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		wingsdown(at)verizon.net Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 7:16 am    Post subject: Kitfox mishap in Colorado | 
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				To extract maximum take off performance without the constant speed
 feature I sometimes found it necessary or desirable to pitch the prop
 flatter for maximum RPM and manifold pressure. Once on the roll, usually
 just a few hundred feet off the ground, forward speed has increased to
 the point the prop unloads and RPMs increase beyond what is wanted. One
 must then either reduce power or pitch the prop more course. In a normal
 take off scenario it really is not necessary to have to make a major
 adjustment immediately after lift off. It was nice thought to be able to
 go from a great climb prop to a great cruise prop at the touch of a
 toggle. 
 On a subject not addressed, but one that was really nice, is the short
 field  landing or emergency short stop requirement. By putting the prop
 in beta, reverse you could do some really cool approaches and short
 stops. Not that one would do this on a regular basis when a good side
 slip will do. Oh and should you ever need to slow down really fast in
 the air, there is nothing more exciting than going beta for a few
 seconds at full power. Only did that once with plenty of altitude. What
 a rush being pulled forward in your harness. Only once. That was enough
 for me. 
 
 Rick
 
 --
 
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		Lynn Matteson
 
 
  Joined: 10 Jan 2006 Posts: 2778 Location: Grass Lake, Michigan
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				 Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 2:08 pm    Post subject: Kitfox mishap in Colorado | 
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				I was just watching the "House" marathon on TBS, and they mentioned  
 the word "beta", but I didn't see or hear anything about  
 propellors....seriously though, what does "beta" mean in the world of  
 propellors? All I know about Beta is that is was a superior video  
 tape format that the stupid masses voted down in favor of the longer  
 running-time VHS.
 I really am serious about the question, though....what does beta mean  
 in respect to props? (the dictionary exp. doesn't give me a clue)  
 (Maybe if I got the additional 20 hours of flight training, I'd know  
 this but I didn't and I don't.) : )
 
 Lynn Matteson (educationally challenged Sport Pilot)
 Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger
 Jabiru 2200, 593hrs
 Sensenich 62x46
 flying again after rebuild, and new Electroair direct-fire ignition  
 system;
 also building a new pair of snow skis
 
 
 On Nov 27, 2008, at 7:56 AM, fox5flyer wrote:
 
 (snip)
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		   
  <fox5flyer(at)idealwifi.net>
  That prop has built in interlocks so that it cannot go into beta  
  above a certain rpm.  I think it's about 1200 prop rpm to be exact,  
  but I'd have to check.
  Deke Morisse
 
 | 	  
 
  <paul(at)eucleides.com>
 (snip)
 
 There is no danger of putting in reverse Beta in a constant speed prop.
 
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 _________________ Lynn
 
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
 
N369LM | 
			 
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		MichaelGibbs(at)cox.net Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 2:21 pm    Post subject: Kitfox mishap in Colorado | 
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				Lynn asks:
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  ...what does beta mean in respect to props?
 
 | 	  
 Beta means the prop pitch can be reversed.  Very handy for float 
 planes that need to maneuver to and from a dock without the pilot 
 having to get out and use a paddle.
 
 Mike G.
 N728KF, Kitfox IV-1200 Speedster
 Phoenix, AZ
 
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		Lynn Matteson
 
 
  Joined: 10 Jan 2006 Posts: 2778 Location: Grass Lake, Michigan
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				 Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 2:50 pm    Post subject: Kitfox mishap in Colorado | 
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				Thanks, Mike....now as a person who needs to know how words came  
 about, I just have to know how do I tie the word "beta" into prop  
 pitch reversing? The dictionary says (for one example) "the second  
 item in a series of classification", so I guess the first is going  
 forward, and the second is "beta" or reversing, eh? Sorry to be a  
 pain in the butt, but "I gots to know!"
 I just can't stand it when they throw a word at something without a  
 reasonable explanation for it.
 
 Lynn Matteson
 Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger
 Jabiru 2200, 593hrs
 Sensenich 62x46
 flying again after rebuild, and new Electroair direct-fire ignition  
 system;
 also building a new pair of snow skis
 do not archive
 
 On Nov 27, 2008, at 5:20 PM, Michael Gibbs wrote:
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		   
  <MichaelGibbs(at)cox.net>
 
  Lynn asks:
 
 > ...what does beta mean in respect to props?
 
  Beta means the prop pitch can be reversed.  Very handy for float  
  planes that need to maneuver to and from a dock without the pilot  
  having to get out and use a paddle.
 
  Mike G.
  N728KF, Kitfox IV-1200 Speedster
  Phoenix, AZ
 
 
 
 | 	 
 
 
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 _________________ Lynn
 
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
 
N369LM | 
			 
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		MDKitfox(at)aol.com Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 3:59 pm    Post subject: Kitfox mishap in Colorado | 
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				Lynn,
 
 Here's a simple definition of Beta as provided by Hatrzell.  I figure they may know a little about props.
 (I through in the feathering definition at no extra charge.)
 What is beta? What does feathering mean? 
 
 Beta Range/Reverse
 Some constant speed propellers are equipped for beta/reverse operation. Beta Range is any blade angle below flight idle (Hydraulic low pitch stop). Reverse is any blade angle less than zero degrees. This blade angle produces thrust in a direction opposite to that of normal thrust. Such propellers are typically installed on aircraft with turbine engines and are used for to reduce landing roll.
 Feathering
 Some constant speed propellers, primarily installed on twin engine aircraft, are equipped to reposition the blades until they are nearly aligned with the relative wind. This position, termed feathering, is used to minimize drag, thus increasing single engine performance
 
  Rick Weiss
 N39RW Series V Speedster, 912ULS
 SkyStar S/N 1
 Port Orange, FL
 
  
 
 On Nov 27, 2008, at 5:51 PM, Lynn Matteson wrote:
 [quote]--> Kitfox-List message posted by: Lynn Matteson <lynnmatt(at)jps.net (lynnmatt(at)jps.net)>
 
 Thanks, Mike....now as a person who needs to know how words came about, I just have to know how do I tie the word "beta" into prop pitch reversing? The dictionary says (for one example) "the second item in a series of classification", so I guess the first is going forward, and the second is "beta" or reversing, eh? Sorry to be a pain in the butt, but "I gots to know!"
 I just can't stand it when they throw a word at something without a reasonable explanation for it.
 
 Lynn Matteson
 Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger
 Jabiru 2200, 593hrs
 Sensenich 62x46
 flying again after rebuild, and new Electroair direct-fire ignition system;
 also building a new pair of snow skis
 do not archive
 
 On Nov 27, 2008, at 5:20 PM, Michael Gibbs wrote:
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Michael Gibbs <MichaelGibbs(at)cox.net (MichaelGibbs(at)cox.net)>
 
 Lynn asks:
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  ...what does beta mean in respect to props?
  | 	  
 Beta means the prop pitch can be reversed.  Very handy for float planes that need to maneuver to and from a dock without the pilot having to get out and use a paddle.
 
 Mike G.
 N728KF, Kitfox IV-1200 Speedster
 Phoenix, AZ
 
 http://www.matronics.p;                     -Matt Dralle, List Adminsp;         - MATRONICS WEB FOR========================
 
 
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 =  [quote][b]
 
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		Lynn Matteson
 
 
  Joined: 10 Jan 2006 Posts: 2778 Location: Grass Lake, Michigan
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				 Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 4:37 pm    Post subject: Kitfox mishap in Colorado | 
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				Thanks, Rick....the feathering I knew about, and the description of  
 beta I will accept, but the choice of that particular word for that  
 particular function still leaves me scratching my head, but I'll drop  
 the line of questioning at that.
 And regarding Hartzell...yeah, I figure they know a LOT about props,  
 as a friend of mine and I stopped by there on the way home from  
 Dayton, Ohio, early one morning, and were taken on about hour's tour  
 of the place....we saw everything from the raw stock, to balancing,  
 to finished props ready for shipping...really nice folks there.
 
 Lynn Matteson
 Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger
 Jabiru 2200, 593hrs
 Sensenich 62x46
 flying again after rebuild, and new Electroair direct-fire ignition  
 system;
 also building a new pair of snow skis
 do not archive
 
 On Nov 27, 2008, at 6:58 PM, Weiss Richard wrote:
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		   Lynn,
 
  Here's a simple definition of Beta as provided by Hatrzell.  I  
  figure they may know a little about props.
  (I through in the feathering definition at no extra charge.)
 
  What is beta? What does feathering mean?
  Beta Range/Reverse
  Some constant speed propellers are equipped for beta/reverse  
  operation. Beta Range is any blade angle below flight idle  
  (Hydraulic low pitch stop). Reverse is any blade angle less than  
  zero degrees. This blade angle produces thrust in a direction  
  opposite to that of normal thrust. Such propellers are typically  
  installed on aircraft with turbine engines and are used for to  
  reduce landing roll.
 
  Feathering
  Some constant speed propellers, primarily installed on twin engine  
  aircraft, are equipped to reposition the blades until they are  
  nearly aligned with the relative wind. This position, termed  
  feathering, is used to minimize drag, thus increasing single engine  
  performance
 
  Rick Weiss
  N39RW Series V Speedster, 912ULS
  SkyStar S/N 1
  Port Orange, FL
 
 
 | 	 
 
 
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 _________________ Lynn
 
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
 
N369LM | 
			 
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		Fox5flyer Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 4:37 pm    Post subject: Kitfox mishap in Colorado | 
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				Just curious, Rick.  My NSI prop has mechanical interlocks to keep it from 
 going into beta with anything more than 1200 prop rpm.  Did you remove your 
 interlocks?  If not, how were you able to do it?
 Deke Morisse
 Mikado Michigan
 S5/Subaru/CAP 402+ TT
 "The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress."
 - Joseph Joubert
 
 ---
 
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		paul(at)eucleides.com Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 7:16 pm    Post subject: Kitfox mishap in Colorado | 
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				On Thu, November 27, 2008 2:08 pm, Lynn Matteson wrote:
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		   I really am serious about the question, though....what does beta mean
  in respect to props? (the dictionary exp. doesn't give me a clue)
  (Maybe if I got the additional 20 hours of flight training, I'd know
  this but I didn't and I don't.) : )
 
 | 	  
 Propeller pitch can be specified in two different, but equivalent, ways. The first is
 the blade angle, and the second is the pitch. The two are related as follows:
 
         beta = atan( pitch / (2*pi*0.75*d/2) )
 
 where beta is the blade angle, pi is 3.14159, and d is the propeller diameter. Note
 that the pitch and diameter must be specified in the same units.
 
 -- 
 Paul A. Franz
 Registration/Aircraft - N14UW/Merlin GT
 Engine/Prop - Rotax 914/NSI CAP
 Bellevue WA
 425.241.1618 Cell
 
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		paul(at)eucleides.com Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 7:41 pm    Post subject: Kitfox mishap in Colorado | 
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				On Thu, November 27, 2008 2:51 pm, Lynn Matteson wrote:
  	  | Quote: | 	 		   
 
  Thanks, Mike....now as a person who needs to know how words came
  about, I just have to know how do I tie the word "beta" into prop
  pitch reversing? The dictionary says (for one example) "the second
  item in a series of classification", so I guess the first is going
  forward, and the second is "beta" or reversing, eh?
 
 | 	  
 Well, that is not true. Beta is the angle of the propeller at 3/4 radius. A negative
 Beta would result in reverse thrust.
 
 Propeller pitch can be specified in two different, but equivalent, ways. The first is
 the blade angle, and the second is the pitch. The two are related as follows:
 
 beta = atan( pitch / (2*pi*0.75*d/2) )
 
 where beta is the blade angle, pi is 3.14159, and d is the propeller diameter. Note
 that the pitch and diameter must be specified in the same units.
 
 Colloquial usage might be somewhat confusing the facts. Beta, in itself does not imply
 reverse thrust. A negative Beta (negative propeller angle measured at the 3/4 radius)
 would imply reverse thrust.
 
 -- 
 Paul A. Franz
 Registration/Aircraft - N14UW/Merlin GT
 Engine/Prop - Rotax 914/NSI CAP
 Bellevue WA
 425.241.1618 Cell
 
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		Float Flyr
 
  
  Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 2704 Location: Campbellton, Newfoundland
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				 Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 6:01 am    Post subject: Kitfox mishap in Colorado | 
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				I've flowen with an Ivo IFA for the past three years...  I'd recommend it to
 anyone especially anyone who flies on floats.  I'd blip my 582 from 6400 up
 to 6800 just for take off. When I had around 200 ft under my feet then I'd
 pick up the pitch to reduce rpm back to 6400 for the climb.  When I got to
 altitude I'd pick up the pitch again adn slow things down to around 6200
 before pulling the throttle and setting a cruise rpm of around 5600 to 5800
 rpm.  Before landing I'd go into a climb and reset my prop for 6400 to be
 ready for a go around.
 
 I used that procedure for a couple of reasons one is it got me off the water
 carrying floats a lot faster.  I never let myself get into a situation where
 I could not climb immediately at 400 ft/min. And I always cut my throttle
 back to idle to descend.  When I first started flying floats I would use
 some throttle to level the plane out on landing but I was never really happy
 with doing that so I continually tried to use less and less throttle on
 landing,  It got to the point that I haven't used throttle to land in a long
 time...  Then again last summer my plane spent it's holiday sans engine in
 the shop.  
 
 In the interest of being safe I'll get a few hours with an instructor again
 before taking the plane up again.  Things do get rusty.
 
 Noel
 
 --
 
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 _________________ Noel Loveys
 
Kitfox III-A
 
Aerocet 1100 Floats | 
			 
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		Float Flyr
 
  
  Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 2704 Location: Campbellton, Newfoundland
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				 Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 7:07 am    Post subject: Kitfox mishap in Colorado | 
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				Lynn:  
    
 Beta, ā, is the second letter of the Greek alphabet.  Alpha, į, is the first letter.  As props are primarily designed to pull or push a plane through the air I’d assume that that would be the primary, #1 or Alpha job.  Anything else is a second job or Beta.  
    
 As far as I know when the prop ceases to deliver thrust it can be considered to be in beta operation...  reverse thrust is usually known as “Full Beta”  all turbo prop engines require full beta operation.  Even on floats a Twin Otter will use full beta on landing to shorten the landing run out.  On takeoff beta allows the turbine to spool up without load to deliver the torque required to spin the prop.  
    
    
 [img]cid:image003.jpg(at)01C9514D.958D0AF0[/img]  
    
 Noel Loveys  
 Campbellton, NL, Canada  
 CDN AME intern, PP-Rec  
 C-FINB, Kitfox III-A  
 912 almost installed  
 Aerocet 1100 floats  
 [url=noelloveys(at)yahoo.ca]noelloveys(at)yahoo.ca[/url]  
    
    
    
 --
 
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 _________________ Noel Loveys
 
Kitfox III-A
 
Aerocet 1100 Floats | 
			 
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		Float Flyr
 
  
  Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 2704 Location: Campbellton, Newfoundland
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				 Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 7:11 am    Post subject: Kitfox mishap in Colorado | 
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				Lynn:  
    
  I neglected to say in my last post that the origin of the Beta and Full Beta terms were pure speculation.  They do however make it easier to remember exactly what they do.  
    
 Noel  
        [quote][b]
 
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 _________________ Noel Loveys
 
Kitfox III-A
 
Aerocet 1100 Floats | 
			 
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		Lynn Matteson
 
 
  Joined: 10 Jan 2006 Posts: 2778 Location: Grass Lake, Michigan
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				 Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 8:24 am    Post subject: Kitfox mishap in Colorado | 
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				Yup, it sounds like the use of "beta" is to designate the second  
 function of the prop. That's the conclusion that I came up with,  
 finally.
 
 Lynn Matteson
 Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger
 Jabiru 2200, 593hrs
 Sensenich 62x46
 flying again after rebuild, and new Electroair direct-fire ignition  
 system;
 also building a new pair of snow skis
 
 
 On Nov 28, 2008, at 10:06 AM, Noel Loveys wrote:
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		   Lynn:
 
  Beta, β, is the second letter of the Greek alphabet.  Alpha, α, is  
  the first letter.  As props are primarily designed to pull or push  
  a plane through the air Iād assume that that would be the primary,  
  #1 or Alpha job.  Anything else is a second job or Beta.
 
  As far as I know when the prop ceases to deliver thrust it can be  
  considered to be in beta operation...  reverse thrust is usually  
  known as āFull Betaā  all turbo prop engines require full beta  
  operation.  Even on floats a Twin Otter will use full beta on  
  landing to shorten the landing run out.  On takeoff beta allows the  
  turbine to spool up without load to deliver the torque required to  
  spin the prop.
 
  Noel Loveys
 
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 _________________ Lynn
 
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
 
N369LM | 
			 
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		Lynn Matteson
 
 
  Joined: 10 Jan 2006 Posts: 2778 Location: Grass Lake, Michigan
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				 Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 8:29 am    Post subject: Kitfox mishap in Colorado | 
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				Sounds like a good assumption, Noel..certainly works for me. And  
 thank God I don't have to do all that setting, resetting and stuff  
 when I fly...just look out the window for minutes on end, and  
 occasionally glance at the gauges..or is it the other way around? : )
 
 Lynn Matteson
 Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger
 Jabiru 2200, 593hrs
 Sensenich 62x46
 flying again after rebuild, and new Electroair direct-fire ignition  
 system;
 also building a new pair of snow skis
 do not archive
 
 On Nov 28, 2008, at 10:10 AM, Noel Loveys wrote:
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  
 
  Lynn:
 
   I neglected to say in my last post that the origin of the Beta and  
  Full Beta terms were pure speculation.  They do however make it  
  easier to remember exactly what they do.
 
  Noel
 
  ============================================================ _- 
  ============================================================ _- 
  ============================================================
 
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 _________________ Lynn
 
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
 
N369LM | 
			 
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		Tom Beirne
 
 
  Joined: 02 Apr 2008 Posts: 13 Location: Ireland
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				 Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 3:27 am    Post subject: Re: Kitfox mishap in Colorado | 
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				 	  | Quote: | 	 		  
 Well, that is not true. Beta is the angle of the propeller at 3/4 radius. A negative Beta would result in reverse thrust.
 
 Propeller pitch can be specified in two different, but equivalent, ways. The first is the blade angle, and the second is the pitch. | 	  
 Not quite right, Alpha is the blade Angle of Attack
 
 The term Beta in this usage means the following
 On Turboprop aircraft with a constant speed prop, power lever settings between flight idle and maximum power allow the prop governor to select the appropriate blade pitch to maintain a set RPM and this is called the Alpha mode of operation. When the power lever is moved below flight idle the lever directly controls the pitch angle of the blades and this is referred to as Beta mode where the pitch can be changed from the flight idle position to full reverse, also known as Full Beta.
 
 For those interested in propeller aerodynamics
 
 In aerodynamics the Greek letter alpha is commonly used to denote the Angle of Attack of an aerofoil (wing shape), that is the angle between the chord line and the relative airflow. This is also true for propellers as they are really just aerofoils in rotation, in this case the reference Alpha is taken at 75 percent span from the centre of the hub.
 
 Note that this is a completely separate measure to the blade pitch angle which is a geometric angle of the blade relative to the plane of rotation of the prop. Where Angle of Attack (or Alpha) will change with both the airspeed and RPM the pitch angle remains constant,hence the term "fixed pitch". Constant speed props operate differently by continually changing the blade pitch angle to achieve a constant RPM.
 
 As Alpha changes so too do the lift and drag properties, the most efficient use of power is when the blade achieves its best lift to drag ratio. Every blade design will have its own optimum Alpha for best lift to drag which, at a given pitch angle, is dependent on relative airspeed and RPM. Thus a fixed pitch prop is only operating at its most efficient at a given RPM and airspeed. One can choose the best operating regime by setting the blade pitch angle to give max efficiency at that speed and power setting. Ground adjustable props make this a once per flight deal but In-flight adjustable (or variable pitch) props allow the pilot to select the best pitch angle, and in doing so optimize Alpha for the conditions. 
 
 What may surprise people is that a negative blade AoA can occur at positive blade pitch angles because it is relative to the airflow and not the aircraft. At zero airspeed a nearly flat pitch angle would be required to get negative Alpha but as airspeed increases it can be achieved at coarser angles because as forward airspeed increases at a given RPM the AoA of the blade decreases. Hence at higher airspeeds the pilot will require a coarser blade pitch to keep the prop working at its most efficient Alpha. Also because higher forward airspeeds decrease AoA, if you take your in-flight adjustable prop in cruise flight and send it to fully fine too quickly there is a good chance that it will achieve negative thrust and provide a rather effective airbrake until the airspeed reduces sufficiently and equilibrium is once again reached. This might not be too good for your engine though.
 
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				 Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 9:34 am    Post subject: Kitfox mishap in Colorado | 
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				Boy C that is one obese Model IV. Even without Grove gear.  What is this 10% increase in weight?
   
  Clint
 
 [quote] From: matronics(at)bob.brennan.name
  To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com
  Subject: RE: Kitfox mishap in Colorado
  Date: Wed C 3 Dec 2008 10:00:39 -0500
  
  --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Bob Brennan" <matronics(at)bob.brennan.name>
  
  Here's the webpages featuring the Kitfox that crashed C full details and
  pictures. It was purchased by a missionary to fly from village to village in
  Guatamala. They are currently looking for another similar plane to replace
  it.
  http://www.pattonministries.org/kitFox/kitFox-Main.php
  
  More details about the crash:
  http://www.albertleatribune.com/news/2008/nov/28/pilot-speaks-about-survivin
  g-airplane-crash/
  
  Bob Brennan - N717GB 
  1991 UK Model 2 ELSA Kitfox
  Rotax 582 with 3 blade prop
  Wrightsville Pa 
  
  --
 
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		aviateer
 
 
  Joined: 08 Aug 2008 Posts: 23
 
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				 Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 10:07 am    Post subject: Kitfox mishap in Colorado | 
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				How is it that the gross weight was increased by 10%? I asked about this several years ago when I wanted to place my C IV on floats, and received mixed answers.
   
   
   
  Thanks,
   
   
  Kirk
  On Wed, Dec 3, 2008 at 11:33 AM, Clint Bazzill <clint_bazzill(at)hotmail.com (clint_bazzill(at)hotmail.com)> wrote:
  [quote] Boy, that is one obese Model IV. Even without Grove gear.  What is this 10% increase in weight?
  
 Clint
 
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		   Subject: RE: Kitfox mishap in Colorado
  Date: Wed, 3 Dec 2008 10:00:39 -0500
  
  --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Bob Brennan" <matronics(at)bob.brennan.name (matronics(at)bob.brennan.name)>
  > 
 | 	  
  	  | Quote: | 	 		   Here's the webpages featuring the Kitfox that crashed, full details and
  pictures. It was purchased by a missionary to fly from village to village in
  Guatamala. They are currently looking for another similar plane to replace
  > it.
 | 	  
 
 [quote] 
  Bob Brennan - N717GB 
  1991 UK Model 2 ELSA Kitfox
  Rotax 582 with 3 blade prop
  Wrightsville Pa 
  
  --
 
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		Float Flyr
 
  
  Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 2704 Location: Campbellton, Newfoundland
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				 Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 1:38 pm    Post subject: Kitfox mishap in Colorado | 
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				Some, not all aircraft are certified to carry either 10% or more commonly 100lb more if they are on floats.  The thinking here is at cruise speed the floats passing through the air fly themselves removing the excess weight from the plane’s structure.  I’m not saying this is the case but I can say for sure my ‘Fox on Aerocet 1100s  doesn’t slip very well.  I think that specification has to be made when the plane is first registered.  
 BTW the extra pork on that plane hasn’t gone unnoticed...  I had a reference to it offlist.  
 Noel  
   
   
 From: owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com (owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com)] On Behalf Of Kitfoxkirk
  Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 2:37 PM
  To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com
  Subject: Re: Kitfox mishap in Colorado  
   
 How is it that the gross weight was increased by 10%? I asked about this several years ago when I wanted to place my C IV on floats, and received mixed answers.  
    
    
    
 Thanks,  
    
    
 ====================     [quote][b]
 
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 _________________ Noel Loveys
 
Kitfox III-A
 
Aerocet 1100 Floats | 
			 
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		Paul A. Franz, P.E.
 
  
  Joined: 02 Dec 2008 Posts: 280 Location: Bellevue WA
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				 Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 2:03 pm    Post subject: Kitfox mishap in Colorado | 
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				On Wed, December 3, 2008 9:33 am, Clint Bazzill wrote:
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  
  Boy, that is one obese Model IV. Even without Grove gear.
 
 | 	  
 Did you see the details of the plane on his web page? the thing was loaded! Fancy
 panel and some other heavy stuff like a huge oil tank which I haven't seen before.
 That was a pretty nice airplane. Not final paint. For the money he paid for the engine
 and prop at the time, I think another engine choice such as the 912 would have made
 more sense since the useful load is a little limiting.
 
 As to the 10%, I think that is speculation that the plane can be over gross by that
 amount in smooth air. Probably nothing official and definitely not recommended.
 
 -- 
 Paul A. Franz
 Registration/Aircraft - N14UW/Merlin GT
 Engine/Prop - Rotax 914/NSI CAP
 Bellevue WA
 425.241.1618 Cell
 
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 _________________ Paul A. Franz, P.E.
 
Registration/Aircraft - N14UW/Merlin GT
 
Engine/Prop - Rotax 914/NSI CAP
 
Bellevue WA
 
425.241.1618 Cell
 
425.440.9505 Office | 
			 
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