Tag: aircraft maintenance

Propeller Inspection Checklist

Post author By Rob Osthus
Post date August 15, 2020
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Propellers are one of the most critical parts of a well-built and well-maintained aircraft. As such, it’s essential to frequently run through a preflight or “walkaround” propeller inspection checklist. The last thing any pilot wants is to have to make an emergency landing because the propellers has failed.

Stockton Propeller is a full-service propeller overhaul and maintenance facility in Northern California with the needed equipment and expertise to perform the needed inspection and service on your propeller. Get inspection and maintenance before a failure happens on your aircraft. Contact us today.

Why Is Aircraft Propeller Inspection Important?

According to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), “the root cause of mechanically induced accidents is almost always neglect.” The AOPA continues:

“On takeoff, propeller tip speeds approach the speed of sound. The blades must absorb not only the punishing vibration of the engine’s power pulses but also vibration caused by the oncoming airstream. Centrifugal loads – those forces that try to pull the blade out of the hub – amount to 10 to 20 tons per blade.

The blades twist and flex. The stresses imposed on the prop are more concentrated in the small areas that are nicked or cut. These nicks and scratches act as stress risers, which can weaken the blade enough to eventually cause it to fail.

When an engine quits, the airplane can glide to a safe landing. When a propeller blade is lost, the resulting imbalance can tear the entire engine from the aircraft, putting the center of gravity far beyond limits and rendering the aircraft uncontrollable.”

That scenario, of course, can be avoided with frequent inspections using this propeller inspection checklist. Performing these routine preflight inspections can clue you into any needed propeller maintenance or repairs.

Stockton Propeller’s Propeller Inspection Checklist

A “walkaround” or preflight visual inspection of your aircraft’s propellers is vital for your plane’s safety and health. Even more important is the safety of you and your passengers or cargo.

An important note: While the term “walkaround” may make it sound like this could be just a superficial glance. However, this should instead be a studied review to gauge your craft’s airworthiness.

To perform a preflight visual propeller inspection, follow these steps:

Get a clear view of the propeller area. In other words, make sure your propellers are clean. In the course of any flight, propellers can pick up dead bugs, dirt, and other pollutants. If your propellers are dirty, it will be challenging to get a good view of any defects. If the propellers are dirty, you can easily wash them off with a simple solution of dish soap and water. If you have to wash off the propeller area, make sure that your propellers are in the down position. This will prevent any liquid from getting into the seals and causing issues there.
Check for surface damage. Carefully and thoroughly examine the aircraft’s propeller blades and other parts for any cracks, nicks, chips, corrosion, or other blemishes. Surface damage can be felt by running a fingernail along the propeller’s edge. For propellers made of wood or composite materials, check for delaminations or microcracks on the propeller surfaces, edges, and glue lines. If your propellers have any drain holes, check that they aren’t clogged. Clogged drain holes can lead to moisture retention and more significant problems down the road.
Check for erosion. Examine the propeller for any and all signs of decay. Look over the paint job on the propeller blades and spinners for any imperfections. This paint on the propeller protects the surface from erosion. If erosion starts to occur, it can be a much more costly fix than having a professional touch up your paint job.
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. Perform a simple sight check for any deformations down the edges of the propeller blades. You can determine the straightness of the propeller blades with this simple sight check.
Check for looseness. Flex the propeller blades forward and backward to inspect the intersection for any movement. There should be no movement at all.
Check the hub. Gently shake each propeller blade to feel for blade movement in the hub of the propeller. A small degree – up to ⅛ inch – is allowable. If there is more movement than that, maintenance is needed immediately.
Check for oil or grease leakage. Look for any grease or oil. There should be no oil or grease detected on the propeller blades or spinners. A couple of exceptions are if your propellers are brand new or you are in a hot climate with high RPM conditions.
Update maintenance records. If you notice a small imperfection, make sure to note it in your aircraft’s maintenance records. Your repair person will know when you first saw the issue during a walkaround or preflight inspection. They will also know if the issue gets worse over time.

If, when following this checklist, you don’t see any areas of concern, your propellers are airworthy, and you are good to fly away!

How Often Should You Inspect Your Aircraft’s Propellers?

Before any flight, you should perform the above visual propeller inspection checklist of your aircraft’s propellers.

Then, of course, you should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your scheduled overhauls and maintenance. Generally, these schedules are based on years and flight hours.
The recommended Time Between Overhaul (TBO) guidelines are mandatory for Part 135 commercial operators but are only recommended for Part 91 pilots not flying for hire. That being said, Part 91 operators should follow the calendar recommendation for overhaul as a recommendation for inspection/reseal at the 5 or 6 year interval if the prop is less than halfway through the hour recommendation. This gives the prop a good inspection, replaces the aging grease and seals, and gives the blades a clean up and repaint. This will allow the prop to operate safely for another calendar period.

Tags aircraft maintenance, aircraft propeller maintenance procedures, propeller inspection, propeller inspection checklist, propeller maintenance, propeller repair

business flight

Preventing Corrosion with Propeller Maintenance

Post author By Rob Osthus
Post date July 31, 2020
No Comments on Preventing Corrosion with Propeller Maintenance

Preventing Corrosion with Propeller Maintenance

Aircraft propeller maintenance procedures are strict and rigid – and for a good reason. Ensuring that the propellers of any craft are in optimum condition is essential for maintaining onboard safety. Propeller inspection is a vital part of this, as is taking measures to prevent damage and issues.

Corrosion is one of the most significant factors in the deterioration of propellers, and this can be expensive and dangerous. Luckily for you, here at Stockton Propeller, we make it our mission to keep you informed and educated. In turn, this means you can keep your aircraft in tip-top condition for longer.

What Is Corrosion?

In the simplest terms, ‘corrosion’ refers to the breakdown of a material – usually metal – due to a chemical reaction. Typically, this will involve the oxidation of metals with air or water molecules.

Corrosion can also occur when an acidic or base material comes into contact with something else. Corrosion impacts the physical properties of a material, making it weaker or less effective.

When it comes to aircraft, this can be very dangerous.

What Are Common Types of Propeller Corrosion?

There are many causes of aircraft propeller corrosion. Familiarising yourself with the most common will help you prevent them. These most common corrosion causes include:

1. Uniform Surface Attack

The most common type of corrosion, uniform surface corrosion, is caused by the metal’s exposure to the oxygen in the air. Uniform surface attacks usually occur where paint wears away from the surface.

Decay will be accelerated if the surface is not adequately prepared before painting. It can also be exacerbated if the propeller is exposed to high humidity, acids, or pollutants.

2. Intergranular Corrosion

This type of corrosion is less common but more disastrous. Once you have discovered it, it is usually too late to save the propeller.

Intergranular corrosion occurs between the grains or crystals of the materials and may appear in the presence of tensile stress. Here, cracks may occur along grain boundaries, and progress along the paths until total decay occurs.

This type of corrosion usually occurs as a result of chromium depletion and can be avoided using materials with less than 0.05% carbon.

3. Stress Corrosion

Stress corrosion is prevalent in highly stressed areas of the aircraft, such as propellers, engine crankshafts, or landing gears. Scratches or corrosion to the metal surface is usually the primary cause and can result in the component’s failure.

4. Crevice or Deposit Corrosion

Another common form of corrosion is a crevice, or deposit, corrosion, and can occur anywhere, which traps pollutants or moisture. Rivets and lapped skin joints are prime examples, and this can result in a weakening of the entire structure if left untreated.

5. Filiform Corrosion

The first sign of this is usually fine, worm-like lines or corrosion which show up under paintwork. Over time, this will turn into a bubbling, flaking surface, leading to long-term damage. Filiform corrosion is most commonly found on aluminum or magnesium surfaces, which have been inadequately prepared for polyethylene paints.

Reduce the Risk of Corrosion with Aircraft Propeller Maintenance Procedures

Corrosion can be catastrophic to an aircraft, especially when it occurs on the propeller. These are the heart of the craft, and a failure here can lead to tragedy in the air. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help reduce the risk of corrosion, and these revolve around proper maintenance.

Wash Your Aircraft

Taking a little time to wash and care for your craft can really pay off in the long run. If you have undergone a long flight, make sure you rinse off the aircraft to remove any corroding agents.

Take extra time and care on propellers, do not use a pressure washer, and make sure these are treated with corrosion inhibitor products where appropriate.

Cleaning your propeller blades properly can help to increase their lifespan, and well as reducing corrosion. Different materials will have different requirements, as follows:

Aluminum and steel propellers should avoid caustic or acidic materials, as well as steel brushes, steel wool, or power buffers. Instead, use a brush or cloth with a suitable cleaning solvent, and add a suitable polish if required. Once clean, coat the propellers in engine oil.
Wooden propellers need warm water and mild soap, with a cloth or brush.
Remember to rinse in freshwater as soon as possible if it has been in contact with salt water, and thoroughly dry once finished.

Use Covers

Covering your aircraft helps to protect it from the elements, and this can also be applied to propellers. Investing in quality propeller covers allows you to increase the lifespan of these parts and keep them safe from corrosive factors.

Keep The Aircraft As Dry As Possible

Staying dry can be easier said than done if you live in a damp climate, but it is essential to try. Make sure your craft is dried off thoroughly, and don’t leave propellers to simply ‘drip-dry.’

Carry Out Regular Propeller Inspections

Ultimately, implementing a strict, regular inspection and maintenance program is the easiest way to reduce corrosion. A scheduled propeller inspection plan will allow you to get to know the aircraft, flagging up any inconsistencies or changes immediately. It also allows you to treat corrosion as it arises, rather than leaving it to spread.

What Is Involved In A Propeller Inspection?

A regular inspection should include a visual overview of the propeller and any other security features. As a rule, you should check:

Propeller blades and spinners for any grease deposits or the presence of excessive oils
Weld and braze sections for evidence of weakness or failure
For any scratches, nicks, or flaws on the propeller.
Bolts and screws for tightness and proper safety.
Ensure oil levels and lubricating requirements are sufficient.

Preventing Corrosion with Propeller Maintenance

Learning to undertake regular, thorough maintenance and inspections are crucial elements of owning an aircraft. At Stockton Propeller, we have the skills, experience, and equipment you need to keep your propellers in the best condition.

Get in touch today, and ask one of our experts how we can help keep your craft airborne for longer.

Tags aircraft maintenance, aircraft propeller maintenance procedures, propeller inspection, propeller maintenance, propeller repair

business flight Uncategorized

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Be Flying

Post author By Rob Osthus
Post date July 15, 2020
No Comments on Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Be Flying

There are few experiences available to humans that offer the exhilaration of total freedom and limitless vistas while saving significant travel time. Getting your pilot license and flying a private aircraft accomplishes these feats and then some.

Training for your pilot license is more accessible than you might imagine. View the world from above with us as we detail several ways “regular” people can and should learn to fly.

Stockton Propeller is a full-service propeller overhaul and maintenance facility with the function and performance of your aircraft as the height of our service. Stockton Propeller can perform needed propeller inspections to help ensure your airplane is in good working order.

We perform static balancing in-house to keep your aircraft in top-flight shape. Visit our website today to learn more and enjoy your flight.

A Pilot License for Every Flyer’s Dream

Pilot licensure varies tremendously. Selecting the type of pilot license you want depends largely on your flight goals. You can choose to apply for a private pilot license all the way up to a commercial license. You may even want to become a flight instructor if you’ve dreamt of flying as a career.

There are several pilot designations between private and commercial. You can specialize in recreational and sport pilot certificates depending upon your purpose in flying and budget. In the classroom setting, you will learn about aircraft propeller maintenance procedures

Dipping your toe in the flying world begins with a student license, for which you must apply. In addition to filling out the required paperwork and training eligibility with the FAA, you’ll also have to pass a medical exam.

People in general good health typically can fly planes and other aircraft legally. However, if you have a chronic condition, you may want to check it against this FAA list to see if it may affect your pilot training eligibility.

If the FAA approves your pilot license application, it’s time to obtain a student pilot license.

Learn at Your Pace

Thankfully, the eligibility requirements for a student pilot license are pretty straightforward:

Be at least 16 years of age (14 if you’ll pilot a balloon or glider)
Have fluency speaking, writing, and reading in the English language (the Universal language of pilots and the flight industry)

Once you’ve applied for and obtained your student pilot license and your medical certificate, you can begin fight training.

Finding a local flight school in your area is pretty simple: Google “flight schools near me,” and you’ll get an array of options.

Join the Piloting Community

If you know another pilot, you might try to get a referral for a reputable school near you. Check on their comprehensive offerings, and be sure to compare costs between providers. This type of activity may not be the place to seek out the biggest discount, just saying.

A happy professional woman pilot sitting at the airport.

Instead, look for experience, reliability, an excellent safety rating, and stellar reviews online or on social media. When learning to fly, you may want to gain more background on the pilot community. Try searching out and joining a few social media groups dedicated to flying and learning to fly in your area.

When you join the piloting community, you’ll share unique skills and experiences in common with a dynamic and daring group of people all over the world.

Learn new skills at every age

Your training will include ground-based classes to learn the science and physics of flight, safety procedures, emergency protocols. And you can expect to learn the rules and regulations of the airspace during this time.

You’ll also log flight time with an instructor to learn how to operate a single-engine aircraft. To gain licensure, you must log 35 hours of flight time in varied conditions and aircraft. You’ll also take written exams, pass the FAA check ride, and be a licensed driver.

The beauty is you learn at your pace, depending on your flight school’s training schedule. A typical student can earn her PPL in about three months!

Gain Confidence, Learn More, Fly Bigger Planes

Learning to fly means plenty of advancement opportunities for the hobbyist and professional alike. Once you’ve achieved your PPL, you can choose to maintain that foundational licensure. Or, advance your skills, experience, or career in flying with the following certificates:

Commercial Pilot License: Obtain this certificate if you wish to earn money as a pilot. PPL holders cannot receive compensation for flying.
Airline Transport Pilot License: To fly for commercial airlines, this certificate is required of all pilots.
Commercial Multi-Engine Land: Think of this certificate as an add-on to your PPL or CPL. You’ll cover different equipment and emergencies and how to navigate them safely.
Certified Flight Instructor: This level of training allows you to teach new students pilots how to fly.

There are several more advanced certificates available that you can add to your credentials as you gain experience and knowledge. With changing technology and climate, flight education and safety procedures evolve over time. Pilots must stay on top of new industry developments as they arise.

Flying is Fun, Relaxing, and Can Save Time on Travel

Of course, flying is an endeavor to take up with safety, education, and experience in mind. However, there are over 600,000 licensed pilots in the United States alone!

Further, when you fly, traffic is much less of an issue. True, you’ll have to be watchful and communicative on take-offs, landings, and near airports. But, for longer flights, private air travel may be as safe as driving on the road.

No Ownership Required

Though many pilots own an aircraft, it’s possible to rent an airplane to log your hours or fly for fun. Typical rental rates run about $125.00 per hour, depending on the type of aircraft. You’ll want to check rental policies to find out if fuel and other fees may cost extra.

Co-ownership is also an option for pilots who want to fly, but not own and maintain an aircraft by themselves.

Call Stockton Propeller to Keep Your Airplane Flying Happy and Safe

Stockton Propeller keeps your propeller blades balanced and in top shape for safe and reliable flying time, every time you take off (and land, for that matter.) To get a repair quote or view our current inventory, visit Stockton Propeller today.

We lead the industry in safety, functionality, and customer service for every aircraft and pilot we serve.

Tags aircraft maintenance, aviation enthusiasts, pilot license, private pilot license, propeller maintenance, propeller repair

flight Uncategorized

Why is Aircraft Propeller Static Balancing Important?

Post author By Rob Osthus
Post date June 30, 2020
No Comments on Why is Aircraft Propeller Static Balancing Important?

One of the most enjoyable things to love about air flight is the sensation of being free of the ground and gliding smoothly through the air. The last thing you want to be thinking about when flying your airplane is an aircraft propeller overhaul. Your focus should be on the experience of flight and those enjoying it with you.

Unwanted vibrations can ruin the feeling of freedom and make flying less pleasant for both the pilot and any passengers. Vibrations can result in discomfort as well as the loss of revenue in the case of commercial pilots hoping for repeat passengers. Unwanted vibrations can result in passengers feeling unsafe and taking actions such as leaving negative reviews or taking their business elsewhere.

Vibrations from the aircraft propeller can also have an impact on cargo in the plane as it is shaken and shifts during flight. Vibrations could cause fragile cargo to break, or essential parts of the aircraft damaged over time. Improperly balanced aircraft propellers can drive up maintenance costs.

Aircraft propeller static balancing after the initial point of manufacturing the plane is typically done during aircraft propeller overhaul. Stockton Propeller is a full-service maintenance facility that can help you with your propeller overhaul or any other needed maintenance.

What is Aircraft Propeller Static Balancing?

Aircraft propeller static balancing at a basic level ensures that the propeller is moving evenly through the air as it rotates. When conducting the balance, each propeller blade is weighed to make sure that it weighs the same as all of the others. Each part of the propeller weighing the same ensures that gravity will affect each part of the propeller evenly as it rotates through the air.

An uneven weight distribution during rotation will cause the propeller to vibrate. Even if the pilot or passengers of the plane cannot feel the vibrations themselves, the vibrations can have an impact on the engine. Pilots may accept vibrations as merely a part of the way in which the airplane’s engine works.

Pilots should consider having a static propeller balancing conducted prior to feeling any vibration. Pilots may not be able to notice any vibration or notice any changes that develop over time. Performing a static propeller balancing can avoid future maintenance issues.

How is an Aircraft Propeller Static Balance Done?

When professionals at a place like Stockton Propeller conduct a static propeller balance during an aircraft propeller overhaul, they remove the propeller from the aircraft. Then the propeller is mounted on a device called a mandrel, which allows the propeller to spin freely.

A properly balanced propeller should be able to move quickly. According to Bellwood Rewinds Limited, if turned slightly after a static balance is done, an object should stay in that location. This process is done the same way very much as tire balancing on a vehicle.

In an improperly balanced propeller, the weighty spot will be pulled by gravity downward. This allows the maintenance facility to discover unbalanced areas and fix them. Weights are added or subtracted from the area of the propeller hub nearest to the misbalanced propeller blade, which corrects the imbalance.

After the Propeller Static Balance is Completed

Once a propeller is evenly balanced, the maintenance staff will conduct what is known as a “blade track.” Each of the propeller’s blades path through the air is tracked and monitored. Workers mark where the blade tip passes an object, such as a track pointer or a spot on the wall. A properly tracking propeller should have each blade passing at the same location. Even a difference of 1/16th of an inch is too far.

If a propeller blade is out of track, then the “angle of attack” will be slightly different from the others when flying. This different angle can cause vibrations due to it moving through the air in a different path. A propeller that is out of alignment can mean that it was damaged, an issue which should be investigated further.

The Difference Between Static and Dynamic Propeller Balancing

Aside from static propeller balancing, which should always be performed, there is another common type of propeller balancing– dynamic propeller balancing. Although not absolutely necessary, dynamic balancing “fine tunes” the balance.

Even small imbalances that are not noticeable to the pilot can cause damage to components such as instruments, radios, cowling and baffles and reduces the efficiency of the propulsion system. Unlike static propeller balancing, dynamic propeller balancing is conducted while the engine and propeller are in motion.

Sensors are attached to the engine and propeller and run through the full range of RPMs. As this is done, the sensors are analyzed for possible vibrations. The technology can recognize and determine how much weight needs to be added or subtracted.

In a dynamic propeller balancing the technician should have proper training and the equipment must be in good working order and clean.Errors or inaccurate data can result from this. These errors can lead to the weight being added or taken away from the wrong location on the propeller and increase the potential for damage.

In static propeller balancing, the evidence of a proper balance can be seen in the movement of the propeller and that when rotated, it will remain in place. Doing both can produce high-quality results. Pilots should be sure to conduct research before they decide on a maintenance facility to best suit their needs.

Where to Turn for Aircraft Propeller Static Balancing?

When you are looking for a maintenance facility to perform your aircraft propeller overhaul, it is important to select a company with the experience and expertise to conduct all of your needs. Stockton Propeller is a full-service propeller overhaul and maintenance facility with the needed equipment and expertise to perform your propeller balance.

Whether it is done as a part of an aircraft propeller overhaul or because you feel an unwanted or unusual vibration, an aircraft propeller static balance is an important piece of your maintenance plan.

Tags aircraft maintenance, aircraft repair, propeller balancing, propeller maintenance, propeller overhaul

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