shocktrooper
Well-Known Member
What does the forum members say/think about current choices for a new prop?
My original (Props Inc. 52x45) now has a shallow crack in the front face of one of the blades due to a knuckle-head landing I made a few weeks ago! I had been been up for just over 1.8 hobbs hrs. and was suffering from cold feet, low back pain & "git-down-itus"! The sod field was very wet and I overshot trying to touchdown just beyond a large puddle I failed to notice before I took off. Its amazing how standing water can be seen so clearly from above on a sunny day! This landing was post-2nd go-around and when I finally got her planted tail down firm, I was still too fast and almost 1/2 way down the 3000+feet field. Tall pines just beyond both ends so no further options than to lock it all up and pray. I skidded with engine at idle & both wheels locked for several hundred feet on the soggy grass, and off the end of the runway into briars and brush. No ground loop but it did nose over a bit and comeback down on the tailwheel when she entered the brush. This was a light strike with the prop windmilling at idle and it stopped the engine.
I also damaged both wheel pants and the spinner. The pants can be repaired and repainted...the spinner lost a layer of material in a single spot but not sure if I can repair it without balance issues afterward. Broke off the pitot tube just forward of the leading edge...looks like a simple brass tube, nothing fancy. Engine still rotates (by hand) without any noted binding, etc. and prop hub still looks ok. No other visible or obvious damage noted.
After talking with a VW aviation conversions pro, consensus is to hang a new prop, chain her down and perform 3 WOT ground runs for 3-5min duration each with max CHT temp limits adhered to, watch for abnormal ops & vibration and then drop oil and screen, and check for metal, etc, etc.
My plane was running & flying fantastic before this goof, and I will woe that day forever! Hard and expensive lesson(s) learned.
I am a retired A&P but a new and low time pilot (w/ TW endorsement). I have accumulated just over a mere 7+ hours in my Sonerai 2L.
I find this bird to be loud-as-H^^^ inside, pretty demanding in the energy management and yaw control areas of flight, and a somewhat cramped cockpit for my 200LB 5-11 frame. After 2 hrs. or so of flying it, I am MORE than ready to get out of it and walk around a bit.
You guys chime in whatever ya think... no need to beat me down eh?...I feel bad enough as it is and won't NEVER forget my own "Day of Infamy"! :-[ "NO-NO-NOooooobodys fault but MINE" ref. Led Zeppelin :
P.S. I spoke directly with owner of Props Inc.last week and he (sadly) informed that they are shutting down for his retirement and will not be making anymore new props. Mine was a very fine example of his craftsmanship...I would have bought another duplicate if I could.
My original (Props Inc. 52x45) now has a shallow crack in the front face of one of the blades due to a knuckle-head landing I made a few weeks ago! I had been been up for just over 1.8 hobbs hrs. and was suffering from cold feet, low back pain & "git-down-itus"! The sod field was very wet and I overshot trying to touchdown just beyond a large puddle I failed to notice before I took off. Its amazing how standing water can be seen so clearly from above on a sunny day! This landing was post-2nd go-around and when I finally got her planted tail down firm, I was still too fast and almost 1/2 way down the 3000+feet field. Tall pines just beyond both ends so no further options than to lock it all up and pray. I skidded with engine at idle & both wheels locked for several hundred feet on the soggy grass, and off the end of the runway into briars and brush. No ground loop but it did nose over a bit and comeback down on the tailwheel when she entered the brush. This was a light strike with the prop windmilling at idle and it stopped the engine.
I also damaged both wheel pants and the spinner. The pants can be repaired and repainted...the spinner lost a layer of material in a single spot but not sure if I can repair it without balance issues afterward. Broke off the pitot tube just forward of the leading edge...looks like a simple brass tube, nothing fancy. Engine still rotates (by hand) without any noted binding, etc. and prop hub still looks ok. No other visible or obvious damage noted.
After talking with a VW aviation conversions pro, consensus is to hang a new prop, chain her down and perform 3 WOT ground runs for 3-5min duration each with max CHT temp limits adhered to, watch for abnormal ops & vibration and then drop oil and screen, and check for metal, etc, etc.
My plane was running & flying fantastic before this goof, and I will woe that day forever! Hard and expensive lesson(s) learned.
I am a retired A&P but a new and low time pilot (w/ TW endorsement). I have accumulated just over a mere 7+ hours in my Sonerai 2L.
I find this bird to be loud-as-H^^^ inside, pretty demanding in the energy management and yaw control areas of flight, and a somewhat cramped cockpit for my 200LB 5-11 frame. After 2 hrs. or so of flying it, I am MORE than ready to get out of it and walk around a bit.
You guys chime in whatever ya think... no need to beat me down eh?...I feel bad enough as it is and won't NEVER forget my own "Day of Infamy"! :-[ "NO-NO-NOooooobodys fault but MINE" ref. Led Zeppelin :
P.S. I spoke directly with owner of Props Inc.last week and he (sadly) informed that they are shutting down for his retirement and will not be making anymore new props. Mine was a very fine example of his craftsmanship...I would have bought another duplicate if I could.
