F R E Q U E N T L Y  A S K E D  Q U E S T I O N S

Hartzell also has a pamphlet available which is entitled "Technical Issues Involved in Propeller System Selection for Your Kit Plane", which provides propeller information for home-builders.

What propeller is best for my homebuilt aircraft?
If you are building one of the popular kit aircraft, you may be able to buy a new Hartzell propeller directly from the kit manufacturer. In many cases they have tested a particular engine and propeller combination that they recommend for their builders.

What if I’m building a less-common design?
For aircraft which use certified aircraft engines (i.e. Lycoming or Continental), the best approach is to copy the "firewall forward" off of a certified aircraft. Using an approved engine/propeller/governor combination off of a factory built aircraft takes much of the "guesswork" out of your powerplant installation.

What if I’m using a converted automobile engine?
We do not endorse the use of Hartzell propellers on converted auto engines unless vibration testing has been performed. Since this testing has only been performed on a few conversions, using a wooden fixed-pitch propeller on untested conversions might be your best bet.

Why should I use a certified propeller?
Certified propellers have been designed and tested to meet rigorous standards and offer less risk when used with an approved engine combination.

How do I find approved engine/propeller combinations?
In addition to referring to a certified aircraft combination, propeller Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS) often list these combinations under Note 9 of the TCDS. The TCDS information is available from aircraft mechanics and the FAA via the internet at http://www.airweb.faa.gov.

What governor should I use?
Again, the best way to select a governor model is from a certified installation. Compatible governors are also listed on the propeller TCDS.

What about spinners?
There are a wide variety of spinners available from the propeller manufacturers, aircraft manufacturers and aircraft supply companies. If a spinner is not included with your aircraft kit, it is best to obtain one that fits your propeller and build or adapt the cowling to fit it.

Where can I find out about placards for my propeller?
Any RPM or manifold pressure restrictions for a particular propeller/engine combination are listed on the propeller TCDS under Note 9.

What is the recommended time-between-overhaul (TBO) for Hartzell propellers?
For new manufacture "compact" propellers installed on piston aircraft it is 6 years or 2,400 flight hours, which ever comes first. Most used Hartzell propellers (built before 1997) have a recommended TBO of 5 years or 2,000 flight hours. Full TBO details may be found in Hartzell Service Letter 61V.

What do I need to do to maintain my propeller?
Dress out nicks, touch-up paint, grease, corrosion inspection. Contact Hartzell Propeller Product Support for more information.

Does Hartzell sell used propellers?
No, but most propeller shops do.

Does Hartzell make electrically controllable propellers?
No, all of our propellers are hydraulically controlled.

I’d like to use a composite propeller. What do you have available?
Hartzell has developed a number of composite blades designed for specific aircraft (aerobatic, regional airline, & corporate aircraft), but does not currently offer them for the typical kit plane application.

What about a prop for my pusher design?
Hartzell has a few blades available for pusher applications, however, these applications require a vibration survey making one-off applications cost prohibitive.

What about a reversing propeller?
Over the years Hartzell has developed a number of reversing propellers. At the present time we do not offer reversing propellers for piston-engine applications.

Why doesn’t Hartzell offer a propeller for my kit aircraft?
Hartzell has developed suitable propellers for most popular kit planes. If there isn’t a Hartzell propeller for your application, ask your kit manufacturer to contact Hartzell about the possibility of offering a Hartzell for their kit.