Pilot Institute

JUNE 4, 2025

While a constant-speed propeller system is not too difficult to operate, many pilots do not fully understand how it works, and many do not understand why it exists. Key Takeaways Constant-speed props hold RPM by adjusting blade pitch. The propellers pitch angle is controlled by a hydraulic system that uses the aircrafts engine oil.

Blade Angle 80

Blade Angle Torque Pilot Cockpit 80

Pilot Institute

JUNE 12, 2025

When pilots talk about engaging reverse thrust, they don’t mean spinning the engines or propellers the opposite way. As soon as the aircraft touches down, pilots can engage reverse thrust to divide the task of slowing the aircraft down. When the pilot selects reverse, the buckets swing out and back. What Is Thrust Reversal?

Thrust 52

Thrust Blade Angle Runway Pilot 52

Pilot Institute

JANUARY 21, 2025

The pitch lever (blue lever) adjusts the propeller blade angle to control RPM. Fixed Pitch Propeller With these propellers, the blade angle remains constant and cannot be adjusted during flight. This means pilots can modify the RPM independently of the MP to some extent. What Is RPM?

Blade Angle 52

Blade Angle Pilot Descent Operating Limitations 52

Vintage Aviation News

APRIL 15, 2025

60 Operational Training Unit, a night fighter training unit that saw hundreds of keen young pilots and gunners learn the art of night fighting on the Boulton Paul Defiant two-seat turret fighter. The name “Hydromatic” was a Hamilton Standard patented product name, which described the method by which the blade angle was altered.

Blade Angle 98

Blade Angle Hangar Runway Cockpit 98