At aircraftarchaeology the author oftens mentions "feathering the props" to end engine fire. That means what?

Question

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Answer 1

Rotating the pitch of the blades to reduce drag.

Answer 2

Well feathering the props ( as described as the "pitch" of the blade, changes, to have the "edge" of the Prop facing into the wind) does reduce drag on an aircraft that has some internal engine problems, such as loss of oil pressure, fuel issue 's etc. however, I don't see it putting out a fire in the engine. Most propeller aircraft have one or two shot fire extinguishers which are pulled when the panel reads fire (or you see it). I would assume the sequence for most would be, cut fuel, feather prop initiate extinguishers etc.. usually that succeeds, land ASAP

Answer 3

In the event of fire the first action is to cut off the fuel. Feathering is done by rotating the propeller blades to a streamlined low drag position, so as to reduce the drag of the dead engine. Feathering must generally must be done before the propeller stops turning. Finally the fire extinguishers are operated to put out the fire.

Answer 4

If the prop blade is at an angle, it turns as the air is being forced passed it -- "wind milling" (when the engine is either shut off or disengaged). To remove that angle and make it so that the flat of the blade is parallel to the fuselage (and the narrowest/thinnest part of the blade is facing front to back), it offers very little resistance (drag) and therefore, when the wind hits it, doesn't turn. The propellor blade then, is "feathered." If the blade doesn't wind mill (turn), then it doesn't cause the parts of the engine to turn -- and if they're broke, grind causing sparks due to metal to metal friction ( to the point of causing fire), etc., etc.,etc..

Answer 5

When a propeler engine fails they need to turn the blades so they have less air resistence, to stop the propellers from windmilling. This reduces drag ands stops air speed falling off so quick,And helps maintain control.

Answer 6

refer to my answer to your question about feathering in wixed wing aircrafts.....now add...when engine is cut off and blades are stil in rotation..so they are creating extra drag along with vertexes produced on tips of blades. Now pilot has to adjust its power settling ratio,rather to be very pricise he has no power now.So to reduce drags and vertexes he changes the pitch of blades by feathering....which reduces the back lash of gears in engine...thats why feathering cause end to engine fire.

Answer 7

Mollie's got it right but someone gave her or him thumbs down?