12 / 20
During take-offs for a twin engine aircraft with wing mounted engines (both being right hand props), which of the following conditions is the most favourable handling-wise?
  • A

    Left quartering wind and left engine failure.

  • B

    Left quartering wind and right engine failure.

  • C

    Right quartering wind and left engine failure.

  • D
    Right quartering wind and right engine failure.

Refer to figure.

Asymmetric blade effect (also known as ‘P’ Factor)

Propeller blades are not flat, they are in fact shaped as small wings. As a consequence, as the angle of attack of the airplane increases, the air passing by hits the blades differently:

The down-going blade (viewed from the cockpit) will have a larger angle of attack compared to the up-going blade, generating more thrust. This then means that the down-swinging blade exerts a greater force than the up-going blade. For this reason, the thrust line will be displaced to the right of the engine centre line.
  • Propellers rotating in the same direction (clockwise): if both engines rotate clockwise, the right engine will have a longer thrust arm than the left engine. This difference in thrust will give a yawing moment to the left with a clockwise rotating propeller in a nose-up attitude. The failure of the left-hand engine will result in a larger yaw effect via the operating right-hand engine, rather than vice-versa. The left engine is therefore the critical engine.
    => For this reason, a failure of the right engine would be most favourable.

A right engine failure requires a lot of left rudder. A condition where left wind is present would reduce the required left rudder => remember that left wind results in left yaw.

Your Notes (not visible to others)



This question has appeared on the real examination, you can find the related countries below.

  • France
    2
  • Spain
    2
  • Austro Control
    1
  • Greece
    1