How a Constant Speed Propeller Works - Simple Explanation

How does a constant speed propeller work? Well I am here to show you the difference between Constant Speed vs Fixed Pitch propellers and the advantage of constant speed propellers.
NOTE: THIS IS A SATIRE CHANNEL. ALL DANGEROUS ACTS WERE DONE THROUGH THE USE OF REALLY MARGINAL VIDEO EDITING. DO NOT PLACE YOURSELF NEAR OR AROUND ANY SPINNING PROPELLERS. AIRPLANE PROPELLERS WILL KILL YOU. PLEASE UNDERSTAND, ALL SCENES WITH THE PROPELLER WERE CREATED VIA VIDEO EDITING. DON'T GO NEAR A SPINNING PROPELLER. YOU WILL DIE.

[@erena996]

Projectile nose coffee this morning. My wife just looked at me like I was dumb when I replayed and tried to explain. Thanks Bryan!!!

[@dgriffin60]

Ouch - hope you didn’t burn your nose

[@julesviolin]

The next thing is to see if you can play a tune with the blue knob and blades. Like the clip of formula 1 engine doing it with flybywire throttle hooked up to a PC. More lag to deal with on a prop so you might be limited to playing a slow Air or similar (scuse the pun)

[@SFbayArea94121]

If more people had your sense of humor and sarcasm, the world would be a much better place 😂

[@robdotcom71]

Less Karens.... more Bryans (with a Y)

[@thebadgerpilot]

Before ETPs (Electronic Tuning and Pitch), we used to have to verify pitch using a set of tuning forks. Hold the fork for your desired pitch up to your ear, then pull the knob until the prop pitch matches the tuning fork. I liked flying a little sharp of pitch, but there are those that prefer flat of pitch.

[@e2a2j]

I remember when Taco Bell started supplying sporks. The tuning spork was a game changer for me.

[@busteraycan]

oh damn a tuning fork is genius. On this side of the word we used saxophones for pitching the prop. The annual A&P tuning of the sax alone was a pain in the ass.

[@FarkyDave]

As a musician, I am really glad you included the pitch explanation and that you have your airplane in tune. Very important!

[@FreedomfixerFlying]

You are absolutely correct about the pitch of the fixed pitch prop. Unfortunately you completely failed to mention that the chord of the blade is what creates that pitch.

[@kr6dr]

I bought a variable pitch prop. It can throw fastballs, sliders, curveballs for turns and when it hits bugs it throws a spitball.

[@RaspySquares]

This is gold. Not many comics in aviation that flex it for the public.

[@TakingOff]

What if person watching falls into both categories? Member of FAA AND on the other side of the bell curve? And just in case, the FAA is reading comments, I personally don’t think that’s possible.

[@jimkleiss1020]

The video of the prop changing pitch was legitimately cool. The little winglets on your prop make it much easier to see what it's doing. You might consider releasing a clip of just that with a voiceover for educational purposes. Also the bit about the "left end of the bell curve or the FAA".....bravo

[@JustPlaneSilly]

That's actually what prompted the video. I have a goPro that will do 240 FPS and I wondered if I could slow it down enough to catch the rotation. I am going to need a much faster camera to get a clean shot of it. I am looking at high speed cameras and if I can justify the expense, I will try to get cleaner footage of it and upload it stand alone.

[@jimkleiss1020]

@@JustPlaneSilly just a thought (that I'm sure you've already had)...might be a collaboration opportunity with @theslowmoguys or someone else who already has the hardware, not that I'm trying to talk you out of buying new toys.

[@Rodhern]

I don't think you mentioned, so I will. Many two engine propeller aircraft have a propeller synchronization doohickey that will detect if one engine is out of key and help the pilot tune the pitch to maximize passenger comfort.

[@matte1402]

**kicks dirt** Nobody told me I have to also learn music theory to be a pilot.

[@johnopalko5223]

The pitches you have available depend on the temperament of the prop. Equal temperament flies differently than well temperament which flies differently than, say, quarter-comma meantone. This is why, when you're getting your complex airplane endorsement, you should make sure your CFI is well grounded in music theory.

[@MichaelOnines]

Multi-engine requires certification as a band instructor.

[@KingJellyfishII]

@@MichaelOnines for 4 engines and above you need to be a certified orchestra conductor

[@MichaelOnines]

@@KingJellyfishII when the Air Force was flying the B-36 it recruited heavily at the nation's top music schools for people qualified to become flight engineers. To this day schools rely on the generous endowment funds they were able to stockpile during the cold war. Withthe re-engining of the B-52 along with a glass cockpit upgrade the military will again be seeking highly talented individuals, but this time they will be searching for those with digital music creation talents.

[@KingJellyfishII]

@@MichaelOnines wow that's really interesting, I didn't know that! It's amazing that the military has such ties with the musicians!!

[@chrishb7074]

‘…people who are on that side of the bell curve….’ love it!!

[@rogerclarke3291]

Hi from the UK. That ending nearly made me drop me tea LOL Awesome video. Thanks for posting.

[@Palmit_]

HOLY MOLY! I thought my plane was being dumb, but now i see yours doing same thing! Swapping rotation direction is it being smart! now i can scrub expensive purchase of a new rubber band and instead spend the money on better polystyrene wings. Thanks BrYan. You are more of a pre-legend than you already know! :) 🙂🙃

[@robaust3049]

“Whoosh whoosh sound…” too frikken funny…. Always a great way to start the week.

[@AirJockey100]

I love how you put your hand through the prop. Insane that after the prop chopped your hand off, you were able to pull away intact as if nothing happened. Good video 😂

[@auclairaviation]

This is so awesome! Great video and i absolutely dig the sense of humor. Lots of fun.

[@timadodson]

That's gonna fill up a punch card!! Great video, thanks.

[@thefamilythatfliestogether]

Until that warning at the end I was preparing to go to the airport and touch my spinning propeller 🤣🤣 I guess I'll just have to settle for pressing random switches instead 😉

[@jjkrmain]

Proper key. Now I understand the "Airplane" reference about flying on instruments!

[@Palmit_]

(A B) ^-- THIS comment of yours brought a whole new level of laughter from my sides and guts. "Instrument Flight Rules" wiill never be the same again. 😂

[@offrails]

I understand that you should use the key of B for Bravo airspace, C for Charlie, etc. but I'm still unfamiliar on when to use a major vs a minor scale. Are majors for departures and minors for landings or is it the other way round? What about if you are just staying in the pattern and doing touch-and-goes? Help me Bryan with a Y!

[@cduemig1]

Obviously you use the minor scale if there’s any inclement weather or flying IFR. That’s why they do it in movies, they got it from planes.

[@justplanefred]

I wish you a speedy recovery with that hand you lost to show people how dangerous it is.

[@dgriffin60]

I now have such a better understanding - Thank you! 🤪 And yes the more levers, buttons, and knobs = makes me look more impressive as a pilot (I need all the help I can get)

[@kingston5469]

I thought the constant speed prop allowed you to climb, descend, park, turn, and level off while holding one speed only.

[@delawarepilot]

Choose your own adventure props sounds like the best of both worlds. Allows you to run the engine at a much higher RPM

[@ValleyCustoms]

Work of art.... like always!

[@CRISPINSWEDEN]

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha The funniest gag on constant speed propps! I am on the flor here! You are the best Bryan! Cheers from Stockholm Sweden!!!

[@andypetzold]

Thanks for explaining this! ...and for what it's worth, I don't think I've ever watched a Martin Pauley video where he uses slow motion. So, you win! 😜

[@milesgumbus4723]

I never thought I would be learning things in aviation with music notes, you are truly amazing thank you !

[@ajfwff13]

"that side of the Bell Curve".... cracked me up!

[@e2a2j]

I'm guessing this is also a good explanation of why the church organist is sooooo cool. Have you seen all the knobs on an organ? Way more than a plane, and come to think of it, they also have more foot pedals! Whole new level!

[@cduemig1]

Also don’t forget the Pitch-Factor sometimes called p-factor changes the sound during climbs so only check in level flight!

[@7Theodoric7]

'If you fall on *that* side of the bell curve', hilarious!

[@vadymaderkas2329]

Man that show of a tuner was awesome, I cra(n)cked 😄

[@Chris-hq7nl]

This is amazing.

[@paratyshow]

👍☑Now that was way to serious BrYan, are you feeling ok? LOL Loved it as always.

[@Graemehatz]

Love the LiteSpeeds Bryan. At least you got the knob color right :)

[@av8ir68]

Bryan!!!!! Some things are ok to show and certain things are not!!!! Like Brown spots in your britches!!! OMG!!! 😂😂😂 I love your sense of humor, but hopefully the villagers won’t try that idea out next!!! The key of G can be a horrible sound when you get to close to the noise maker!!!!

[@christianbeyrend5209]

I had a good laugh! Thank you!

[@peteranninos2506]

Now I know what I need to do when polishing my spinner! That looks so easy and safe! (Sort of?) I also noticed the error you had at the end. Im sure you can sew it back on. Remember, when playing with "Pitches you get Stitches"🤣

[@johncarter1137]

It's like a transmission for a plane. Enjoyed the video.

[@jerrymartens7253]

What earned my like is the check check step bros bit😂😂

[@joeheitz1833]

You are seriously a certified nut. Never (Evah) change.

[@edwino.4773]

Great video and Hollywood quality special effects! 😂 Working on my instrument rating out of 52F myself 😉

[@richardh5430]

So that's what that means, judging by the video if you push on the little blue lever the prop turns clockwise and if you pull it goes counter clock wise which would aid in backing the plane into your slip.

[@Slimjimmyism]

Thanks for standing right in front of a rotating propeller blade for our need to learn

[@JustPlaneSilly]

Any time!

[@rngalston]

The prop clause.... Gotta have it!

[@RobM00r3]

Very informative video. I’m so glad I watched this!!! I have a couple quick questions about propellers I was hoping you’d be able to answer. Are most propellers right handed or left handed pitchers? How can I tell if my propeller is a right or left handed pitcher? Where can I obtain one of those transparent propellers I keep hearing pilots asking for? Any assistance with these questions or advice would be greatly appreciated :-)

[@stevenhorney7735]

Since I fly a fixed-pitch Archer III, I'll need to consult you for advice on how to tune the pitch to one with a more pleasant tone. And I probably should have watched to the end before running out and touching the spinner as the prop rotated...

[@depotdan4654]

It is essential that you do not pitch for the “S” note in flight. Very messy situation, especially with pax.

[@marshpw]

Lol, took me a second. New subscriber here!

[@boydw1]

Next week we look at advanced techniques, such as using a guitar tuner to perfectly synchronize your propellers on a twin engine aircraft...

[@bryanst.martin7134]

Best description is it's like overdrive for your plane. At altitude the motor can operate at peak torque rpm and pitch the prop till it slows 20 rpm and then back off slightly. Should be the best you're gonna get, except a tail wind.

[@BryanDorr]

More controls and buttons, like blend, puree, dice, and crush like one would find on a blender. Love your vids, Bryan.

[@WolfPilot]

Sooo that's how those things work! I thin kI am ready for my A&P exam now!!

[@DougBowman6]

Excellent humor as always 🤣 Nice videography on the prop changing pitch. Cold!? ❄️🥶. Can't see your breath and no frozen moisture. Fail, not cold. 😁

[@deanc.5984]

We dont fly by sound, how about start, taki, take off, landing settings and adjustments?

[@airmackeeee6792]

"Hello BrYan, we're calling you today from the North Tx FSDO in regards to your airplane's extended warranty..." 😜

[@dezertraider]

CAN I BUY A KEY OF D SPRING PROP FOR MY LIVING ROOM?

[@prussiaaero1802]

at 6:20: What's silver and flies across the airport? Bryan's Rolex. "Bryan! Where's your ticket for the flight??" "Umm....... I don't know,......... it was in my hand a moment ago..."

[@demonorb8634]

Fan tastic Proper funny great tips

[@FlyingNDriving]

What about a constant speed airplanes!? Why do just the propeller?

[@jamesclarkUndiagnosed]

that is called Cruise control.. as opposed to Crews Control, (which as you know if COMPLETELY different)

[@CrystalCanyon100]

Why do you wince when you say departing to the west before taking off. Did you have a bad experience out west?

[@worldtraveler8613]

I notice that turbo props always have a much steeper angle by default on the prop. And more blades. Why is that?

[@ko9446]

What key is it when a fixed pitch prop departs the plane mid flight? Asking for a friend

[@crazypetec-130fe7]

BrYan, you are A Sharp pilot.

[@robstanton9215]

DAMMIT!!!! When am I gonna learn to NOT have a mouthful of food or drink when watching your videos?!?! I’ve wrecked more than one screen and keyboard spraying them with chunks and liquids!!!😂😂😂

[@GaryMCurran]

You are scary, BrYan, but funny. Thanks for the disclaimer, especially the FAA part of it, I was dying when you said that. I DO appreciate the slo-mo on the angle of the blade for climb versus cruise. This has never made sense to me, in that in climb you seem to have a lower angle, versus in cruise when you have a larger angle, but slower speed. But, that's okay, I just trust those people who are talking about it that they know what they're talking about and would never pet the spinner or stand 18" in front of the prop. :D

[@Qrail]

Now I understand! Pitch explains it all. Sharp or flat? Does this apply to paint jobs, tires and wheel pants? Do you have corduroy wheel pants, or bell bottoms? Are your tires sharp or flat? How about my humor? Flat, or lame? Yes, I heard, don’t give up your day job, Jim. Feel free to join me in Rio Linda. There is an airport.

[@declinox]

The logical next step is to play a tune on your prop. If you have a twin engine plane you can even accompany yourself!

[@joecrisp9060]

I love the vid, and I must admit I got anxious with you standing in front of a plane trying its best to get to you to make hamburger lol. Question from someone with no professional aviation experience, what is the difference between the variable pitch you showed here and the constant speed props that are actuated be weights and centrifugal force? I always assumed those were "constant speed" and the one you showed was "Variable Pitch" with the old school props beinf "Fixed Pitch". I know a lot of this was satire, so if im just missing the joke Ill see myself out lol.

[@sazzy6264]

...now I just feel silly and a little embarrassed for spending all that money on my ground school. These videos are way more helpful, and I'm a better student for watching them.

[@patricksean1]

For a new pilot, it's a bit confusing. Luckily, I'm a musician, and I was able to figure it out. I did have to go back and delete in my mind much of what you said early in the video. I do appreciate the content, none the less. Perhaps a disclaimer from the start. Just feedback, all good vibes.

[@jrholand]

my friend doesn't work for the FAA.. does that mean it is ok for them to touch the spinning propeller ?

[@JustPlaneSilly]

I think he's required to

[@jrholand]

@@JustPlaneSilly you are probably correct, he is a SouthWest pilot

[@TrainSounds]

1:05 is that a Cherokee 235 or a Dakota?

[@AkPacerPilot]

Looks like a great way to polish the nose cone… hehe

[@robdotcom71]

Move over Jason Schappert and King Schools and make way for Bryan Turner's Flying School for all your aviation edumucation needs..... Bryan (with a Y) suuuuuuuuuure knows his stuff......

[@alschwartz8732]

I'm definitely on that side of the bell curve, but even I know it's video editing. also, I hope your hand heals

[@JustPlaneSilly]

HAHAH!!!!

[@MikeSparamotor]

I’d like to hear an airplane orchestra!

[@adamdobrzanski6631]

I watched a constant speedo Keanu in a movie about a bus once

[@404-UsernameNotFound]

2:15 That look on his face while saying the direction. I've had that same look, I'm sure, as I'm trying to quickly think: 👆 Never 👉 Eat 👇 Soggy 👈 Waffles 😉

[@FlyChuckyFly]

Always checking the knobs when flying. The more the merrier... 🤣🤣

[@anto687]

I PANICKED then I remembered what channel I was on 🤣🤣

[@taproom113]

Love the satire ... and yeah, Spit my coffee 🤣 (Subbed). What actually happens between the blue knob and the propeller to MAKE it variable, may have been an interesting component of "How a constant speed propeller works" "The advantages of a constant speed propeller", may have been a better title for this one (Sorry, I'm new at BEING satirical ... does it show?) 🤔 But seriously, Well done - Carry on ... ^v^

[@taproom113]

The reason I posted was to understand the path the oil took from the engine to reach the prop hub. The crank must be hollow but where and how does the oil from the engine enter the crank? Thanx, ^v^

[@earthwindflier]

"Beethoven's 5th" and you're a lock for "America's Got Talent". Or at least "Bryan's got talent".

[@Dagrond]

More Knobs. That explains a lot. About a lot of things.

[@love2fly558]

I’m well within the 3-Sigma, but can I call you if I ever need to hand start my engine? You’re not afraid of that prop.

[@jcl1201]

Love a good knob job when flying😂

[@whitmats]

Lol I did not see the “Key” coming, but then I starting trying to harmonize with it.

[@glennwatson]

Can you play the latest hits with your propeller? Muhaha with the intro.

[@brianmorrison7542]

Is it dangerous to fly if you have a lousy ear??

[@mikeryan6277]

So much easier to polish the spinner while it is turning.

[@mikesatchell8317]

"It's just a flesh wound." - The Dark Knight

[@segwaydave]

Can I use autotune on my Mooney????

[@jameshyatte7230]

I prefer to fly in G key and airspace lol 🤣

[@flying-squirrel-SK]

I am jealous of your special knob! Your plane has far too many of them!

[@planeswithperry]

Nobody likes to run flat...thanks for sticking to whole note pitch changes 👍

[@joemelton81]

Hell yeah

[@jayphilipwilliamsaviation]

The video was super useful right up until you got to 4:55, when I became very confused.