Starting Your Plane by Yourself, 60ccc or Larger

[thelaw]

Please be careful!! This is what can happen when flipping a 170cc with your skirt on!!!

 

[helicanic]

Please be careful!! This is what can happen when flipping a 170cc with your skirt on!!!

watch the f#@% out!!!!!!

 

[dhal22]

We have a concrete pad with a variety of sleeved holes in it. You can drop the noodle padded rebar restrainers in which ever holes you need. Works pretty good.

 

[Skyluc]

When I start my engine I have a check list like in my full scale planes,and I never start an engine without checking those items
-plane tied
-throttle idle
-ignition on
I flip the prop ensuring that my move puts me out of the field of the turning prop

 

[TnAeroNut]

Don't fly alone! There are just too many things that can go wrong regardless of your restraint system IMHO.

 

[bigblueswope]

Don't fly alone! There are just too many things that can go wrong regardless of your restraint system IMHO.

Sage advice, that I ignore.

I know what you're saying, but I would have lost 50-75% of my flying last year if I had followed it.



BJ Swope

 

[ЯК Attack]

As a newby, I have learned to use a restraint and pull my plane firmly against it before each flip. Your flips should be relatively effortless and fluid. I move my hand in a straight line well away from the edge of the prop disc. With gloves, I usually smack the front of the cowl (35cc) so I use a bare hand. When my fingers get sore I take it to mean It's time to step back and double check some preflight items. Ignition Switch- DOH!
flycanic's Cowboy method (my term for it) puts one in an unnecessarily limited envelope for success and more importantly success in case of an incident e.g. high rpm. That's the only criticism I have for his method. I give him style points though!

 

[ЯК Attack]

I forgot to add I also learned from guys like terry to pull the plane off the holdbacks with my calves before I run it up.

 

[ЯК Attack]

...

 

[BalsaDust]

Agreed. I pull the plane tight to the restraints. I will admit I do not use a glove when I start them though. People probably would think it looks wierd when I start my gasser as well since I'm left handed so I pull through the bottom of the prop arc but follow through with my hand moving out of the way. I also will not put my hand back on the prop until it has completely stopped.