The Intentional Backfire

Alright, an aviation puzzler—don’t worry, it still kinda smells like motor oil:

Back in the early days of aviation, mechanics noticed that airplane engines would regularly backfire through the carburetor—loud bangs, flames, the whole works. Bad for the engine, worse for your nerves.

They checked everything… and eventually discovered: Nothing was wrong with the plane.

In fact, the pilot was doing it on purpose.

Which raises the obvious question:

Why would a pilot intentionally make the engine backfire, scaring himself silly and risking damage when it seemed completely useless?

Answer the Puzzler »

Remember last week's puzzler?

The Silent Passenger

Alright, here’s one from the Krusty Files, trimmed down to the essentials:

We send our trusty mechanic, Krusty, and Mrs. Krusty on a trip. They change planes in Moose Jaw and board a very old plane. Everyone’s nervous, but they take off just fine.

During the flight, they notice something odd: none of the other passengers responds when they speak English.

They land late at night in a foreign country. No one meets them. No cab help. No one speaks English.

They’re about to spend the night in the airport…

When Mrs. Krusty spots a woman from their flight and says, “Relax, we’re saved.”

How does Mrs. Krusty know that this woman speaks English?