How to Service an Airplane Propeller

Roate two-bladed metal propellers to the one o'clock position on the ground.

Even in the jet age, propellers often push or pull planes through the air. Some propellers are even installed on jet engines. But for propellers to remain efficient and safe, they must be properly maintained. The Federal Aviation Administration provides some guidelines and regulations concerning propeller maintenance but many procedures need to be done in accordance with particular manufacturer instructions. Aircraft operators and pilots can visually inspect propellers as well as clean them, but most maintenance activities have to be done by specialized personnel.

Instructions

Cleaning

1. Locate the source of any oil or grease leaks on the propeller before cleaning it. The source of the leak may be a crack, seal or other item that requires repair.

2. Clean the propeller with water and a non-alkaline cleaner. Do not use abrasive cleaners, scrubbers or high pressure washing devices..

3. Rinse the propeller with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.

Inspection

1. Visually inspect the propeller for cracks, corrosion or other damage. This basic visual inspection is the same type that is performed on other aircraft pars.

2. Inspect the propeller with other nondestructive methods that are also used on other aircraft parts. These types of inspections include penetrant, ultrasonic, eddy current and magnetic particle inspections. These must be performed specially trained personnel and are usually done at repair stations during large-scale or scheduled inspections.

3. Inspect the propeller for bent blades, loose blades, damaged tips, or defects that could occur as a result of an impact if something is suspected to have hit the propeller in-flight.

4. Perform other propeller-specific inspections when needed. Propeller tracking inspections ensure the propeller doesn't deviate from its plane of rotation. Other propeller specific inspections depend on the material composition of the propeller.

Maintenance

1. Perform visual preflight inspections for blade damage. Refer any damage found to an appropriately trained and rated mechanic.

2. Install applicable markings to indicate tachometer and propeller limitations.

3. Install applicable warning, installation and information decals on the propeller.

4. Maintain individual service and maintenance records for each propeller.

5. Paint propellers in accordance with federal regulations and manufacturer requirements.

   Propeller backs will often be painted flat black for pilot visibility and other parts of the propellers may be painted in aircraft-specific schemes for ground crew visibility and safety.

6. Overhaul and recondition propeller blades at according to manufacturer-determined intervals.

Balance and Storage

1. Minimize engine vibration by keeping propeller blades properly balanced.

2. Perform static balancing by having certified personnel remove and balance the propeller.

3. Perform dynamic balancing with the propeller installed, if static balancing has not been done.

4. Position two-bladed metal propellers at one o'clock and wood propellers horizontally when aircraft are on the ground.

References

• FAA: Aircraft Propeller Maintenance