R22 Start Up Procedure?

[ALFA8C]

Guys,
I have just watched an R22 start up from a far but what made me ask this question is that the pilot/instructor tried to fire up the engine 5 times without success, everytime he tried I noticed that both the main rotors and tail rotor were trying to turn.
Does this mean that the clutch was engaged and if so would this have been intentional, as a student I was led to believe the clutch should be disengaged on start up, just like a car?
On the sixth attempt the engine started with the blades turning immediately.
Am I missing something?

[veeany]

This post comes with a caution, I havent flown a Robo for many years.

The blades sometimes turn because the belts are tight, perhaps after replacement, sometimes clutches are left engaged to stretch the belts are after installation, which eventually makes them slightly looser.
_________________
Gary

[ALFA8C]

Thanks Gary.
Under normal circumstances however would the rotor blades only start to turn once the clutch is engaged?

[veeany]

As far as I am aware yes, so with the clutch disengaged the blades do not normally turn, unless they are too tight.
_________________
Gary