On Thu, 18 Jan 2007 20:09:49 GMT, B A R R Y
wrote:

Duncan (NZ) wrote:

13. clear prop call

who does that achieve these days - why "call it"? - just look around
(what else is required). What purpose does calling it out achieve to
those in the plane. I feel it's antiquated. I just have a good look
around (the *outside*) to see that no-one is near to walk into the thing
when it's spinning.

I call OUT the storm window, not to anyone inside.

I see it as a courtesy to those who may be near enough to catch the
breeze or debris. I can't see behind my plane, so you never know.

Maybe it's not a life or death thing, but what can it hurt?

I try to vary it.

GESUNDHEIT!

FORE!

BINGO!

L'CHAIM!

are equally effective.

Especially on the newer Piper. I haven't mastered doing the
turn-and-push on the mag switch to engage the starter with my left
hand, so I do it with my right, while my left hand's on the throttle.
That leaves my mouth about two feet from the tiny storm window, which
is, often as not, blocked by the AirScoop.

But it keeps the elephants away. That's what I tell passengers.

Don