May 16, 201610 yr I have two aircraft where "auto feather" is a feature in FSX, and I was curious what is it? (the majestic q400, and the PMDG js41)
May 16, 201610 yr Autofeather is a feature of the engines on some turboprop or piston engine aircraft. When the power being produced by the engine drops to the point where it is not contributing to thrust, the propeller will go into a feathered mode to reduce drag. The auto feather system also allows pilots to reduce the drag (changing pitch of blade so that it is parallel to airflow) of the propellers during an engine failure, therefore, allowing the plane to glide for a longer period of time. An automatic feathering system was first introduced on the Martin 4-0-4 aircraft, a piston engine airplane. The system was designed to automatically feather an engine that failed during takeoff or initial climb. Jeff Smith System: i9-[email protected]., ASUS Maximus XI Hero MB, 32 GB 3200 Hyper-X RAM, Corsair HX1000i PSU, Cooler Master ML360R RGB, EVGA RTX 3080Ti FTW3, (2) Samsung 860 500GB SSD for Windows 10 Pro and sim, (2) M.2 NVMe 2TB, (2) WD Black 4TB HD for data, Samsung 65" 4K curved monitor @ 30Hz. (Currently running VSync, TB , Unlimited),YOKO+ yoke, VF TQ6+,TPR pedals, Logitech Multi, Switch, and Radio Panels Software: P3Dv4.5HF3 Pro, Ultimate Traffic Live, ASP3D, ASCA, ORBX, Fly Tampa, GSX/GSX2, PMDG, A2A, Just Flight, Milviz, Carenado, Majestic. On other computer: P3D v3.2.3, My Traffic 6.0a, PMDG, ORBX, A2A, Captain Sim , iFly, Flight 1, Flysimware, Just Flight, Milviz, Carenado
May 17, 201610 yr JNS has and excellent description. I will add that some of these features have been added to certain aircraft so they can make the climb gradient if the engine fails just after liftoff. Its also a safety feature so you don't have pilots throwing levers close to the ground. See the accident info on TransAsia.
May 17, 201610 yr I think auto feather is why you need to get the props on to the start locks with the J41. The feathered position causes excess drag during engine start and as a result the engines can overheat and catch fire. The start locks keep the prop from feathering even when the engines are shut down. Barry Friedman
May 17, 201610 yr I have another aircraft which has autofeather working in FSX - the beautiful Piaggio P180 Avanti by Mario Noriega (freeware). Here's a typical photo of a real one - one engine running the other not yet so the prop is feathered:- Mark Robinson Part-time Ferroequinologist Author of FLIGHT: A near-future short story (ebook available on amazon) I made the baby cry - A2A Simulations L-049 Constellation Sky Simulations MD-11 V2.2 Pilot. The best "lite" MD-11 money can buy (well, it's not freeware!)
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