In this video, we take a look at the mixture control of propeller driven aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator. We look at when and how to adjust as well as common traps to avoid.
Most simmers, and in fact many real-life GA pilots, may not realize that leaning correctly not only gets you more power but saves you more than 10$ per hour in fuel (European prices; less in the US) even if you're bimbling along at 3,000 feet. I certainly prefer to spend that money on lunch instead. People who rent aircraft usually rent them "wet", with fuel included, so there's little direct incentive to lean correctly. But if all renters did the right thing, the hourly price could come down. When I fly the C172 in MSFS 2020 it constantly tells me that I'm not correctly leaned. It's interesting to see the reason in this video: the flight sim is simply wrong! For the C172, the correct fuel flow after leaning in the real world should be about 8 gph, assuming a 180 hp engine with fixed prop.
Very nice explanation! I'm still using FSX myself, but I want to make sure I know how to fly these planes more realistically by the time I have the hardware to run the new FS. :) The constant speed props like on the Bonanza and Baron look pretty intimidating but I know I'll have it figured out eventually. Going to check out the propeller control video next.
Real world question: When messing with the mixture, especially in cold weather, when do you run the most risk of over-cooling the engine? If you're descending in freezing temps, are you better off leaving the engine leaned, to keep as much heat in as possible?
not just turboprops. on the beechcraft planes it does nothing. you can test this by binding AUTOMIXTURE to (for instance) ALT-M. on planes where mixture is actually implement, ALT-M will move the mixture lever to the optimum position (assuming you are significatnly above ground level), but, if it's not implemented, the lever won't move at all, which is kind of a dead giveaway.
Could you do one for the mixture on the G58 please, as it is different with twin prop and rpm controls added and I’d like to get the fuel economy better
Your videos are really useful for people like me who have never flown a plane! Thank you, enjoyng flight simulator a lot more.
Finally a P-Gatcomb on mixture :)
Most simmers, and in fact many real-life GA pilots, may not realize that leaning correctly not only gets you more power but saves you more than 10$ per hour in fuel (European prices; less in the US) even if you're bimbling along at 3,000 feet. I certainly prefer to spend that money on lunch instead. People who rent aircraft usually rent them "wet", with fuel included, so there's little direct incentive to lean correctly. But if all renters did the right thing, the hourly price could come down.
When I fly the C172 in MSFS 2020 it constantly tells me that I'm not correctly leaned. It's interesting to see the reason in this video: the flight sim is simply wrong! For the C172, the correct fuel flow after leaning in the real world should be about 8 gph, assuming a 180 hp engine with fixed prop.
SU6 broke the 'set best mixture' function, so thanks for this tutorial.
THANK YOU for this video. All the research I’ve tried to do say you need to monitor EGT, which most planes in MSFS don’t display.
Thank you this was super helpful. Another thing I was mystified about, demystified 😊
Very nice explanation! I'm still using FSX myself, but I want to make sure I know how to fly these planes more realistically by the time I have the hardware to run the new FS. :) The constant speed props like on the Bonanza and Baron look pretty intimidating but I know I'll have it figured out eventually. Going to check out the propeller control video next.
Great video,but would you lean a mixture out if you're taking off at a high altitude airport such as Colorado or Arizona?
You have to, cause otherwise the engine would not get enough air. Therefore, the engine will get more fuel then air and it will drown.
Real world question: When messing with the mixture, especially in cold weather, when do you run the most risk of over-cooling the engine? If you're descending in freezing temps, are you better off leaving the engine leaned, to keep as much heat in as possible?
Yes you can actually shock cool it but if it’s hot out than it is actually better to have it more on the rich side.
Hey... I regularly fly out of (and around) Halifax. (my home town)
Thank you for the video on this topic.
Excellent video. Thanks.
Does this even work with turboprops? Mixture doesn’t seem to make a difference other than saving fuel
not just turboprops. on the beechcraft planes it does nothing. you can test this by binding AUTOMIXTURE to (for instance) ALT-M. on planes where mixture is actually implement, ALT-M will move the mixture lever to the optimum position (assuming you are significatnly above ground level), but, if it's not implemented, the lever won't move at all, which is kind of a dead giveaway.
Very useful video. Thanks. Just subscribed.
Could you do one for the mixture on the G58 please, as it is different with twin prop and rpm controls added and I’d like to get the fuel economy better
It leans the same as the Bonanza but the Baron's mixture doesn't work in FS2020. Disappointing. Although, it does work if you pull it to cutoff.
Thanks :) but i dont get it but still thanks for great video ! at last i learnd somethink :)
How many times did you said teny tiny bit 😂😂
Not too too much! 🤭
@@nicolatogni4996 Way too much.