gschuld
Well-Known Member
From the FAA:
Sec. 25.925
Propeller clearance.
Unless smaller clearances are substantiated, propeller clearances with the
airplane at maximum weight, with the most adverse center of gravity, and with
the propeller in the most adverse pitch position, may not be less than the
following:
(a) Ground clearance. There must be a clearance of at least seven inches
(for each airplane with nose wheel landing gear) or nine inches (for each
airplane with tail wheel landing gear) between each propeller and the ground
with landing gear statically deflected and in the level takeoff, or taxiing attitude,
whichever is most critical. In addition, there must be positive clearance
between the propeller and the ground when in the level takeoff attitude
with the critical [tire(s)] completely deflated and the corresponding landing
gear strut bottomed.
Referring strictly to small taildraggers here, I have noticed that there are plenty of people out there that are reporting to be flying airplanes with less than 9" of prop clearance. Of these most are reporting 7-9", but occasionally as low as 6". These are for RV and smaller planes here. I suppose that anyone flying out of rough grass, gravel, etc. fields should put a premuim on ground clearance. But, for example, for those that intend to limit themselves to paved airports only, perhaps going a shade lower than the 9" standard is acceptable?
George
Sec. 25.925
Propeller clearance.
Unless smaller clearances are substantiated, propeller clearances with the
airplane at maximum weight, with the most adverse center of gravity, and with
the propeller in the most adverse pitch position, may not be less than the
following:
(a) Ground clearance. There must be a clearance of at least seven inches
(for each airplane with nose wheel landing gear) or nine inches (for each
airplane with tail wheel landing gear) between each propeller and the ground
with landing gear statically deflected and in the level takeoff, or taxiing attitude,
whichever is most critical. In addition, there must be positive clearance
between the propeller and the ground when in the level takeoff attitude
with the critical [tire(s)] completely deflated and the corresponding landing
gear strut bottomed.
Referring strictly to small taildraggers here, I have noticed that there are plenty of people out there that are reporting to be flying airplanes with less than 9" of prop clearance. Of these most are reporting 7-9", but occasionally as low as 6". These are for RV and smaller planes here. I suppose that anyone flying out of rough grass, gravel, etc. fields should put a premuim on ground clearance. But, for example, for those that intend to limit themselves to paved airports only, perhaps going a shade lower than the 9" standard is acceptable?
George
