Describe p-factor

Describe p-factor

• A. The propeller descending blade produces more thrust than the ascending blade
• B. The propeller ascending blade produces more thrust than the descending blade
• C. P-factor reduces drag
• D. P-factor is independent of engine speed

Answer: (D)

P-factor is the asymmetric thrust produced by a propeller in forward flight due to the difference in angle of attack between the two blades as they rotate. The blade that is on the descending side moves downward into the air with a higher effective angle of attack, while the ascending blade moves into the air with a lower angle of attack. This makes the descending blade generate more thrust than the ascending blade, creating a yaw tendency of the aircraft. This effect becomes more pronounced at higher power settings (greater engine RPM or blade pitch) and at lower forward speeds, and it decreases as airspeed increases. P-factor is not about reducing drag, and it is not independent of engine speed; greater engine speed increases the asymmetry in thrust.

P-factor is the asymmetric thrust produced by a propeller in forward flight due to the difference in angle of attack between the two blades as they rotate. The blade that is on the descending side moves downward into the air with a higher effective angle of attack, while the ascending blade moves into the air with a lower angle of attack. This makes the descending blade generate more thrust than the ascending blade, creating a yaw tendency of the aircraft.

This effect becomes more pronounced at higher power settings (greater engine RPM or blade pitch) and at lower forward speeds, and it decreases as airspeed increases. P-factor is not about reducing drag, and it is not independent of engine speed; greater engine speed increases the asymmetry in thrust.