sleepingsquirrel

Quote: Skywarrior

Yep, milllions,(maybe billions) of big ole bouncy balloons being pulled through the prop (static), or pulling ourselves through millions (maybe billions) of big ole bouncy balloons ( dynamic) . Some of the energy imparted to the air is in compression. Eventually we reach a steady state condition where we can begin to plot things like thrust at different altitudes. One could imagine the propeller blade pulling balloons through the prop disc one at a time slow motion. If the balloons were really tight they would not deform as much as if the balloons were flacid. (low altitude,high pressure vs high altitude,low pressure) to demonstrate compressibility? Eventually we will be able to count the number of balloons for a given RPM and propeller blade AOA.

http://www.mh-aerotools.de/airfoils/propuls4.htm This link has a formula where one can see a direct link between Thrust and density of the medium. Denser fluid more thrust ,less dense fluid less thrust.

A propeller is a machine that moves you forward through a fluid (a liquid or gas) when you turn it. Though it works the same way as a screw, it looks a bit different: usually it has two, three, or four twisted blades (sometimes more) poking out at angles from a central hub spun around by an engine or motor. The twists and the angles are really important. Photo: A propeller is like a cut-off screw and works much the same way.

Quote: 201er Well since the "bite" is different relative to air density and thus altitude, can it be said that this has some kind of effect on the L/D of the prop? Does this put it into a more or less efficient operation than comparable RPM at sea level? Does this affect more than a few knots or purely theoretical? I'm pretty sure that the AOA has to be increased to get the same lift (thrust) at the same speed through the air (RPM) as the air gets thinner. The L/D is a function of prop design. I'm sure we change the pitch as we go higher and faster to get the AOA of the propeller at its highest LIFT(thrust) and least drag. The curve is just like L/D for any airfoil section. You could increase the pitch beyond a point and operate the propeller inefficiently, airspeed drops, burn more fuel and just really make a lot of noise. Like when checking the propeller on the ground. Stick you hand out the window I'll bet you can feel the difference! Watch your airspeed indicator

Well, if the airplane is tied down , it's a big fan. If the airplane is free to move it's a big screw.

Not really, it still spins round and round and beats the air into submission then convinces the airplane to move forward just like at sea level. One of the laws of motion causes a force to be applied forward called Thrust which is equal and opposite the force applied to the air in a backwards direction. Because the air is thinner at altitude a fixed pitch prop would become less effective at moving the same mass of air to provide the same thrust at the same RPM than it would at sea level. A variable pitch prop can be adjusted at altitude to take bigger bites and if the RPM is the same move equivalent masses of air providing thrust and performance like at sea level. Because the airplane is free to move in air the propeller is actually screwing its way through the air, the higher the pitch the more distance it moves through the air for each revolution. This is the best I've got for starters.

So in reality , really having nothing is really the best strategy.

Quote: JimR

The history of mankind has been linked by great monuments . Leadership requires followers. Followers require payment . Payment requires taxation or spoils of war. All the other stuff that evolves or revolves around these endeavors is what most of us spend our lives doing or supporting in some fashion. What looks like a giant FUBAR to some is monument building to others. Not all are paid the same from slave to master but all are paid in a fashion due their worth. Slavery has never been abolished , real leaders have just raised the minimum wage and benefits package. These are the thoughts of a sleepingsquirrel.

Quote: flight2000 What did they base their evaluation on? Did you provide them the number or did they use bluebook (or something else). Virginia was very selective in their way of finding the "current" value of the plane, but it's a mystery how they come up with the number. I was looking to move mine to Richmond while I'm in Germany, but changed my mind after seeing a potential $1K plus bill in taxes coming. No way.... Brian

Quote: alex I can't bring myself to say the "left" is better so I will just say that the one with black, white and gold looks very sharp!

Quote: nosky2high Hey Sleeping Squirrel, I'm active duty here at Rucker and got the tax bill in the mail this week. Absolute Robbery. $700 for a 1968 airplane. What exactly is the state of Alabama doing for me that is worth $700? God bless this country that I've sworn to protect. I hope when I'm done with all these deployments I'll still be able to tell the difference between Europe and my homeland. This sucks.

I called and the county commisioners office gave me evaluations of the two aircraft and assessed the tax at $190 for the Mooney and $100 dollars for the C150. All the other stuff I mentioned applies and the aircraft is to be assessed in the county it generally lands and takes off from per state law. It seems that some counties pursue this and some don't. Alabama

Quote: Hank Guess which one leads the pack in fatalities/100 million hours [the NTSB standard unit of comparison]?

Thank you, I'm NOT moving to Georgia anytime soon! If I was you I would move away. Someone else told me about Maine's once excessive use tax which was promptly repealed when they discovered the effect it had for stopping paying tourists from entering the state! If I thought for one moment that tax on my aircraft would further the people of the State Of Alabama I would never have asked the question. I suspect it furthers/maintains the growth of government more than anything else, but not like Georgia. My picture is not so bleak as painted for some but believe me I've been there, worked my way out. "Worked my way out" being the operative phrase. I'm still thinking it's illegal to evade taxes but not illegal to avoid taxes, so I 'm still looking for my best plan of action. Thanks for the discussion , I'm paying attention and hope this was beneficial to others as well.

I'd be checking with your legal folks, the military is usually exempt from these extortions.

Yes, but you have a new airplane, mine are old and shouldn't be taxed. Bwahahaha , snork I copied that from someone else but it made me laugh even in these taxing times! Please tell me you don't live in my state!

It seems after all my research I failed to determine that my aircraft were taxable in the state /county of my residence. Because I was so incompetent in making this determination , the county of my residence sent me a letter to remind me that: A. I own two aircraft B. They, the county of my residence, will collect this ad valorem property tax for the state of my residence. C. I do not have to pay them the personal property tax if: 1. I provide proof I no longer own these aircraft or they are leased out 2. The aircraft are not generally based in the county trying to assess the tax for the state 3. I provide proof that the aircraft are assessed as personal business property The aircraft are based in another county, a county I discovered that is not interested in collecting this property tax for the state. My concern is that I don't need a huge tax bill several years from now . I think this is another local tax grab , like they were adding city tax to my auto tags when in fact I'm not in their city limits. I have to tell them this every time I renew my tags. The State is xxxxxxx,there is a place on the return form to name location or base of aircraft beginning date at this location. It goes on to say that if the form is not returned the owner will receive an "escape assessment" and will be subject to a penalty. Sale at public auction of aircraft on which taxes have not been paid IAW section blah,blah,blah. Any advice from you guys in xxxxxxxx ,or others with similar experiences? __________________ I simply have to tell the truth and return the form with the true county of operation to avoid the tax. Any advice, any moral or ethical positions, decisions or judgements welcome!

After one taxi back to check the door (it was locked) when I wasn't sure if I had latched it, I made a rule. The rule for me is there are two positions for this door fully open and latched and locked,never let it down from fully open unless the key is in the lock. The key for start is on the same ring. The disapproving looks of disgust from Mrs. S on the taxi back was enough for me!

I think we should merge the "running tanks dry" thread with "ditching at night" then everything would make sense.

Boil the lobster or set the lobster free?

HI, Should I be surprised by the sound of the wheels touching the runway when landing? Something like the surprise when shooting a firearm, when done properly. I'm wondering if I'm blacking out for that period I used to remember (between turning final and wheels touching) and just coming around for the chirp? Should I be concerned?

Wow! Four blades! One step closer to my 10 GPH Mooney Mustang clone. If I could just get the third wheel in the right place.

Quote: johnggreen To all: I am now, seriously bored with this banter. Going to other threads to cause trouble.