Flight Training - June 2015 - 42
TECHNIQUE
CONSTANT-SPEED PROPELLER
One propeller, many options
ยป
By Ian J. Twombly
ILLUSTRATION BY KEVIN HAND
CONFUSION ABOUT OPERATION of a constant-speed propeller no doubt begins with the name. Although the intent is
to optimize the propeller's efficiency to maintain constant rpm, it's done by varying the pitch of the blades.
A fixed-pitch propeller operates at peak performance in only one phase of flight-usually climb, cruise, or
something in between. Selecting one requires tradeoffs from the others. Not so with a constant-speed propeller, which utilizes a central hub that connects the individual blades. Inside the hub, oil is used to provide
pressure against a cylinder and spring mechanism that either increases or decreases the pitch of each
blade. Operating a constant-speed propeller is only slightly more challenging than operating a fixedpitch propeller, and it can be easily learned with only an hour or two of training.
CONTROLS
Throttle (left)-Just as with a fixed-pitch propeller, throttle controls the amount of fuel going into
the engine, which either increases (by pushing
forward) or decreases (by pulling back) the power.
Power is measured by a manifold pressure gauge,
graduated in inches of mercury.
Propeller (center)-Pull back and the blades increase in pitch, which lowers rpm.
Push forward and they go flat, which increases rpm. In a multiengine airplane, if you
pull the propeller control back all the way the blades will feather, or go horizontal, to
reduce drag. Mixture-Controls the fuel/air mixture, just as in a fixed-pitch airplane.
1. RUNUP
Taking a constant-speed airplane through its pre-takeoff
routine is a bit more involved.
The propeller control must
be pulled back all the way at
least once, and more may be
required to check manifold pressure, rpm, and oil pressure-all
of which will change as the propeller pitch changes.
2. TAKEOFF
Assuming a normally aspirated
engine, the engine controls
will almost always be full
forward for takeoff. The fuel
flow gauge should be added to
the scan to ensure the airplane
is developing full power.
42 /
FLIGHTTRAINING.AOPA.ORG
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Flight Training - June 2015
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Flight Training - June 2015 - Cover1
Flight Training - June 2015 - Cover2
Flight Training - June 2015 - Contents
Flight Training - June 2015 - 2
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