- Get a clear view of the propeller area. ...
- Check for surface damage. ...
- Check for erosion. ...
- Check for any loose or missing hardware or broken safety wire.
- Check for any broken or compromised seals.
- Check the straightness of the propeller blades.
What are the various levels of propeller inspection?
To ensure airworthiness, propeller inspection may be accomplished at three levels: (1) Preflight or walk-around inspection, detailed inspection (such as a 100-hour or annual inspection), and teardown inspection (or overhaul) .
Why is propeller inspection important?
Before and after any flight, it’s important to do a visual inspection of your propeller. Start by looking for signs of obvious damage, such as nicks, gouges, cracks in the spinner dome, missing hardware and signs of erosion .
Does a propeller require an annual inspection?
The FARs say an annual inspection is a complete inspection of all the aircraft’s individual parts, the airframe, the engine(s), the propeller(s) and everything else listed on the aircraft’s type certificated data/specification sheet and equipment list.
Who can perform an annual inspection and how do you get that rating?
An annual inspection can be performed only by an A&P mechanic who holds an Inspection Authorization , while a 100-hour inspection can be performed by an A&P mechanic without an IA.
How do you inspect a propeller shaft?
What far defines the different classes of maintenance and maintenance inspections for propeller systems?
Maintenance, Preventative Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration , defines the different classes of maintenance for propeller systems.
How do you check a propeller blade track?
It’s called a blade tracking check. Begin by rotating the propeller until one of the blades is pointing straight down. Now place a block of wood directly under the blade and mark the exact path of the blade on the wood. Leave the wood block in place and rotate the propeller to the next blade.
How do you clean an airplane propeller?
Clean the blades
Cleaning the propeller after every flight helps to keep corrosion at bay and ensures your prop always looks its best! We recommend using a gentle cloth and simple cleaning solvent of dish soap and water to remove dirt, dust, pollutants, and insects from the propeller blades.
What is the purpose of an arbor used in balancing a propeller?
What is the purpose of an arbor used in balancing a propeller? To support the propeller on the balance knives . reduced to conform with the shortened blade. may be necessary to achieve final balancing.
How often should a propeller be lubricated?
The propeller must be lubricated at intervals not to exceed 100 hours or at 12 calendar months , whichever occurs first. If annual operation is significantly less than 100 hours, calendar lubrication intervals should be reduced to 6 months.
What are the required maintenance inspections for aircraft?
There are two main aircraft maintenance inspections required for Part 91 aircraft: the annual and 100 hour inspections . Whether you do both or only one depends on if you carry any passengers for hire. Both inspections cover the same items.
How many annual inspections must the IA perform to maintain his rating?
Section 65.93, Inspection Authorization: Renewal
The performance of at least one annual inspection for each 90 days the technician has held the IA rating. The performance of the inspections of at least two major repairs or alterations for each 90 days the technician has held the IA rating.
Who is responsible for the maintenance and records of an aircraft?
Responsibilities. Part 91, § 91.417 states that an aircraft owner/operator shall keep and maintain aircraft maintenance records.
Who can perform a 100-hour inspection?
The 100-Hour inspection must be performed by an FAA-certificated A&P mechanic, an appropriately rated FAA-certificated repair station, or by the aircraft manufacturer . A 100-hour inspection may be substituted by an annual inspection, but the reverse is not permitted.
What maintenance inspections and checks are required for your airplane and how often must they be completed?
The FAA requires a lot from owners, but it offers help in FAA Handbook 8083-19A. Under FAR 91.409(a), an aircraft must undergo an annual inspection every 12 calendar months to be legal to operate.
Inspection authorized (IA) mechanics are mechanics who have both Airframe and Powerplant certification and may perform inspections on aircraft and return them to service .
How do you tell if your prop is damaged?
- It Has Too Much Pitch. ...
- It Doesn’t Have Enough Pitch. ...
- It’s a Compromise Propeller. ...
- You Damaged It in the Water. ...
- It’s Made of Aluminum. ...
- You Want to Go Faster. ...
- You’re Losing Gas. ...
- It’s Not the Right Diameter.
How do you change a prop shaft?
Does a damaged prop cause vibration?
When it is hauled, damage to props is often easier to spot with the naked eye; look for dings, dents and gouges, even something seemingly inconsequential can throw things out of balance and cause vibration when the prop is rotating at high speed .
What guidance does Part 43 cover?
PART 43 – MAINTENANCE, PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE, REBUILDING, AND ALTERATION .
What is preventive maintenance?
Preventive maintenance (PM) is the regular and routine maintenance of equipment and assets in order to keep them running and prevent any costly unplanned downtime from unexpected equipment failure . A successful maintenance strategy requires planning and scheduling maintenance of equipment before a problem occurs.
Who can perform a progressive inspection?
The procedures and scope for annual inspections are set forth in 14 CFR part 43, appendix D, and should be followed in detail. The scope and detail for a progressive inspection is established by the owner or operator in accordance with 14 CFR part 91, § 91.409(d).
What is the best way to check a propeller for damage during a preflight inspection?
Inspect the propeller
Start by visually inspecting the prop to ensure there are no signs of nicks, gouges, cracks in the spinner dome, blade “wobble,” missing hardware or erosion. If you have a structural composite propeller, the signs of damage or erosion can be less obvious.
What is used to clean propeller blades?
To clean wooden propellers, use warm water and a mild soap, together with brushes or cloth . If a propeller has been subjected to salt water, flush it with fresh water until all traces of salt have been removed.
What is propeller blade angle?
Blade angle is the angle formed between the propeller’s plane of rotation and the chord line of its airfoil section . Blade angle is an angular measurement and is expressed in degrees (see Figure 1). Pitch, on the other hand, is the distance in inches that a propeller section will advance in one revolution.
