solafein,

I do agree with almost every part of your statement. I will add something here to clarify one part of it.

True vertical performance is something you really do need during training. The need to pull out as quick as possible is something most every instructor loves to have. It can and will help save a plane from near doom. I've been there and done that more than I want to admit. In some cases, students have shown up with 11X7 props on an OS46AX and I will allow them one flight with that prop. We will then land and change out the prop to an APC 11X5 and it usually makes a lasting impression on the student. He now has more positive control and the plane has slowed considerably which give the student more reaction time.

I've had to put 2 trainers this past season into vertical climbs to save them. Both were Nexstars, both had OS46AX's on them, one had the 11X6 and the other had the 11X5 and both were APC's. The 11X6 sorta hovered and started to torque roll, which looked pretty cool, but would not climb out until I lowered the nose. The one with the 11X5 pulled out vertically, a little slow at first but very quickly gained altitude

So as I said, I do agree with your statement but I think for the OS46AX engines, you'll find that an APC 11X5 is even better on a high wing/high drag trainer. Both for takeoff punch and vertical "rescues" and landing.

If you have the ground clearance, a great prop for the OS46AX is the APC 12.25X3.75. I had this on a converted to tail dragger LT-40 and it would easily hover it as well as a trainer could hover, pull it vertical right from liftoff and slow it WAY down for landing. When using this prop and diving at the ground it really helped control the dive.

I also used the engine/prop combo a H9 Twist and it really worked well.