Ken,
In my mind, hand propping IS dangerous. One must always be sure that the
brakes are set or the rear of the plane is anchored to a fence or post, or
some similar restraint, because a runaway plane can kill you as well
bankrupt you from damage lawsuits. When it was necessary, I preferred
standing in front of the plane, pulling on the prop to be sure that the
plane would not roll forward, and then pulling the prop with both hands in a
sharp motion, with a step-back motion after each attempt.
With a Cub, it was possible to tie a rope to a fence, and tie the other end
around the strut end right outside the cockpit. After starting the engine,
you could then climb into the seat, get the engine running smoothly, and
then reach out and untie the rope. Of course, this was usually best done
when you were returning to the same field, because the rope was left behind.
Jim Nichols
Tullahoma, TN USA
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken Norton" <ken@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "Olympus Camera Discussion" <olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 2:05 PM
Subject: Re: [OM] IMG: The Cub
> So, this leaves us with two hand-propping techniques-- each potentially
> deadly. Do you do it from in front or behind? I was taught both ways, but
> forgot which was preferable. With a taildragger you either risk getting
> your head thumped or your legs chopped. Run over with the prop or knocked
> down by the braces. Some aircraft have the exhaust pipe coming out in a
> way
> that backside propping can result in flames licking your trousers.
>
> These days we've been seeing more prop accidents with ultralights and
> sport
> planes because of inadequate training and following procedures.
>
> My dad had to handprop our plane a few times. Of course we always did it
> to
> get the oil moving before starting. But starting the engine always
> required
> more attention to detail. It always scared him to do it. But wintertime
> flying usually involved hand starting because the battery just wasn't
> going
> to pull it through.
>
> AG
>
>
> --
> Ken Norton
> ken@xxxxxxxxxxx
> http://www.zone-10.com
> --
> _________________________________________________________________
> Options: http://lists.thomasclausen.net/mailman/listinfo/olympus
> Archives: http://lists.thomasclausen.net/mailman/private/olympus/
> Themed Olympus Photo Exhibition: http://www.tope.nl/
>
>
--
_________________________________________________________________
Options: http://lists.thomasclausen.net/mailman/listinfo/olympus
Archives: http://lists.thomasclausen.net/mailman/private/olympus/
Themed Olympus Photo Exhibition: http://www.tope.nl/
|