The prop clearance on my plans-built, KR-2 with Diehl tri-gear and Great
Plains 2180 VW and 52x52 prop is 9-1/2 inches. Tony Bengalese recommends
9-inches in his book Firewall Forward. I made a wheel-barrow landing on my
first flight; I bent the nose strut and the swivel bolt plus trashed the
nose wheel fairing. Did not have a prop strike. I taxied about half mile
back to the hangar and shut down before I found I had bent something. I
still had 7 inches prop clearance. I have since replaced the nose strut and
the swivel bolt assembly and got back the 9-1/2 inches prop clearance.
Had I made that first flight starting out with 7 inches prop clearance, I am
certain I would have had a prop strike and probably trashed the VW. Tony
has passed, but he is still helping me.
Sid Wood
Tri-gear KR-2 N6242
Mechanicsville, MD, USA
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> Paul Visk wrote:
>
>> Can someone tell me the distance between the bottom of the firewall and
>> the center line of a corvair engine? I might have a 56x60 prop. I need
>> to know how long the nose and main gear needs to be so I don't make
>> rumble strips down the runway.
>
> See the image at the bottom of > Can someone tell me the distance between
> the bottom of the firewall and the center line of a corvair engine? I
> might have a 56x60 prop. I need to know how long the nose and main gear
> needs to be so I don't make rumble strips down the runway. You need one
> more measurement to make to get your number, crank centerline to the
> bottom of the case, but that should be easy for you.. The 8.25" number is
> bottom of firewall to bottom of case.
>
> A 56" prop is pushing it, somewhat. I started out with a 52" prop, then
> went to 54" props (and I killed one of those in a deliberate nose-low
> landing), and after a lot of experience went to a 56" prop, but you need
> to keep the tail low and be cognizant that there's not a lot of room for
> the prop clearance out front...
>
> Mark Langford
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Also I have heard that you need 4" prop clearance in a level
position. Put
your engine up high enough to get that figure, Virg
------------------------------
More is better! I will bet that someone will come up with facts rather
than our supposition, Virg
Ain't this a great forum ?
On 1/3/2014 9:37 AM, Pat and Robin Russo wrote:
> I was under the impression that nine inches was recommended/required
> clearance.
