The Ultimate RV-12 Prop?

[Mel]

[quote=DonFromTX;1096157]So all we need is a prop maker that would put a sticker on the prop that it is "Not to Be Adjusted in Flight" and they could sell them to almost every RV12 person and it would be legal, right?
Unless some FAA guy was flying very close to you, nobody would ever know you touched it.

AND jump through all of the FAA "hoops" that Carbon Cub did to get the approval. Good luck.

[Mel]

Why do so many people want to "push" the rules? If you want to "cheat", go ahead. You probably won't get caught.
Just don't publish your intentions on the internet.
We have a lot of freedom here. If we insist on abusing the privileges we have, they can go away.

[Phantom30]

Originally Posted by Mel

Why do so many people want to "push" the rules? If you want to "cheat", go ahead. You probably won't get caught.
Just don't publish your intentions on the internet.
We have a lot of freedom here. If we insist on abusing the privileges we have, they can go away.

Mel, first and foremost, must of us are smart enough not to abuse "the rule" (and take the chance of loosing our flying privilege); that said, it is kind of stupid when the technology exsists to achieve better flight performance. Rules should make sense!

[Mel]

Originally Posted by Phantom30

Mel, first and foremost, must of us are smart enough not to abuse "the rule" (and take the chance of loosing our flying privilege); that said, it is kind of stupid when the technology exsists to achieve better flight performance. Rules should make sense!

The reasoning for not allowing a controllable prop in LSA is to make the operation of the aircraft as simple as possible.
With the speed range of light sport aircraft a controllable prop just doesn't buy you that much performance.
While a typical RV has a speed range of right at 4:1, LSA limits the aircraft to a range of 2.7:1.

[Sink]

You can not have any control device or switch in the cockpit that would allow a pilot access labeled or not. According to the FAA it has to be ONLY accessible and changeable on the ground. The rules for LSA were set up by the big 4 pushing for LSA during the fat Ultralight days. The FAA never dis-allowed it. You can't blame the FAA for this one.

[rvbuilder2002]

Originally Posted by Sink

You can not have any control device or switch in the cockpit that would allow a pilot access labeled or not. According to the FAA it has to be ONLY accessible and changeable on the ground. The rules for LSA were set up by the big 4 pushing for LSA during the fat Ultralight days. The FAA never dis-allowed it. You can't blame the FAA for this one.

Roger,
I'm not sure who the BIG 4 is that you keep referring too because the consensus standard was developed by an ASTM committee of which there were far more than 4 members (that is why it is refered to as a consensus standard). I believe there was and still is at least one representative of the FAA as a committee member (Van's Aircraft is a participating member of the committee).

Regardless, the FAA hasn't automatically accepted every single LSA rule as decided by the committee. There has also been negotiations for different rule changes over the years.

To say that the FAA didn't invoke that rule may be true in one sense, but that doesn't mean they wouldn't have pushed for it if it wasn't in the initial draft.

I don't see how it matters what the origin of the rule is.... the rule exists and it will do nothing good for the majority if a few try and figure out a way to beat the system (with this rule or any of the others that apply to LSA)

[Bill_H]

I started the thread with the application being a short home airstrip and wanting to be pitched for climb at the start of an x-c. It wasn't to go faster.

And also noted the oil-door switch access, or placard warning, and even "pocket remote control." Or hidden switch. You'd never get caught unless you have an accident, then your insurance might be voided, etc...

These responses have clarified the issue, EXCEPT FOR THIS:
1) What would be a suitable prop? Does one even exist?
2) What would be the maximum cruise speed on the -12 (Rotax) with an adjustable prop? I am thinking around 128. I get 122 with wheel pants and under gross.

[RFSchaller]

I sympathize with the desire to experiment, but that's what EAB is for. I engaged in an ELSA build with my eyes open accepting the limits in exchange for the driver license medical, 5 hour test period and no 51% rule. I applaud efforts to expand the ELSA limits, but I made my bed so I have no regrets!

[Jetguy]

Now that I have some experience with the Rotax 912. I might try another build as a EAB RV12 then I would try this Unit.
http://www.airmasterpropellers.com/p...ystem-overview

They are usually at OSH and I have talked to them a few times. They know the Rotax well and it seems like a great product.
Imagine a higher RPM producing a higher HP output in the Climb. This may make it easier to climb to cool air in the summer months. You would easily see 1200FPM climbs in cool weather. Then as you accelerate and reach 5500 RPM with a flip of a switch to Cruise setting pick up a quick 5 or 7 knots. Or you could try some glides with the prop feathered, that would be fun. Of course I would stay within the limitations of the POH. It would be fun to try it out for a while and if it didn't work very well I could always go back to the Fixed Pitched prop.

[Postaltwo]

Originally Posted by Jetguy

Now that I have some experience with the Rotax 912. I might try another build as a EAB RV12 then I would try this Unit.
http://www.airmasterpropellers.com/p...ystem-overview

They are usually at OSH and I have talked to them a few times. They know the Rotax well and it seems like a great product.
Imagine a higher RPM producing a higher HP output in the Climb. This may make it easier to climb to cool air in the summer months. You would easily see 1200FPM climbs in cool weather. Then as you accelerate and reach 5500 RPM with a flip of a switch to Cruise setting pick up a quick 5 or 7 knots. Or you could try some glides with the prop feathered, that would be fun. Of course I would stay within the limitations of the POH. It would be fun to try it out for a while and if it didn't work very well I could always go back to the Fixed Pitched prop.

That's awesome