Using Trim, Spoilers, Flaps, Fuel Mixture etc

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Re: Using Trim, Spoilers, Flaps, Fuel Mixture etc

Postby Nav » Sat Dec 24, 2005 11:04 pm

Good for you, Hussein, trying props. Jets are actually easier to fly in most situations, because the systems handle the engine management for you and the autothrottle looks after the speed. I think a high proportion of us eventually end up spending most of our time flying props, because they are more challenging and more varied; and are therefore, in the end, more interesting.

Couple more tips to give you the full picture:-

1. I reckon it's quite a good idea, with any 'new' aeroplane, to go to a closeup 'outside view' and actually work the various controls (ailerons, elevators, rudder, flaps, spoiler, even cowl flaps) and watch them moving. I reckon it gives you a much better sense of how those controls operate in the air, for any given aeroplane.

2. The key word (the one that makes flying - real or virtual - different from any other hobby) is probably 'balance'. There is no action without a reaction. For example, it's easy enough to trim the nose up to climb; but you have to remember to add power to maintain flying speed, otherwise you'll soon stall out. Coming down, the opposite applies - you have to cut power to PREVENT the speed in the dive rising to danger levels. Similarly, the main function of flaps is to generate more lift at low speeds - but they also create extra drag, so as you put them down you have to add power to compensate; otherwise you run the risk of running out of flying speed and 'sinking without trace.'

3. The other feature of props that needs a mention is propeller pitch. For takeoff and landing you want 'fine pitch' - the prop turning fast, taking small 'bites' of air and generating lots of power (corresponds to low gear on a car or bike). But for cruising, once you reach height, you want the prop to 'take it easy' in 'coarse pitch', taking bigger bites to pull you along without hogging too much fuel in the process. The propellers on most post-1935 types have 'variable pitch' control which changes the angle of the propeller blades to suit.

Key controls for pitch are 'Ctrl/tap F2' for coarser, 'Ctrl/tap F3' for finer, 'Ctrl/F4' for fully fine (takeoff and landing).  You'll see the revolutions drop as you coarsen the pitch. Usually keeping the revs down to say 2,200 in cruise, with power at 25-30 inches of boost, is about right; but again, see the 'Flight Notes' for any given aeroplane for the best power/revs combinations for cruise.
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Re: Using Trim, Spoilers, Flaps, Fuel Mixture etc

Postby TacitBlue » Sun Dec 25, 2005 12:21 am

Good idea, starting with prop planes. That's how real airline pilots do it. You've got to walk before you can run -- and run before you can fly :P. Who knows, you might end up liking those little prop planes. ;) Don't know if anyone has mentioned it yet (theres so much info in this thread, to much to read right now) but you might try the lessons in the sim. It's mostly hands on, with a little reading. It will walk you through all of the basics.
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Re: Using Trim, Spoilers, Flaps, Fuel Mixture etc

Postby BAW0343 » Sun Dec 25, 2005 1:35 am

wow this has been a GREAT thread.. i have been flying scince the CFS days and have learned this stuff through trial and error and this is a great recorce. I suggest this beocmes a sticky?
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Re: Using Trim, Spoilers, Flaps, Fuel Mixture etc

Postby Hussein Patwa » Sun Dec 25, 2005 7:05 am

Thanks for that.  I'll start in a few days a little at a time.  For now, I'd like to wish you all a very happy Christmas, a belated one if it's already past (it's midday GMT at the moment).

Also, just a random thing, but I'd seriously recommend the eur_srtm_* (filename) scenery downloads.  It's 13 parts, each part 200MB+ but it's brilliant.  

Sorry for that randomness.

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Re: Using Trim, Spoilers, Flaps, Fuel Mixture etc

Postby MattNW » Sun Dec 25, 2005 11:56 pm

[quote]Hi.
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