Propeller

Question 1

Two Types of Propellers

Answer 1

Fixed pitch - blades don’t change their pitch. Only optimized for one phase of flight - usually climb or cruise
Constant Speed/Variable pitch prop - Changes the angle of attack of each propeller to be most efficient in all phases of flight. By changing the blade angle, you are allowing the plane to reach higher rpms at times when it normally couldn’t, as well as lower rpms at times when it usually couldn’t.

Question 2

Propeller Angle of Attack

Answer 2

The angle between the chord line of the propeller and the relative wind. The optimal angle of attack for a propellor changes during different phases of flight

Question 3

Caution for pilots operating a variable pitch propeller…

Answer 3

Avoid high manifold pressure settings with low rpm. To avoid this, the pilot should also adjust the propeller setting for higher rpm before increasing throttle, and always reduce throttle before changing the propeller setting for low rpm