Hi fellow pilots,

Any idea on the advantages/disvantages on kerosene v.s gas start?

Best regares,

Alex

I have a early model turbine (turbomin) that relied on kero start. it worked most times, but for
one reason or other if the spark plug didn't ignite the kero at the first time, I'll got into problems. (read it as a big and ugly fireball at the tail of the plane). the problem is that the kero can't dissipate in the air like the propane in case of no ignition ... revving the engine a little you are good to try again, not quite the same with a turbine flooded with kero. Unless there is a breakthrough on this system that eliminates the problem, I'll prefer propane all the way.

Best regards, Enrique

Can't give you a first-hand report yet, but I have a BMT on its way to me - seems to me that Andre is the king of Kero-start, and I'm looking forward to getting my hands on one of his works of art.

Any idea on what principle AndreĀ“s system is based on?

rgds
Gerald

I have a BMT-120ks that uses kero start, it works flawlessly 99% of the time. The only problem I have had is when the injector (which sprays a fine mist of kero on the glow plug) gets dirty. Cleaning the injector is no problem, but I always keep a spare one to avoid doing this at the flying field.

Rob B.

I've seen several people ask Andre how his kero start system works and his reply is alway the same....."Very Well".

There are sone other kero start systems becoming available. I believe Orbit Electronics is marketing a retro fit system available now. Gaspar of "Fadec" ECU fame is working on a system, as well as one from another turbine mfr. There are comments that JetCat is testing a kero system.

My BMT works "VERY WELL"!

The BMT works off a different principle than the Orbit and others. The BMT uses a special starting injector to atomize the kero to the point that ignition with a typical glow plug is possible. The wizardry is in the starter injector and the software used in creating the correct starting conditions to allow the normal glow plug to work (and of course the transition from starting injector to the primary fuel injectors).

The system eliminates the added weight, complexity, and volatility of the propane/butane setup. The added requirement is a high discharge rate battery to spool the engine up to the required rpm for startup. With Li-Po's, there is no weight penalty to speak of. With Nicads, there is a modest weight penalty but this may not be an issue depending on airframe. (My Kingcat could care less about the few extra ounces)

Gordon ... you'll love it. Enrique, you need to check out a BMT.

JS

I have a Frank TJ-74KS equipped with the Orbit System, but integrated into the turbine through the front cover (diffusor). It works absolutely flawless, if there is kero in the fuel lines, the system works everytime! Simply perfect.

Thomas

Jsnipes, I saw already the BMT site and info on this system, but what I really believe is in peopleĀ“s reports like yours about some solution or product on a time perspective. seems that my modified coleman camping gas lamp soon will be thrown at the same pile of junk with the scuba tank!

Best regards, Enrique