Not a lot of damage can be tolerated.
We operated large piston nose wheel twins on gravel strips for years and the prop tips were very close to the ground. Damage was kept to a minimum by doing run ups/power checks with forward motion (EG.,while back tracking) and riding the brakes so not to let the speed get too high. We operated single crew so you needed to be very careful. Two crew of course the duties could be shared IE., one looking out, controlling speed and steering.
Possible prop damage was taken very seriously in the company as loosing even the tip off a prop blade at the damage point (weakest) could be catastrophic.
You can do a "C of A" preflight but remember, one cannot inspect for prop damage after engine start, until after the flight.
Last edited by johnriketes; 9th January 2008 at 16:52.