I've been hearing about friends getting a few small nicks in their props lately. When I was doing my annual, my mechanic suggested that I put some of this protective film on te leading edge of my prop.

I had talked with a guy last year that really didn't like it. So, now I am wondering if anyone here has any experience with it, and what their thoughts are.

Thanks Gary

Pretty much a waste of money, in my book. It doesn't hurt anything, but any significant rock chips will penetrate right through the stuff, and still get to the prop leading edge. Then, when the stuff gets chewed up good by rocks, pieces of it go flinging off the prop.

On a seaplane, where water erosion is the big issue, MAYBE. But, frankly, on a seaplane, good technique will take care of 99 % of the prop damage.

Oh, and by the way, that's mostly true on wheels as well. Talk to a few old timers around there, and get some feedback on your techniques to minimize prop damage. It may be that you are already doing everything you can, but it never hurts to get some independant feedback.

I wouldn't stick this stuff on any prop of mine, though.

MTV

I agree with MTV on this one. I've never used it and wouldn't waste my money. The 182 a couple of hangers down from mine had that clear tape shield on it's prop, after a time it looked pretty ratty.

I watched a guy with a 210 do a run up one time. He parked on the paved portion of the taxiway, and had the 210 pointed off toward the gravel edge. Man that thing pulled rocks up from 10-15 feet away. Sounded like hitting a beer can with a bb gun. Most likely the same result.

Anyway Like MTV said, good technique.

See ya, Bub

Skylane wrote: He parked on the paved portion of the taxiway, and had the 210 pointed off toward the gravel edge. Man that thing pulled rocks up from 10-15 feet away. Sounded like hitting a beer can with a bb gun. Most likely the same result.

More young commercial pilots have been fired for either chewing up props on runups, or taxiing into pallets or 55 gal drums than any other reason I can think of... It's just stupid. And expensive.

Gump

I like "Prop Guard". I have had it on for over a year and it shows no sign of coming off. The paint on the leading edge doesn't get eroded away. Runway permitting, I slowly accelerate up to 40 mph before going to full power to prevent picking up rocks and other FOD. - Mike

This maybe should go to another thread, but it goes along with this, and you brought up a good point. What would be a good speed to bring in full power? I ease my power in, but am probably at 15-20 mph when reaching full power. Any other thoughts here on what is a safe speed to be at full power with unstable ground conditions?

Gary

shortfielder wrote: Any other thoughts here on what is a safe speed to be at full power with unstable ground conditions?

Thoughts.....

On the ground, just like in the air I like to plan ahead to manage inertia and energy. Any time you have to blast a handful of full/high RPM throttle it means that something ain't right.

You don't have to be moving real fast to safely run up on loose gravel or dirt (or water), just be moving. More important is that you apply your power smoothly, and be well aware of what you're doing with your tail feathers to get the prop up. Same with moving out of your parking spot. How many guys have we all seen redline the poor airplane to get it rolling, elevator straight down to get sandblasted. As an old tailwheel guy if that elevator ain't full back while the engine's running on the ground, my old instructors are turnin' over in their graves and smackin' someone on the back of the head.

Which brings up another pet peeve, if I may... How many of you have been sand/rock blasted by the asshole who has no clue as to what he aims the tail at, as he does his 2,800 RPM taxi job or run up? I don't know about you all, but I've climbed out of my airplane and been ready kick ass when it's happened to me.

Gump

Thanks Gump

I usually do my runup while taxiing to take off. Usually between 12-1400 rpm. Don't do the carb heat if on dirt. Don't feel it is really necessary to go higher rpm in dirt conditions.

Had never heard that about the elevator, but certainly makes sense. I will do that from now on. Thanks for that tip.

Gary

GumpAir wrote:

shortfielder wrote: Any other thoughts here on what is a safe speed to be at full power with unstable ground conditions?

Thoughts.....

Which brings up another pet peeve, if I may... How many of you have been sand/rock blasted by the asshole who has no clue as to what he aims the tail at, as he does his 2,800 RPM taxi job or run up? I don't know about you all, but I've climbed out of my airplane and been ready kick ass when it's happened to me.

Gump

One of my personal favorites the dumb ass that don't know how to turn and park at a fly In.
As mild mannered as I am I once drug a guy off the wing of his Baron and had a come to Jesus meeting right then and there

My mechanic suggested the prop guard for my 182. I tried it but if you hit a weed or grass it will just split it right into. I finally removed it after trying to repair it a few times. He has a 180 and the prop is higher so he doesn't have this trouble. I fly off of a gravel strip and I just push the throttle in slowly. Bob

Save your time and money on the prop tape. Its looks good on pavement travelers, Barons etc. But does little except for rain

As others have said, The best thing on dirt is controlling your energy.

Don't put that erosion guard crap on your wings, struts etc. either. My plane had it when I bought it. It had cracked, turned yellow and actually had mold growing in it. Not even acetone will faze this crap. You have to strip the paint off to get rid of it, or recover the fabric.
Sometimes the cure is worse than the diease.

In Mulege,baja,The hotel Serenadad has required everyone to park front first.
Some jerk in a twin started and taxied from the parking area,and blew rocks and dirt all over the paying guests.
I recon that having to push back, then start up, was not clear enough to some.
Good rant tho,Chuck

Don't waste your money on that special prop tape. I use duct tape on the leading edge of the prop and it works just dandy-- real tough, and when it gets ratty just peel it off and put some more on. It's readily available too, I get mine out of my neighbor's hangar when he's not looking.

Eric

zero.one.victor wrote:Don't waste your money on that special prop tape. I use duct tape on the leading edge of the prop and it works just dandy-- real tough, and when it gets ratty just peel it off and put some more on. It's readily available too, I get mine out of my neighbor's hangar when he's not looking.

Eric

So that's where it went!

Just kidding, see ya, Bub

My Stinson was the factory demonstrator for Prop Guard before I bought it. Sure the stuff doesn't do anything against rocks (after all it's only plastic), but it does protect against flying through rain.

I trashed the leading edges of the prop on my Super Cub flying through a lot of heavy rain storms last summer on my Alaska trip (prop is out for overhaul while the cub is being rebuilt -- hail on this same trip did a number on my fabric / paint job as well). I'm sure Prop Guard would have protected against some of that. I have no idea if there is any affect on performance though.

Hey Gump Nice to learn that I am not the only one here old enough to have been bashed about the head, from the rear seat that is.

wanabe wrote:Hey Gump Nice to learn that I am not the only one here old enough to have been bashed about the head, from the rear seat that is.

Oh yeah, or that stick would come whizzing back and give you a swift RIN (Rap In the Nuts) if it wasn't full back.

Gump

GumpAir wrote:

wanabe wrote:
Oh yeah, or that stick would come whizzing back and give you a swift RIN (Rap In the Nuts) if it wasn't full back.

Gump

The tail on the Scout is so heavy I am always pushing forward to get weight off to turn. Hard to retrain yourself to not hold it back all the way.

Was about 210lbs on the tail last time I had it on the scale

Then I get in the Champ and quickly remind myself keep the stick back.

mr scout wrote::shock: One of my personal favorites the dumb ass that don't know how to turn and park at a fly In.
As mild mannered as I am I once drug a guy off the wing of his Baron and had a come to Jesus meeting right then and there

ahem, er.... before I become just another dumb ass at a fly in, what's the recommended way to turn and park. End of the line and spin with prop wash away from everyone?

I suppose if I pitch rocks at everyone, it's okay for them to pitch rocks back.

Ah well, I'm usually on my nose by the time I come to a stop anyway so wash isn't a problem.