Something I forgot in my previous "tips" post... Always always always check prop nut tightness before the first flight of the day, and after any engine-related incidents. If the engine backfires, taps the prop on the ground, or whatever, pull the spinner off and recheck the nut tightness.
Just because the prop nut was tight the day before doesn't mean it's tight the next day. Some spinners are a total pain to remove and replace, but believe me it's much much better to take a few minutes before the first flight than to lose an eye or something.
Yes, I learned this first hand. I had the prop of an OS 70 Surpass 4-stroke come off while I was starting it. The motor backfired while I was starting it the first time that day after flying a dozen flights the day before, and it threw the prop and spinner past my head at warp 2. Yes I was wearing safety goggles, but it still would have left a hell of a mark if it had hit me. The spinner has 2 hex bolts holding it on, and I was just too lazy to pull them to check that day. Now, before every day of flying, I pull the spinner, loosen the lock nut, check the main nut, then retighten the lock nut.
I should have known better of course... 2 years earlier I had a 2 stroke engine throw the prop inflight. I shut it down before it ruined the engine (amazingly it kept running without the prop until I shut it off), but I never did find the spinner or prop nut.
Better safe than sorry eh?
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eagl <squealing Pigs> BYA
Oink Oink To War!!!
