This sequence of engine starts became common practice during WWII. Since aircraft, like the B17, B24 and British Lancaster, had no onboard fire extinguisher system ~ an individual, belonging to ground support, would stand next to each engine during startup with a fire extinguisher, in the event of a fire. By starting #3 first (and I guess it could have just as easily been #2 to start first) then person with the extinguisher did not have to worry about an active prop behind him. Hence, 3-4-2-1
This sequence of engine starts became common practice during WWII. Since aircraft, like the B17, B24 and British Lancaster, had no onboard fire extinguisher system ~ an individual, belonging to ground support, would stand next to each engine during startup with a fire extinguisher, in the event of a fire. By starting #3 first (and I guess it could have just as easily been #2 to start first) then person with the extinguisher did not have to worry about an active prop behind him. Hence, 3-4-2-1
MrRonnieG 2 months ago