Stretching the glide

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Steve Brown
Posts: 257
Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2008 11:00 am

Stretching the glide

Post by Steve Brown » Sat Mar 27, 2010 10:26 pm

Read an interesting article in a back issue of Flying.

Concept was that after your engine has failed if you fully open the throttle, the reduced pumping losses from the pistons not having to pump air against a closed throttle valve results in a substantially reduced power absorbion and hence significant longer glide.

The artcle quotes that at 10000ft, an O-360 requires 6 HP more to windmill at 2000rpm against a closed throttle than with an open throttle & at sea level it is 12 HP.

I guess it is the same 'reduced pumping losses' principle of Wide Open Throttle cruise (WOT) and reducing/controlling the engine revs with the mixture (at less than 75% power of course).

It suggests coarsening the prop too if you have a VP prop.

Might make the glide distance difference you may need one day.

Not heard of this before - has anyone else?

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