Press Releases

Piqua, OH, August 13, 2008…..Following extensive engineering development and recent FAA certification, Hartzell Propeller is now offering its popular 80 inch diameter, wide chord Top Prop™ 3-blade conversion for all Cessna 180 aircraft equipped with TCM O-470 engines. This conversion was previously limited to early Cessna 180 – 180D models.

Market demand for this conversion by seaplane and bush operators encouraged Hartzell to cover the entire spectrum of Cessna 180s, an additional 2100 potential aircraft.

The Cessna 180 propeller kit is complete and bolt-on ready, including the propeller (PHC-C3YF-1RF/F8468A-6R), highly polished aluminum spinner and STC documents (SA00852AT), and retails at $9395. Top Props are available through Hartzell’s extensive network of recommended repair facilities and other propeller repair station dealers worldwide.

“This propeller, now available for all Cessna 180s, is the first choice of Canadian and Alaskan bush operators who can afford nothing short of the ultimate in reliability and performance, flying in some of the most rugged and inhospitable conditions on the planet”, said Mike Disbrow, Hartzell’s senior vice-president, marketing and customer services.

“Top Prop advantages are readily apparent and complement the workhorse duties of the venerable Cessna 180”, Disbrow added. “It provides excellent takeoff and climb performance; longer TBO (2400 hours); significantly lower noise; improved appearance and ground clearance; less blade tip erosion; in a robust blade design that is aerodynamically matched to the 180.”

Specifications include 80-inch diameter (reducible to 77 inches), aluminum hub, 2400 hour/six year TBO, Weight: 75 pounds.

The Cessna 180 Top Prop replaces McCauley C66; C201; C203; C204 and Hartzell steel hub two-blade props. Top Props come with the exclusive Hartzell Plus Three™ warranty, which delivers a full three years or 1000 hours of coverage.

With more than 15,000 kits sold, Hartzell Top Prop propeller conversions offer pilots one of the easiest and most economical methods for improving the value of their aircraft. 60 different Beech, Cessna, Commander, Diamond, Mooney, Piper, and SOCATA kits are currently available, making the Top Prop family the largest and most complete propeller conversion offering in the world.

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.