The feathering MT Propeller has an internal mechanical stop to limit the
blade travel to a mid pitch position during normal engine shutdown. This
allows an engine start without the propeller blades being in the feathered
position.
The only time the mechanical stop operates is in a normal shutdown.
It is designed to not function at any other time.
On the feathering MT Propeller the governor oil pressure is required
to maintain correct blade position.
If the governor fails, the propeller feathers.
If the governor can't provide oil pressure because the engine oil pressure
is too low, the propeller feathers.
If the governor can't provide oil pressure because the engine oil is too
hot, the propeller feathers.
If the propeller feathers, it's time to land, now.
With the normal counterweighed MT Propeller, the loss of oil pressure
causes the blades to go to a coarse pitch.
If there is a little power available from the engine even for a short
time, you can have more choices on where you land.
Compared to the drag from a standard propeller, the counterweighted blade
propeller has a 67% decrease in drag. The feathering propeller has a 88%
reduction in drag.
MT Propeller in Germany has taken the position that they would prefer to
NOT sell the feathering propeller for single engine aircraft.
Having said that, I have a local customer that is receiving his feathering
propeller shortly.
Regards,
Jim Ayers
Custom Aircraft Propeller
(805) 795-5377
In a message dated 06/10/2005 1:23:59 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
VTAILJEFF@aol.com writes:
In a message dated 6/10/2005 9:50:01 A.M. Central Standard Time,
CustomACProp@aol.com writes:
This
reduces the propeller drag almost as much as a feathering propeller, without
the flight hazard of a feathering propeller.
What is the flight hazard of a feathering propeller?
Jeff Edwards