Yesterday we did some glide testing on ZK-UBD and ended up with some
rather interesting results. Remember that ZK-UBD is a Classic monowheel,
has no fairings, and that all the tests were being performed at MAUW.
We were able to repeatedly show that the rate of descent improved by
around 90% when we feathered the prop compared with the engine just
idling across a wide range of speeds. On ZK-UDB we ended up with a best
glide speed of 70 knots IAS at 520fpm with the prop feathered. With the
engine idling the rate of descent at 70kias was 1100 fpm.
For those with Airmaster featherable controllers this is worth
remembering if you ever have an engine failure. It may mean the
difference between reaching that paddock and not reaching it!
Tony
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