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we have our jar of peanut butter open lets see how this
relates to our propeller.
Similar to the tool helping us open the jar of peanut butter
the constant speed prop is a device which allows us to
efficiently convert power from the engine into thrust. To
understand how the constant speed prop works lets first
review how a fixed pitched propeller works.
Propeller Basics
Before powered flight, pilots were flying gliders and some
of the most successful were flown by the Wright Brothers.
The challenge in keeping these early air machines aloft was
in how they could move the plane through the air under its
own power thus producing enough air speed over the
wings to stay aloft.
Many early attempts at powered flight failed but a
common theme amongst the earliest flying machines was a
device called a propeller. This device had two small wings
attached to a rotating hub on the front of the flying
machine rotating vertically, moving air just as a fan moves
air. A fan must be attached to a base or it will fall forward
since the air being pulled through the fan produces a
forward force called thrust.
The Wright Brothers where successful in placing an engine
on an aircraft and converting the power to turn the
propeller and produce enough thrust to cause the aircraft
to take off under its own power. We have come a long way
since those early days but the basics of propeller operation
are the same.
After the initial climb and at a safe altitude the pilot will
select a power setting to initiate the remainder of the climb
to altitude. This is done by first reducing the power by
decreasing the manifold pressure.
Next we must increase the blade angle and lower the RPM.
A good rule of thumb is to make sure the manifold
pressure is less than or equal to the propeller RPM but of
course you will reference your engine operating manual to
reference the proper setting.
As you climb to altitude in a normally aspirated, non turbo
charged engine, you will need to constantly increase your
manifold pressure as you climb since the air is less dense
as you climb. If you climb to higher altitudes the throttle
will eventually need to be increased to maximum. After the
throttle is at maximum power setting there is not much
you can do, except buy a turbo charged engine.
Cruise
Leveling off at cruise altitude let the airplane accelerate to
the desired airspeed. Since you will no longer need the
excess power to accelerate, reduce the power. Reduce by
first reducing the manifold pressure and then increase the
blade angle to decrease the rpm.