Veetail88
Well Known Member
I've been flying my 8 for 200 hours now and I've really enjoyed my Whirlwind 200RV propeller.
While I've used the prop regularly to slow down in the pattern I've never really had reason to be aggressive with it.
Well yesterday, returning from a site visit in Cleveland, I caught a bit of a tailwind on my final leg from the Chicago lakefront to 57C (East Troy).
So there I was, screaming along at 2500' and 220 knots over the ground coming into the aerodrome!
As I was approaching the downwind turn to RWY 8, I was still at 160 knots indicated and needed to slow down, fast! I was having too much fun watching the ground rush by.
So with the prop control full forward I pulled the throttle back almost to idle. Holy Toledo! I wasn't really prepared for that! I almost hit my head on the glare shield! Well, not quite that really, but boy o boy does that slow you down fast! 110 knots in the turn to down wind and easy peasy after that.
So for those of you on the fence regarding a constant speed prop and can "swing it", (pun intended), DO IT!
Aside from the obvious climb/cruise advantage, the braking characteristic is an awesome benefit!
Constant speed props.........Worth every nickel!
While I've used the prop regularly to slow down in the pattern I've never really had reason to be aggressive with it.
Well yesterday, returning from a site visit in Cleveland, I caught a bit of a tailwind on my final leg from the Chicago lakefront to 57C (East Troy).
So there I was, screaming along at 2500' and 220 knots over the ground coming into the aerodrome!
As I was approaching the downwind turn to RWY 8, I was still at 160 knots indicated and needed to slow down, fast! I was having too much fun watching the ground rush by.
So with the prop control full forward I pulled the throttle back almost to idle. Holy Toledo! I wasn't really prepared for that! I almost hit my head on the glare shield! Well, not quite that really, but boy o boy does that slow you down fast! 110 knots in the turn to down wind and easy peasy after that.
So for those of you on the fence regarding a constant speed prop and can "swing it", (pun intended), DO IT!
Aside from the obvious climb/cruise advantage, the braking characteristic is an awesome benefit!
Constant speed props.........Worth every nickel!