Is hand-prop starting permitted on a CAP aircraft?

Is hand-prop starting permitted on a CAP aircraft?

• A. No
• B. Yes with ground crew
• C. Only with external power
• D. Only for training

Answer: (A)

Hand-prop starting is not allowed on CAP aircraft. The propeller can begin turning with little warning, and anyone near the blade can suffer severe injuries or worse if the engine starts while they’re in the way. The safe, approved way to start is to use the aircraft’s starting system—electric starter with the battery or an external power source—following the published procedures and with the area around the propeller kept clear. Training or ground crew assistance does not make hand-propping permissible; if the aircraft cannot start with the approved method, it should not be hand-propped and further maintenance or alternatives should be pursued.

Hand-prop starting is not allowed on CAP aircraft. The propeller can begin turning with little warning, and anyone near the blade can suffer severe injuries or worse if the engine starts while they’re in the way. The safe, approved way to start is to use the aircraft’s starting system—electric starter with the battery or an external power source—following the published procedures and with the area around the propeller kept clear. Training or ground crew assistance does not make hand-propping permissible; if the aircraft cannot start with the approved method, it should not be hand-propped and further maintenance or alternatives should be pursued.