Ok if we're goig to have Pw blackouts. How about the flying torches?

[Nutzoid]

All of these sound like good ideas, but I wonder how much work there would be in modeling some of these? Why not keep it simple, and say if you find your plane aflame, >ooh a rhyme< you have five seconds to bail or explode, period.   

[Larry]

Normally when vapor goes it goes as an explosion, and the explosion should cause catostrophic damage ie plane goes down.

Not really. Most of the time theres an explotion is because there was was nowhere for that expanding gas to go. Since there would be some holes it that fuel tank the gas can escape and most likely not cause an explotion. But even before that the fuel air ratio would have to be just right for an ignition. But a plane that's been flying around with a fuel leak the tank shouldn't have any vapor left in it after a few minutes.

[Boxboy]

Not really. Most of the time theres an explotion is because there was was nowhere for that expanding gas to go. Since there would be some holes it that fuel tank the gas can escape and most likely not cause an explotion. But even before that the fuel air ratio would have to be just right for an ignition. But a plane that's been flying around with a fuel leak the tank shouldn't have any vapor left in it after a few minutes.

Oh really? ok try this take a can of gas (like a 5 gal bucket with open top) stand waaaay back and throw a lighted cig over it, trust me the vapor WILL explode.  I worked for Gulf Oil as company rep and one of the duties was to "stick" the tanks and the biggest fear was a "spark" of some kind around the opening while sticking the tank to check levels and also for water.

[Larry]

Oh really? ok try this take a can of gas (like a 5 gal bucket with open top) stand waaaay back and throw a lighted cig over it, trust me the vapor WILL explode.  I worked for Gulf Oil as company rep and one of the duties was to "stick" the tanks and the biggest fear was a "spark" of some kind around the opening while sticking the tank to check levels and also for water.

Funny you should say that because I used to do that a lot with my friends and not ONCE did it ever explode. The vapor would ignite and there would be a big jet of fire that would come out of the opening. We used a five gallon plastic gas container and the fumes didn't stay lite long enough for it to even melt the plastic. Only thing is that we used a lighter duct taped to a stick. And IIRC a cigarette wont ignite gasoline because its not hot enough. I suggest you try it some time since you clearly never have.

[Chilli]

  (In my best "Dad" voice), "You are playing with fire!"   

Yes, in some models I have recalled the wing falling off.  Sometimes, other pilots have to tell me I am on fire, because there is no other clue until I see the tower or look back and see  the fireball.  Even then I have a split second thought of someone else is on fire. 

[Larry]

(In my best "Dad" voice), "You are playing with fire!"   

Yes in my younger days I was a real pyro. I loved making "napalm" then using it on my little sisters barbies.

[DREDIOCK]

Oh really? ok try this take a can of gas (like a 5 gal bucket with open top) stand waaaay back and throw a lighted cig over it, trust me the vapor WILL explode.  I worked for Gulf Oil as company rep and one of the duties was to "stick" the tanks and the biggest fear was a "spark" of some kind around the opening while sticking the tank to check levels and also for water.

I've thrown a lit cigarette in a can of gas at the time fully expecting (and wanting) it to ignite.
The biggest thing that happened is the cigarette went out.

[Larry]

I've thrown a lit cigarette in a can of gas at the time fully expecting (and wanting) it to ignite.
The biggest thing that happened is the cigarette went out.

Mythbusters did one on that. I think it was a "movie" special where the guy throws a cig in a pool of gas and lights it. I think it was busted wasn't it?

[MachFly]

When my fuel tank starts burning, I'm out of there. ether try to ditch it or bail.
So to me it really would not matter, just another thing that can burn, however it would make the game more realistic.

[hitech]

The whole point of the fire is to give people a choice to possibly die at some random time or to bail out. The choice is the pilots.

[Dano]

Sorry, but I didn't take time to read the whole thread, so forgive me if its been suggested.
How about rerouting power back to the joystick that results in either the stick melting on your desk (plastic ones like MS FF or CH stuff) or turning red hot (Saitek, etc)?
 

Ok, maybe the idea needs to be refined a bit. 

[A8TOOL]

There is no doubt that some aircraft burn longer than others and all seem to be on a timer. Nothing random about it.

Pilot wounds are different. They really do seem to be random.

The most blackouts I've had was 10 or 11 before i popped...can't remember exactly. The least was 3.
 Usually the first B/O comes fast... somewhere between from 3  and 9 seconds it feels. From there it's hard to say exactly how long till the next one or how many till you pop.


Gas does not ignite with a cigarette. I wonder if it would if you flicked one hard against a wall with gas under it?

Cars do not explode like in the movies either. 

[DREDIOCK]

The whole point of the fire is to give people a choice to possibly die at some random time or to bail out. The choice is the pilots.

And the whole point of the pilot wound modeling is??

One would think that a plane on fire. would be slightly more then just a minor distraction. (which basically is what it is now) Not to mention upsetting to most pilots who's plane is on fire. Just as a pilot wound would be.

But I dunno. Im not a pilot.
Curious as to how much of a distraction you think it would be is suddenly (God forbid) your plane suddenly became a flying torch?

Would you say it would be at least as distracting as say..going into total blackout every 30 seconds or so?

[Bizman]

Last summer I had the privilege to meet one of our Finnish aces, Mauno Frantila, who told he was in his Me109-G2 in 1943 chasing an enemy bomber near the Estonian coast, when his engine started sounding not so funny. On his way home it burst into flames in the middle of the Gulf of Finland at 2000 metres. He contacted the Malmi airport that he would try to reach the continent before jumping, since bailing in the empty sea would have resulted a certain death. He told he was literally sitting on the wing trying to get the plane crash in uninhabited area before he jumped at about 200 metres, bailing at a short walking distance to the airport. The total distance was about 100 km, half of which in a burning plane.

[B4Buster]

hitech - if the player is high enough he can continue fighting and THEN when his plane breaks apart he can bail. Maybe when your plane catches on fire...the screen slowly is engulfed in red...when it's completely red you have no more control and you die...you can't even bail out?