FS2020 - The Propeller Control

In this video, we take a look at the constant speed propeller handle, what it does, how it works and how to make it work for you. Some theory and practical tips are discussed.

[@BLA2K10]

I normally do not comment on videos but after watching this one I had to say, paying closer attention to the manifold and engine temperature is making this much more enjoyable experience. Thank you for your explanation and I really enjoy the light side! Keep up the great work!

[@meznaric]

I'm pretty sure that power of the engine is proportional to torque x RPM, so generally if you reduce RPM you'll increase torque, while power stays the same if you've got the same manifold pressure. The function of RPM reduction is mainly to reduce the cabin noise and comfort. The reason it's done at cruise is because the power output is lower so you don't overtorque the engine by reducing the RPM. That's also why you increase RPM to maximum during landings and takeoffs - you can safely max out manifold pressure without going over maximum torque.

[@Sebastopolmark]

GREAT video, you have a knack to produce a technical video that WE can understand. Thanks! !! !!!

[@FlyingSwitz]

Thank you so so much for posting all of this helpful content for us! I am an aspiring pilot working on gathering funds for flight training and this is something that has always mystified me. After this video, I have a much better grasp on what the prop lever does. Just know that your content is helping many people out tremendously.

[@lmarinho]

What makes this video extra fun is that this guy is simulating engine failures and generally messing around with the handles in the middle of a frickin thunderstorm! By the way, I've been on a (real) flight over that exact same area in the middle of a thunderstorm as well, hail included. Good times.

[@joeyc_yeet6207]

I wish this guy was my teacher or something he seems like he can explain anything

[@b.8972]

bro facts

[@wball4fun]

Outstanding explanations! So much great information. So helpful! Thanks!!

[@russ2991]

Thank you so much for the video. I've been looking for prop control and mixture control info.

[@jbnzv]

I like your videos much more than just a teeny tiny bit, that I can tell you !

[@kbent88]

I absolutely love your videos!

[@scottellis5645]

Awesome video, thank you! You're missing the discussion topic concerning torque. Torque definitely plays a role in explaining how and why you adjust your prop control and throttle. Perhaps you're saving this discussion for the turboprop video, but certainly applies for the piston engines. I'm subed, with a thumbs up!

[@jonathanyoung6397]

Thank you so much for this.. exactly what I needed! Love your videos, keep it up!

[@groki30]

Great video - thank you 🙂

[@zsoltmolnar1143]

Really useful! Thank you!

[@davido1953]

I enjoyed this video and I'm not the least surprised...

[@robertgillan9672]

Another great video! I have an annoying problem with the grand caravan, where I cant get access to prop control with mouse while in flight because throttle in way.

[@kevinhendon]

Another blinding tutorial and in "Layman's" terms, thank you.

[@vinyldollstudio]

Thank you for the video! Way ahead of where I am and I've never even questioned the subject, but still took all of it in gladly. Appreciate your videos. One question, at the beginning you say there is no change unless the "engine is moving" but later in the simulated failure, you completely cut the engine and adjust pitch. Is this because of the counterweights and the props are rotating? Thanks!

[@rackum44]

Could you do a video on the beachcraft King air 350 I love that plane but I have a tough time landing and taxiing it.

[@onthemarkdetailing8916]

Any tips on controlling prop rpm in a tbm 930

[@rackum44]

Would it be safe to say to pull the propeller handle down when taxiing or does it not really matter

[@hamishparso1341]

how do we setup to feather the prop in the king air with the honeycomb throtlle

[@ricbish4122]

Great video and really nice explanation of how it all works. I do have a question I’m hoping you can answer. How do the thrust reversers work on a turboprop aircraft? I know how they work on most jets but don’t understand how they work on a prop. Thx! Keep up the great vids!

[@joshjenk1613]

Pretty sure they go into reverse pitch to direct airflow forwards

[@Topcat1952]

Good video, as always. I did note that when you shut down the right engine and feathered the prop, it kept on spinning instead of stopping as it should have. You did not mention that so I am wondering whether it is another BUG is MSFS,. If the blades are pointed into the wind, should it not stop turning the engine completely?

[@thecorporatepilotdad]

It is a bug. I noticed this a few weeks ago. It does feather, but it is not represented visually. The prop should stop turning.

[@bonga0711]

So basically you want to keep the manifold and rpm in the green zone or is that too simple to put it that way?

[@dhblan8591]

As a newbie to flight sims, I get confused when you refer to the blue prop handles as controlling the RPM and the throttle handles as controlling the manifold pressure. I always think of the engine as controlling RPM and have a hard time grasping that the props can spin at a different RPM than the engine. Thanks for the video.

[@neomanderx3]

The prop RPM here IS the engine RPM. The throttle here just changes how much power the engine is producing, and the prop governor compensates to maintain the selected prop RPM by altering the pitch/angle of the prop blades.

[@twistedyogert]

The blue lever controls the pitch of the blades. The more the blades "bite" into the air, the slower the engine will turn because of the air resistance acting on the blades. Think of this as like someone rowing a boat. The more the paddle bites into the water, the more resistance your going to feel. Do the opposite and you'll feel less resistance.

[@wolfe1970]

Just to point out, the throttle position determines fuel usage, not prop pitch position, just because your engine has reduced its RPM's doesn't mean you are using less fuel, Fuel usage is linear to throttle position regardless of prop pitch

[@GenosseRot]

It also changes your fuel comsumption with a normal prop engine. The engine power is a product of your rotation speed (rpm, blue lever) and your torque (indirekt manifold pressure, black lever). If you reduce either of these you will reduce fuel usage. Or the other way around: The increased thrust from moving the blue lever forward is not for free.

[@OhhWhateverMan]

I'm going to go ahead and actually go ahead and subscribe. Actually.

[@paulf2184]

Not too too bad. Only seven teeny tiny bits today. Not much much more than last time. BTW, thanks for the useful info. :)

[@Hockeyguy8541]

I don't know why you can get this thing to climb. I've flown this plane quite a bit and If I go over 1000fpm the speed starts dipping and I have to slowly start reducing my climb rate just to not stall out. I have the same problem in the G36 which is supposed to have a way quicker rate of climb than it actually does in the sim.

[@zsoltmolnar1143]

Did you check your mixture? Is it all clean (gear and flaps up)?

[@Hockeyguy8541]

@@zsoltmolnar1143 Yes

[@jeremey2072]

@@Hockeyguy8541 check carb heat? Maybe?

[@Hockeyguy8541]

@@jeremey2072 Carb stuff is inop atm

[@SimbaC2007]

"NEAROLY as bad"

[@Elcicikos]

My propeller level move by itself. I have axis for this but i cannot move it.

[@johnschmitt2172]

a year late....but im guessing it's a flight assist/realism setting. there's one for mixture too

[@talals7029]

Dead engine = dead food

[@twistedyogert]

Dead food? Only if the engine failed because of a bird strike.

[@imacmill]

Great information in the video, but a friendly suggestion to make it more watchable: limit or eliminate your use of the phrase "go ahead and...".