Posted on 09/29/2009 11:53:37 PM PDT by Cindy
I don’t think I would hand prop any engine either. The thing that scares me about the magneto is the ease at which they can be started if everything is set up right. A mag switch can fail to close when it is turned off and the ignition will be hot. They can fire if the prop is turned.
Michelle Gorilla would have no problem doing it.
You’re always welcome fanfan.
Yes, particularly when the engine is hot. They can also kick back when they are hot. That's a good way to lose a hand.
When I was a teenager I worked at the local county airport as a lineman. One day we had a guy fly in for fuel in an Aircoupe. After fueling, he went to crank up and leave, but his battery was dead. I asked him if he wanted a jump, but he refused, stating he would just hand prop it. He hand propped the engine and it started right up. Trouble was, his left brake didn't hold and he'd put a wee bit too much throttle on. The airplane went around and around in a circle since the right brake was holding. Each revolution getting closer and closer to the gas pumps. It was really a frightening thing to watch. He chased it down and managed to get up on the wing, reach in and flick off the mags. Another two or three revolutions and he'd have taken out the pumps.
You are supposed to pull the wires off lawn mower spark plugs for the same reason if you work on the blades.
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