Press Releases

The New Components Will Eliminate Further Compliance With Recent AD.

PIQUA, Ohio — October 21, 1997 — Hartzell announced today that it has begun a certification program on a new replacement blade retention system for use on aircraft that are subject to Airworthiness Directive (AD 97-18-02). Working in coordination with the FAA, the new component(s) are expected to terminate the need for further AD compliance by operators with affected aircraft.

It is anticipated that the new certified equipment will be available in the first half of 1998 … well before compliance with the current AD is required for the majority of operators. Affected aircraft include various 1950s and early 1960s era Beech, Cessna, Navion, Piper and Twin Commander aircraft among others.

The new design utilizes a single blade retention shoulder similar in configuration to Hartzell’s proven, steel hub turbine propellers. The upgrade will be applicable to props with “A” or “D” style hubs and requires the purchase of new blade clamps as well as replacement or possible rework of the blades. Operators with the older “1” and “8” style hubs will require upgrade to the “A” or “D” style as well. The clamps, blades, and hubs can be purchased under Hartzell’s special pricing program through August, 1999. This program offers these parts at one-half of published list price and the new design components will be priced similarly to the current components.

While certain operators could terminate the AD by purchasing newer technology propellers available by TC or STC (see chart), Hartzell couldn’t utilize this solution for every application. Hartzell is pursuing the new blade retention system because it will offer a terminating action for the entire range of affected aircraft.

Hartzell Propeller Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of propeller systems, shipping product into more than 25 countries in 1996. Hartzell enjoys a 60 percent market share on turboprop airliners and 85 percent market share on corporate turboprops. The 80-year old company is also well-known for its design leadership, having introduced the industry’s first full-feathering propeller for light twins, the first fully reversing propellers for corporate turboprops and the industry’s first composite structure blade

Alternative Certified Propeller Designs

Beech Bonanza w. IO-470 or -520 – Available from Hartzell (Top Prop STC)

Beech Baron w. IO-470 – Available from Hartzell (Top Prop STC)

Cessna 180 – Available from Hartzell (Top Prop STC)

Cessna 182 – Available from Hartzell (Top Prop STC)

Cessna 310 – Available from Hartzell (Top Prop STC Pending)

Piper Apache – Available from Hartzell (Top Prop STC)

Piper Comanche 250 – Available from Johnston Aircraft Service (STC)

Twin Commander 500 B, S, U – Available from Twin Commander (Type Certified)