Props, Props and more Props

I ran all the parameters past the tech guy but to be truthful I have learned more over the last two years scouring this blog and in particular your comments.  Amazing when I was learning to fly was told not to go over 4900 RPM on a cruise.  This led to a disappointing cruise speed and really changed that once I read you set up with WOT etc.  

Thanks for your comment.  That is the first question I asked the Rotax tech guy here in Australia "what did I do wrong and how did I contribute to it? "  he assured me I did nothing wrong after some questioning.  I guess the propellor came into play because he reported that they had problems with Woodcomp in Europe and I guess the massive reduction in hours set alarm bells off. And of course, the leak appeared 30 or so hours after the new propellor was fitted. Now you talk about the tightness in turning cold I did notice a change around the same time the leak appeared.  

I spoke to Evektor regarding propellor selection and to be truthful they never defended Woodcomp and wouldn't comment on the reduction in hours.  I think I will put a whirlwind on for a piece of mind.

Be grateful if you could give me any insight on how I might have contributed to the fretting issue.

Thanks once again for your invaluable insights.

Thanks for that.  I know the local flying school at Naracoorte has one fitted I might ring them regarding this.  I have approached Evektor and they told me that they will get back to me as a few people are running Bolly propellors.  I know a Keiv was fitted to a Sportstar.  Once again thanks for your comments they are appreciated.

I know a guy who runs A E prop on a  Altus and am very happy with it.  Good if we could fit an Australian-made Bolly. 

Thanks for your reply and comment.  Now that I have put a new motor in it I would like to hire it to the flight school occasionally and I do have a couple of fellas who would like to hire my plane from time to time.  Off sets the hanger

costs!

Sean Griffin wrote:

A ground adjustable prop is just one step up from a fixed pitch, in that it can be "tweaked" within fairly tight limits, to suit the airframe and mission profile.

The performance you have described is pretty much all that can be expected - a compromise.

The makers of E-prop would suggest that their concept, of a ground adjustable prop, performs somehwat better than most - I don't know however they seem to be gaining quite the support base here in Australia.

Hi Sean,

I recently removed my Kiev prop and fitted an E-Prop (Durandal 3 blade) I wish I had known about E-prop earlier, 15kts faster TAS @ 5500 RPM (Yes I couldn't believe it either!) improved climb rate and significantly less noise and a nice weight reduction (The whole assembly including spinner 2.7kg the Kiev was 4.9kg) E-prop also recently extended the TBO to 4000hrs and no calendar life. I can now choose to use the extra speed or wind back to my original TAS and benefit  from reduced fuel consumption. The only slight difference is it now takes a bit more throttle/power to get the plane moving/rolling from a standstill when taxiing, small price to pay for all the other performance improvements.