Condition Lever

[AWACS 12]

I have messed with it quite a bit during flights, but have not noticed any change in any of the instruments, unless of course I bring to idle which shuts of the engine. Other than that it doesn't appear to do anything. What is it supposed to do and how should I set it during cruise?Thanks!

[Avi8tor1 1]

The lever has two settings: High Idle and Low Idle.As the prop is large and produces quite a bit of drag, High Idle is required for flight so that it always produces thrust to prevent this drag. However, with the higher prop RPM, the FF (fuel flow) is much greater and the engine is much louder. Since this is not needed on the ground, Low Idle is used to prevent excessive fuel being used up, keep noise pollution lower and to reduce wear on the engine.That's my understanding at least :)Regards,

[briansommers 74]

yeah, I'm not a RWP but have been FS since the mid 80'sI concur with the above.

[Guest BeaverDriver]

You won't see any difference in flight other than you might lose some power if you move it to ground idle. It doesn't act like a mixture control in a piston machine though. On the ground keep it to Ground Idle for easier taxiing, and in flight move it to Flight Idle (full forward).There are also 2 secondary functions of the Condition Lever which nobody has mentioned. First It serves as a sort of air conditioner designed to keep the pilot and passengers cool, and secondly, it acts as a very effective noise muffler. Don't believe me? Pull it right back to Idle Cutoff in flight and see how much everyone starts to sweat and how quiet the engine suddenly gets

[AWACS 12]

You won't see any difference in flight other than you might lose some power if you move it to ground idle. It doesn't act like a mixture control in a piston machine though. On the ground keep it to Ground Idle for easier taxiing, and in flight move it to Flight Idle (full forward).There are also 2 secondary functions of the Condition Lever which nobody has mentioned. First It serves as a sort of air conditioner designed to keep the pilot and passengers cool, and secondly, it acts as a very effective noise muffler. Don't believe me? Pull it right back to Idle Cutoff in flight and see how much everyone starts to sweat and how quiet the engine suddenly gets

Lol. I see thanks guys.