Hangar Flying => Hangar Flying => Topic started by: saybeengineering on January 04, 2012, 11:23:38 AM
Title: 2 and 3 bladed Props
Post by: saybeengineering on January 04, 2012, 11:23:38 AM
Happy New Year to everyone.....
Would like to hear from Long EZ flyers what kind of experience they have with 2 and 3 bladed props?? Preferences, Pros and Cons? Likes and Dis-likes??? Types and sizes?? I currently fly with two different 2 blade props (Aymuth and Hertzler) and will like to hear the perspective performance of the 3 bladed props...
Thanks in advance!!
Regards, Afif Saybe Long EZ, HR-ATQ Honduras
Title: Re: 2 and 3 bladed Props
Post by: dorr on January 11, 2012, 02:56:05 PM
I had 2 and 3 bladed props on a prior Long EZ - the 3 blade was actually faster and theory says it should be slower. It was quieter in the cockpit as the exhaust is bouncing 6 one pipe at a time instead of two times per rev at the same time. It was smoother.
There aren't many manufacturers of 3 blades. The Performance blades seemed a little thin and people saw cracks appear and took them off out of concern... Catto has great 3 blades.
The big issue is carrying them. You can't carry them in most of our tandem planes, you can't put them in a baggage pod, and shipping is a nightmare that seems to be going up in price over time. With a pusher there is always servicing of props - they eat safety wire, washers, bolts and even tools - and need work.
Beagle
Title: Re: 2 and 3 bladed Props
Post by: saybeengineering on January 11, 2012, 06:40:44 PM
Thank You Beagle. You got that right about maintenance on pusher props!!!!
My only experience have been with 2 bladed props and was in the "experiment" mood. Thanks for the insight and when funds come available, I might look into a Catto prop.....In the meantime, will invest on maybe balancing the prop and hopefully try to damp some of the small vibration I currently have....
Regards, Afif
Title: Re: 2 and 3 bladed Props
Post by: easyrider on January 12, 2012, 01:15:10 PM
A simple addition to saving damage to pusher props is a bald nose tire. I noticed a significant drop in prop. damage taxying on taxiways of airports in the back country. Keeping the speed brake extended when taxying also helps, remember to close it for take off! Easyrider
Title: Re: 2 and 3 bladed Props
Post by: BruceHughes on January 12, 2012, 06:25:09 PM
Hi Afif
I believe that Ken Miller carries those bald nose tires. At least I got mine from him. See this website for his address or phone.
Bruce Hughes :)
Title: Re: 2 and 3 bladed Props
Post by: saybeengineering on January 13, 2012, 05:11:19 PM
Thanks Bruce....I do taxi with speed brake down, but our runways are concrete but not "good concrete". There always filled with debris. Will look into the bald tires.....!! Thanks!
Title: Re: 2 and 3 bladed Props
Post by: LongEZDaveA on January 13, 2012, 07:03:29 PM
Dale Martin sells them - http://www.long-ez.com/custom-parts.html (http://www.long-ez.com/custom-parts.html) That's where I got mine. I'm not sure if Ken still sells them or not.
Title: Re: 2 and 3 bladed Props
Post by: saybeengineering on January 14, 2012, 08:54:18 AM
Thank You Dave.....Ken told me Dale took over his business....Will contact him.