Hand Prop Starting Tip

[DannyDot]

I learned this tip on this site and I like it. I set the throttle to 800 before shutdown and lock the throttle. This makes for a good throttle setting for startup the next time. I have been hand propping for years and never heard of this before.

Danny Deger

[alwaysoar]

Re: Hand Prop Starting Tip

Could you be flooding the engine making subsequent starts a PIA?

[crispy critter]

Re: Hand Prop Starting Tip

This really does work great for hot starts and cold alike. If your shutting down and plan on a hot start later this method works even better if you let it run for about 20-30 seconds at 800rpms with the gas off then kill it with the mags. To hot start just simply turn on the gas,mags hot,and prop it...don't pull it threw or nothing(tie the tail or have someone prop you!!!).

[astjp2]

Re: Hand Prop Starting Tip

At 800 rpm, I see my airplane wanting to Taxi, I am more inclined to 600 rpm. Tim

[crispy critter]

Re: Hand Prop Starting Tip

it will also taxi at 600 very easy....this is why we use two people or tie the tail with the wheels chocked

[Frank DeBartolo]

Re: Hand Prop Starting Tip

When I go to another airport, I ask if anyone knows how to prop the airplane. Most of the time they don't know how nowadays. So I tell them to watch me do it so they can see how it's done. I tie the tail and ask them to untie the airplane for me after I prop it and get in the airplane. If I use my own rope, I have them untie and give me the rope. I have done this a couple times and it seems to work OK.

Frank D
N43684

[Tony Johnson]

Re: Hand Prop Starting Tip

I have found that the width of my the tip of my little finger is just the distance forward of the stop that the throttle lever needs to be to give me a good rpm for hand propping.

So, I put my little finger in the area behind the throttle lever and pull the lever back until it touches my little finger. A taildragger CFI showed me that trick. It has always worked.

[whake]

Re: Hand Prop Starting Tip

My plane has been setting for about six weeks, I pulled it out of the hangar yesterday, tied down the tail with slack in the line. I set two small wood chocks tied together with a long 3/16 line that I hook over the step. Two full shots of prime and the throttle set at 1/16th of an inch. I pull the prop thru six blades. Turn on the switch and it started the first pull. Check for idle RPM and untie the tail which is still loose,climb in the plane ,reach down and pull the line to free the chocks and I am ready to go. If I can't tie the tail I still use the chocks, but I ad the hand brake and try to find someone to stand in front of the elevator. Hot starts mat take a couple of pulls but I never crack that throttle more than 1/16th of an inch.

[jmvolpp]

Re: Hand Prop Starting Tip

My cold start sequence is similar to Walt's. After rollout from the hangar, I turn the aircraft slightly to the left so the tailwheel is cocked. I don't tie the tail, do chock the wheels with rope between the two looped on step, prime 2-3 shots, pull through 7-8 blades (mags off and cautiously), crack throttle
1/16" to 1/8", mags on and prop from behind. It's very rare that it won't start the first time. I advance the throttle to 1200 RPM for 1 minute while still standing outside, then idle back to ~600RPM to pull the chocks and crawl in.

Mike V.

[n6346m]

Re: Hand Prop Starting Tip

Remember to turn off the fuel valve before you start, just in case something goes wrong or you fall off the floats.

Bob

[Falcon10]

Re: Hand Prop Starting Tip

IMHO I think that the sailplane release is a good investment. It is easy to install. The tech info is in the ac-4313. It has worked great for me. I check it for security during my preflight, Hand prop, strap in then release and taxi.
Jim.

[tawadc95]

Re: Hand Prop Starting Tip

Ha Falcon,
Was that you I saw being chased around the other day by your plane or a stranger who did not know about your glider release?
Chris...ha ha