PROPELLER COUNTER WEIGHTS - Constant Speed Props

Simple, but logic explanation on the function of propeller counterweights and their roll on adjustable pitch propellers or constant speed props.

[@mikefallwell1301]

It would be easier to understand if you talked about the axis of rotation rather than the plane of rotation. The force is produced by distance from the axis

[@planesimple8514]

True. Now that you mention it, yes, that would've been easier. Thank you for taking the time to add that here. Hopefully people will take the time to read the comments and take value from it.

[@mikefallwell1301]

@@planesimple8514 I am developing a propeller that changes pitch by the action of the relative wind on a secondary propeller. I saw this years ago on a Zlen from Poland

[@MrGyngve]

Sorry, but you are misinforming in this video. At 3:02-3:04 you say it rotates the propeller into zero pitch, feathered position. However, a feathered propeller is not in beta range (typically 0 degrees to 10 degrees range), so this is wrong. Reverse range prop is negative -1 to as much as negative -18 degrees Beta range (ground range) is normally 0-10 degrees Alpha range (flight range, typically flight idle to max 5 min rating) is normally 11- about 80 degrees and Feathered range (for engine failure) is beyond 80 degrees. Auto-feathering systems on larger turboprops exists in case of an engine failure at critical phases of flight (take offs and landings). If an engine fails while auto-feathering is armed, it forces the blade to an angle beyond 80 degrees relative to the plane of rotation. This serves two purposes: 1. To lower prop drag to an absolute minimum. If an engine fails (on multi-engines), and the blade stays unfeathered ( in flight about 10-80 degrees, making a solid disc in the air stream), drag becomes so high you risk losing directional control (especially at high GW), and it will severely decrease your glide range in both single and multi engines. 2. To break the prop disc to a stop and remove any vibration and momentum. EDIT: Link to an image showing a P3 Orion in flight with one prop feathered and stopped: cdn.jetphotos.com/full/2/92295_1230352666.jpg

[@planesimple8514]

Hello MrGyngve, my hat off to you. Thank you for the clarification as it is most welcome. Any corrections and expansions of the topic will always welcome here. I just hope that people actually take the time to read the comments and learn from the ones like yours. Thank you, Plane Simple.

[@zed2653]

Really good video, but my only comment is just on the "feathered" terminology. Feathered is a coarse pitch, not fine.

[@rafapilot5934]

Amazing explanation sir. I have a doubt that nobody clarified me related to what would happen in case of total oil pressure loss on the system. As far as i knew, the counterweights will make the prop angle to be in fine pitch in order to get the maximum performance while taking off or landing. It doesn't make sense to put the props into coarse pitch or feather cause the engine would still alive the only problem was the oil pressure of the system. So if you dont have any source of hydraulic (oil) to counteract the force of the weights, the effect would place them into fine pitch. I don't know if my thoughts are correct so if anyone can expain it to me i would appreciate it. Gorgeous video again sir !!

[@Dany-cj3kn]

Excellent Information! I have a question.Are counterweights present in single engine constant speed airplanes as well? cause I heard in that case they default to a fine pitch in case of an engine failure and the presence of counterweights would hinder that right?

[@deRKeYmon]

i love the explanation very well explained and easy to understand thanks a lot

[@planesimple8514]

Thank you very much Francis Njuguna for taking the time to give me some positive feedback. I appreciate it.

[@selamyigrem8367]

Very nice explanation! Would u plz do a Video on how a constant speed propeller works? How pitch is adjusted (coarse or fine or feathered)! Thank You!

[@planesimple8514]

Thank you very much Selam Tighten. I'm glad you liked it. In that same video I explained how the pitch of the propeller is changed using oil pressure to counteract the propeller counter weights. But you are right, there are other mechanisms involved in feathering and un-feathering the prop. If I get the chance, I'll might make a video about that and also the propeller pitch governor. Thank you for the suggestion.

[@jamiesmith898]

you are a king

[@planesimple8514]

Thank you!

[@thahseenahammed4265]

Amazing & informative video, which helped me in my Aircraft Maintenance License Examinations.........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@planesimple8514]

Wow, cool! Thank you very much man. I'm glad my simple video helped you with your tests. Congratulations. Thanks for taking the time to write back a positive comment. I appreciate it.

[@dennisbenett2613]

Amazing explanation. I searched and searched for an explanation of how the counterweights counteract the centrifugal force, and you explained it perfectly. Thank you for the video!

[@planesimple8514]

Thank you very much Dennis. Thank you for taking the time to write such a nice comment and positive feedback. I really appreciate it.

[@younisyasin1353]

perfect explane,thanks

[@planesimple8514]

Thank you.

[@oncuahmet]

Thank you very much for the simicity

[@planesimple8514]

You are welcome. The principle of this channel is simplicity. I try to keep things "Plane Simple"...😜 Thanks for watching.

[@aadityaraj7513]

Does counterweight install in blade hub or blade shank??

[@planesimple8514]

On the blade itself, close to the blade root. The weights rotate the blades not the hub.

[@abhinavpaliwal188]

Beautiful explanation ! Helped a lot ! Thanks for this great explanation!

[@planesimple8514]

Thank you abhinav paliwal. I'm glad you found my video helpful.

[@bharathwajanand1348]

very useful. thanks for the video sir

[@planesimple8514]

Thank you for watching my simple video. I'm glad you found it useful.

[@cristiantorres7734]

Muy buena explicación, en solo 10 minutos y con el ejemplo de la pajilla roja aclare y entendí lo q no había podido como en 15 días....🎉🎉🎉

[@planesimple8514]

Muchísimas gracias Cristian Torres, eres el primero en comentar algo acerca de la pajilla roja. Me alegro que te haya ayudado. Gracias por tomarte el tiempo de escribir un comentario tan positivo.

[@aadityaraj7513]

Does counterweight install in blade hub or blade shank??

[@planesimple8514]

On the blade itself, close to the blade root. The weights rotate the blades, not the hub

[@GoMonster13]

Thanks, it really helps understanding the system.

[@planesimple8514]

Thank you very much Omar. That's my goal, to explain systems in a way that's easy to understand. I'm glad it worked. Again, thank you for giving me some positive feedback.

[@berndweber834]

Wonderful explanation and demonstration. That helps me very much in teaching my students about constant speed propellers.

[@planesimple8514]

Hello Bernd Weber, I'm very glad to hear that you found my video helpful and I'm honored to have helped a teacher. Thanks for taking the time to leave me such positive feedback.