Hand-Propping Demystified

Most casual discussions of hand-propping begin and end with the admonition “Don’t.” That’s not bad advice, except when there’s no other way to start the engine. In fact, hand-propping is a time-honored practice, dating to the beginning of heavier-than-air flight. That it’s still employed says as much about the legacy of aviation as it does our ability to manage risk.

Mike Hart

Friday, March 15, 2013 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Hand-propping is a time-honored yet risky practice, often necessary for certain aircraft types or in situations with a dead battery.
Safe hand-propping demands thorough training, precise technique, proper engine settings, and secure footing to minimize hazards.
It is ideally performed with a knowledgeable partner and on aircraft designed for the procedure, with solo propping requiring additional stringent safety measures to prevent uncontrolled aircraft movement.

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Long ago, an instructor explained to me that knowing the various options for using the airplane, the different ways to make it do what’s needed, and the savvy to use those different models as appropriate, differentiated aviating from rote piloting. In the case of using climb abilities to your benefit, the best preparation begins with knowing and understanding all available options, knowing the plane and practice.