Prop Polishing

mtw · Post by **mtw** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 11:49

I have a metal polished prop on my Chief. What is the best way to clean and polish?

Thanks,

Todd Wilemon

Post by **joea** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 12:12

To tell the truth, your prop is illegal. Many FSDO's are now grounding airplanes with polished props on them.

The only prop that is legal to be polished is the Hamilton Standard on many old radial engine airplanes.

This is due to the fact that once the prop is polished, it removes the protective covering that keeps it protected from corrosion. Most times the prop has to be sent back to a prop overhaul shop and be run through the overhaul procedure again to be legal.

Now, if you are going to polish it until some FAA type sees it, Flitz is a very good polish!

Joe

mtw · Post by **mtw** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 12:37

Well I am calling it polished and I may be incorrect. It is unpainted shiny silver in color? Is that actually considered polished?

Thanks.

Captgrumps · Post by **Captgrumps** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 19:45

It is probably anodized--no that is not polished. If anodized just keep it clean and put some polish on it. Some real polished props get some blinks from some new FAA inspectors--a polished prop loses metal surface everytime you polish it with Met-al or other aluminum polishes and they can question the prop specs. Anodized props can be painted or left just plain anodized. Of course the prop tips need to be painted for safety sake.

Doug

mtw · Post by **mtw** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 08:07

Thanks for the info guys!

Post by **joea** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 08:16

Todd,

Agree with Doug and if its the dull aluminum finish, then thats normal and legal.

We have had a rash of people in various areas polish their props to a mirror finish only to get red tagged on the ramp by the feds, and did not want you to suffer the same fate!

Joe

mtw · Post by **mtw** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 08:55

Joe,

I appreciate the info!

Thanks,

Todd

stknrdr · Post by **stknrdr** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 14:44

joea is absolutely right.

My Champ came with a polished prop. The IA I used for this year's annual flagged it and $550 later I have a freshly overhauled and painted prop.

Tim

mtw · Post by **mtw** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 16:48

Tim,

Thanks for the info. I was looking for something else to spend some money on anyway!?

Todd