Press Releases

New blade allows many owners to undertake a performance-upgrade of their 206.

The new Cessna 206 STC adds 82-, 84- and 86-diameter options to conversion kits already available from Hartzell for the 206.

Piqua, Ohio – September 25, 2009.  A new Cessna 206 Top Prop™ 3-blade propeller kit is now available from Hartzell Propeller Inc., allowing many owners to undertake a performance-upgrade of their 206. The STC covers most normally-aspirated floatplanes and landplanes manufactured from 1964 through to 1977, as well as most Turbo 206 floatplanes delivered between 1964 to 1973. The STC adds 82-, 84- and 86-diameter options to conversion kits already available from Hartzell for the 206.

This new development in propeller engineering is applicable to more than 1500 users in what is yet another display of Hartzell’s industry-leading innovation in propeller technology.

The 206 is often described by Cessna as the, “sport-utility vehicle of the air”. The plane’s powerful engine, rugged construction and large cabin have made it popular with bush and remote area operators, both commercial and private. The aircraft is often used in some of the world’s harshest environments.

When compared to McCauley’s C58/C78 2-blade and C79/C90 3-blade models, Hartzell’s conversions have significantly better take-off performance and longer TBO. In comparing Hartzell and McCauley 3-blade 206 propellers, the Top Props take 9.5% less time to accelerate to 60 mph even though the Hartzell operates at 2700rpm. In addition, when compared to all other similar models on the market, the new Hartzell conversion demonstrates a 3% decrease in landing approach float distance. The industry-leading warranty of 1000 hours/3 years is also provided on the new offering.

Hartzell’s senior vice-president, marketing and customer services, Mike Disbrow said: “In developing the 206 kit we are responding to commercial and private customer demand for the ultimate in take-off performance thrust, reliability, ease of maintenance and field service. Essentially, bush and other remote area operators were looking for the ultimate propeller package.

“In particular, the shorter take-off distances provide very practical benefits for pilots. Our propeller conversions are one of the easiest and most economical ways to improve the value of an aircraft,” he added.

Available in 86, 84 and 82” diameters, the kits include one 3-blade propeller (HC-C3YF-1RF/F8468AR, -2R or -4R), a polished spinner (A-2295-1P) and an STC document set (SA02752CH-D). The propeller kits will replace short hub McCauley models C58, C78, C79, C90, and C230. To facilitate ease of use for owner/operators, they will be available bolt-on ready and sold as a complete kit. Conversions are available for Cessna P206(A), U206 – U206F & U206G through s/n U206004074, TP206A, TU206A – TU206E & TU206F through s/n U20602199. All kits are competitively priced at $9750 for 2009 purchases.

Hartzell Propeller Inc. is widely recognized as the leader in advanced propeller design and manufacturing technology. The company has recently developed the next generation of propeller based upon innovative “blended airfoil” technology and is manufacturing these blades on revolutionary machining centers or with its new ASC-II™ composite technology to provide mission optimized performance for its customers. Hartzell traces its beginnings in 1917 to a relationship with Orville Wright and was founded on the principle of “Built on Honor” – a tradition that continues today.