JB,

I never said to be directly in front of the engine when starting. If I understand your starting procedures correctly, you are still in front of the prop arc, which I would classify as in front of the engine. It sounds like you start your engines the same way that I do. In front of the prop arc, but off to one side.

The airplane that I felt the safest with while starting was a TF P-47 with a YS 120, onboard glow driver & onboard electric starter. Hold a switch on the transmitter, the engine was heated, cranked & started. A friend would hold the plane while starting and I was standing behind it. Very safe.

I am now having to learn new safety procedures while getting into electrics. It is a different world...