Prop swinging
into the front of a building where the doors or windows may be open or opened. Also ensure that no other aircraft is parked behind which may be moved or damaged by the propeller wash on starting. If the aircraft is parked on grass then consider the surface where the person starting will stand. Is it uneven or covered in stones or other loose material? That can be potentially damaging to the aircraft if it is caught in the propwash and if the surface is wet or damp, would that cause a slip hazard? It is not worth taking a chance, the risk of slipping, damage to the propeller, or injury to the prop-swinger is too great. Move the machine to a more suitable location. Remember that if you are starting an aircraft on tarmac, the opportunity for the machine to roll forward is increased. Also, chocks may not grip the surface and should be checked for their ability to restrain the aircraft. Curved chocks will work better than triangular unless the base of the chock has some form of tooth to dig into the surface. You’ll notice I’m not even mentioning brakes here. Many vintage types of course don’t have them anyway, relying on the chocks while starting and the drag of a tailskid for braking while taxying. However, even if an aircraft is fitted with a parking brake, I wouldn’t trust it, particularly if starting solo. I prefer to have chocks in place as an added insurance that the aircraft won’t move forward unexpectedly.
Preparation
The person starting should check their own clothing to ensure that jackets are securely buttoned, zipped or removed, and scarves or any other loose items are either tucked securely in or removed to a safe
Above Thumbs up – Switches ON. Starting the BE2 replica. Having a knowledgeable occupant in the cockpit while prop swinging is always the best option.
distance. If wearing a cap ensure it is secure or again remove it and place it at a safe distance. A cap blowing off in the wind could distract the person just as the engine fires, putting them in a dangerous position. Remove rings from fingers as these may not only cause injury but can damage the propeller, especially if it is wood or laminate. Footwear can be important as sandals, flip-flops or even shoes with loose laces can constitute a hazard. It is recommended that shoes should be worn which provide good support and grip and are securely attached to your feet. It is also important to recognise the stature of the person willing to swing the propeller relative to the aircraft propeller. A machine such as the Tiger Moth may have the blade in a position too high for a shorter person to comfortably reach, which would put them off balance during the operation. Equally a tall person attempting to start something like a Jodel Bébé, may be off balance and, by leaning forward, could place their head in line with the prop blades as the engine starts. If you are in any doubt about your balance and ability to move clear at the end of the swing, do not even think of attempting it, your life is worth more than the risk.
Procedures
If a person is to operate the controls from within the cockpit, the person starting the machine must remind them that as they are working at the dangerous end – the starter person is in charge. When prop swinging was the norm, set procedures were developed, primarily by the military, to ensure the person in the cockpit and the person swinging the April 2020 | LIGHT AVIATION | 11
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