Torque and P-Factor settings for single props

[tjeuten]

Hey,

yesterday I flew into KHQM with the Carenado V35B, on RNAV approach for runway 6. As I have the RealityXP GNS 530 installed, I flew it as a fully coupled WAAS approach. It took me right along the GS perfectly to the runway.

Now, there was a very slight crosswind, 054 at 5 knots, so that's almost a headwind. The AP flew me straight-on towards the runway, without any need for crosswind correction.

Obviously, a few hundred feet from the ground, I disengaged the AP to anticipate the flare and put the baby down. But the plane then then really had a, to my opinion, overexaggerated tendency to bank and yaw left. I ended up landing almost into the grass, even after trying to correct with right aileron and rudder.

Couldn't be the wind, obviously, cause even if that would have had any effect, it should have pushed me to the right I reckon.

So my guess is that it's my torque and/or p-factor realism settings. I have them to full max, but I've read a few reports that FSX overexaggerates these parameters.

So my question: what are your settings for best realism, for this wonderful plane in particular, and for single engine props in general ?


Thanks a ton for any reply.

Mathieu

Ps: I'm not a real world pilot, just a flightsim enthusiast.

[mallcott]

Not torque or P-factor, as these are power-related and you would be at or a little above idle at this point. Instead look at fuel tanks - probably more in the left tank than the right, or payload not balanced across the aircraft.

I don't believe FSX over-exaggerates the torque and P-Factor effects unless the flight model is faulty, or (like Real Air) designed for a lower setting but it definitely does massively over-state the effects of off-centre weight and balance. But if you believe it does, or it seems excessive on a particular aircraft, thats why the sliders are there. Anything from 50% up should give you a realistic experience.

Have a look at the W&B.

[tjeuten]

Ok thanks I'll look into it

[f16jockey_2]

Could it just have been turbulence ? FSX does have the annoying habit of putting this over some tresholds...

Wim

[tjeuten]

mallcot: indeed, it was the weight.

Cause now I just did a long flight with only using the left fuel tank, and when I let go of the AP, the plane banked to the right. So I now adjust with aileron trim.

Thanks a ton for pointing me in the right direction !

On a same note, how do real pilots in single prop engines with two fuel tanks switch in-flight from one tank to another ? Cause when switching, you have to pass the "off" state on the fuel selector, so the engine briefly will get no fuel... I suppose you have to idle the throttle before doing so ?

Can anyone confirm ? Thanks.

Mathieu

[mallcott]

Most aircraft carry enough fuel in the lines to enable you to go past `off` and on to the next tank without cutting out. Usual procedure is to use the fuel pump while transitioning to maintain fuel pressure. These days, many fuel taps won't allow you to go to `off` without making a physical change to a safeguard - push-button switch, spring loaded lift, opening a gate etc.