For those who personal or are pondering of proudly owning a turboprop airplane, you is likely to be questioning whether or not the propeller blades should be changed. Many plane elements have a finite lifespan. Touchdown gear tires, for example, usually should be changed each 150 to 400 landings, whereas the brakes can final for as much as 1,000 landings. In fact, there are different elements that not often or by no means should be changed, such because the fuselage.
The Fundamentals of Propeller Blades
Propeller blades play an vital function within the operation of airplanes with turboprop engines. Turboprop engines are gasoline turbine engines that drive a propeller. They characteristic an inner combustion chamber that burns a mix of gasoline and air. As they burn this combination, turboprop engines will flip a propeller related to the entrance.
Like all mechanical elements, nevertheless, propeller blades will expertise put on and tear from common use. Publicity to moisture, excessive temperatures, vibrations and even small particles can weaken them.
Propeller blades may change into bent. Based on the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), bent propeller blades received’t be aligned with one another, leading to extreme vibration and a lack of thrust.
Common Inspections
For each security and efficiency functions, many plane propellers require common inspection. A few of them have an inspection interval of 100 flight hours, whereas others have an inspection interval of 200 flight hours. Regardless, as soon as a propeller has reached its required inspection interval, it have to be inspected by a mechanic.
Common inspections permit mechanics to determine issues with propeller blades early — earlier than they flip into extra severe issues. Minor corrosion, for instance, can typically be cleaned. Permitting corrosion to go unchecked, although, may end up in a lack of power and effectivity, at which level the blades could should be changed.
Time Between Overhaul (TBO)
Some plane propellers have a time between overhaul (TBO). The TBO might be listed in calendar time or flight time, equivalent to 5 years or 1,000 flight hours.
Propeller blades are “overhauled” upon reaching their TBO. The blades could also be cleaned and refinished, or they could be sharpened. Relying on the situation of the blades, they could get replaced altogether.
Some types of blade harm, equivalent to small dents, nicks, or scratches, can typically be repaired by an authorized technician. Nevertheless, if a propeller blade has massive cracks or exhibits indicators of great structural harm, alternative is usually the one secure possibility.
