Used to send the new mechanics out for a few yards of flight line.....
The best story was told to me by a Marine Helicopter pilot.
He convinced the platoon of infantry that he was supposed to carry that the battery in the aircraft was dead, so they had to push start it.
They pushed it down the taxiway, he locked up the breaks as he pushed the start switch for the APU; (auxiliary power unit) the little turbine spun up with all the appropriate noise and exhaust smells.
He said they were all cheering as they climbed on board to fly away!
I've always wanted to try it. Didn't figure I could keep a straight enough face