Prop talk

The Pipistrel prop is a hollow carbon composite design. Very light, very fragile. Its surface is protected by paint not a gel coat.

The bad news is that the leading edge can get nicked easily by small gravel bits. The good news is that small surface effects can be easily repaired.

The year I visited all the territories in Canada I had to use many gravel strips. After returning south to visit my Alberta brother, the prop looked like its leading edge had been sandblasted. After a bit of epoxy filling of some chunks, sanding and some paint, the prop was backto its old self.

When they started using leading edge protective tape, most of this necessary maintenance ended.

I will take before and after photos of the prop before I attempt maintenance.

After removing the gnarly paint surface and getting to the smooth base, I will use spray wax to give it a modicum of protection from UV and flying crudlets. I carry that with me and use it every few hours on the surface of the wings and prop to minimize bug bits sticking. After reaching Alberta I will do a 'proper' leading edge repairRead more