The absence of a propeller affects the operation of jet-powered airplanes. Specific effects include the absence of lift from the propeller slipstream and the absence of propeller drag.
Absence of Propeller Slipstream
A propeller produces thrust by accelerating a large mass of air rearward. With wing-mounted engines, this air passes over a comparatively large percentage of the wing area. The total lift equals the sum of the lift generated by the wing area not in the wake of the propeller (as a result of airplane speed) and the lift generated by the wing area influenced by the propeller slipstream. By increasing or decreasing the speed of the slipstream air, it is possible to increase or decrease the total lift on the wing without changing airspeed. Since the jet airplane has no propellers, the transitioning pilot should note the following:
- Lift is not increased instantly by adding power.
- The stall speed is not decreased by adding power.
The lack of ability to produce instant lift in the jet, along with the slow acceleration of jet engines, necessitates a stabilized approach where landing configuration, constant airspeed, controlled rate of descent, and stable power settings are maintained until over the threshold of the runway. This allows for better engine response when making minor changes in the approach speed or rate of descent and improves go-around performance.
Absence of Propeller Drag
When the throttles are closed on a piston-powered airplane, the propellers create significant drag. Airspeed or altitude is immediately decreased. The effect of reducing power to idle on the jet engine, however, produces no such drag effect. In fact, at an idle power setting, the jet engine still produces forward thrust. While this can be an advantage in certain descent profiles, it is a handicap when it is necessary to lose speed quickly. The lack of propeller drag, along with the aerodynamically clean airframe of the jet, are new to most pilots, and slowing the airplane down is one of the initial problems encountered by pilots transitioning into jets. In level flight at idle power, it takes about 1 mile to lose 10 knots of airspeed.