Aero Composites 2200 Prop.

N661DJ · #1 09-05-2021, 04:30 AM

I have a Aero Composites 2200 prop. that I am considering installing on my RV-8
to replace the Hartzell BA currently installed. I have weighed both props and the AC prop is 20 lbs. lighter than the Hartzell, this would allow me to eliminate the 25 lb. weight I am currently having to use in the rear baggage area when flying solo.
Aero Composites is not in business and info. about the prop. is somewhat limited.
Is there anyone presently using this prop.? What seems to be the issues, if any, with this propeller?
I have had the prop. inspected by a local prop. shop that has experience with composite props. They did not find any problems or issues with it.
Any input would be appreciated.
Dick

jarvis · #2 09-05-2021, 07:16 AM

Check your PMs.

Plummit · #3 09-05-2021, 07:31 AM

If the prop is free go ahead and use it, but I consider Aero Composite props to have little value due to the company offering no support. AC props had their own spinner that had a special rubber filler piece at the forward bulkhead, and that piece is no longer available. You will have to come up with your own filler piece for support.

If you have to pay for the prop go ahead and purchase a Whirlwind. You will be glad you did. My $.02.

-Marc

Quote:

Originally Posted by N661DJ

I have a Aero Composites 2200 prop. that I am considering installing on my RV-8
to replace the Hartzell BA currently installed. I have weighed both props and the AC prop is 20 lbs. lighter than the Hartzell, this would allow me to eliminate the 25 lb. weight I am currently having to use in the rear baggage area when flying solo.
Aero Composites is not in business and info. about the prop. is somewhat limited.
Is there anyone presently using this prop.? What seems to be the issues, if any, with this propeller?
I have had the prop. inspected by a local prop. shop that has experience with composite props. They did not find any problems or issues with it.
Any input would be appreciated.
Dick

starfightr104 · #4 09-05-2021, 09:23 AM

American Propeller is the only shop that I know of that can overhaul your prop. I'm flying with one and like it, but don't like shipping it across the country for work.

The spinner grommet is in fact an issue, since mine was deteriorated and needed a fix. My first attempt has failed, so I'm still working on it.

I paid for an overhaul because it was long overdue. A basic overhaul runs about $4K. I tried get a Whirlwind 2-blade instead but they wouldn't sell me one for my engine, an IO-360 200 hp with 10:1 pistons. I think they would have sold me a 3-blade though.

Good luck with yours.

Ameritech Industries dba EXP
20208 Charlanne Drive
Redding, CA 96002 USA
Phone: (530) 221-4470
Fax: (530) 221-5210
Email: parts@ameritech-aviation.com

Plummit · #5 09-06-2021, 08:38 AM

Just a pirep on American Propeller, the paint they used on my prop sucked. It started deteriorating right away. Of course they said to pull it off and send it back for a free repair.....

-Marc

testwest · #6 01-03-2022, 05:37 AM

Hi everyone

I think I have a solution for the Aero Composites prop ring issue. These are made from an elastomeric material and have an improved cross section for better durability. Expecting to have at least three of these for testing around January 25th. The first one is going on an F-1 Rocket that is flown almost daily here at Spruce Creek.

If someone has a 2-blade Aero Composites prop that they would be willing to take some measurements to confirm the rings are the same as the 3-blade, please PM me. Thanks.

Norman Howell
Spruce Creek Fly-In, FL
howelln@reagan.com
Test West LLC

Plummit · #7 01-03-2022, 07:34 AM

I'm sure us Aerocomposite owners would welcome a new spinner grommet replacement! Don't know if you will get rich making it but.....

-Marc

testwest · #8 01-03-2022, 07:48 AM

Haha if I can just get the biz off the ground it would be good. I have three of these rings coming from manufacturing and if the fit and initial durability work in flight test we'll make more. The good material is not cheap any more though, but I am really trying to keep these well below $100 and make them last a long time. The originals were just cast urethane and pretty soft. The last one of the originals made was flown in a Rocket here at Spruce Creek and it lasted only two flights.

Norman Howell
Spruce Creek Fly-In, FL

Rallylancer122 · #9 01-03-2022, 08:42 PM

I'll take one at that price.

That being said, I'm unconvinced of the criticality of this part. I just wrapped a rubber strip around the dome and shimmed it to fit snug with tape. It's been working so far.

Plummit · #10 01-03-2022, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by testwest

Haha if I can just get the biz off the ground it would be good. I have three of these rings coming from manufacturing and if the fit and initial durability work in flight test we'll make more. The good material is not cheap any more though, but I am really trying to keep these well below $100 and make them last a long time. The originals were just cast urethane and pretty soft. The last one of the originals made was flown in a Rocket here at Spruce Creek and it lasted only two flights.

Count me in for one.

-Marc