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PA28: Difference in constant speed prop vs fixed pitch
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October 8th 04, 03:18 AM
Nathan Young
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On 7 Oct 2004 13:02:37 -0700,
(PaulH) wrote:
At any altitude that permits you to develop 75% power with your
current prop, a constant speed prop won't gain you an inch unless you
want to fly at a higher power setting.
Can you better explain this? My understanding is that a fixed pitch
prop is typically a compromise in both takeoff pitch, and cruise
pitch. Using the typical car driving analogy - a prop that is stuck
in 3rd or 4th gear in a 5 speed transmission. So I would think a CS
prop would net gains at both cruise and takeoff/climb.
What the CS prop primarily gives is better climb and increased drag in
descent if you need get down in a hurry.
I've often thought a CS prop would be very beneficial in long
descents. I often cruise @ 8-11k feet, and during descent, it is easy
to redline the engine, so I have to remove some power, which decreases
the airspeed.
Nathan Young