“If the battery is actually dead, then at least try and recharge it with a trickle charger before going flying. If it is toast, then replace it, don't muck about with hand swinging just to get in the air.”
This is an exact replica of a conversation I had with an instructor when trying to hand start a DR400/160, my other aircraft was a Nipper with no electrics. He was adamant I should not fly the DR400. I could not see the problem provided I kept the alternator turned off. The flight went very well!
Rod1