While I was at the Reno Airraces I noticed that some of the pilots would shut the engines down while they were rolling on the apron. I know that when your in dusty areas it's good to keep the plane rolling while the prop is spinning to avoid pulling dirt into the prop, any connection?

I do that a lot. Guesstimate the inertia needed for the coast into the parking spot, pull the mixture and roll in. Gets the propped stopped while the airplane is still moving so if kids and dogs are around they don't mess up an expensive prop. And, you don't blast anybody behind you as the tail swings around.

Gump

Keeps my gas in my tanks

NineThreeKilo wrote:While I was at the Reno Airraces I noticed that some of the pilots would shut the engines down while they were rolling on the apron. I know that when your in dusty areas it's good to keep the plane rolling while the prop is spinning to avoid pulling dirt into the prop, any connection?

There are a couple reasons, first there is a red line on the ramp that we cant cross with the engine running. The other is people get real pissed when you blow a bunch of wind at them. When we take the planes apart for tech inspection the light weight covers or panels are laying on the ground and easily damaged by a big blast of wind.

I think I'll try to do this, makes sense all around.

Thanks

In a float plane you shut the engine off then sail the plane in for docking (one exception a fully reversible prop) its a good practice on wheels and like Gump said safer for people and animals.

Not only do I deadstick taxi when ever possible (not so much uphill though...) I do it a lot driving. Not in the crane but in my little Toyota wagon that I can muscle around, living on a mountain helps of course. On the right roads the speed stays OK, as does the braking required, its fun and saves gas. Most of all it reminds me of flying for some reason! Approaching my property from the south I routinely kill and coast on in the last half mile, including a couple right angle turns, and enter the garage with the last of the momentum, I wonder if Bob Hoover did that while driving?