Carbon fiber prop spinners/$1800

[GJ Humphrey]

I apologize to any readers who may be getting tired of my threads on prop spinners. Replacement is very expensive, and I'm trying to zero in on the best option.

Owen Bell sells carbon fiber spinners for the 337. That's far cheaper than a new Cessna spinner and presumbably a lot more durable. He's quoting $1200 vs. about $3500 from Cessna.

Does anyone have any experience with Owen's carbon fiber spinners for Cessna 337s? He says they're FAA approved and there are about 50 out in the field.

Thanks.

GJ Humphrey
Concord, NH
T337G, P-Model, SN P3370063, N3CU

[Don Hickman]

Thanks for your info on spinners. I've had a similar experience. Question: Other than cosmetic, is there any reason to have a rear spinner?

[kevin]

The P337s are not approved without a spinner. (I had a crack too...)

I am not sure about the normals and turbos. I know the military flew without spinners, but I think they had a little dust cap, I'm really not sure. One of the O-2 folks on the site can tell us.

Kevin

[skymstr02]

Originally posted by Don Hickman
Thanks for your info on spinners. I've had a similar experience. Question: Other than cosmetic, is there any reason to have a rear spinner?

They are required equipment per the FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet, as they are part of the engine cooling system. The smooth out the airflow in/out of the cowlings.

The military O-2A's have a different engine baffling than the civillian counterparts, therefore, don't require them.