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galinhdz(at)gmail.com
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 Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2015 6:23 pm Post subject: TR-4 Composite Propeller PIREP |
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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” aluminum extension and a 12” 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 “parts” 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 ½” 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’s 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 “up trim” to maintain straight and level flight than before but have not seen a significant increase in cruise speed. I have not done a “wide open throttle” 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’s) 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’t 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 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.
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ftyoder(at)yoderbuilt.com
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| Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2015 8:27 pm Post subject: TR-4 Composite Propeller PIREP |
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Very nice report!
From: owner-kis-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-kis-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Galin Hernandez
Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2015 7:22 PM
To: kis-list(at)matronics.com
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 aluminum extension and a 12 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 parts 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 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 aircrafts 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 up trim to maintain straight and level flight than before but have not seen a significant increase in cruise speed. I have not done a wide open throttle 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 (100-150rpms) 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 dont 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 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.
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fasilpereira
Joined: 17 Jul 2011
Posts: 86
Location: Brazil
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| Posted: Thu May 07, 2015 8:54 am Post subject: Re: TR-4 Composite Propeller PIREP |
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Hi Galin,
I'm interested on your W&B data before and after prop change.
Could you please send me the weights and the arms for the loads and for the scales or the empty weight and arm? Please send it to ( fasilpereira(at)yahoo(dot)com ).
Since you have reported a great improvement on your landing characteristics after changing the prop, I'll try to make my airplane W&B to match yours.
Best,
Fabricio
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_________________
Fabricio Pereira
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