Question about my propeller

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Rich
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Re: Question about my propeller

Post by Rich »

I made a modified W&B for my plane assuming the extra 16 lbs. 12 inches behind the datum. With myself and my wife (total 300 lbs.) and full fuel (nothing in back) we're just barely inside the forward limit. But by the time I get down to 10 gallons left, we're out of the forward limit. Put two 180-pounders in the front seats and the entire flight is conducted out of forward CG.

I've had my plane 17 years. The prop was shipped off for repair of a rock dent in its first 6 months of ownership. Never since. It has been overhauled twice.

FWIW, I know of a Mooney 231 that had an engine conversion (Rocket?) by STC. He has all manner of lead weights, an extra battery, and an oxygen tank mounted way back in the tail. When flying solo he's still 2 inches forward of the limit. Yet he flies and lives. :scratch:
2002 DA40-180: MT, PowerFlow, 530W/430W, KAP140, ext. baggage, 1090 ES out, 2646 MTOW, 40gal., Surefly, Flightstream 210, Orion 600 LED, XeVision, Aspen E5
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Steve
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Re: Question about my propeller

Post by Steve »

Better to be forward of the limit than aft...
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blsewardjr
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Re: Question about my propeller

Post by blsewardjr »

Just to check I ran the numbers for 400 lb of pilots at 40 and 10 gallons left. I'm within forward CG IF I keep the 9lb of stuff in the ski tub that I normally carry (oil, ropes, etc.) Without it I'm out of forward CG. The choice of props was made before I bought the plane. I'd actually like to have a newer MT or (better) the Hartzall composite but they're not worth, at this point, the significant additional cost.
Bernie Seward, IR, AGI
2003 DA40 N377DS
KCHO Charlottesville, VA
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Rich
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Re: Question about my propeller

Post by Rich »

There are actually two different AL Hartzell props available for the DA40. The first one they supplied was about 59 lbs. and is suitable if you have the "original" (non-Powerflow) exhaust system. When Powerflow came along, Hartzell would not certify that prop for use with it. So they came out with this different prop, which weighs about 3 lbs. more. The Hatrzell composite is OK for either system.

I've seen nothing but MT's on any of the diesel engine planes around, regardless of manufacturer of the engine or airframe.
2002 DA40-180: MT, PowerFlow, 530W/430W, KAP140, ext. baggage, 1090 ES out, 2646 MTOW, 40gal., Surefly, Flightstream 210, Orion 600 LED, XeVision, Aspen E5
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Don
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Re: Question about my propeller

Post by Don »

Here is the Diamond Star prop options, (with specifications), comparison chart for those interested.
DA40 Prop Comparison.pdf
(91.81 KiB) Downloaded 146 times
Diamond Star XLS, N623DS, SN40.1076
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Tim H
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Re: Question about my propeller

Post by Tim H »

Would appreciate a copy via PM if anyone has a comparison of DA42 engines similar to Don's post about DA40 prop comparisons.

Thanks,

Tim
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Chris B
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Re: Question about my propeller

Post by Chris B »

FWIW, another composite alternative may be in the works.
Hartzell had this sign in their OSH booth:
Image

Apparently Hartzell developed a new composite prop (for the Carbon Cub?), principally targeting better climb performance. Unexpectedly it also provided better cruise performance. Presumably the purpose of these tests is to determine if the incremental improvements warrant certifying it on additional airframes.

Chris
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