 110 Le Rhone and the Fokker Dr.I with Clerget power like Josef Jacobs.  Or I could do the Fokker Dr.I with the 110 Le Rhone and the Camel with the 130 Clerget? 

 

I'd love to know what other WWI enthusiasts around the world would be interested in seeing take flight.  Please let me know your thoughts!

[bzc3lk]

110 Le Rhone  sesquiplane 17 for the win  , pity this example has a radial.

 

 

Edited March 6, 2019 by bzc3lk

[No.23_Gaylion]

Lafayette 17!!

[US103_Baer]

Sopwith Strutter? Later ones used the 130 Clerget i think.

Realise its not the sexist plane in the world, but it might create opportunities for more people to experience flying in these old crates. Depends on your roadmap though.

Otherwise, Camel v Dr1 is pretty classic.

[SeaW0lf]

Congrats on the Clerget! A Jacobs like Fokker Dr.I would be sweet! Regarding the next project, tough one... I love the Nieuport, but the Camel is a perfect match for the Dr.I and it could bring people to your airfield (I'm not sure if you intend to do shows for the public). But I would test the Clerget with the Dr.I anyways just to see why Jacobs liked it over the 110hp Oberursel / Le Rhône.

[No.23_Gaylion]

I think this is your field?

[Chill31]

That one isn't mine, but I do fly there a lot.  Did you take that?? You should stop in sometime. 8ga9

[Chill31]

On 3/6/2019 at 3:29 AM, US103_Baer said:

Sopwith Strutter? Later ones used the 130 Clerget i think.

Realise its not the sexist plane in the world, but it might create opportunities for more people to experience flying in these old crates. Depends on your roadmap though.

Otherwise, Camel v Dr1 is pretty classic.

 

The Strutter is a great idea.  That is very tempting.  I need to see how big one is to know if I have enough space for it.  

 

On 3/6/2019 at 8:03 AM, SeaW0lf said:

Congrats on the Clerget! A Jacobs like Fokker Dr.I would be sweet! Regarding the next project, tough one... I love the Nieuport, but the Camel is a perfect match for the Dr.I and it could bring people to your airfield (I'm not sure if you intend to do shows for the public). But I would test the Clerget with the Dr.I anyways just to see why Jacobs liked it over the 110hp Oberursel / Le Rhône.

 

I intend to do that.  Right now, it looks like I will get to fly the Dr.I with the 80 Rhone, 120 Rhone, and 130 Clerget.  I'm really interested to see the difference.  

[SeaW0lf]

20 minutes ago, Chill31 said:

I intend to do that.  Right now, it looks like I will get to fly the Dr.I with the 80 Rhone, 120 Rhone, and 130 Clerget.  I'm really interested to see the difference.  

 

To know the difference in between the three of them would be priceless 

[Chill31]

For anyone who wants to see how the Rhone and Clerget carburetor works, here is a short video

 

 

[Chill31]

If you haven't seen this, I think you will enjoy it immensely!

 

 

[DakkaDakkaDakka]

I'm very interested in your project and have followed your updates about the Dr.1 for years now. Thanks for sharing your experiences with the rest of us!

 

A few suggestions for your online presence, so important for garnering support for this work:

- Maybe turn off comments on your blog posts, it looks like they're getting filled up with spam

- Have you considered making a Facebook page for your foundation?

- Any update on your 501(c)3 status? That would help the tax implications when people donate to support the work, I believe, and might help you receive more donations, more out of each of the donations, and encourage people to consider you for their charitable (aka tax-deductible) gifts.

 

Thanks again for everything you do!

[Chill31]

Thank you for your insights! It is a good idea to turn those off. I thought about doing a Facebook page but figured it might be redundant with the website. It is a good idea, so I’ll look into it. Editing my website is a bit more cumbersome than Facebook. 

[Cynic_Al]

I believe I've read the entire content of your site, however there's one point on which I'm unclear.  It seems you're operating a non-profit organisation concerned in construction/restoration of aircraft, but are these aircraft the assets of the organisation, or are you their sole owner regardless of what may become of the organisation in the future?

[No.23_Triggers]

On 3/6/2019 at 2:47 AM, bzc3lk said:

110 Le Rhone  sesquiplane 17 for the win  , pity this example has a radial.

 

 

 

I was lucky enough to see that crate fly overhead on Sunday. Showed up briefly at Old Warden aerodrome. What a sight! 

Edited May 8, 2019 by US103_Larner

[Chill31]

3 hours ago, Cynic_Al said:

I believe I've read the entire content of your site, however there's one point on which I'm unclear.  It seems you're operating a non-profit organisation concerned in construction/restoration of aircraft, but are these aircraft the assets of the organisation, or are you their sole owner regardless of what may become of the organisation in the future?

The latter.  I have not started a non profit company yet.   I was hoping to see how much interest there is in what I’m doing before committing funds to start a non-profit.  So far, I have a couple of people helping work in the hangar, but that’s about it outside of interest on the internet.  

 

Maybe I am doing it wrong? I wish there were more people wanting to get involved, but I am still happy to do it on my own and share it with as many people as possible.  

[Cynic_Al]

14 minutes ago, US103_Larner said:

 

I was lucky enough to see that crate fly overhead on Sunday. Showed up briefly at Old Warden aerodrome. What a sight! 

 

So how did I manage to photograph it parked?

[Cynic_Al]

1 hour ago, Chill31 said:

The latter.

 

The problem I'm having is that to me it looks as if you're saying something along the lines of "Please help me buy and assemble parts into finished aircraft that I will own outright, in return for which you get the gratification of seeing them fly and knowing you took part." Do I have this wrong and if so, how?

[Chill31]

1 minute ago, Cynic_Al said:

 

The problem I'm having is that to me it looks as if you're saying something along the lines of "Please help me buy and assemble parts into finished aircraft that I will own outright, in return for which you get the gratification of seeing them fly and knowing you took part." Do I have this wrong and if so, how?

As it stands now, you are correct. No different than any other aviation museum though...you donate money and see planes...well, except you can sit in mine ? perhaps fly it under the right conditions. 

 

 

[Cynic_Al]

18 minutes ago, Chill31 said:

As it stands now, you are correct. No different than any other aviation museum though...you donate money and see planes...well, except you can sit in mine ? perhaps fly it under the right conditions. 

 

 

Paying an entrance fee to view planes in a museum with no other expectation, seems rather different to donating time, effort and possibly cash to help create something in which one will have no proprietary interest. Museum volunteers know exactly where they stand; the same should apply to anyone working with you, particularly those contributing financially.

[Chill31]

7 minutes ago, Cynic_Al said:

 

Paying an entrance fee to view planes in a museum with no other expectation, seems rather different to donating time, effort and possibly cash to help create something in which one will have no proprietary interest. Museum volunteers know exactly where they stand; the same should apply to anyone working with you, particularly those contributing financially.

It is not my intent to deceive anyone. Everyone who is working with me currently is fully aware of where they stand, and they seem to enjoy it.  

 

I dunno...I ask for donations, but it is not required to experience what I offer.  I do think a lot of people get a benefit from what I'm doing.  There are only a few places in the world where you can get hands on experience with WWI airplanes, especially authentic engines.  If that is something that interests you, donate your time.  As far as I am aware, there are no other WWI airplane pilots posting their flying experiences for public consumption. If you enjoy that and you want more of it, contributions are appreciated.  

 

I understand that it might be disconcerting to think that someone is making a personal gain by your contributions, but I do try to give back to the aviation community through rides, hands on activity, videos, and first hand pilot accounts. 

 

Does my website seem misleading? I don't want it to be.

[Guest deleted@83466]

I'm shocked that Cynic_Al would be so cynical.

 

[No.23_Triggers]

5 hours ago, Cynic_Al said:

 

So how did I manage to photograph it parked?

 

I suppose you were at the right end of the aerodrome to do so...I never strayed far from the spot you took the shot of the Bristol at, and never noticed it on the ground. Lucky you!

 

(P.S - spotted it while on the way to have my breakfast...must have been indoors while it was pottering about. Oops...)

Edited May 9, 2019 by US103_Larner

[DD_Arthur]

16 hours ago, SeaSerpent said:

I'm shocked that Cynic_Al would be so cynical.

 

You do know that Arty's mum Cynic_AI's financial advisor is very strict on how he spends his pocket money? 

[HiIIBiIIy]

21 hours ago, SeaSerpent said:

I'm shocked that Cynic_Al would be so cynical.

 

You're one in a million.

[Garven]

9 hours ago, DD_Arthur said:

 

You do know that Arty's mum Cynic_AI's financial advisor is very strict on how he spends his pocket money? 

No wonder he doesn't have FC yet.

[BMA_Hellbender]

I, for one, am glad we’ve finally exposed @Chill31 and his scummy get-rich-quick pyramid scheme, which somehow involved the building of a period dreidecker and convincing half a dozen nerds on two semi-active flightsim forums to pay for it. Make Fokker Fly Again.

 

Say what you will about Donald Trump, if he had gone into building Great War replicas rather than real estate, he wouldn’t be a billion dollars in the red right now.

[Cynic_Al]

On 5/9/2019 at 3:21 AM, Chill31 said:

I understand that it might be disconcerting to think that someone is making a personal gain by your contributions, but I do try to give back to the aviation community through rides, hands on activity, videos, and first hand pilot accounts. 

 

 

 

I didn't know you had any multi-seaters in which to give rides. The only people you could allow to fly your planes would need to be both licensed and experienced on a related type, and I don't think you'll find such a person among your volunteers.

 

An airshow a few years from now

 

Dad  

See that Nieuport over there son? Well I helped build it and even helped pay for it.

 

Son

Wow dad, does that mean it's ours?

 

Dad

No son, it always belonged to the guy we were helping to build it, then one day he just sold it and that was that.

 

Son

Is he the same guy you're helping build planes these days?

 

Dad

Yep - we're just starting on a new plane now. How gullible am I?

 

 

[Archie]

On 5/9/2019 at 4:23 AM, SeaSerpent said:

I'm shocked that Cynic_Al would be so cynical.

 

He appears to just be here to stir the s**t and cause trouble. Seems a bit sad really but it takes all sorts. 

[Chill31]

22 minutes ago, Cynic_Al said:

 

I didn't know you had any multi-seaters in which to give rides. The only people you could allow to fly your planes would need to be both licensed and experienced on a related type, and I don't think you'll find such a person among your volunteers.

 

An airshow a few years from now

 

Dad  

See that Nieuport over there son? Well I helped build it and even helped pay for it.

 

Son

Wow dad, does that mean it's ours?

 

Dad

No son, it always belonged to the guy we were helping to build it, then one day he just sold it and that was that.

 

Son

Is he the same guy you're helping build planes these days?

 

Dad

Yep - we're just starting on a new plane now. How gullible am I?

 

 

I have some rides planes, and I try to take a couple people up at the end of the work day.  

 

Building, restoring, and being involved with WWI planes isn't for everyone.  A lot of people prefer to read about it instead of do it.  For sure, WWI planes are money pits for all involved.  If it isn't your cup of tea, no obligation to contribute.  I do it because I love it. I share it because I hope others love it. 

[Zooropa_Fly]

We live in an age of crowdfunding. Whilst I don't particularly like that sort of thing, in a free society people should be able to contribute their own resources to whatever they wish. As long as there's no deception, or harm to others, then there's no problem. 

 

 

SON : Wow Dad look at that old triplane flying !

DAD : You like it ? I helped the chap put it together a few years ago.

SON : That's so awesome, you're the coolest Dad ever ! 

Edited May 10, 2019 by Zooropa_Fly

[Chill31]

Engine controls are complete!

Edited May 14, 2019 by Chill31

[Chill31]

I've been hard at work on the Fokker.  Sadly, no time for flight sims   In the middle of all of this work, I did learn something interesting about rotary engines....

 

The 100 Gnome and Rhone engines use a single magneto for ignition.  A single magneto makes it easy to rig your blip switch: you just ground it out with the button.  However, the 160 Gnome and Clerget engines have dual ignition systems.  For these engines, you take off on two magnetos, giving redundancy and more power.  Upon landing however, you must select the "leading" magneto, which is connected to the blip switch, and land on a single ignition system.  A quirk of using a blip switch with two magnetos!