Composite Propeller Advice

Jonathan Holland · Post by **Jonathan Holland** » Thu Oct 21, 2010 5:41 pm

I am about to purchase a replacement propeller for a wooden GSC 3 blade. The replacement will be going on a Kitfox/912s and I have in mind either a Kiev ground adjustable or an Arplast ECOprop ground adjustable.

Does anybody have any particular knowledge of the benefits / downsides of either? Have I overlooked any others (I have considered Warp drive).

I spoke to Andy at the LAA and he was very helpful and basically summarised my options for me - hence I am coming to see what experiences other people have had. I did a ground run recently with a Kiev and it was so much smoother throughout the power range than the GSC I couldn't belive it.

Will wait to hear back from anyone with any experience. I am fully aware of the Mod 4 procedure etc that a prop change will require.

Thanks in advance.

mcfadyeanda · Post by **mcfadyeanda** » Thu Oct 21, 2010 10:41 pm

Some comparisons at:
http://www.stolspeed.com/id/62
which mentions (but does not test) the Kiev.

Duncan.

Rod1 · Post by **Rod1** » Thu Oct 21, 2010 11:05 pm

I had an Ecoprop on the MCR before I upgraded to a PV50. It worked well and I had no problems with it.

Rod1

John Clarke · Post by **John Clarke** » Sat Oct 23, 2010 2:18 pm

One downside to an Arplast is that, unless something has changed in the last few weeks while I've been abroad, there is no longer a UK agent for them, should you need repairs, servicing or assistance.

Jonathan Holland · Post by **Jonathan Holland** » Sun Oct 24, 2010 5:52 pm

John,

I agree with you. Buying something in a language I can't speak and with no UK after-market support worries me.

The Kiev has great reports all across various websites and the agent at Sywell has been very helpful on the two occasions I have called him.

Andy Draper at the LAA has said it is an appropriate prop for my set-up (subject to Mod 4 testing) so I think I will go with it. And besides, it looks the business!!

John Clarke · Post by **John Clarke** » Mon Oct 25, 2010 3:27 pm

I wish I could follow my own advice, Jonathan. The previous UK agent for Arplast, Lyndhurst Touchdown, shut up shop on the very day I took delivery of my new aircraft, which has a PV50!

C'est la vie, I suppose?

Kevin Dilks · Post by **Kevin Dilks** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 5:40 pm

I think it would be worth a look at a Woodcomp Klassic 3 blade composite also.

Many good reports about this prop and now a new UK agent .........

Cheers
Kev

Rod1 · Post by **Rod1** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 11:22 pm

I understand there are a number of people competing for the Arplast dealership. There is a lot of expertise in the UK so no real problem.

Rod1