Another proppeller accident!

[vetdrem]

Re: Another proppeller accident!

Frank,
If you need to attach to a post or something that the 'snap-shackle' wont go around, you put the cable around the post, and attach the shackle to the cable itself. You need to be sure to attach it to the tiedown cable, and NOT the release cable.

As for attaching it to the right side of the plane and passing it under the plane, I don't see why it won't work. The release cable will still release the shackles when pulled, and the retract mechanism will pull everything under the plane and into the cockpit. I have a handhold on the right side of my plane, also, so I'll try it tomorrow to be sure.

Louie

[M Towsley]

Re: Another proppeller accident!

I've built one, (sold it when I sold my last T-Craft), and just got the parts to start building my second one. They definitely work, thanks again Louie!

I also take some small pieces of 'leave behind' rope that I can attach to a tie down loop on the ramp, etc. if I cannot find something to attach it to. I also use a slightly larger snap shackle.

[vetdrem]

Re: Another proppeller accident!

Frank,
I tried attaching to the right side of the plane today. It worked OK, but I wasn't thrilled with the fact that the cable rubbed a little on the bottom corner of the fuselage. I think that I would try attaching to the tailwheel or somewhere else if I was to do it everyday. It would work good, but over time, it might be hard on your fabric. I guess that if you stooped down beside the door while you released and retracted it, you would keep everything off the cloth, but if you are going to be outside the plane to do that, you could just untie a rope. Sort of defeats the purpose of the remote release feature (unless you count the COOL factor).

Let me know if you are interested.

Louie (989)387-4662

[Len Petterson]

Re: Another proppeller accident!

My friend is doing well, despite 60 staple in his back, plus numerus stiches under them.
The propeller did not tush any internal organs or his spine.
The docktors expecting 4 6 month of rehab.
He use to have another Beaver 550 what he had on floats and when he started it, he stod on the float and stradled the strut, he could have dune the same thing in this case but standing on the ski but hindsight is 20 20 as we all now.
Had he dune what he would have moved with the aircraft and nothing would have happend.
It is always good to tie down the tail but when the engine dies on you out on taxyway and some frusration sets in, we dont always think saftey first!

[Eric Tyson]

Re: Another proppeller accident!

I had an exciting moment my first year of flying, hand proping with a cracked throttle, it is amazing how much thrust there is at a high idle. I am installing a electrical system now (3years latter). The novolity is over. My mechanic was going to install a glider tow hook but I went for the B&C starter/ alternator.

[akjack]

Re: Another proppeller accident!

Last spring I purchased the starter that is offered using a Dewalt portable drill. I got it because I have the short engine mount and there was not room for any other starter. The Hamp aircraft service, Safe start Starter System is a wonderful system if you have a short engine mount or if you have a -8 accessory case. It comes with an STC but I used a field approval because I have an 85 HP engine. The system has performed flawlessly and eliminates prop starting all together. It really spins the engine over and you are safely seated inside the plane when it is activated. It is not the answer for everyone but now that I am in my 70's I find that it is very easy to go through the start routine with out the hand prop issues. For me it has been worth every penny that I paid for it. Might just save a finger or two as I loose my hand eye coordination with age.

[astjp2]

Re: Another proppeller accident!

Is your airplane at Bradley? Tim

[akjack]

Re: Another proppeller accident!

My plane is in my hangar at Lackloey airpark