Propeller pitch: Auto versus manual

[Screamadelica]

Thanks jcomm.

 

As an escape manoeuvre that sounds right, interesting to see the change from 1800 RPM to 2400 RPM once at a safe distance. Any particular reason for this?

 

I tend to use the old MK I ears to monitor engine settings, with the occasional glance at the tachometer and ATA.

 

The question was more in relation to gaining airspeed in a normal situation, rejoining a formation for example, without pushing the engine into WEP mode. I guess what I'm trying to really understand is how the prop pitch settings can be used to maximise the amount of "pull" that can be obtained by the combination of RPM and the pitch of the blade.

 

S! Scream.

[Anatoli-Kagari9]

Thanks jcomm.

 

As an escape manoeuvre that sounds right, interesting to see the change from 1800 RPM to 2400 RPM once at a safe distance. Any particular reason for this?

 

I tend to use the old MK I ears to monitor engine settings, with the occasional glance at the tachometer and ATA.

 

The question was more in relation to gaining airspeed in a normal situation, rejoining a formation for example, without pushing the engine into WEP mode. I guess what I'm trying to really understand is how the prop pitch settings can be used to maximise the amount of "pull" that can be obtained by the combination of RPM and the pitch of the blade.

 

S! Scream.

 

 

Ah! for that I usually set 1,35 or 1,4 ATA and set RPM to 2400 - 2500

 

BTW: I find myself using more the manual prop pitch mode than auto, throughout all of my online missions and offline as well.

 

The aircraft feels better, even climbs better sometimes... And during combat i can manage to get better results even if I have to pay attention to ATA and RPM instead of simply setting my throttle...

Edited December 29, 2015 by jcomm

[Screamadelica]

Using manual prop pitch mode definitely gives more control. As you say, the aircraft feels better, and I find myself using it more and more.

Thanks for the help jcomm.

S! Scream.

[Fixxxer46]

Thanks to the tips in this thread, i've started flying with manual pitch only.

 

Getting to learn this aspect of flying the beast, can only make you and the plane more in sync with eachother. :pilotfly:

[Anatoli-Kagari9]

In the heat of a dogfight, we just can't forget about the limits...

 

I haven't used the MW50 now that I use mainly manual prop pitch settings... And I find the required response, all of the time, even better than sometimes with auto prop and MW50 :-)

[DieHard]

(re: Message #11---LANDINGS)

 

Discovered this thread a few days ago. Printed it out for reference.

 

I have been flying the 109 in auto-prop with governor on.

 

Landing in auto, I have tailwheel locked, tail is trimmed a bit heavy for 3-point landing, I approach the runway with full flaps and reach runway at about 200 kph. I get close to touchdown and close throttle, and just wait for airspeed to drop and basically I stall inches above the runway and 3-point land. I do not touch the brake pedals until I get real slow. Have not run out of runway doing it this way, yet. Toe brakes are set to +30 each with Slider and Invert checked for CH Pro Pedals.

 

Takeoff in manual prop, with prop at 11:30 o'clock at 1.2 ATA , no flaps down, elevator trim at zero, 80% to 100% gas, no bombs or external tank, works beautifully. After takeoff, wheels up, running lights off, auto-governor on, adjust elevator trim. I cruise at about 2,000 to 2300 rpm.

 

I also map a kill switch On/Off for turning the engine off in-flight. Comes in handy diving and in other circumstances like forcing that guy on my tail to overshoot, and landings.

 

I will be experimenting with the manual prop.

 

Oh, BTW, since I tend to blow the 109's engine, my eyes are always glued to the RPM gauge even in my peripheral vision! I rarely venture much above 2400 rpm.

 

Thanks for posting this thread.

Edited February 12, 2016 by DieHard
CONCERNING_LANDING