Having a Propjet with a beta(reverse) prop and being based at a 3000' strip with trees on both ends I use the beta more than I would like.
I find that the reverse thrust does stir up a lot of ground debris which inevitably chips the prop paint though thus far there has not been any true prop damage. I haven't seen much issue with chipping the fuselage paint though it could I suppose. For cosmetics I had the front of my prop taken down to polished aluminum so that the paint chipping does not show though the black back paint still gets chipped. With the original Avia factory paint it didn't seem to chip as much but once it was repainted it seems more predisposed to chipping so perhaps paint quality or technique may play a role.
I was told by a very experienced propjet pilot that avoiding beta at lower speeds helps avoid the chipping.
All in all for short field ops the beta is a wonderful safety feature despite the prop cosmetic issues.
David Weinsweig N750DW Propjet
"I do not intend to full blast reverse (unless there is an emergency), so
keeping prop and skin damages under control."
Hi Ronald,
Just curious, how would full reverse damage the prop or skin?
Dennis
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