Press Releases

Oshkosh, Wisc. , July 22, 2015 – Pilot Mike Tauriainen, from Soldotna, Alaska, is the grand prize winner of Hartzell Propeller’s Top Prop Trailblazer Sweepstakes.
The winner of the the sweepstakes, limited to U.S. pilots age 21 or older with a current medical, was announced today at EAA AirVenture held in Oshkosh, Wisc. Tauriainen is a private pilot, single engine land and sea.

Cosponsors for the Trailblazer Sweepstakes are the Recreational Aviation Foundation and the Seaplane Pilots Association. Trailblazer Sweepstakes partners are American Champion Aircraft Corp., Aviat Aircraft Inc., Bearhawk, Cubcrafters, Glasair Aviation, Professional Pilots Inc., Stoots Aviation, and Wipaire Inc.

As the winner, Tauriainen will be able to choose between a three-day backcountry flying adventure or a seaplane rating. The prize package includes transportation, lodging and meals for the winner and a guest in addition to the cost of the winner’s chosen flight experience.

“This Trailblazer Sweepstakes is a rare opportunity to engage aviators who will enjoy either backcountry or seaplane flying with an exciting aviation experience designed to tap into their love of flight,” said Hartzell Propeller President Joe Brown. Brown is an instrument rated pilot who flies more than 300 hours annually for work and recreation.

“Through the support and assistance of our cosponsors and partners this lucky pilot will get to experience the flying adventure of a lifetime, along with some hangar tales to share with friends back home in Alaska. We will let you know his choice between the backcountry flying and seaplane rating.”

The sweepstakes was chosen as a unique way of highlighting the features of Hartzell Propeller’s new carbon fiber composite Trailblazer prop specifically designed for takeoff and climb performance, ideal for bush flying and float plane adventures. All Hartzell composite props utilize aerospace grade carbon fiber, stainless steel shank, wedge retention system, nickel cobalt lead edge, mesh erosion screen for FOD protection, and blades that are certified for unlimited life.

Three other winners, who will back up the grand prize winner should he not be able to participate in the exciting flying adventure are: Vickie Crane, of Panama City, Fla., Tim Schryer, Dothan, Ala., and Arthur Howard, Donnelly, Minn. They will each receive a package of flying materials from the sweepstakes cosponsors.

About Hartzell Propeller Inc.
Hartzell Propeller is the global leader in advanced technology propeller design and manufacturing with over 3,800 propellers delivered annually to business, commercial and government customers. The company designs these next generation propellers with innovative “blended airfoil” technology and manufactures them with revolutionary machining centers and robotics. With ASC-II™ composite technology, Hartzell delivers optimal performance, strength, and durability with carbon fiber blades.

Hartzell Propeller and its sister company, Hartzell Engine Technologies LLC, form the general aviation business unit of Tailwind Technologies Inc. The aerospace technology company also includes Mayday Manufacturing. For more info on Hartzell Propeller go to hartzellprop.com.