Chunk out of Rear Prop

[Bob Cook]

Paul

Two years ago I replaced the rear engine and a rear prop. On the test flight a bolt flew out of the undercarriage and hit the prop. Total time on new prop : 22 minutes ! Total damage - major.

Murphy says anything in front of the prop will end up in the rear prop. It has an affinity for such matter.

On a new prop you have about 2 inches on the tips and around 3/4 of an inch on the leading edge. There are specific limits. If it is on the face there is more of a problem.

You need to send it to a prop shop for inspection and possible overhaul. They will tell you if new blades are needed. Based on the price of the blades it is almost better to get a new prop rather than old. You have additional cost of putting it altogther again.

Check riley and see if Mary-ann has one that came off an upgrade. They usually have some kicking around.

Word of warning to new pilots. Make sure you do not do a runup on icy surface as the rear prop can ingest ice and it can do considerable damage....

I have reduced FOD by running up the rear engine and at about 30 mph bringing in the front engine assuming the runway is sufficient. I have found far less damage to the rear prop using this approach. I also taxi with mostly the rear engine.

merry xmas to all.

Bob