Hi,
Been a reader for a while, thought I would post and ask for opinions. My 182H had the prop guard leading edge protection tape on the leading edges of the McCauley three blade prop when I bought the plane last year. It also came with a little kit to replace sections if they get damaged. I've got a spot on one blade that should be replaced now. I was curious what people think about this product ? On one hand, my prop is 15 years old and has no dings - so it must work good ? But, if it's so great, and it's inexpensive, why doesn't everybody have it on their props ?

Thanks, Lance

Everyone at Enumclaw uses this tape. With a gravel runway we would have no prop left without it. I highly recommend it.it has saved many props and is a real value.
Ron

Hey,

Thanks for the quick response. Gravel would be a killer. My IA kind of turned his nose up at it during annual, so I was curious. MAybe he just doesn't like dealing with the stuff.

I’ve operated a lot of airplanes from gravel and rock “runways” for a lot of hours, with minimal as in very little prop damage.

Learn to be gentle with the throttle, keep that yoke buried in your gut, and THINK about your prop while operating on gravel. It shouldn’t be a big issue at all, with a bit of care.

If you think that tape will protect your prop from rock damage, I’ve got a bridge I’ll make you a deal on.

MTV

One of my customers put it on his 182 and it lasted maybe 3 months before it flew off... And yes, I followed the installation instructions to the T... I think it was the type of prop he has though as it’s a semi scimitar blade... have seen it on straighter blades and lasted a lot longer...

Brian

mtv,

I'd take you up on that bridge offer, but I already spent my money...this other guy gave me a great deal on some oceanfront property in Arizona ! Thanks for the responses, It's been on there for a long time, so I'll likely leave it, and, take it real easy in the gravel !

Lance

I had it on my Maule from new to maybe 400 hours when it wore thin and I took it off. It protected against little stuff but plenty of chips from bigger FOD. Removing the leftover glue was a wild PIA though.

I thought it is no longer made and not available. Maybe I'm wrong.

Seems similar to 3M helicopter tape. I've used that to fix fabric tape seams and a small hole in the bottom of my horizontal stabilizer.