There have been many, many RVs flying for over 40 years with F/P props and they perform wonderfully.
I don't get why everyone thinks the added cost and weight of a constant speed prop is necessary. I have a RV6 and am building a RV7 and wouldn't consider going with anything but a fixed pitch prop.
come on guys... someone is poking for 'fun'...
come on guys... someone is poking for 'fun'...
Would you ever buy a car with a one-speed transmission?
What is the price differential? If your mission is to go cross country isn't it better to just go fp? Formation flying does sound like fun though making me want to go with a 390 cs hotrod. It all comes down to money
Don't let anyone tell you formation requires a CS - pure bunk!
(How many times must we have this discussion?)
as often as is required...
Formation A = Saturday morning join up with friends for breakfast and a quick game of tail-chase... FP or CS does not matter as long as lead understands the performance limits.
Formation B = Airshow performers who need maximum performance...a niche at best.
If you are going from A to B and B's flight memebers all have CS then you probably should also. What if you go from A to B and B has all FP?
B, all with FP... You better be careful! You can all overspeed all your engines at once.
Ironically - one of the issues of the MT is that we seldom land fully fine - usually set to around 2500 rpm, gives a much sweeter flare and there is plenty of power in the event of a missed.
Constant speed prop setup, about 15K plus maintenance. FP Catto prop, about 2K. Difference, about 13K. Fuel about $5+per gallon. Difference, 2600 gallons of fuel. I think I'll stay with my FP prop.
By my calculations from Van's web store, a constant speed prop and governor setup costs $8250. A far cry from $15,000.
Am I missing anything?
Nope, just add maintenance and you're there...
Not hardly......
But to believe it..... just makes the F/P owners feel better...
I'd never want an RV without a C/S..........never, never, never......
Then we would never want you to be with out...
.... when a carowner has tried automatic transmission, he'd never want to go back to manual gearshifts anymore...
By the way, who are the best wood propeller manufacturers in USA?
Thanks
If a RV pilot wants more performance at take off and climb then you can still stay with a F/P by going with a tri blade and/or a higher pitch. This will limit the top end to a lower speed as a direct trade off for the higher performance on take off and climb. This is common with small power bush planes for reasons mentioned above.
In my opinion, Craig Catto, although they're really composite but the most bang for the buck.
Best,