Do the counterweights on a propeller tend to move the blades toward high pitch or toward low pitch?

Do the counterweights on a propeller tend to move the blades toward high pitch or toward low pitch?

• A. Toward high pitch.
• B. Toward low pitch.
• C. Toward neutral.
• D. No movement.

Answer: (D)

Counterweights (flyweights) are part of the propeller governor and respond to centrifugal force. As engine speed increases, they swing outward and drive the pilot valve to increase oil pressure in the propeller hub. That hydraulic pressure moves the blades toward a higher pitch to maintain the desired RPM. At lower speeds, reduced centrifugal force allows the spring to push the system toward lower pitch. So the counterweights tend to move the blades toward high pitch as RPM rises.

Counterweights (flyweights) are part of the propeller governor and respond to centrifugal force. As engine speed increases, they swing outward and drive the pilot valve to increase oil pressure in the propeller hub. That hydraulic pressure moves the blades toward a higher pitch to maintain the desired RPM. At lower speeds, reduced centrifugal force allows the spring to push the system toward lower pitch. So the counterweights tend to move the blades toward high pitch as RPM rises.