Machines, Like Human Bodies, Do Not Like Sitting Still

We live in a society where quick fixes are ubiquitous.

Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 09:30 AM ET

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Between the very low temps and ham-fisted throttle application, the tow pin was snapped clean off pulling the airplane out of the hangar. [Courtesy: Ben Younger]

Key Takeaways:

After a significant period of inactivity, the author experienced a critical runaway starter issue on his aircraft, which was direct-wired to the battery and difficult to disengage, ultimately leading to a dead battery.
The incident highlighted the importance of regular use for machinery, as the prolonged stillness was identified as the likely cause of the starter solenoid failure.
The article emphasizes that "machines, like human bodies, do not like sitting still," advocating for consistent operation as the primary way to prevent unexpected maintenance issues and ensure reliability.

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Pressed the red start button on my Electroair ignition system, and all the usual things happened: The starter engaged, two blades turned, and the spark lit off those garbage pail-sized Superior cylinders in my Conti 550. I released the starter button, but something was off. I could just barely hear and feel something besides the pistons firing—the starter was still spinning.

Let’s go back a bit. I last flew on December 13—a day trip to East Hampton to meet a TV writer. I left for Israel a few days later, where I spent a month researching my last Leading Edge column. When I returned, I had only a couple of days between my next trip to Miami to race my Kramer motorcycle at Miami-Homestead Speedway.

Ben Younger

Ben Younger is a TV and film writer/director, avid motorcyclist and surfer—but it’s being a pilot that he treats as a second profession. Find him on Instagram @thisisbenyounger.