I recently went through this decision on my 1956 C172TD. Debating between the performance vs simplicity/weight I opted to try the 82" Sensenich ground adjustable prop. Working with the engineers at sensenich and my local FSDO, we were able to get it field approved. I just finished the O-360 swap and only have a few flights on it at this point, but the performance is impressive. Takeoff is 200' and climbs out 1500'+ with two people and half tanks. Yes I know it is limited to climb or cruise settings and it will never beat a CS in adjustability in the air, but for me the majority of my flying is within 50nm and that's okay. Sensenich is working on the STC currently for 172's but it may take awhile from what they have told me.

Now that looks sweet. I dithered on a ground adjustable prop; Whirlwind, Senenich but just didn't see myself needing/wanting to adjust it very often so stayed with what I already had experience with FP.

Would you mind sharing your field approval? I have eyed up that prop myself in the past and had considered just putting it on but if there is an avenue to do it with a field approval I would be very interested.

Hello,
I am a DAR-T trying to do a field approval on a ground adjustable sensenich prop. Would there be a chance of getting a copy of your 337?

Steven Huff
[email protected]
602-390-4246

I have a friend with a 170 with the av con conversion with the fix pitch, he just switched to a constant speed HARTZEL TRAIL BLAZER and the performance increase and cruise speed increase are dramatic. A whole different aircraft.

That said I have a 180 Hp Maule MX7 for survey work with a Sensenich ground adjustable prop set perfect for survey cruise at 70-90MPH (Solid crank so CS is not an option) Cruise at a high 2500 rpm is 110 MPH With a CS this aircraft will cruise at 128MPH at 2400 RPM

Simple cheap decent performance not great but perfect at my survey speed a wonderful one trick pony. Fuel economy at 80 MPH is around 7.5 gall per hour for over 8 hours of endurance at that speed. 10 gallons at 110 MPH, with a CS 128MPH at the same 10 Gal per Hour.

The constant speed gives you everything —at a cost.

As a side note the 0 360 is known as a rough engine with lots of harmonic issues, the carbon fibre sensenich Ga 82 makes it run silky smooth

Most of the carbon or wood composite props are much smoother running than the metal blades, but the GA 82 from Sensenich is the best I have ever had.

Quote: Most of the carbon or wood composite props are much smoother running than the metal blades, but the GA 82 from Sensenich is the best I have ever had.

You bring up an interesting observation that I have noticed as well with the wooden core Catto on my 0-360. Additionally I also sense; no science behind it, that as the airplane accelerate the prop seems to "fine out" and bite a bit more.