Physical prop stop

[randyrls]

I have some problems with prop(s) hitting the ground on my twin Bronco, and FT22. At our flying field the grass is kept short so the wheeled planes can land. BUT the belly landers strike the prop against the ground sometimes breaking the prop or the plane stops abruptly. "Prop Savers" are OK for smaller 3mm shaft motors, but the larger motors don't have anything similar. I have come up with an idea to place a small servo behind the prop with a push rod wire with a replaceable plastic end extending into the props "disk". Cut the throttle and as the prop spins down, trigger the servo to stop the throttle in a horizontal position. FT ESCs do not have brakes and I don't think the brakes will stop the prop in a specific position.

 

[Foamforce]

If you land more slowly with a flare at the end and also remember to cut the throttle at least a couple seconds before you land, you generally won’t break a prop on belly landers. Using the ESC brake helps a lot too, even if the prop is vertical when you touch down. See 1:41 in the video below. PS, I fly mostly belly landers, I use cheap props, and I almost never break a prop (only when I crash or have a particularly hard landing).

 

[Merv]

...I don't think the brakes will stop the prop in a specific position.

You are correct, ESC brakes do not stop at a specific position.

I let the props on my belly landers free wheal. I'm using a 8 inch prop on my flying wing. The cheep props brake every time. I've had good results with an APC or similar prop.

 

[L Edge]

Just like learning to build, fly, crash, you need to learn how to flare in the process of landing.

Essentially, you need how to time it shutting off the motor when in the process of flaring so it is free wheeling when the prop hits the ground.
We all go thru that process.