The International Cessna^® 170 Association

gahorn wrote:NO VERNIER throttles for newbie in any of my formation flights. NO Vernier throttle in formation training aircraft. NO exception."[/i]

Ok. I'll quit for now.

George-
Apples and oranges. I was just expressing a different opinion based on over 30 years of experience to indicate vernier throttles are not the built-in accidents waiting to happen that was opined above and can be used safely and effectively in a 170.

I have found in my personal experience the vernier throttle has just the opposite effect during formation flight. I can make the small precise adjustments needed to hold position simply by twisting the vernier with two fingers. Much less chance for under or overshooting the desired setting.

But I do agree if a pilot cannot learn or has not learned how to operate their equipment properly, they have no business using it anywhere, especially in formation flight. Throttles or anything else.

I have flown a friends Bonanza several times and got fairly comfortable with the vernier throttle. When I replaced my old cable with the new one I never thought about putting in a vernier one. However since I installed the digital tach I can certainly understand Richard's comments about tweeking the throttle. When I first installed the tach I thought it was defective or my mags were bad because the numbers kept jumping around. I couldn't believe that an engine with a fixed pitch prop could be changing rpm's that much in such a minute amount of time. Well, when I finally got up to crusing altitude on a smooth day I found out that the rpm's don't change much. Provided smooth air, level, etc. the tach will nail a given setting until you do something like lean back or forward in the seat----then of course the rpm changes. Although I can finesse my throttle pretty well since it is do darn easy to operate, a vernier throttle like Richard describes would be much easier and more precise. If the time comes to have to replace my fairly new cable I would likely op for the vernier. You guys with constant speed props don't realize how good you have it

I learned to fly in my Dad's 170 with the standard throttle. Our 54 170B has the vernier and once you get acclimated to it, I'm not sure I'd go back. Much easier to adjust. If I had to replace it - I'd again choose the vernier style.

I can appreciate comments about concern with operation until someone gets familiar with it - I felt that way too at first. But now I really like it. Maybe it's what one gets use to.... My 2 cents would be to fly one first and see if it's what you desire.

flat country pilot wrote: I like my "original door knob" throttle. Has cool factor

I'm so used to that big knob now that all other throttles seem weenie by comparison.

It seems that some guys just have a lot of trouble with the higher tech aviation controls!

blueldr wrote:It seems that some guys just have a lot of trouble with the higher tech aviation controls!

You're back! Daaang! Why don't you answer your telephone! We been worried!