Wood prop

[PA1195]

Re: Wood prop

Yes all good points Mike. I've gone down this trail before with floats and rather enjoy the learning process. I have no profit motive but would like at some point to add another approved 337 to my stack in case someday I want to install a different prop.

Gary

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Wood prop

I have had MANY people point out to me that my wood prop is not as efficient as a metal one. It is even worse that I have the metal one in the corner for the 45. Most folks with metal props just don't seem to get it that we have wood props because we love wood props. We DON'T CARE that is is less efficient. NOTHING feels quite like a wood prop when you pull it through. It is part of what makes a plane feel alive.

Hank

If I wanted to go fast and climb like a rocket I wouldn't be flying a 1941 aeroplane, I would have a Bonanza or Mooney. Or maybe an RV.

[PA1195]

Re: Wood prop

My last Flight Review was behind a 3-blade composite MT prop on an O-360 powered C-172. Very smooth. Not quite a classic wooden model but definitely different than metal. The only odd thing was the immediate rpm spin-up on takeoff, and the same quick spin-down power off. Not as much inertia. Performance was adequate but I'd owned an 82" metal on an O-360 PA-12 that pulled better.

Yes I can see their advantage on a nice day lingering over fragrant green fields with no destination or hurry in mind.

Gary

[astjp2]

Re: Wood prop

If you get that 337 through we could post it in the tech references section...and it gives us options beyond the 4K metal prop and a 2k wood one. Tim

[PA1195]

Re: Wood prop

Here's a sorta' update on the Catto prop saga. Catto and the Alaska FAA (FSDO/Alaskan Aircraft Engineering folks) are is discussion regarding approvals for that design of wood/composite propeller. I'm not privy to the process but did have an informative conversation with one of the knowledgeable FSDO PMI's this morning.

Mainly on Cubs but it may eventually apply to other aircraft and engines. There's supporting data that Catto has developed and a program is underway to assess that information and perhaps develop either an STC, Field Approval, or both depending on circumstances.

There's also some discussion on pre and post-STC production propellers and which would be legal to install and how.

I realized this is at best vague but so many have been installed and even log entries made that some resolution is at hand.

Gary