Counter-rotating propellers

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Counter-rotating propellers, are found on twin-engine, propeller-driven aircraft and have propellers that spin in opposite directions.

Generally, most conventional twin engines spin clockwise on the left and right engine (as viewed from the the pilot seat). Counter-rotating propellers generally spin clockwise on the left engine, and counter-clockwise on the right. The advantage of counter-rotating propellers is to balance out the effects of torque and p-factor, eliminating the problem of the critical engine.

Counter-rotating propellers should not be confused with Contra-rotating propellers.

Some common aircraft with counter-rotating propellers include:

• Piper PA-31 Navajo
• Piper PA-34 Seneca
• Piper PA-39 Twin Comanche
• Piper PA-40 Arapaho
• Piper PA-44 Seminole
• Cessna T303 Crusader
• Beech BE-76 Duchess
• Lockheed P-38 Lightning
• The Wright Flyer