SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-constant-speed-governor

What does the governor change to hold selected RPM on a constant-speed propeller?

It automatically changes propeller blade pitch.

Start playing free

  1. Fuel grade
  2. Wing incidence
  3. Blade pitch ✔

Why: The governor changes blade angle as the air load changes. Within its operating range, this keeps engine and propeller RPM near the pilot's selected value.

Huh, didn't know that: The propeller control selects RPM, while the throttle controls power output.

The dad joke
The propeller governor won the election on a constant-speed platform.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Blade pitch. The governor changes blade angle as the air load changes. Within its operating range, this keeps engine and propeller RPM near the pilot's selected value.

  1. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 7 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/09_phak_ch7.pdf
    a governor automatically adjusts the propeller blade angle as necessary to maintain the selected rpm
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Flying & DronesFlying an airplane VFR by day, how much fuel must remain after reaching your first planned landing?Flying & DronesFlying VFR at night, what minimum fuel reserve does an airplane need after the first planned landing?Flying & DronesIn Class G airspace above 1,200 feet AGL but below 10,000 feet MSL, what is the day VFR visibility minimum?

That's stuff everyone should know.