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It is the equivalent of using a hand crank to start a car. While it is generally regarded as old fashioned in both the aviation and automobile worlds, it is much more common to come across an airplane that need to be hand propped, than it is a car that needs to be hand cranked. | It is the equivalent of using a hand crank to start a car. While it is generally regarded as old fashioned in both the aviation and automobile worlds, it is much more common to come across an airplane that need to be hand propped, than it is a car that needs to be hand cranked. | ||
It is important to note that as soon as the propeller starts turning the airplane will want to move forward. Not fast enough to take off, but often fast enough to make it impossible to get back in the cockpit. Therefore, before hand-propping an airplane, the pilot must take one of two precautions. If flying alone, they will tie down the tail in such a way that it can be released after entering the cockpit. If flying with another person, that person will simply hold down the brakes with their foot. | It is important to note that as soon as the propeller starts turning the airplane will want to move forward. Not fast enough to take off, but often fast enough to make it impossible to get back in the cockpit.{{efn|This situation is somewhat analogous to putting a car in gear, but not pressing the gas pedal.}} Therefore, before hand-propping an airplane, the pilot must take one of two precautions. If flying alone, they will tie down the tail in such a way that it can be released after entering the cockpit. If flying with another person, that person will simply hold down the brakes with their foot. | ||
=== What is the benefit of a variable pitch propeller? === | === What is the benefit of a variable pitch propeller? === |