VP Prop Maintenance

[merlin]

Could someone point me to LAA requirements please? Is there an on condition mode? Thanks

Roger Breckell

[mike newall]

Easiest way is stick to the manufacturer's schedule on hours/calendar.

Normally it is - say 2000 hours or 6 years between overhauls.

You do not need to do Notice 75's.

They destroy propellers.............

Keep it simple and enjoy.

[Kevin Dilks]

Which type of prop ?
All Vp props should come with a maintenance schedule, this should followed as should the over haul times.
Just like and "On condition " engines you still make the maintenance intervals only difference is that a TBO time should really be observed as there can be more subtle problems on a VP prop that just looking for compression checks and oil pressure.

K Dilks
Special Aviation Services
Woodcomp Agent (UK)

[merlin]

Hoffman

2000hrs seems fair enough but is 6 yrs for a 100hr pa permit type essential?

[mike newall]

It's mainly to check seals, inspect for hub corrosion and re grease.

Prop's can't go 'on condition', unlike engines.

Even if the prop is new, you only get a couple of years before the calender starts ticking - we found that out to our cost with our MT.......

[merlin]

It's mainly to check seals, inspect for hub corrosion and re grease.

Doesn't sound too onerous; perhaps stories I've heard of o/h costs of 3-4k are just that.
What sort of o/h costs could I expect?

[Rod1]

A typical Rotax type electric VP prop can be pulled apart, checked and put back together in ½ a day by the owner – provided the manufacturers’ maintenance schedule is observed. I built my prop (PV50) from a kit and can maintain it with inspector sign off.

Rod1

[mike newall]

Give Ali Mant a ring at Proptech - they looked after us well with the MT.

+44(0)23 9265 7775

He can do all sorts of props.

Other prop people are available...........

[merlin]

Thanks Mike, Kevin and Rod1.

[Nigelcot]

Historically a Notice 75 strip and inspection was carried out every 3 years costing between £1000 and £1500 assuming that no major parts other than the aforementioned seals etc required replacement.
A friend has just had his 6 years from brand new american propeller overhauled after 100hrs TT , at a cost in excess of £4000 + vat, the aircraft has been hangered and properly looked after all its life as it is of wooden construction. The explanation being that while completely serviceable most of the parts with the exception of the blades were no longer to new specification.
If you think this is a good system you are welcome to it.

There is also the unresolved problem of what happens if your propeller is no longer supported, ie nobody will undertake to overhaul it due to a lack of new parts to zero time overhaul it. This could ground all aircraft with De Havilland VP props in the event that the CAA impose the threatened EASA 6 year overhaul cycle on ANNEX 2 types despite the fact that the manufacturer never placed a calender life on these propellers.