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1. 06:23 PM - TR-4 Composite Propeller PIREP (Galin Hernandez)
2. 08:27 PM - Re: TR-4 Composite Propeller PIREP (Tim Yoder)
Message 1
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Subject: | TR-4 Composite Propeller PIREP |
Having completed a new Phase #1, 5hr flight testing with my new CATTO 3
bladed composite propeller and with 25hrs behind the propeller, I decided
to provide this PIREP. The propeller replaced a SENSENICH 2 bladed aluminum
propeller that had been on the airplane for 998hrs.
My first impression is that the propeller is a well built, beautiful work
of art. I had them add the nickel plating to the leading edges and paint
the tips the same copper color used on my tail numbers. The spinner is
carbon fiber with a 3=9D aluminum extension and a 12=9D backing
plate. My
second impression is that the propeller is extremely light weight
especially compared to the Sensenich propeller. I weighed both propellers
with the corresponding additional =9Cparts=9D each one requires
for a complete
installation. The CATTO came out to be almost 30lbs lighter than the
Sensenich so when I weighed the airplane, the nose wheel weight was 31.5lbs
lighter than before. This shifted the CG 1 =C2=BD=9D further aft from
where it was
but still well within the CG limits. The new BEW came out to 1393lbs with
310lbs on the nose wheel. This means the nose only has 22.25% of the
aircraft=99s total weight which is quite different than before.
The airplane flies differently with the CATTO than with the Sensenich.
First the starter seems to spins the propeller faster than before and, once
running, the engine runs significantly smoother. I am not sure if the
propeller is properly pitched for my airplane because it climbs a bit
faster than before. At cruise power I use less =9Cup trim=9D to
maintain
straight and level flight than before but have not seen a significant
increase in cruise speed. I have not done a =9Cwide open throttle
=9D test at
7,500ft density altitude to confirm this but hope to do is soon. Craig
Catto told me that if the propeller needs re-pitching, he will do it at no
cost but I will have to pay shipping both ways.
During landing, this is a different handling airplane than before. Prior to
the change, I had to use full up trim, hold the control stick almost full
aft and add a little power (100-150rpm=99s) until touch down. After l
anding,
the nose gear would come down firmly unless I kept the extra power in. With
the CATTO propeller, if I add the power, I don=99t need as much aft t
rim or
even hold the control stick as far as before. Once on the ground, I can
reduce the power to idle and I can keep the airplane in a nose up attitude
long enough that I can put the nose gear down very softly.
This change in propeller has convinced me the CATTO composite propeller
with a Lycoming O360 engine is an exceptional combination for our airframe
with the landing being the biggest improvement. The landing has changed
from being a bit challenging to being quite docile. Besides, the airplane
looks so cool with a 3 bladed propeller.
My 2 cents.
Message 2
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Subject: | TR-4 Composite Propeller PIREP |
Very nice report!
_____
From: owner-kis-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-kis-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Galin Hernandez
Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2015 7:22 PM
Subject: KIS-List: TR-4 Composite Propeller PIREP
Having completed a new Phase #1, 5hr flight testing with my new CATTO 3
bladed composite propeller and with 25hrs behind the propeller, I decided t
o
provide this PIREP. The propeller replaced a SENSENICH 2 bladed aluminum
propeller that had been on the airplane for 998hrs.
My first impression is that the propeller is a well built, beautiful work o
f
art. I had them add the nickel plating to the leading edges and paint the
tips the same copper color used on my tail numbers. The spinner is carbon
fiber with a 3=94 aluminum extension and a 12=94 backing plate. My second
impression is that the propeller is extremely light weight especially
compared to the Sensenich propeller. I weighed both propellers with the
corresponding additional =93parts=94 each one requires for a complete
installation. The CATTO came out to be almost 30lbs lighter than the
Sensenich so when I weighed the airplane, the nose wheel weight was 31.5lbs
lighter than before. This shifted the CG 1 =BD=94 further aft from where it
was
but still well within the CG limits. The new BEW came out to 1393lbs with
310lbs on the nose wheel. This means the nose only has 22.25% of the
aircraft=92s total weight which is quite different than before.
The airplane flies differently with the CATTO than with the Sensenich. Firs
t
the starter seems to spins the propeller faster than before and, once
running, the engine runs significantly smoother. I am not sure if the
propeller is properly pitched for my airplane because it climbs a bit faste
r
than before. At cruise power I use less =93up trim=94 to maintain straight
and
level flight than before but have not seen a significant increase in cruise
speed. I have not done a =93wide open throttle=94 test at 7,500ft density
altitude to confirm this but hope to do is soon. Craig Catto told me that i
f
the propeller needs re-pitching, he will do it at no cost but I will have t
o
pay shipping both ways.
During landing, this is a different handling airplane than before. Prior to
the change, I had to use full up trim, hold the control stick almost full
aft and add a little power (100-150rpm=92s) until touch down. After landing
,
the nose gear would come down firmly unless I kept the extra power in. With
the CATTO propeller, if I add the power, I don=92t need as much aft trim or
even hold the control stick as far as before. Once on the ground, I can
reduce the power to idle and I can keep the airplane in a nose up attitude
long enough that I can put the nose gear down very softly.
This change in propeller has convinced me the CATTO composite propeller wit
h
a Lycoming O360 engine is an exceptional combination for our airframe with
the landing being the biggest improvement. The landing has changed from
being a bit challenging to being quite docile. Besides, the airplane looks
so cool with a 3 bladed propeller.
My 2 cents.
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