I've owned 5 non-electric planes that had to be hand propped, including one that was a 2180 VW. I didn't notice it to be any more or less risky than any of my others that ranged from an A-65 to an O-290.
Hand propping a plane comes with some risks, but those are easily mitigated by establishing a process or procedure for starting that you do not ever violate. #1 is, never, ever open the throttle more than just a tiny crack. If it doesn't start, fix the engine. -Jeff Scott Los Alamos, NM ? Sent:?Monday, November 14, 2016 at 7:07 PM From:?"jibby212--- via KRnet" <krnet at list.krnet.org> To:?krnet at list.krnet.org Cc:?jibby212 at aol.com Subject:?KR> Hand propping volkswagen I obtained a Kr1 project that flew once but was underpowered with a 1600cc Volkswagen engine, carb seemed a little small too. I am planning on going with an 1835 and would like to keep it light with no starter but I have heard some talk about the volkswagen and short prop being pretty risky. Sure there is always risk but are they more so? My KR1 is also longer than standard at 15' 6" , is this a common mod? ?