Attatched is a report by John Brownlow the PFA (head coach)which hopefully
many of you will be interested in the main principals would presumably apply
in general to other makes of variable pitch propellors Ron S No 33
OPERATING GUIDANCE FOR THE EUROPA
FITTED WITH THE ROTAX 912 / CAP 140 NSI VP PROPELLOR
Introduction
1. These notes give guidance on operation of the Europa fitted with the
above VP
propellor installation. The notes are based on experience gained with Europa
G-BWZT. Propellor pitch settings on other Europas fitted with this
installation may require slight different handling, but the principles laid
out in this guidance note, particularly the checking procedures, should still
apply.
Engine Start
2. After starting the engine:
a. Set the VP propellor system selector switch to ON and check the GREEN
indicator light is ON.
b. Cycle the propellor to Fully Course and check that the RED pitch limit
indicator light illuminates with the Propellor Pitch Selector (PPS) pressed,
and goes out when this control is released.
c. Cycle the propellor to Fully Fine with the PPS and check that the RED
pitch limit indicator light goes out during the cycle, and then illuminates
when Fully Fine is reached. Check that the RED pitch limit indicator light
goes out when the PPS is released.
Taxy and Power Checks
3. a. Taxi with the propellor selected to Fully Fine.
b. Before starting the power checks ensure that the propellor is selected to
Fully Fine and the RED pitch limit indicator light illuminates with the PPS
pressed, and goes out when the PPS is released.
c. Complete the power checks with the propellor selected to Fully Fine.
Sequence of the Pre-Take Off Checks
4. Immediately after setting the Tailplane Trim, press the PPS to select
Fully Fine and check that the RED pitch limit indicator light illuminates.
Check that the RED pitch limit indicator light goes out on releasing the PPS.
Take Off, Go-Around, Touch and Go, and Climb
5. Take off, go-around or touch and go, with the propellor pitch set to
Fully
Fine. The ground adjusted Fully Fine pitch setting of the propellor should
allow not more than 5800 RPM to be achieved at speeds up to the maximum angle
of climb IAS of 61 knots (Vx). This
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should allow the wheel/flaps to be raised and locked, and a safe height to be
reached, before the PPS is operated. To achieve the maximum rate of climb
fly at 75 knots and full throttle. After the wheel/flaps are up and before
increasing speed to 75 KIAS, press the PPS briefly (say a couple of 'blips')
towards a courser pitch setting to ensure that 5800 RPM is not exceeded. 5800
RPM may be maintained for 5 minutes.
6. If you wish to level soon after take off to stay in the circuit, on
reaching circuit height,
with the wheel/flaps up, lower the nose and 'blip' the PPS towards a courser
pitch setting until 5500 RPM is reached (IAS should be about 75 knots) and
then immediately reduce the throttle setting to give around 4000 RPM.
Sequence of Downwind Checks
7. The downwind checks below 83 KIAS should start with:
a. Select wheel/flaps down. Check wheel/flaps selector latch engaged.
b. Press the PPS to select Fully Fine and check the RED pitch limit
indicator light comes ON. Set 45-5000 RPM, depending on weight, to maintain
70-75 KIAS.
Final Approach
8. The final approach checks should include:
a. Wheel/flaps selected down and latch engaged.
b. PPS checked set to Fully Fine.
On-Route Climb
9. Various pitch/power settings may be used for an on-route climb depending on
the rate of climb required. The maximum rate will be achieved at 5800 RPM
for 5 minutes, followed by 5500 RPM set by 'blipping' the PPS to a courser
setting with the throttle remaining open fully. Having 'blipped' to reduce
to 5500 RPM the throttle opening can then be adjusted to vary the rate of
climb if required.
Cruising
10. Throttle opening and pitch settings for the cruise will depend on
cruising
altitude and the degree of economy/speed required. A comfortable, fast, and
economical cruising procedure at around 3000 ft. and about 75% power would be:
a. After climbing as in para.8 above, set the throttle at about 3/4
open, or 27.2 HG if a manifold pressure gauge is fitted.
b. Adjust the PPS setting to achieve 4800 RPM ( Fully Course in G-BWZT).
11. For cruising at 65% power, after the climb set:
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a. A throttle opening of about 2/3, or 26.5 HG if a manifold pressure gauge
is fitted.
b. The PPS to achieve 4800 RPM (Fully Course in G-BWZT).
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