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At 4 years and about 750 hours, I have almost the identical experience with a 4-blade MT prop on my IV-P. The
prop is smooth, quiet, and has been maintenance free except for a small grease leak at about 300 hours. This was fixed by the MT prop shop in Deland, FL, and I’ve had no issues since. My prop has been painted once, and needs repainting again…which I consider
good service. I don’t think I ever had any noticeable paint erosion in rain…and have flown in rain quite a bit…but sleet or ice crystals are a different matter! This is not something I do intentionally, but even the slightest encounter with sleet will do a
sandpaper number to the prop. Even knowing this, I’ll be sticking with the MT, and would chose it again.
Bob
From: Lancair
Mailing List [mailto:lml@lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of Bill Harrelson
Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2012 1:21 PM
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Subject: [LML] Re: MT composite prop
I have a two blade MT prop on our 320.
We have over 2,000 hours on the plane and prop. We operate IFR regularly including flight in rain. We’ve had no operational problems due to rain but it does take the paint off the leading edge eventually. So far the primer has stayed intact. We’ve repainted
the prop twice.
N6ZQ IV under construction
Sent:
Thursday, May 03, 2012 9:40 AM
Subject:
[LML] MT composite prop
Another query for those out there who are already flying.
I purchased a partly built L360 kit some time ago, which came with a 3 bladed, constant speed, MT, composite prop. It has never been assembled, and is by now about 20 years
old. Now that I am getting closer to completing the project I have been speaking to a couple of propeller shops. As I intend to operate IFR, I asked about durability of the prop when operated in rain. The response has been a little confusing, with statements
ranging from “they are not designed for ops in rain” to “ they are approved for ops in rain, but nobody actually does so” to “they are fully designed to operate in rain and will be fine”.
I would appreciate any comments from those of you out there who have operated MT composite props, as to their suitability in rain.
Thanks again for your input.
Rob Stevens
Perth,
Western Australia
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