Why Counter Clockwise?

[Ken Culbertson]

I have always wondered why our engines are predominately counter clockwise?  I am not trying to spark a discussion of which is better for us but I am curious why clockwise was not picked for CL back when it first started?  Seems to me that either works for everything else but clockwise, especially in speed and maybe in Stunt is better.

Ken

[Steve_Pollock]

I think primarily because clockwise rotation (when viewed from the rear of the engine) tends to tighten the prop nut; counter-clockwise rotation tends to loosen it.

[Ken Culbertson]

I think primarily because clockwise rotation (when viewed from the rear of the engine) tends to tighten the prop nut; counter-clockwise rotation tends to loosen it.

Good enough reason especially if left handed dies were in short supply.  I heard once that the very early control line planes flew clockwise.  I doubt that any of us were around then.

Ken

[Howard Rush]

I heard once that the very early control line planes flew clockwise.  I doubt that any of us were around then.

Leo Mehl was. Alan Resinger maybe. He’s pretty old.

[Steve Thompson]

CCW from front so they are like "real" airplane engines.  CW from the back so they are like car engines.  But mainly CCW from front so angular momentum vector points forward.  Very important for piece of mind.

[Ken Culbertson]

Given the fact that the majority of humans are right handed - it makes sense to be flying in front of your field of vision AND turning the natural way - ie looking where you are going.   Clockwise you will be turning backwards and having to watch the plane -  so makes it a little hazardous

Maybe I wasn't clear (I do that a lot), but I was referring to the rotation of the prop, not the direction we fly, that part makes sense.

ken

[Steve Helmick]

So that RH propellers make the plane go forward and LH propellers make it go backwards!  Steve

[Ken Culbertson]

So that RH propellers make the plane go forward and LH propellers make it go backwards!  Steve

Only if you get the ESC right. 

[Steve Helmick]

Only if you get the ESC right.

Ken, you might check the OP's (you) first post. It said "engines". Didn't say "motors". ESC's are not useful items on IC engines. TUTs may be, but we may never find out.    Steve

[Pepe Llopis]

To start them with the right hand?

[Istvan Travnik]

Leo Mehl was. Alan Resinger maybe. He’s pretty old.

...And Gene Schaffer, too, as I am right...

https://stunthanger.com/smf/nostalgia-30/gene%27s-stunt-machine/

[EddyR]

    Most events that go in a circle go counter clockwise. Car race events . bicycler indoor racing. Ice skating racing events. 
Ed
 

[Ken Culbertson]

    Most events that go in a circle go counter clockwise. Car race events . bicycler indoor racing. Ice skating racing events. 
Ed

This has really drifted off of my original question which was why clockwise prop rotation did not become the standard.

Ken

[EddyR]

Ken I think what people are telling you is it seems more natural to turn left . Not all early model motors were counter clockwise rotation as viewed from the front.
Ed

[Doug Burright]

Our left-handed friend who is new to the hobby, has a difficult time starting the engines, because of the direction of rotation. We told him to flip them backwards, which is more natural for him, and the engine will start, and run in the correct direction, because front rotor engines, and the timing makes them want to run CCW, unlike reed valve engines. We just hate to see electric starters used on engines.