was just wondering if would be faster to find an alternative way over the lava fountains in 8-1 and save time in 8- airship by not getting propeller suit at the start of 8- airship so you can reach the pipe on the first cycle.

The pipe moves only when you are at a specific point, so it doesn't matter how fast or slow you are before that specific point.

you can't get the pipe on an earlier cycle
as mak said, the pipe and the cannons only start moving whenever they load, not at the start of the level, so it doesnt matter if you stop for that propeller, the cycle will be exactly the same from a certain point, and you are not fast enough to get there in any% circustances (i know is posible in 2p, idk any other way)

it was still theorized passing 8-1 without losing never the propeller in a TAS level, but i think it ends up being slower, and definitely not a viable option to save time RTA