The original Fiat 500 was like that - a small lever on the floor which you pulled up to start the engine. Another one next to it was the choke. The legendary "Little Grey Fergie" tractors had and extension of the gear linkage which pushed the solenoid in, but only from neutral so you couldn't start in gear!

It's another reminder of why GA is so antiquated and difficult.

When we have checklists that make a Tristar's look basic, ancient equipment, 1970s technology, it's little wonder that GA is knackered.

Yes, I'm all for the simplicity of things but there comes a point when we need to update the whole of GA and bring it in the 21st century.

We keep banging on about the safety of everything, but in reality we're flying knackered machines which take longer to get ready for departure than an A320.

Navigating using a clock and wobbly DI!

Yes, but that's all the fun :ugh:

Don't know if Shapend is being ironic but I think it is half the fun. If you want efficiency in getting from a to b then get on a scheduled airliner. I think there's something interesting in old GA stuff the same as some people find traction engines interesting. I don't want some super duper efficient machine that you have to press a few buttons to do what takes you ten minutes with a checklist on a 40 year old Cessna.

Yes, that's what we've got. Its working fine, thanks. Yes, separate solenoid etc. We also have a switch to isolate the starter motor if we need to hand prop with the shower of sparks mags. Always wondered why american engines turn the wrong way, makes hand swinging from in front a bit of a pita.

FANS
 

The only reason that GA is so complicated is that a lot of the people who are running it are obsessed with turning it into a black art in order to make themselfs look important.

You need to learn from those who keep it simple.

If you're flying club aircraft, you've got to fly to their rules which includes the 20 page checklist.

I totally agree with the tractor attraction, but my key point is that if I want to drive a 1970s Ford Escort great, but I'd also like to drive a modern day, easy to use car if I choose.

At the moment, I want to have the option to drive a new, easy to use machine or a 1970s designed Piper that takes twice as long as an A320 to get ready for departure.

I've come across poor starting Lycomings where the primer only went to one cylinder. Joining up two more transformed the starting.

A and C:
:ok: :D