Flying an Innodyn Turbine is much simpler than you
might think.

There are 2 basic controls to Innodyn Turbines – the propeller RPM throttle and the propeller pitch. The computer manages the amount of fuel the Turbine draws, and alerts the pilot with a warning light if too much power is being requested. The computer control will not let the Turbine over-heat, and it will not let the Turbine over-speed.

Start
To start the Turbine, simply put the propeller to zero pitch and turn the starter key. The computer completes the start sequence, gradually spinning the propeller, adding fuel and turning on the igniter.

Once the Turbine is started, set the RPM lever and add propeller pitch to generate power. Instead of flying with the throttle, we recommend that you initially use only propeller pitch. The computer will handle fuel control and the Turbine’s operation. Because the Turbine is directly spooled, there is no noticeable lag in changing propeller RPM and the aircraft is quite responsive.

Taxi/Takeoff
To taxi, add a modest amount of pitch to the propeller to maintain a safe ground maneuvering speed. To take off, line up on the center line, and add propeller pitch. The propellers we recommend are able add pitch quite quickly, and the airplane will rapidly gain takeoff speed. After takeoff, simply maintain safe airspeeds. If you want to slow your climb rate, take a little bit of pitch out.

It will not be possible to accidentally enter a negative pitch into the propeller while airborne, as this would be a very alarming development.

The pilot should quickly have the ability to manage their takeoff roll, and their rate of climb.

Cruise
The Innodyn Turbine will cruise comfortably at 100% of power, and so it is not necessary to decrease either propeller RPM or pitch. Our Turbines actually operate most efficiently at full power, so there isn’t a compelling economic reason to decrease the power either. Obviously, you should not exceed Vne for your aircraft. Another important benefit of Innodyn Turbines is that they continue to produce power very effectively at higher altitudes.

Landing/Go-around
The landing process is relatively straightforward, and allows the pilot good control over approach speeds, landing speed, and rollout. Approaching the airport one gradually decreases propeller pitch to obtain the desired pattern speed, and likewise manages pattern and approach speed by making modest adjustments in propeller pitch. Innodyn’s pilots report that they have relatively quickly learned how to dial in a desired speed. On short final the pilot either continues gradually decreasing propeller pitch or adds propeller pitch and executes a go-around. As you fly the approach at a proper margin above stall speed, adding sufficient propeller pitch to produce additional thrust and execute a go-around is quite a quick process.

Because the Innodyn Turbine is directly driven, rather than spooled, there is virtually no lag associated with increasing speed. Likewise, because you want to land with plenty of power available, we don’t advise significantly decreasing propeller RPM during approach.

After landing, the pilot can continue decreasing propeller pitch to slow the landing roll. With experience, a pilot can very effectively shorten the landing roll.