Posted for "Rudolf Winter" <winter@winsysteme.de>:

 Scott,
 
 our electric MT Prop will change pitch without the engine turning. But
 it takes about 20 sec. from high to low rpm... Without electricity it
 will stay where it is...
 
 I think the reason for the standard low pitch position is, that engines
 "normally" won't fail. The failure of the govenour occures more often,
 so you have the maximum performance possible in such a condition...
 
 Rudolf Winter
 235 D-EHAR