Starting a DC3.
Nice video, but I would be concerned at the crushing loads placed on backplate and alloy spinner. If the spinner distorts and contacts the blade it will notch the point of highest stress resulting in a scrap blade and prop overhaul, assuming the blade doesn't separate on first flight after the rope start 
I think the cap on the blade tip would be safer when a spinner is fitted.
I think the cap on the blade tip would be safer when a spinner is fitted.
Join Date: Oct 1999
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Sir Naill:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Behind-Cock.../dp/0863037453
Great book! I have a copy - and no, you can't borrow it!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Behind-Cock.../dp/0863037453
Great book! I have a copy - and no, you can't borrow it!
Re. engine starts, we night stopped in N Burma in the 60s at the same time as a Pakistani Grumman Goose on private charter. We were both parked on psp. Next morning the Goose had a flat battery, The Capt deputed one of his pax to man the (roof mounted) throttles while he hand swung the starboard. He managed to reach the higher prop by balancing on a domestic chair placed on the psp!!! Took a couple of goes but eventually rewarded with blue smoke and satisfying rasps. UNFORTUNATELY, the pax deputed to throttle duty got the instructions 'arse-backards' and pushed instead of pulling. The gallant Capt's response was instinctive, extraordinary and, probably, unrepeatable - he went between prop tips and fuselage and reached through the side window to throttle back!!! (For the full flavour of that, check the space available for that manoeuvre!!) I saw it, I stared in amazement and can, even today, relive it but it doesn't seem right!)
PS Gallant Capt, indeed. He was the same guy, with the same aircraft who put down on a very limited jungle river to pick up a Javelin navigator who had banged out en route to Singapore.
)PS Gallant Capt, indeed. He was the same guy, with the same aircraft who put down on a very limited jungle river to pick up a Javelin navigator who had banged out en route to Singapore.
