I think the best way for we beginners to learn respect for the prop is to get bit.

It happened to me a few weeks ago. Still got a lesson in though, after a few minutes of first aid and some advice from the club members who all "know that sound".

I now employ very safe procedures when working around a prop, running or not.

A freind of mine who had just solo'd a few months earlier put his finger through the prop arc while trying to show something to the model's owner. I'll bet it never happens again to him either. (17 stitches is worth 17,000 words)

Cal Poly Motto: "Learn by screwing-up". I just hope most beginners have small engines at first and they don't get bit too bad.