Solid IFR...

Its not just the crystal clear synthetic vision, the comprehensive autopilot coupling, vertical steering, flight director, or hundreds of other details that makes GRT Avionics the perfect choice for IFR flight. It is the confidence that comes from hundreds of thousands of hours of proven performance. Designed by experienced aerospace engineers. IFR proven. Expect nothing less from GRT.

...with confidence.

Graphical Engine Monitor with EGT history
Dual AHRS - Auto-cross check. No degradation with loss of an AHRS; no
need to revert to partial panel backup.
Synthetic Approach with highway-in-the-sky to any runway
Extensive Lateral and Vertical autopilot coupling expands autopilot
functionality.
XM Weather, TIS Traffic, Stormscope, ADS-B,
and much more...
8 serial ports in/out, 8/14 analog inputs/outputs, ARINC 429 for today and
built-in growth for tomorrow.
Primary Flight Display with synthetic vision
Moving Map with shaded relief terrain

Dual AHRS/Air Data Computer

Grand Rapids Technologies, Inc.

616 245-7700

AVIONICS

GRTAVIONICS.COM

BRADY LANE

I tried a few more times. Nothing.

Ken turned the switches off and called me to the cockpit for another lesson. We had flooded the engine, but that was easy to fix. With the switches off and throttle open, he instructed me to turn the prop backward a few times to unflood it.

Time to try again. This time it fired! The most amazing part was it didn’t feel dangerous at all. I was five or six steps back and nowhere near the prop by the time it came to life.

With reverent fear I gently touched the prop. The cold metal felt different this time. I paused briefly then swung my right leg forward just as I had rehearsed.

I also was amazed how easy the prop turned. It didn’t require brute strength as I imagined. Ken said metal props are sometimes easier than wood because there is more momentum mass to carry through the compression strokes. Good to remember.

Once the prop was spinning it became invisible. I was taught a safe way to approach the cockpit was to walk to the end of the wing and follow it to the cockpit. Establishing this habit eliminates the temptation to cheat corners and get near the prop.

Flying back to Oshkosh I reflected on my new skill and felt a bit closer to those early aviators. I can’t wait for the next time I’m at a small country airport and a fellow flier needs a hand to get going.

Ken will be back with his Cessna 140 to AirVenture next summer to give daily hand-propping demonstrations in front of the VAA Red Barn. Please don’t use this column as your hand-propping handbook. Instead, let Ken or another experienced mentor teach you how to do it safely. Your fingers will thank you.