"PittsS1C" wrote

Positive thrust to get moving then hanging out in the zero thrust area
with
little adjustments positive and negative during taxi.
I think I would hesitate to use a geared engine for taxing that way (like
turbine planes do)

I can't say with 100% authority, but I don't see that as a problem. Just
because there is zero thrust, does not mean the engine/gearbox has zero
load. Even at beta, the prop is still moving a lot of air, but off of the
front and the back and ends of the prop, at the same time. Considerable HP
is still being used, and putting a constant, normal load on the gears.

Think of a "club" prop, for breaking in engines, or using on a "torque" type
dyno. It is indeed putting a load on the engine and gearbox, but it is not
trying to make thrust, so the test stand/dyno doesn't zoom down the length
of the driveway. g
--
Jim in NC