2-blade Conversion Developed In Cooperation With Kent State University Aeronautics Program

The FAA has granted an  STC to Hartzell Propeller for a 2-bladed propeller conversion kit for all normally aspirated PA-44-180 Piper Seminoles. The conversion kit provides Piper Seminoles with improved performance, appearance, and decreased noise signatures.

The new Hartzell Top Prop kit features 74” diameter 2-blade aluminum compact hubs with “blended” airfoil Scimitar-shaped aluminum alloy blades that offer an improved take-off and climb performance (+80 fpm at 2500msl). The swept-tip Scimitar blades result in reduced noise of .9 dB(a); 84.2 dB(a) measured per Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 36 Appendix G as well as the ICAO Annex 16, Chapter 10 noise standards. Performance margins are improved, with a 50 fpm increase in single engine climb as well as a 60 fpm increase in balked landing climb with the gear and flaps down.

Hartzell developed the new Top Prop STC in cooperation with the Kent State University Aeronautics Program. Kent State, of Kent, Ohio, currently operates 24 aircraft in its training fleet. For multi-engine training, they use Piper Seminoles recently re-equipped with new Hartzell Scimitars. “Top Prop conversions are one of the easiest and most economical methods for improving the value and utility of their aircraft,” says Top Prop program manager Mike Trudeau. “We are particularly honored to have cooperated with Kent State in this development program, since they provided real-world input and feedback from their flight training operations, throughout the process.

“With more than 18,000 conversion kits sold for more than 70 different Beechcraft, Cessna, Commander, Diamond, Mooney, Piper, and SOCATA kits currently available, the Top Prop family the largest and most complete propeller conversion offerings in the world.”

Available directly from Hartzell or through Hartzell’s Top Prop dealers, the 2012 list price for these kits, which include new highly polished aluminum spinners, is $22,600. The new propeller carries the exclusive Hartzell Plus3 warranty, which delivers a full three years or 1000 hours of coverage, and have a six-year/2400 hour TBO.

FMI: www.hartzellprop.com