The flow of engine oil to and from the propeller in a constant-speed propeller is regulated by which component?

The correct answer is the propeller governor. In a constant-speed propeller system, the propeller governor plays a vital role by regulating the flow of engine oil to and from the propeller. The governor automatically adjusts the blade pitch of the propeller to maintain a constant RPM despite changes in engine power. It does this by using centrifugal force from fly weights inside the governor, which respond to the RPM of the engine.

When the speed of the engine increases, the fly weights move outward due to centrifugal force. This movement opens a valve, allowing oil to flow into the propeller hub, which increases the blade pitch and decreases the RPM. Conversely, when the engine speed decreases, spring tension will overcome the fly weight force, which closes the valve and allows the oil to drain from the propeller, typically reducing the pitch and allowing the RPM to increase.

The throttle controls the power input to the engine, but it doesn't directly manage the propeller's pitch or oil flow. The pitch lever is an interface for the pilot to manually adjust blade pitch, but it does not perform the automated function of regulating oil like the propeller governor. Thus, the governor is the component that directly manages the oil flow critical for maintaining the propeller's RPM and