Lately however, especially since the talk of the flight across the
Atlantic, a means has been found to allow the aviator, or some
helper with him, to start the engine once it has stalled in midair.
This is accomplished by means of a sprocket chain gear and a crank
connected to the engine shaft. The turning handle is within reach
of the aviator.
But Mr. Vardon, and Dick, working together, had evolved something
better than this. Of course in their craft, with space to move
about in the cabin, they had an advantage over the ordinary aviator,
who, in case of engine trouble, has no place to step to to make an
examination.
But Dick's engine was not directly connected to the propellers.
There was a clutch arrangement, so that the motor could be started,
with the propellers out of gear, and they could be "thrown in," just
as an automobile is started. This gave greater flexibility, and
also allowed for the reversing of the propellers to make a quick
stop.
And it was not necessary for Dick to "crank" his motor. An electric
self-starter did this for him, though in case of emergency the
engine could be started by hand.
In fact everything aboard the Abaris was most up-to-date, and it was
on this that Dick counted in winning the big prize.
"Well, I guess everything is as ready as it ever will be," remarked
the young millionaire, as he and the aviator made a final inspection
of the craft. "Get aboard, fellows!"
"He's as cheerful about it as though he were inviting us to a
hanging," laughed Paul.
Pages:
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115