Fred wrote in :



Marty Shapiro wrote:

Mxsmanic wrote in
:

new_CFI writes:

the more complex adjusting of the fuel comes from the mixture
control.

I don't understand the mixture control, either. Fortunately I can
have MSFS worry about that.

I'm surprised at all the fiddling that pilots are expected to do
with their propulsion units, as compared to other types of
vehicles. Bad enough that one must know how to fly, but apparently
one must be a qualified engine mechanic as well.


Have you ever driven a non-turbocharged car from a low lying city up
into the mountains, like above 5,000' MSL? If you did, you would
understand why the pilot has to manipulate the mixture.

Yes, except I've gone far higher than 5,000' MSL. Take a morning
drive from any (sea level) beach in Maui, for example to the summit of
Mt Haleakala (10,000+ ft). And the 'pilot' of the car doesn't have to
do a damn thing for the mixture, the injector pulse width (aka the
mixture) is adjusted by the computer automatically for max performance
of power/emissions. Pretty basic stuff for any car today, too bad so
many aircraft are still using 1930s era design engines.



Try going a little higher, like to Pike's Peak, 14,110. You will find
a noticeable drop off in power. For extra fun, do it on a hot summer day
in a rental car with the a/c on and watch the "check engine" light come on
at about 12,000'.

--
Marty Shapiro
Silicon Rallye Inc.

(remove SPAMNOT to email me)