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Old May 6th 09, 11:51 PM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
Morgans[_2_]
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Default Feathering an engine


"Flanagan" wrote

It is so kind of you to reply, and your explanation is so interesting.
Thank you!


In addition, I would add that though it seems counter intuitive, a rotating
unfeathered prop has more drag (much more) than a unfeathered prop that is
not rotating. The feathering has two bonuses, in sorts then.

An unfeathered prop has lower drag stopped, so feathering the prop stops the
prop for the first reduction in drag, and feathering it after it is (or
during stopping it) reduces drag even again.

The reasons given about lessening damage, although true, are a very very
distant reason on why to feather. The MOST important reason is to reduce
drag, increase time in the air and gliding distance, because both of those
reasons mean LIFE. Never seen a better reason than that one, yet. g
--
Jim in NC