How Propeller Governor Works
A propeller governor is a critical component in aircraft equipped with
constant speed propellers. It automatically adjusts the pitch of the propeller
blades to maintain a selected engine RPM (revolutions per minute) during
various phases of flight. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:
1. Basic Functionality
The primary role of the propeller governor is to regulate the flow of oil to and
from the propeller hub, which changes the pitch of the blades.
By adjusting the blade angle, the governor ensures that the engine operates
at optimal RPM regardless of changes in airspeed or altitude.
2. Components of the Governor
Governor Control Lever: Located in the cockpit, this lever allows pilots to set
their desired RPM for takeoff, climb, cruise, and landing.
Threaded Shaft: This shaft connects to the control lever and moves up or
down based on pilot input
Speeder Spring: Positioned between the threaded shaft and flyweights, this
spring helps determine when oil should be allowed to flow into or out of the
propeller hub.
Flyweights: These are connected to the engine and spin as it runs. Their
centrifugal force causes them to move outward when RPM increases and
inward when RPM decreases.
Pilot Valve: This valve is moved by the flyweights and controls oil flow into or
out of the propeller hub based on engine speed.
Governor Gear Pump: This pump boosts oil pressure before directing it into
the propeller hub for effective pitch adjustment.
3. Operation During Flight
Takeoff and Climb: The pilot sets a low pitch (high RPM) by moving the
control lever forward, maximizing power for takeoff.
Cruise Flight: The pilot pulls back on the lever, increasing blade angle (higher
pitch), which reduces RPM and improves fuel efficiency while maintaining
torque.
4. Automatic Adjustments
As conditions change (e.g., climbing or descending), if engine speed drops
(underspeed), flyweights fall inward due to reduced centrifugal force. This
action lowers the pilot valve, allowing oil to drain from the hub, decreasing
blade pitch and enabling engine spe
ed to increase again.
Conversely, if engine speed rises (overspeed), flyweights move outward,
raising the pilot valve. Oil flows into the hub, increasing blade pitch and
slowing down engine speed.
5. Fail-Safe Mechanisms
Most single-engine aircraft are designed so that if there is a loss of oil
pressure or other failure in governor function, props will default to a low
pitch/high RPM setting due to spring tension and aerodynamic forces acting
on blades.
6. Types of Governors There are different types of governors:
Single Capacity Governors: Used for average rates of pitch change with lower
governing pressures.
Double Capacity Governors: Designed for higher rates needed for larger
blade areas.
Accumulator Governors: Include an accumulator tank that holds pressurized
oil for quick adjustments during maneuvers.
In summary, a propeller governor plays an essential role in optimizing
aircraft performance by automatically managing propeller blade pitch based
on real-time flight conditions.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Boldmethod
A comprehensive resource providing detailed explanations about aviation
concepts including constant speed propellers and their governors
AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association)
Offers educational materials related to aviation safety and operation
techniques focusing on various aircraft systems including propellers.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The regulatory body provides guidelines and technical information regarding
aircraft operations including detailed descriptions of propulsion systems like
governors.
