– Why doesn’t a fuselage block all the air from a propeller on a single prop aircraft?

Question

For example, in a single prop plane like the Cessna 172, I would assume there is a lot of drag on the fuselage from the propeller pushing air on it. Why isn’t that a big concern?

In: Engineering

Answer 1

It does somewhat. We just overpower it a bit.

There is also some “centrifugal force” imparted on the air so it doesn’t blow directly back but also a bit out. This is a big reason why jet engines are shrouded, and why more efficient engines are put below the wings

The aircraft is also aerodynamic. It forces much air around it