Flottorp propeller inspection/repair

[toms]

Does anyone know of a shop capable of inspecting and /or repairing the Flottorp plastic coated propeller? I'm considering a Champ with a 72A48 prop that is plastic covered from the factory and has brass leading edges. I'd never seen one before but after looking up TC802, it seems that is what this is.
According to the FAA Kent Tarver owns the TC but from what I can tell he is only supporting the Aeromatic.
If I can't get it looked at, I guess I'll order a Sensenich.

[Paul Agaliotis]

Tom,
This might help,
http://www.aeromatic.com/SB_2000-001B.pdf
It covers the blades of the adjustable models, but some of the inspection criteria can be used.
If the plastic is cracked, check for wood decay and reseal the area. If it vibrates you will need to remove it and store it horizontally till dry. We used a bunch of these in the past and in the winter we would pull off the shaky one put it on top of the parts cabinet. At the time they were the cheapest prop going.
I remember the prop having stainless steel tipping and rather crudely done.
Paul

[toms]

The tips and leading edge may be stainless rather than brass as the prop is painted. No cracking or vibration, just an unknown quantity and kind of beat up leading edges. I've heard of Flottorp props but only seen the 1/8" or 1/16" laminated props. Never seen a plastic coated one. They are so good looking with the thin laminations, I can't see why they'd cover that up.
Does anyone service them?

[Paul Agaliotis]

Tom,
I don't know of anyone doing service on them. I'll ask the old Fahlin shop at the Wings of History museum.
In the past we have stripped the plastic and finished the wood as a standard prop. I wouldn't be afraid of the prop. Most were painted silver. They were sold by Univair, they might be of some help.
Paul

[toms]

Thanks Paul. I'll check with Univair.

[Paul Agaliotis]

Tom,
I stopped at the prop shop and talked to them aout the Flottorp props. They said that if it's not broke, don't try to fix it.
They have no means to repair or inspect the armor coated props. They can issue a Maintenance Release only if they remove the covering and refinish the wood as you would with any wooden prop.
Also they recommend to check the torque on a regular basis, about 4 times a year.
Paul

[toms]

Thanks for all of the info Paul. I appreciate your taking the time and effort to help get some answers.
Tom

[Paul Agaliotis]

No problem Tom,
In talking with the shop, there is an interest to buy some of their prop blade decals. They keep a number of them in stock for historically accurate repairs and replacements. What is happening is people are installing replacement decals on props of different manufacturers.
In the shop now is a prop that was advertised as a Fahlin and sold. The purchaser sent it in for repair and it is NOT a Fahlin prop. The seller used the decals to misrepresent the prop. For this reason the shop is not going to be selling anymore decals.
Be very careful when buying stuff for your planes, Ebay has made my job about 1000 times harder. Most of these items were removed from the planes in the 50's and 60's and lot of this junk is finding its way back on to our planes.
If you have any questions about these old parts please ask someone.
Paul

[badger bob]

Tom my 7aca has a flottorp 72x48 in it but its not coated. it has very fine lamanations, i think its a hand full for a 65. Bob

[toms]

How so Bob? Is it not turning up static? The TCDS calls for not less than 1960 or more than 2250 RPM.
Hows take off performance? What about cruise?

[badger bob]

tom it will turn 2150 on climb out. and cruse at 88 to 90 mph. id like to have more on the bottom end ( more climb )and less on top end.

[gusc]

Tom,

If you ever fly through rain with a varnished wood prop you will understand the reason for the plastic coat!

[Paul Agaliotis]

Amen to that Gus,
I got caught in a thunderstorm rain shower up in the Trinity Alps by Weverville,CA. By the time I got out of it the prop looked like I tried to scrape Spandex off a fat girl. The varnish and the tip fabric was trash.
Paul

[gusc]

My experience was with my Stinson 108-3 and it was one I won't forget.

The Franklin engine in the Stinson is a high rpm engine, 2800 is allowed and I usually cruised at 25-2600 rpm. I had to get the prop overhauled by Sensenich.