5-Bladed MT Props on Turbo Commanders

[JimRester59]

I'm researching putting the MT props on our 1000 in 8 months at the next scheduled Prop Overhaul. I've read all the sales literature and talked with a few pilots who already fly them. I've also heard they're actual 5-8 knots SLOWER in cruise. Anyone care to weigh in?   Jim R.

[donv]

First of all, welcome!

Slower than what? I think they are probably about the same as the Dowtys, maybe, but 5-8 knots sounds about right in comparison to the Hartzell wide chords.

That said, Barry Lane says that in spite of that, they are the best mod you can do to a Commander. Personally, I have chosen not to go that direction on my 980, as I like the speed of the Hartzells, but the reality is we are talking only a couple of minutes on even the longest flights.

[JimRester59]

Thanks for your "welcome" and  reply! Yes, should've specified initially - the plane's currently fitted with Hartzell Wide-Chord Super Q's (and they appear to be in excellent condition - verified by Legacy during the July 2024 annual inspection). I'd like to hear from any other operators who've switched to the MT's - Jim Rester (713)824-9689 cell. Thanks and have a good weekend!

[schrambow]

Its been a subject that has come up with me as well at times.
I have the wide cord Hartzell's as well and love them.  Love the speed they give versus the dowty's.
Although the -10 engines help a litte bit too?
I haven't been in a commander with the MT's and probably should get a ride some day to compare.
MT's have a cooler and faster start, and are they quieter?
What the economics of them for install, and selling the Wide Cord's?
And what's the longevity and inspection and maintenance versus the Wide Cords?
How do they haul "moderate to heavy icing" compared to the Wide Cords?
I know some more seasoned individuals that say, "stay away from them", and others that promote them and love them?
Puzzling for sure.
 

[donv]

I went through the same analysis last time my wide chord props were due for overhaul. I knew the overhaul would be reasonable, because I put the props on brand new 13 years ago, so I knew they hadn't been abused and weren't very old.

At the end of the day, I didn't want to give up the speed, even though I realize it makes no real difference in terms of the time, even on a 3 hour trip. I just like seeing "300" on the true airspeed!

When I put the wide chords on, I was replacing the original Dowtys and there was a bit of question if they would make it through overhaul. I'm quite sure they would have, but they were 30 years old at the time. The wide chords on your airplane were probably put on in the early 2000s or so.

I wonder if they are selling many sets of new wide chords? I would guess not.

[JimRester59]

Thanks for your input, DonV

[donv]

@Bruce Byerly would be the best person to provide some input on this.

[JMA]

Welcome.  Great commentary as usual.  Speaking of Bruce, Seems Winner aviation is going under, go get em!  Need Byerly aviation closer to PHL!

[Bruce Byerly]

Sorry to hear about Winner.  One of my favorite backups and places to go when Tim Tobey was there. Anna is great too.  And the rest of the crew Ronnie, Woody, and the retirees. Legacy sold too.

The props are quiet, I’ll give them that.  I don’t see any huge benefit in starting though seem a little quicker therefore likely cooler.  We are putting a set on now. I have lots of data from that plane but it’s getting a new panel, paint, etc so instrument error is back in play.  Just flew an 840 tonight and the G600’s are same at low speeds but 3 knots apart at cruise. Normal. I look forward to the flight check on the -10 840 as it’s my former plane.

I tested and achieved better speed than expected on another strong 840 recently but I really don’t have solid scientific back to back data.  It made 300 true at FL280.  But a compressor refurb can give 10 knots or more so the planes vary though I have voluminous data in high altitude cruise in dozens of planes, my hunch is they don’t help the top cruise speed. More blades usually don’t.

[donv]

When you say "compressor refurb" what do you mean?

[Bruce Byerly]

When you say "compressor refurb" what do you mean?

Reshimming the compressor and whatever that takes to restore compression provides efficiency gains at altitude, often significant. What exactly happens internally is PFM of course

[donv]

So much less than an overhaul?

Interesting to see what the insides of those 5-blade props look like, in the pictures of N29GA.

[JMA]

Wood Donv.  There is video out there somewhere of them being made...

[JimC]

When they're not matchsticks, they're beautiful. Here's a short video; look at about 1:40 to see the raw wood blanks.

[JMA]

No Link Jim