Originally Posted by
Outwest
Yes, exactly why I'm asking this. My nephew tells me of a couple ways different pilots have told him on which finger/thumb combination to use to accomplish this dance. I told him I would not do this digital gymnastic and risk my finger slipping off the starter part way thru the start after light-off.
Hah, yeah. The other thing with the Air Tractor setup is that it requires right hand for the panel mounted start and igniter switches, sort of braced so that the finger on the spring loaded starter doesn't accidentally come off it, but so that you're able to also actuate the igniter switch once past about 12% Ng. The left hand is required for the condition lever. So.... In the unlikely event that an inflight relight using starter was to be required, and there was enough altitude to accomplish it, the stick must be held with one's thighs....
Realistically, there are very few cases where an inflight relight with starter should be required in that airplane, and fewer where there will be enough altitude for it. Most likely need for it would be fuel mismanagement on a ferry flight using fuel in the hopper, I think. On the ground though, with both hands available it's quite easy.