Hi Bill
Why on windy days, you prefer a small diameter prop with high pitch ?
And what is the difference in RPM between the regular prop you are using and the WINDY one ?
Doesn't it changes the plane flying characteristics ?
I use only 32-12 on both reg day and windy, and I'm talking about 25 kt...
Thanks
Adi
Adi, first, ground or inflight RPM monitoring or readings, means absolutely nothing,,, to me. I prefer to listen to the engine while inflight as to what or how I need to tweek on the needles. If my plane is performing like I want it to, then my engine is doing what it needs to be doing. No 2 days are the same therefor the engine might or will act different from day to day.
On windy days, note how your plane acts going down wind and then pull to a vertical line while using your 32x12 prop. it acts like its going to stall and or it only goes so high and stops. With the smaller dia prop and larger pitch you'll gain that little bit of extra thrust needed to hold a straight line as the wind tries to push you away and you continue to go just as high as you would going into the wind,,, almost. I know there's an aerodynamic answer to this that somebody might be able to answer better than me.
Doesn't it changes the plane flying characteristics ?
Yes! landing speeds are faster on non-windy days, you'll lose a bit of braking, engine idle is faster, WOT flying is faster, down lines and most manuevers as well.