Clear Prop
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Clear Prop
"Clear Prop"... good airmanship or a w@nk?
I guess the phrase was originally shouted by tail dragger pilots because they couldn't see ahead of the aircraft. Having only ever flown tricycle undercarraige aircraft I was never taught to say it as my view ahead was fairly good I never took up the practice. I reckon about 80% of other people I have flown with make the call. Some open the door/window and give a good yell whilst others seem embarrassed by the ritual and barely raise their voice enough for the person in the back seat to hear what they are saying. I assume the crews of a Saab 340 or the like don't make the call. What's the go?
I guess the phrase was originally shouted by tail dragger pilots because they couldn't see ahead of the aircraft. Having only ever flown tricycle undercarraige aircraft I was never taught to say it as my view ahead was fairly good I never took up the practice. I reckon about 80% of other people I have flown with make the call. Some open the door/window and give a good yell whilst others seem embarrassed by the ritual and barely raise their voice enough for the person in the back seat to hear what they are saying. I assume the crews of a Saab 340 or the like don't make the call. What's the go?
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Reason for the yell is so that the homeless dude sleeping in the shade under your propeller has enough time to move his stuff over to the next plane.
Whereas the SAAB 340 pilots have a ground signal man looking out for the hobbo's for them.
I give a call (not a yell though) when I'm at a busy CTAF/GAAP because like you said I can see what is happening around me & the aircraft. I don't often bother when I'm the only person or aircraft at the aerodrome.
Whereas the SAAB 340 pilots have a ground signal man looking out for the hobbo's for them.
I give a call (not a yell though) when I'm at a busy CTAF/GAAP because like you said I can see what is happening around me & the aircraft. I don't often bother when I'm the only person or aircraft at the aerodrome.
i reckon (especially in GA as we dont have ground crews watching out for potential hazards), DO IT.
your view ahead might be good, but what about (in singles) below the nose?
didnt an instructor get chopped relatively recently at Point Cook when the engine was started?
for the sake of opening a window and loudly saying 2 words taking up no more than 5 seconds, it could prevent a severe injury.
often people walk around the tarmac without caring, and i doubt they would notice things like a beacon flash- an aural warning would more than likely get their attention, especially a loud one as we perceive loud noises as being close!
id rather do it than not, put it that way.
your view ahead might be good, but what about (in singles) below the nose?
didnt an instructor get chopped relatively recently at Point Cook when the engine was started?
for the sake of opening a window and loudly saying 2 words taking up no more than 5 seconds, it could prevent a severe injury.
often people walk around the tarmac without caring, and i doubt they would notice things like a beacon flash- an aural warning would more than likely get their attention, especially a loud one as we perceive loud noises as being close!
id rather do it than not, put it that way.
Embarrassed to be a pilot, sir?
I'm of the opinion that as soon as you start skimping on these little safety rituals, you are potentially heading down a dangerous path towards a sudden and unexpected landing.
What's wrong with a good yell out the window anyway? I find it very satisfying myself, but maybe you are too embarrassed to be a pilot?
Do you do a take-off safety brief? Do you go through your checklists out loud? I find it is all good safety-reinforcing stuff and generally puts the passengers at ease. (well, maybe not the TOSB, but hey forewarned is...
)
A
What's wrong with a good yell out the window anyway? I find it very satisfying myself, but maybe you are too embarrassed to be a pilot?
Do you do a take-off safety brief? Do you go through your checklists out loud? I find it is all good safety-reinforcing stuff and generally puts the passengers at ease. (well, maybe not the TOSB, but hey forewarned is...
)A
Last edited by Andy_RR; 28th Oct 2006 at 11:47. Reason: wordz problemz
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I'm of the opinion that as soon as you start skimping on these little safety rituals, you are potentially heading down a dangerous path towards a sudden and unexpected landing.
What's wrong with a good yell out the window anyway? I find it very satisfying myself, but maybe you are too embarrassed to be a pilot?
Do you do a take-off safety brief? Do you go through your checklists out loud? I find it is all good safety-reinforcing stuff and generally puts the passengers at ease. (well, maybe not the TOSB, but hey forewarned is...)
A
What's wrong with a good yell out the window anyway? I find it very satisfying myself, but maybe you are too embarrassed to be a pilot?
Do you do a take-off safety brief? Do you go through your checklists out loud? I find it is all good safety-reinforcing stuff and generally puts the passengers at ease. (well, maybe not the TOSB, but hey forewarned is...
)A
CMN
With the greatest respect Roger, DO IT EVERY TIME! Make it a habit, part of the ritual.
If not, one day you will be engrossed in conversation with your gorgeous co pilot and you'll take the arm or head off someone who was running over to tell you that you left your wallet on the ops counter.
And another thing, never ever, get in the habit of putting anything in the arc of the propeller, unless you are in the hangar with the covers off and the spark plug leads disconnected and the masters off.
Tp put it another way, in what will hopefully be a long and uneventful career, it only has to happen once.
If not, one day you will be engrossed in conversation with your gorgeous co pilot and you'll take the arm or head off someone who was running over to tell you that you left your wallet on the ops counter.
And another thing, never ever, get in the habit of putting anything in the arc of the propeller, unless you are in the hangar with the covers off and the spark plug leads disconnected and the masters off.
Tp put it another way, in what will hopefully be a long and uneventful career, it only has to happen once.
If there are people around - do it, otherwise use your eyes and your common sense
If you always new were every one was you wouldn't need to worry.
If this logic worked there would not be so many children being backed over by cars, unfortunately often their own families.
I'm of the opinion that as soon as you start skimping on these little safety rituals, you are potentially heading down a dangerous path towards a sudden and unexpected landing
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Agree with RENURRP,
I always look behind my car when reversing (kids can be hard to see) - don't you?
The principle is the same. It's conceivable that a young one could easily wander under your nose whilst you are distracted - especially as a fair few GA fields have kids playgrounds.
And who says bystanders / passengers are aware of the disc of danger that lies in front of the nose. I've seen non-pilot passengers and onlookers leaning on props/spinners chatting whilst someone else is in the cabin.
It's good airmanship, costs you nothing to do, and may save a life.
I always do it with a flourish........'CLLEEEEAAARRR PRRROP'
I always look behind my car when reversing (kids can be hard to see) - don't you?
The principle is the same. It's conceivable that a young one could easily wander under your nose whilst you are distracted - especially as a fair few GA fields have kids playgrounds.
And who says bystanders / passengers are aware of the disc of danger that lies in front of the nose. I've seen non-pilot passengers and onlookers leaning on props/spinners chatting whilst someone else is in the cabin.
It's good airmanship, costs you nothing to do, and may save a life.
I always do it with a flourish........'CLLEEEEAAARRR PRRROP'
Last edited by PilotHTR; 28th Oct 2006 at 22:35. Reason: Review
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I think it's good airmanship to do it, EXCEPT those who do it as they're turning the key, so whoever is around has a poofteenth of a second to react before that prop's turning. Give the person you can't see at least a couple of seconds to clear out.
Never met a hobo who could react that quickly!
Never met a hobo who could react that quickly!
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Cheers people! Glad to see I haven't been ripped to shreds yet. Just the discussion I was hoping to raise.
Certainly not embarrassed to be a pilot (just ask all the girls in the pub 
) I was taught one way, but am happy to change when I have been shown a better way. Agree, if your gonna do it, make it worthwhile.
Now the devils' advocate... I can relate to propwash arguement (happened to me), but how many people that argue the 4 wheel drive/kids theory have actually ever opened their window and yelled out or forgotten to do do a walk around?
Certainly not embarrassed to be a pilot (just ask all the girls in the pub
) I was taught one way, but am happy to change when I have been shown a better way. Agree, if your gonna do it, make it worthwhile.Now the devils' advocate... I can relate to propwash arguement (happened to me), but how many people that argue the 4 wheel drive/kids theory have actually ever opened their window and yelled out or forgotten to do do a walk around?
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So you think that all the airlines in the world should stop safety briefs about "in the event of ditching" etc etc... in case you startle the pax. So what's the difference in your 3 pax in the Cherokee or 300 on an airliner, their lives are all as important. You better learn to be a bit more professional if you want to join this game pal, doesn't matter what you are flying, do the same job or get out now...
So you think that all the airlines in the world should stop safety briefs about "in the event of ditching" etc etc... in case you startle the pax. So what's the difference in your 3 pax in the Cherokee or 300 on an airliner,
1 The passengers in your 300 seat airliner can't hear the pilots briefing each other
2 When you are briefing on your 300 seat airliner you say it out loud so the other pilot is aware of your intentions and can discuss the proposed plan. Its called a discussion.
Taking your example one step further and I should be carrying out my T/O safety brief over the PA.
See how long my jobs lasts if I try that!
If you feel its necessary to say it out loud in your cherokee 6 go for it, personally I see no need for it and can see it alarming the not so regualr flyer. Having said that you definitely should give them a good passenger brief, i.e. emergency exits, seat belts, etc etc
Or maybe you are confusing a T/O safety brief with a passenger brief??
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So you think that all the airlines in the world should stop safety briefs about "in the event of ditching" etc etc... in case you startle the pax. So what's the difference in your 3 pax in the Cherokee or 300 on an airliner, their lives are all as important. You better learn to be a bit more professional if you want to join this game pal, doesn't matter what you are flying, do the same job or get out now...
you have missed my point, no where did I say that you dont brief them at all, I said the last thing the pax at the back want to hear is as the pilot lines up the pilot says,
"If the engine should fail on the runway, I will close the throttle, blah, blah, blah". Another way of looking at it, will to include a breifing to the PAX about engine failures before V1 and actions on etc.....pointless...
Isn't it a requirement to brief all PAX before a flight. Just tell them what they need to know, you dont hear on QF, DJ, JQ flights a detailed briefing from the Captain and F/O discussing what they will do if they had an engine failure during take-off, in a SID or on climb....
Think I have stressed my point, so I will step down now.....
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A bloody huge difference. Not even comparable.
1 The passengers in your 300 seat airliner can't hear the pilots briefing each other
2 When you are briefing on your 300 seat airliner you say it out loud so the other pilot is aware of your intentions and can discuss the proposed plan. Its called a discussion.
Taking your example one step further and I should be carrying out my T/O safety brief over the PA.
See how long my jobs lasts if I try that!
If you feel its necessary to say it out loud in your cherokee 6 go for it, personally I see no need for it and can see it alarming the not so regualr flyer. Having said that you definitely should give them a good passenger brief, i.e. emergency exits, seat belts, etc etc
1 The passengers in your 300 seat airliner can't hear the pilots briefing each other
2 When you are briefing on your 300 seat airliner you say it out loud so the other pilot is aware of your intentions and can discuss the proposed plan. Its called a discussion.
Taking your example one step further and I should be carrying out my T/O safety brief over the PA.
See how long my jobs lasts if I try that!
If you feel its necessary to say it out loud in your cherokee 6 go for it, personally I see no need for it and can see it alarming the not so regualr flyer. Having said that you definitely should give them a good passenger brief, i.e. emergency exits, seat belts, etc etc
Not only did you beat me to it, but I think you said it better than me as well
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clear prop.
Having flown jets most of my flying life and just returned to fly my own homebuilt bug smasher with a prop. I often observe pilots using the call "Clear Prop". Often it is just as the key is turned and often it is without any obvious observation of the area out side the cockpit. It seems to me that a lot of pilots
have the habit but have lost sight of the reason.
I switch on my beacon, visually clear the nose area,make the call, wait a couple of seconds then, still watching the prop, turn the key.
After 50 years in the buisness I still observe the basics.
The other thing that seems to have been lost is the need to keep smoking away from a/c. People don't realise that unseen fumes can and will flow from tank caps down the wing and onto the ground. I recently saw the importer of a sport a/c smoking a cigar in a hangar with 4 a/c and standing only 4 ' from the fuel cap of one.
Theres and old saying, If in doubt take the safe way out.
have the habit but have lost sight of the reason.
I switch on my beacon, visually clear the nose area,make the call, wait a couple of seconds then, still watching the prop, turn the key.
After 50 years in the buisness I still observe the basics.
The other thing that seems to have been lost is the need to keep smoking away from a/c. People don't realise that unseen fumes can and will flow from tank caps down the wing and onto the ground. I recently saw the importer of a sport a/c smoking a cigar in a hangar with 4 a/c and standing only 4 ' from the fuel cap of one.
Theres and old saying, If in doubt take the safe way out.
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clear prop.
Having flown jets most of my flying life and just returned to fly my own homebuilt bug smasher with a prop. I often observe pilots using the call "Clear Prop". Often it is just as the key is turned and often it is without any obvious observation of the area out side the cockpit. It seems to me that a lot of pilots
have the habit but have lost sight of the reason.
I switch on my beacon, visually clear the nose area,make the call, wait a couple of seconds then, still watching the prop, turn the key.
After 50 years in the buisness I still observe the basics.
The other thing that seems to have been lost is the need to keep smoking away from a/c. People don't realise that unseen fumes can and will flow from tank caps down the wing and onto the ground. I recently saw the importer of a sport a/c smoking a cigar in a hangar with 4 a/c and standing only 4 ' from the fuel cap of one.
There's an old saying, If in doubt take the safe way out.
have the habit but have lost sight of the reason.
I switch on my beacon, visually clear the nose area,make the call, wait a couple of seconds then, still watching the prop, turn the key.
After 50 years in the buisness I still observe the basics.
The other thing that seems to have been lost is the need to keep smoking away from a/c. People don't realise that unseen fumes can and will flow from tank caps down the wing and onto the ground. I recently saw the importer of a sport a/c smoking a cigar in a hangar with 4 a/c and standing only 4 ' from the fuel cap of one.
There's an old saying, If in doubt take the safe way out.
Although it wasn't very smart, I do have memories of walking into hangars with engineers crawling all over aircraft with a fag in their gob.
Didn't worry them and never heard of it causing fires.
Or even the days when you were permitted to smoke in aircraft, my instructor back then (1976), bit of a chain smoker used to keep the window slightly a jar and puff away all round the circuit.
Another guy in a twotter flying along with the window part down to draw the smoke out.
On a hot day he would get me to pull my window all the way down and stick my folder, around A4 size out and direct the airflow onto the pax to cool them down.
It worked, they cooled down but scared the **** out of them with the noise and sudden rush of air.
Unfortuneatly they have both gone now.
Didn't worry them and never heard of it causing fires.
Or even the days when you were permitted to smoke in aircraft, my instructor back then (1976), bit of a chain smoker used to keep the window slightly a jar and puff away all round the circuit.
Another guy in a twotter flying along with the window part down to draw the smoke out.
On a hot day he would get me to pull my window all the way down and stick my folder, around A4 size out and direct the airflow onto the pax to cool them down.
It worked, they cooled down but scared the **** out of them with the noise and sudden rush of air.
Unfortuneatly they have both gone now.
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I did read another fella on here who was parked at an airshow. One spectator with thick glasses standing in the prop arc while he was trying to start up. He leans out the window and yells "CLEAR PROP", prompting spectator to turn around, squint and yell back "WHAT WAS THAT?"
Something about building a better idiot?
Something about building a better idiot?