Catto Propellers

[BruceS]

Craig Catto of Catto Propellers was at EAA 292 (Independence Airpark, OR) last weekend and gave about an hour presentation/Q&A session. I taped it in it's entirety and have it up on my site. It's in four parts, about 16 minutes each for your viewing pleasure. Very informative!

Here's the link to the video page...

http://pursuitofflight.com/videoselectionpg.html

 

[8CW]

Thanks for posting!

 

[Vlad]

This is very informative indeed Bruce thanks. Craig made three bladed prop for me and I am very pleased. Watched your videos with great interest.

 

[db1yg]

Hi Bruce,

Thanks for posting--really interesting stuff.

One of the things mentioned by Craig was that he is working with Eci and a machine company in the development of a constant speed prop using his blades--do you have any more info--what time frame--where they are in the development??

Thanks again for posting and of course,

Cheers,

db

 

[Torch76]

Great videos

My questions regarding Catto props that I can quite seem to find an answer to is this: Do they offer the same engine protection as a wood prop in the case of a nose over?

 

[Sid Lambert]

I think the answer most will give is... There is no protection from a prop made from any material that would allow you to have a prop strike and then go fly the next day. Even though it's experimental, the prudent thing to do is check the crank and assy case items listed by Lycoming before flying the engine again.

 

[Torch76]

I understand that. However, I was told by an A&P (the beginning to many great yarns!) that, at least per Continental directives, a prop strike with a metal propeller requires a major teardown of some sort, vice a prop strike with a wood prop only requiring something else much less major (and thus less $$) that I can't exactly remember.

 

[Kyle Boatright]

I understand that. However, I was told by an A&P (the beginning to many great yarns!) that, at least per Continental directives, a prop strike with a metal propeller requires a major teardown of some sort, vice a prop strike with a wood prop only requiring something else much less major (and thus less $$) that I can't exactly remember.

Lycoming's service bulletin is here:

http://www.lycoming.textron.com/support/publications/service-bulletins/pdfs/SB533A.pdf

They recommend a tear down if the engine is involved in a prop strike.

Not the answer anyone wants to hear, but that's the factory answer.

 

[jetjok]

I met Craig many years ago, when we were in high school (actually, Craig had already graduated, as it only took two years!).
Anyway, I was surfing YouTube and found this old video. Scroll forward the 3:18 point.
This was one of his early designs called the Goldwing. He produced and sold the kits out of the airport where I am now based.
It is hard to believe that we were ever that young!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfArJqjOLTY