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For those who want to control the DC-3, and are interested in all which concerns this magnificent
aircraft, we recommend the following website on which you will find a lot of information.
http://www.douglasdc3.com
It notably presents a very interesting page with the "engine pre-settings" to be used:
http://www.douglasdc3.com/dc3throt/dc3throt.htm
We grouped together the main data in the table below.
You can apply these pre-settings. That works very well, and that proves Jean made a success of its
flight model: we really find the described conditions.
Well done Jean!
You will notice that the fact of going back to a smaller propeller pitch (RPM increase = lever pushed
forward), during descent and approach phases, can apply to other medium-sized aircraft.
Note that it is rarely applied on aero club planes. We keep a "high pitch" (lower RPM) until short
final, where we set the propeller to "Full Forward" in the event of a go-around.
Make the test, for example with the TBM which tends not to slow down too much when we throttle down.
Just push a little the propeller pitch control lever for slowing down the aircraft; that brings the
airspeed indicator in the white sector (the zone where we can extend the flaps).
| DC-3 Pre-settings |
| Phase |
RPM
|
Power
( manifold pressure in inches) |
Mixture |
Cowl flaps |
| Take-Off |
2700 |
48 |
Rich |
Open |
| Climb 90 kts (700 ft/mn) |
2550 |
40 |
Rich |
Open |
| Climb 110 kts (700 ft/mn) |
2350 |
36 |
Rich |
Open |
| Fast cruise (Vi 165 kts) |
2050 |
30 |
Lean |
Open |
| Best range cruise |
1750 |
25 |
Lean |
Open |
| Descent "no flaps" Vi 150
kts - 700 ft/mn |
2200 |
22 |
Rich |
Open |
| Pattern Vi 110 kts |
2350 |
23 |
Rich |
Trail |
| Approach Vi < 100 kts - 500 ft/mn |
2350 |
18 |
Rich |
Trail |
| Final (according to weight and flaps) |
1800 - 2000 |
As necessary |
Rich |
Trail |
| Landing |
2700 |
Engine idling |
Rich |
Trail |
| Go-around |
2700 |
48 |
Rich |
Open |
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