Propeller use

[skkuda]

Hi!

Does anyone know where to find a site that have info on how/when to use the propeller?

Thanks in advance

[ilya1502]

Hi,

The use of the propeller is simple: it is just a big fan in front of the airplane to cool the pilot! You don't believe me? Just make it stop rotating and look at how pilot starts to sweat! 

Okay, okay... Sorry Your question is just too general and it has reminded me that old joke. I suppose you mean "how to use a constant speed prop?" If so, then you should take a look at the FSX integrated flight school and the theory part written by Rod Machado. It's located in the Learning Center.

Here is a couple of good links for you:

http://www.pilotoutlook.com/airplane_flying/constant_speed_propeller (after reading a page press NEXT and read on)

Here is an excerption from the Rod Machado's handbook:

http://www.hariguchi.org/flying/info/prop.html

Here is a similar forum discussion:

http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/tech_ops/read.main/115361/

And a few more:

http://www.avweb.com/news/maint/185020-1.html

http://ma3naido.blogspot.com/2009/01/constant-speed-propeller-operation.html

Hope this helps. If not, please make your question more specific.

[skkuda]

Thanks  ilya1502!!!

I´m Going to start reading.

[John Dow]

If you're interested in learning from the ground up what makes the plane do what it does and how to become a better pilot, try the link in this post:  http://orbxsystems.com/forums/index.php?topic=19582.0

[alan2]

Im currently learning about engine management with respect to WWII combat. All manual control. Overheating and fuel conservation being my main concern.

Most engines have a power band at 2-3000rpm and for max speed it needs to be kept there but this does not neccessarily require full throttle which will aid cooling.

You will have to keep an eye on the mixture in accordance to altitude because being too rich will kill your fuel economy and not to mention the engine with fowled plugs and also leave a tell tail smoke trail , good for the enemy. So keeping an eye on tachometer and exhaust temps keep things lean.

Good pilots are constantly compensating for temperature with their radiator settings, but higher settings will increase drag and reduce speed.

....I have my hands full just running the engine let alone the dogfight !! Ill probably last 3minutes in real life in a fight !

Not to mention the quick use of flaps to increase the rate ot turn to get a quick pop shot in .

Ok, not strictly about props but a quick illustration of engine/aircraft control where prop pitch is just a part of the story

Looking forward to the accusim fighters

[Bruce Hamilton]

The use of the propeller is simple: it is just a big fan in front of the airplane to cool the pilot! You don't believe me? Just make it stop rotating and look at how pilot starts to sweat!

[ilya1502]

That joke is older than you are. 

[Phil Manhart]

@alan: I have come to find that while flying WWII fighters, I manipulate the prop pitch and cowl flaps  more than the throttle.

[Ron Attwood]

My thanks to skkuda for asking the question. I've been wondering about that very topic for quite a while, but have been too chicken to ask! Some great reading was provided by ilya1502, shame about the joke.