-- 
Paul Lamar ...No rotor no motor.


Paul, this is exactly the same method we used operating our T182T. I picked
it up reading a book titled "Flying High Performance Singles and Twins"
written by John C. Eckalbar. My fuel burns were 12.4 GPH, 131 KTAS @2100 RPM
with a MP of 27/28 inHg: TITs were set to book of 1640 (IIRC) so lean of
peak operations could have saved even more fuel (though probably at a loss
of airspeed). I think when I finished the math from some long cross
countries my gas mileage was close to that of my Ford P/U 17-18 Mpg.

I would like to propose an effort to get constant speed/in flight variable
pitch props added to the permitted equipment list in all aircraft, including
UL and light sport based on the fuel efficiency gains. There is nothing in
my experience of operating a constant speed prop that makes this a giant
leap in cockpit workload, or pilot proficiency. The biggest problem is see
is some of the wives tales taught by flight instructors about "Squaring
manifold pressure to prop RPM". There is nothing adverse in operating over
square, as long as the engine manufacturer has not prohibited it. In fact,
over square operation increases engine efficiency, and emissions. Lets try
to get the regulators to help reduce the carbon footprint of GA, while it's
still politically correct to save fuel and have cleaner air!

C. Smith


The rotary does not care about over square :)

Paul Lamar

 I, think you might have a chance if you have a completely automatic system.
(full digital  authority) and someone like Mistral pushing for it.
Complete with a demonstrative model.

Clifton

Mistral already has Auto Lean in their FADEC.
You can get a flight demonstration if you are in Deland Florida
and you contact Mistral. http://www.mistral-engines.com/

Here is a youtube video of such a demonstration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mb97jkFRQI


Paul Lamar


Yes but I was thinking of LSA demonstrive

Clifton


Paul & Clifton,

I have always thought that a variable prop is the best for performance
and least fuel burn.  To get into LSA rules would be very good.  I have
even thought about using a centrifugal clutch arrangement (ie.
snowmobile) to get the best torque vs. rpm on the prop shaft to make a
hands off system for LSA application...

There has been discussion about Picaxe controllers for fuel injection
applications.  How can we adapt this to prop speed applications??

Dan F

Rather easy to do if you have an electric prop.

You measure the RPM and adjust it up and down using software.

Paul Lamar


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