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Q:

Do pilots change the pitch of the propeller to help slow down after landing ?

A:

Most aircraft do not have the capability to use the propeller to brake, however a few do.

 

One aircraft that does is the C-130 Hercules. Reverse pitch propellers have the ability to rotate to the point where they actually generate thrust in the backwards direction. This can be used to slow the aircraft after landing, saving wear on the brakes and allowing the plane to land on shorter runways. In some cases, it can even be used to back up the aircraft, eliminating the need for a tug. 

 

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