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  #1  
Old 05-09-2015, 11:52 AM
rockit rockit is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 69
Default fixed pitch vs. constant speed

I am look at purchasing a RV-7 and it has a fixed pitch prop. I have low tail wheel time in a champ but lots of time in a RV-9A. Someone mentioned a CS prop is better because it will help you slow down the airplane and better for low TW time pilots.
I was wondering if anyone has an opinion on this.
Thanks.
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  #2  
Old 05-09-2015, 01:56 PM
Ron RV8's Avatar
Ron RV8 Ron RV8 is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Okanagan Valley BC, Canada
Posts: 483
Red face

You will get lots of opinions...

I have a -8 with a fixed pitch catto and slowing down to land is no problem.

My previous a/c was constant speed so the thing I find I have to watch is over-speeding on descent...

By the time you do some transition training for the t/wheel you will be used to it...

Also one less conrol to worry about...
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  #3  
Old 05-09-2015, 02:13 PM
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Sam Buchanan Sam Buchanan is online now
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: North Alabama
Posts: 4,301
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by rockit View Post
I am look at purchasing a RV-7 and it has a fixed pitch prop. I have low tail wheel time in a champ but lots of time in a RV-9A. Someone mentioned a CS prop is better because it will help you slow down the airplane and better for low TW time pilots.
I was wondering if anyone has an opinion on this.
Thanks.
Yes, the membership has opinions about your question.....hundreds of them.

Not trying to blow off your inquiry, but the Search function of the forum will reward you with hours of reading about the various aspects of fixed and CS props.
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  #4  
Old 05-09-2015, 06:55 PM
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GLPalinkas GLPalinkas is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Venice, Fl
Posts: 1,020
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam Buchanan View Post
Yes, the membership has opinions about your question.....hundreds of them.

Not trying to blow off your inquiry, but the Search function of the forum will reward you with hours of reading about the various aspects of fixed and CS props.
OK, here is one.

I didn't want the complexity, costs and weight associated with a constant speed prop. One caveat is that I live in Florida, fly over somewhat-lower-than-out-West mountains back and forth to Ohio, Georgia, etc.

I got 400'/minute in my Taylorcraft on a good day and found that fixed pitch RV-6 prop gave me 2000'/minute. If I lived in an area where big mountains were the predominate landscape I probably would have a different opinion.

I find no issue with slowing down. Just plan ahead.
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  #5  
Old 05-09-2015, 07:01 PM
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blueflyer blueflyer is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Shreveport, LA
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by GLPalinkas View Post
OK, here is one.

I didn't want the complexity, costs and weight associated with a constant speed prop. One caveat is that I live in Florida, fly over somewhat-lower-than-out-West mountains back and forth to Ohio, Georgia, etc.

I got 400'/minute in my Taylorcraft on a good day and found that fixed pitch RV-6 prop gave me 2000'/minute. If I lived in an area where big mountains were the predominate landscape I probably would have a different opinion.

I find no issue with slowing down. Just plan ahead.
What he said. He nailed it for me, except replace Florida with Louisiana
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  #6  
Old 05-09-2015, 08:19 PM
alpinelakespilot2000 alpinelakespilot2000 is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,646
Default

I live near lots of mountains with a -9 and fixed pitch. Was low time tailwheel when I finished it. Works just fine for flying or landing.
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Last edited by alpinelakespilot2000 : 05-09-2015 at 08:24 PM.
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  #7  
Old 05-09-2015, 09:01 PM
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grubbat grubbat is offline
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Ga
Posts: 662
Default The best

For an RV, a fixed pitch is the best lowest cost solution. Highly recommend a Catto. I had several of his props and they were great. Even have a new one on the wall. Can't bring myself to bolt this wonderful piece of art on my project.

However, My latest deal has a CS cause I like shifting gears rather than leaving it in first all the time, and my discresssionary income is not a hindering factor at this point in my life. Otherwise it would be a Catto.

Good luck on your search for the best prop!

Cj
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  #8  
Old 05-09-2015, 10:04 PM
Spindrift Spindrift is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 298
Default No issues with FP

I had a similar dilemma when shopping for my RV, but as Ron said, by the time you do your transition training and get some time in the plane, you'll learn to slow it down. I can approach the field at 160 knts and easily slow down to 90-100 on the 45 and 80 (or slower if necessary) on downwind. You'll adjust quickly. I had 1 hr of TW time before doing my transition training with Mike Seager.

I've also had no issues with climb out, even when I had to go around at a field near Mt. Rainier in a narrow valley with a full load. Sure, a CS prop will give you better climb, but the FP climb is so good compared to most anything else, you still be very happy with it. In most circumstances, I rarely climb at Vx or Vy. A cruise climb at 140 knots is still better than most certified birds.
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RV7A QB kit -- sold and now flying in S. Africa
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  #9  
Old 05-09-2015, 10:20 PM
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RV6_flyer RV6_flyer is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: NC25
Posts: 3,508
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by rockit View Post
I am look at purchasing a RV-7 and it has a fixed pitch prop. I have low tail wheel time in a champ but lots of time in a RV-9A. Someone mentioned a CS prop is better because it will help you slow down the airplane and better for low TW time pilots.
I was wondering if anyone has an opinion on this.
Thanks.
I would not own an RV with a fixed pitch prop.

IF the price was right, yes I would buy one that is fixed pitch that could be changed to Constant Speed and would change over as soon as I got it in my hangar.

Over 20-years ago, Allen Tolle changed over his RV-4 from fixed to CS. He reported at many EAA meetings that he saved 1.5 Gallons per hour changing over. The prop paid for itself in fuel savings.
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  #10  
Old 05-09-2015, 10:24 PM
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N941WR N941WR is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: SC
Posts: 12,887
Default

A couple of thoughts for you:

Can a CS prop be added to the -7 you are looking at?

The nice thing about a CS prop is the Blue knob is all the way forward for both takeoff and landing. So just like your -9A, you only have to play with the throttle while you keep it straight on the runway.

Oh, the -7 is easier to handle on the ground than the Champ.
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Last edited by N941WR : 04-16-2016 at 08:59 PM.
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