Safety awareness around aircraft propellers is a basic aviation practice that should be ingrained in every pilot from the very beginning of their flight training. Propellers demand respect on the ground whether they are spinning or not. The single most important concept you should understand is this: Always treat the propeller as though the ignition has been left on and the engine is just a hairsbreadth from starting. Here are some helpful tips from the CCA Chief Flight Instructor:

1. Assume Hot Mags. First and foremost, you should approach every propeller with the mindset that the Magnetos are HOT and the Ignition is ON. Never assume that this is not the case. Be aware that any movement of the propeller could cause the engine to start or to kick back with considerable force.
   1. Magneto Checks are to be done during Run-Up at the correct RPM. Checking them at lower RPMs can result in arcing and internal damage to the Magnetos
2. Propeller Arc. The Propeller Arc is an imaginary box at least as wide as the entire propeller when it is sitting in a horizontal alignment. To be safe the box is really about one foot wider on each side and projects at least a foot in front of and behind all portions of the propeller. It also extends vertically from the ground to at least several feet above the propeller when it is in a vertical alignment. Think of it as a rectangle painted on the ground beneath the propeller that rises up to entirely surround the propeller when it is turning. The idea is that you mentally visualize this “box” and pay close attention to it. Any activity inside this “box” is at higher risk.
   1. Never enter the Propeller Arc except when you have a legitimate reason such as preflight or post flight inspections. When your inspection requires you to be behind the propeller, such as checking oil or under the propeller when inspecting the gear, do so with caution. The best plan is to move in to position outside the arc. Don’t duck under the propeller as a short cut to get to the other side
   2. Never enter the Propeller Arc until you have ensured that the ignition/magnetos are OFF. If someone (including other pilots or flight instructors) is in the cockpit, advise them that you will be in the vicinity of the prop arc during your pre and post flight inspections.
   3. Never touch the propeller except when you have a legitimate reason and even then keep the bulk of your body forward of the propeller arc and be prepared to move rapidly away from the arc should the engine start or kickback
   4. Since we are always assuming that the Ignition is ON (Mags are HOT), moving the propeller is a risky operation.
      1. Having the chocks installed and/or the parking brake set before moving a propeller is always a good idea. During preflight, do not remove the chocks until after you have completed your propeller inspections. 
      2. Move the propeller by hand only when it is necessary and with extreme caution
      3. Move the propeller slowly and ONLY in the direction of normal rotation. Moving it backwards can damage other engine components (vacuum pumps, piston rings, etc.)
      4. Even when the Mags are NOT hot, Propeller Kickback can occur with a piston engine due to compression. Kickback can occur with surprising force and can result in serious injury such as cuts, broken bones, etc
      5. If you are NOT holding on to the tow bar it must be removed from the aircraft. Do not place the tow bar on the ground in front of the aircraft. Unhook the tow bar and stow it in the baggage compartment when removed from the aircraft.
      6. Brief your passengers about propeller safety and advise them to stay completely away from the propeller(s).
      7. “Clear Prop” callouts prior to start include a thorough inspection of the entire area, not just the Prop Arc. Look all around the aircraft for hazards such as persons or vehicles approaching, ground equipment positioned nearby, foreign objects or loose asphalt, and what is going on behind the aircraft where prop blast might create a problem. Wait 10 seconds before engaging the starter to allow time for someone to get out of the way.
3. Aircraft Lights and Propellers.
   1. Lighted Rotating Beacons, or Anti-Collision Lights on aircraft without a beacon system, are the internationally accepted indication that a propeller is rotating or soon will be rotating. The lights go ON prior to start and stay ON until the propeller(s) come to a complete stop.
4. Follow the Shutdown and Post Flight Checklists. CCA checklists are designed to ensure that the following conditions have been met. 
   1. Master switch is OFF
   2. Magnetos are off and the Key is removed and placed on the glareshield (If applicable)
   3. Mixture is in the IDLE CUTOFF position
   4. Throttle is are IDLE
   5. Parking Brake is set OR the chocks are installed.
   6. Control locks INSTALLED
5. Hand Propping. CCA does not allow any one to hand prop an airplane. The dangers are extreme to those who are not highly familiar and trained.