rvn817j
Well Known Member
This post is based on a request from 1 or 2 folks and I will do my best to relate my experience. My experience is based on operation of my aircraft and I do not have a load of data except "time in the saddle".
First, I want to thank Bob Axsom for all the information he shares with everyone on this list on almost a daily basis. I wish I had the talent and the inquiring mind he possesses.
My RV-8 started its career in 1999 with an Irlbeck 2 blade wooden prop. After several years outside being tied down, the wood prop (and some of the paint on my airplane) began to show wear and tear. It was time for a change (2003ish). (The 2 blade prop was pretty fast on my airplane.)
I contacted Craig Catto. Craig did not have a 3 blade on an RV-8 at the time. He had one (or more) on an RV-4. He first sent me an RV-4 prop and it oversped. He made up one for my plane and it worked well, but was not faster than my 'old' 2 blade prop. It was MUCH smoother in operation (even after I had balanced my 2 blade prop).
I had a landing mishap with this prop. I believe that the mishap would have been worse except for Craig's prop acting as a support for my nose (an upside down "Y"). [A tail dragger standing on its nose is not a pretty picture.] Craig's props are very STRONG.
You can likely guess that I replaced the broken prop with another of Craig's props (and will always buy Craig's props for the safety factor). An interesting side note is that Craig's props are considered wood for prop strike purposes. I complied with all inspection requirements after the prop strike and did not have to "tear down" my engine.
I have since put 10 additional hp in my engine (hi compression pistons) and run my current prop in the rain ruining the finish on the leading edge. So, time for a new one. With a new one, I hope to get more speed (have asked Craig for "cruise" prop pulling 190hp), but I'm guaranteed a metal leading edge for rain issues.
I'm sending the removed prop to Craig for overhaul and refinish. It will be like new and I will sell it to the first one sending me a reasonable offer.
Bottom line benefits of Craig's props: (1) Structurally strong props; (2) Treated as wood props for prop strike purposes (don't try this at home); (3) Weather better than wood props; (4) Better in rain than wood (but must protect leading edge finish with tape or purchase prop with metal edge); (5) Smooth operation; (6) Can be torqued to 40 ft. lbs.; (7) Appealing appearance.
I am hoping for speed improvement with this next prop and will report any speed improvement if noted. (I will work with Craig to get speed, but Craig has said speed comes at 2700 rpm (+) and I don't usually go there for obvious reasons.)
First, I want to thank Bob Axsom for all the information he shares with everyone on this list on almost a daily basis. I wish I had the talent and the inquiring mind he possesses.
My RV-8 started its career in 1999 with an Irlbeck 2 blade wooden prop. After several years outside being tied down, the wood prop (and some of the paint on my airplane) began to show wear and tear. It was time for a change (2003ish). (The 2 blade prop was pretty fast on my airplane.)
I contacted Craig Catto. Craig did not have a 3 blade on an RV-8 at the time. He had one (or more) on an RV-4. He first sent me an RV-4 prop and it oversped. He made up one for my plane and it worked well, but was not faster than my 'old' 2 blade prop. It was MUCH smoother in operation (even after I had balanced my 2 blade prop).
I had a landing mishap with this prop. I believe that the mishap would have been worse except for Craig's prop acting as a support for my nose (an upside down "Y"). [A tail dragger standing on its nose is not a pretty picture.] Craig's props are very STRONG.
You can likely guess that I replaced the broken prop with another of Craig's props (and will always buy Craig's props for the safety factor). An interesting side note is that Craig's props are considered wood for prop strike purposes. I complied with all inspection requirements after the prop strike and did not have to "tear down" my engine.
I have since put 10 additional hp in my engine (hi compression pistons) and run my current prop in the rain ruining the finish on the leading edge. So, time for a new one. With a new one, I hope to get more speed (have asked Craig for "cruise" prop pulling 190hp), but I'm guaranteed a metal leading edge for rain issues.
I'm sending the removed prop to Craig for overhaul and refinish. It will be like new and I will sell it to the first one sending me a reasonable offer.
Bottom line benefits of Craig's props: (1) Structurally strong props; (2) Treated as wood props for prop strike purposes (don't try this at home); (3) Weather better than wood props; (4) Better in rain than wood (but must protect leading edge finish with tape or purchase prop with metal edge); (5) Smooth operation; (6) Can be torqued to 40 ft. lbs.; (7) Appealing appearance.
I am hoping for speed improvement with this next prop and will report any speed improvement if noted. (I will work with Craig to get speed, but Craig has said speed comes at 2700 rpm (+) and I don't usually go there for obvious reasons.)
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