GrinchF16
Well Known Member
Sometimes you just have to risk looking like a chuckle-head…..
30+ years flying but almost exclusively jets. New to the prop world. Here’s the situation:
RV7A, 180hp, carbureted Lycoming, one mag, one electronic ignition
AWOS - Clear skies, 50+ miles vis, calm winds, no visible moisture (for 100 miles), temp/dew pt (78/50)
5’500’, leaned just ROP (archaic panel so “just ROP” is as detailed as I can get), 2400 RPM, 148 KTAS, CHT’s high as 430 in the climb (I’m working on that) but now all under 400, oil temp 195, oil pressure 80, life is good. Airplane shudders, engine instruments remain same, I turn to nearest divert, carb heat on, switch fuel tanks, A/C continues with odd vibration. I figure if I’m going to lose the motor I’ll do it on my terms, add power and climb for range. As I get within glide range of my divert field, A/C smooths out. 3-4 minutes total elapsed time. At this point I can turn toward home and stay within glide range of divert airport until within glide range of home field. Check mag/electronic ignition, nothing unusual. Stay within gliding parameters and land uneventfully.
Post flight inspection I find blood/snarge on the prop.
As I said, new to the prop world. Is it possible I whacked a bird and the remains effected the balance of the prop until they were spun off, kinda like I think liberating ice might work? Not a rhetorical question, I know there are some brilliant aero types here as well as a wealth of experience.
Standing by for spears but hoping for some good input.
Thanks
30+ years flying but almost exclusively jets. New to the prop world. Here’s the situation:
RV7A, 180hp, carbureted Lycoming, one mag, one electronic ignition
AWOS - Clear skies, 50+ miles vis, calm winds, no visible moisture (for 100 miles), temp/dew pt (78/50)
5’500’, leaned just ROP (archaic panel so “just ROP” is as detailed as I can get), 2400 RPM, 148 KTAS, CHT’s high as 430 in the climb (I’m working on that) but now all under 400, oil temp 195, oil pressure 80, life is good. Airplane shudders, engine instruments remain same, I turn to nearest divert, carb heat on, switch fuel tanks, A/C continues with odd vibration. I figure if I’m going to lose the motor I’ll do it on my terms, add power and climb for range. As I get within glide range of my divert field, A/C smooths out. 3-4 minutes total elapsed time. At this point I can turn toward home and stay within glide range of divert airport until within glide range of home field. Check mag/electronic ignition, nothing unusual. Stay within gliding parameters and land uneventfully.
Post flight inspection I find blood/snarge on the prop.
As I said, new to the prop world. Is it possible I whacked a bird and the remains effected the balance of the prop until they were spun off, kinda like I think liberating ice might work? Not a rhetorical question, I know there are some brilliant aero types here as well as a wealth of experience.
Standing by for spears but hoping for some good input.
Thanks
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