My new Sensenich has leading edge protection, but the paint on the
blades is already showing signs of wear, I think due to grit on the
runways and taxiways.
I'm now keeping the RPM down while taxying, hoping that this will
minimise further damage.
Dave C-FBZI
On 9-Jun-10, at 12:16 PM, Rob Housman wrote:
> I cannot speak from personal experience but having worked for a
> manufacturer of leading edge abrasion strips for ten years I can
> offer a relevant comment. In the case of composite propeller
> blades and rotor blades the industry (with one notable exception,
> Robinson) use electroformed nickel on the leading edge to protect
> against both rain and solids that would otherwise damage the
> leading edge. Other materials are better for either rain or solids
> but nickel is a superior compromise because it protects against
> damage from both.
>
>
> In commercial or military service composite blades require leading
> edge protection of some sort and if not nickel then stainless steel
> (Robinson) is used. Obviously our Europas will not be flown
> regularly in rain but any flown often from dirt strips should be
> equipped with leading edge protection on composite (or wood) blades.
>
>
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