In a message dated 23/09/2007 18:04:27 GMT Standard Time,
carl@flyers.freeserve.co.uk writes:
Hi Bob,
I noticed your ac is fitted with the Woodcomp Scimitar blades.
What prompted your choice (presumably over the Airmaster) and how are you
finding it. Is there any noticeable improvement in performance.
Are you using the Woodcomp or the Smart cotroller.
We are currently looking to fit a replacement prop and the scimitar blade is
something of a rarity amongst Europas. In fact William Mills was the only
other one I was aware of.
Carl Pattinson
G_LABS
PS: any problem with the PFA approving the installation.
Carl & others interested in Woodcomp Scimitar blades for the monowheel Europa
I too was briefly interested in the Woodcomp propeller with scimitar blades,
but have now bought an Airmaster propeller. In the UK the 65" (1650mm)
diameter of the Woodcomp scimitar blades is an issue, the normal maximum for
the
monowheel Europa being 64" (1625mm). William Mills had scimitar blades fitted
to his mono, but according to the PFA his propeller was only 63" . I suppose
William's propeller must have been an early prototype.
The PFA will only allow you to fit a propeller of more than 64" diameter if
you can show compliance with CS-VLA925. In order to do that you will have to
demonstrate that the ground clearance from the propeller tip, with the
aircraft fully loaded, in a level attitude and with a flat tyre, is at least
230mm.
You don't actually have to deflate the tyre, for you can simply subtract the
distance from the rim to the ground from your ground clearance measurement.
If you think the scimitar blades are worth all this hassle it would be
prudent to make sure that you are going to get at least 230mm ground clearance
before you place an order. That means doing the measurements twice, once before
you order the propeller, and the second time once you have the scimitar
blades fitted.
You can, of course, buy the Woodcomp propeller with standard blades. If you
go this route, get one with the Smart Avionics controller. Woodcomp know how
to make good propellers, but their controller has a poor reputation.
Hope this helps
John
Europa XS monowheel G-JHKP (Rotax 912S + Airmaster CS, 2200 build hours
todate - hopefully I will be flying next summer)
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