Photo credit: Bogert Aviation
If you've been flying for a while, you probably know of at least one person in your circle of friends who has made a very expensive mistake — starting up the engine with the towbar attached. It is a simple error but one that could cost you a new propeller and an engine overhaul.
There have even been images posted on social media of airplanes taking off with the towbar still attached. Imagine taking a stroll with your dog only to have a towbar suddenly drop from the skies. The NIMBYs trying to shut down your precious local airport would have a heyday!
To prevent this embarrassing, expensive and potentially dangerous mistake, all you have to do is follow one rule: Keep the hand on the towbar! Any time you are either parking the airplane or pulling it out of the hangar or parking spot, remove the towbar as soon as you have the airplane in its spot and put it in the luggage compartment.
The procedure may add about 30 seconds to your preflight as you have to make a special trip to the back of the airplane. However, those seconds will be well worth it because if you stick to this simple rule you will never start up your airplane with the towbar attached.
Get exclusive online content like this delivered straight to your inbox by signing up for our free enewsletter.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Get the latest FLYING stories delivered directly to your inbox