Can propeller planes be push started?

[adams355]

Safest place to do it if possible is from behind the prop

 

[wwillson]

Safest place to do it if possible is from behind the prop

I've never heard of this, have you prop started an airplane standing behind the prop?

 

[Astro14]

I've never heard of this, have you prop started an airplane standing behind the prop?

I would think that would leave you trapped between wing and spinning prop. Not very comfortable...

 

[adams355]

@wwillson

Yep, that's the way I was taught on a single engine better than the front I reckon you are never in the way. You can stand side on as well.

https://www.avweb.com/flight-safety/technique/hand-propping-demystified/

 

[wwillson]

@adams355

That's a really good article and points out some things I was never taught/heard of. I still won't hand start a Yak again...

 

[Driz]

Safest place to do it if possible is from behind the prop

I agree! Hand prop something like a Cessna and you don’t want to be in front of that thing. Mine used to sneeze or Cough just once, maybe. That next one was the sword of instant death. No stumbling and low RPM turning over like on the movies. It always was just Like turning a fan on high, instant. I always propped from the back. Just like in golfing you just better remember to “ follow through”, or else. Tail always tied down, always.
i always wondered if any of those old warbirds chopped anyone up when they were clearing those cylinders on the radials. I couldn’t bring myself to hang onto a prop and walk it around knowing that only one small wire breaking would make it at least cough . Besides I’m sure there’s enough fuel in there for at least one sneeze which might be enough