REFLECTOR: PROP STRIKES

[AnnSam]

I ran a two bladed prop for years that had only 6 in. ground clearance
empty, and never had a prop strike either on T.O or landing. The only time I
ever saw a prop strike was during a training flt. when a  Velocity was
dropped from about  5ft. it nicked the tip of the prop which was repairable
and flown again.

 -----Original Message-----
From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org]On
Behalf Of Tom Martino
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2005 8:41 AM
To: reflector at www.tvbf.org
Subject: REFLECTOR: PROP STRIKES


  Is the potential for prop strikes present in all Velocities?  Or am I just
more susceptible due to my airframe-engine combo?



   I find with the short fuselage (Elite) and a big engine (IO-540), I can
not rotate much on takeoff.  (I tested it with prop at lowest point, and
tilted the nose up).  I can only rotate 5-degrees.



   It is not as shallow as you may think.  After finding this out I flew my
other planes 
 and found that I seldom, if ever, rotate more than 5-degrees
anyway.



  However 
 it is a concern.  So far I have not had a problem – either
taking off or landing.



  My MT 4-blade prop can only be shortened another ½ inch – so I doubt that
will make much of a difference.



  If this just a risk we all live with?  Or just some of us?  Or just me?



  (The good news is 
 with that airframe-engine combo 
 I can attain 200
knots indicated 
 at less than 75% power 
 I suspect I could blow through it
at will at 75% power.)



  Any info is always appreciated!



  Tom Martino








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