How to start a 337

[Skymaster337B]

The only way we could resolve this topic is at the next Skymaster fly-in...at the hotel bar.

[skymstr02]

If you start the front engine first, how do you clear the rear engine?

I can yell "Clear Rear" thru the storm window, and some one will hear me, and then clear the front visually.

On my O-2, the battery is just inside the baggage door, so the rear starter is closer to the battery than a standard 337.

[JeffAxel]

Clearing the rear engine is a legit concern. I have gear mirrors on each wing so I can see the rear engine area pretty well from each side.

[Skymaster337B]

I say the only way to "clear" the rear prop is on the final walk-around. After that it's really an educated guess that it is clear. Starting the front engine should give enough notice to everyone to remain clear of the aircraft...and rear prop.

However, I've never heard of some one walking into the rear prop because they didn't know the aircraft was about to start-up. They typically walk into the prop getting in or out of a running aircraft.