Which type of propeller provides both good climb and good cruise performance?

The constant-speed propeller is designed to optimize performance across various flight regimes, including both climb and cruise. This type of propeller automatically adjusts its blade pitch to maintain the engine within its most efficient power band, regardless of the aircraft's speed or altitude.

During the climb, the propeller can change its blade angle to a lower pitch, allowing for increased RPM and maximum thrust. In cruise flight, it shifts to a higher pitch to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency while maintaining an optimal speed. The ability to switch between these settings effectively allows the pilot to achieve better overall performance than other types of propellers.

In contrast, fixed-pitch propellers have a single, unchanging blade angle, which limits their efficiency to one specific flight condition, usually skewed towards either climb or cruise but not both. Controllable-pitch and variable-pitch propellers, while they can adjust to different settings, often do not offer the same level of precise control and efficiency found in constant-speed propellers. Thus, for pilots seeking a balance of good climb and cruise performance, a constant-speed propeller is the ideal choice.