What is the purpose of a propeller governor?

The purpose of a propeller governor is to regulate the RPM of a constant-speed propeller. A constant-speed propeller is designed to maintain a specific engine speed regardless of changes in airspeed or power settings. The governor automatically adjusts the blade pitch of the propeller to achieve this goal. When the engine RPM decreases, the governor increases the blade angle to a lower pitch, resulting in more thrust and helping to maintain the desired RPM. Conversely, if the RPM is too high, the governor will feather the blades to a higher pitch, reducing thrust and consequently lowering the RPM. This automatic adjustment enhances performance and efficiency during various phases of flight, including takeoff, climb, cruise, and descent.

The other options describe functions not specifically associated with the role of a propeller governor. While manual adjustment of propeller pitch is possible, it does not align with the automatic function of a governor. The purpose of the governor is not to increase thrust during takeoff, although it may indirectly help in maintaining optimum thrust by regulating RPM. Similarly, while maintaining RPM can contribute to overall efficiency, the primary purpose is not directly focused on fuel efficiency. Understanding the function of the propeller governor is crucial for pilots in managing engine performance effectively.