Originally posted by MinnFlyer
Yes, the term "Chicken Stick" DOES derive from the days when men were men and fingers were missing. Only a "Sissy" wouldn't use his fingers to start a prop.
Fortunately, common sense finally prevailed.
It's obvious from some of the comments here that some modellers haven't got the first idea how to hand start an engine. Fair enough, they've been brought up only knowing electric starters but when the battery goes flat what can you do? Well, you can't touch a prop with your hand so give it a whack with a stick (or a shoe
).
But strangely, this attitude is limited to RC fliers who have engines that at idle put out about as much HP as a .049! Seriously! On the other hand (and with all fingers intact
) CL fliers will happily hand start piped .60's which naturally only run at full throttle.
I'm not saying there's anything wrong with either electric starters or chicken sticks but if you've got half a clue how to start an engine then even by hand it's quite safe. The REAL danger is putting your hand through the prop once the engine is running.