My OshKosh Prop Strike

[DougJ]

Originally Posted by Mel

This might be OK for short periods, but normally a wood prop should always be left in the horizontal position. Wood has a lot of moisture content and leaving the prop vertical causes the moisture to migrate toward the lower tip throwing the prop out of balance.

Originally Posted by bret

I just learned something today! thanks Mel.

I learned this while doing a little flying in a wooden bladed Bell 47 and an old Hiller. Leave one on those tied down for very long with the rotors tilted and it can get your attention! A couple of old hands at my airfield made sure to remind me that it matters on these little props as well!

[Marine]

While being directed to a grass parking spot at Whiteplains (SC99) during South Carolina Breakfast Club this year I inadvertently found a hole with my nose wheel. The cut grass over the hole was the same height as the surrounding grass so the ground appeared level. Luckily, no prop strike, but did tear up the wheel pant. I am about to refuse to park anywhere but solid surfaces in the future.

[Paul K]

The grass and clover was so high in HBC that I had green stains on the very tips of my prop after parking! In almost 200 hrs, that's a first even after half a dozen grass landings. Nothing like hitting a solid object but gets you thinking!

[curtis]

Originally Posted by Mel

This might be OK for short periods, but normally a wood prop should always be left in the horizontal position. Wood has a lot of moisture content and leaving the prop vertical causes the moisture to migrate toward the lower tip throwing the prop out of balance.

Good evening Mel,
I firmly believe that with the finishes on todays propellers, the position of the prop will have no appreciable effect on balance when the engine is ran on a regular basis. This is true as long as the finish is good and the plane lives inside of a hangar. I agree that all wood has a moisture content, but if there was enough moisture inside of the prop to migrate then it would be physically impossible to keep a three bladed prop balanced. I have almost 5 years and over 500 hours on my prop and do not have any issues with balance.
I did learn in A&P school about how to position a prop, but keeping in mind that was put into the text books when when props had brass leading edges and drain holes in the metal leading edge.

I am not trying to start a big argument on this subject, especially in the current thread and I do respect your opinion and knowledge.

Curtis