Hartzell Hub AD
It's been about nine months since the revision to this AD came out and I'm curious as to how owners are reacting to it. I have a 180 Arrow and have decided to do the Eddy Current test for now which will cost about $100.00, but I have three other possibilities. Replace the hub and ovehaul ($3700) Go to the new composite two blade prop ($7500) or go to the three blade prop ($9500). What experiences have you had with with any of these options and are there any other ways to go?
Thanks,
Dave M.
Thanks,
Dave M.
Comments
> It's been about nine months since the revision to
> this AD came out and I'm curious as to how owners
> are reacting to it. I have a 180 Arrow and have
> decided to do the Eddy Current test for now which
> will cost about $100.00.
> Thanks,
>
> Dave M.
Before I bought my new hub and blades at the Hartzell sale price, my A&P and a prop O/H facility told me a proper Eddy Current inspection required prop removal to accomplish. Is this true?
GM,
I'll know the answer to this question tomorrow. My mechanic told me they just remove the spinner and test it on the aircraft. Takes about 15 minutes. Well I'm going to call the shop that does it and I'll let you know. It's a fifteen minute flight from my home airfield, so if he's right, I should be home by lunch. If it fails, well, I've got a box coming to sent it to Hartzell.
Still wondering, has anyone tried the new two blade composit that Hartzell is advertising?
Dave M.
I said I'd get back with you and here's what I was told. Yes, the recommended overhaul calendar time is ten years or condition/hours in service as you've said. Of course, with Part 91 flyers the TBO can be left up to the mechanic who finds the part within serviceable limits. That does not over rule the AD. So if you have an affected hub, then you've got 50 hours from the effective date of the AD to have the hub Eddy Tested, unless it was previously tested. If you get it tested and it passes, you're good to go another 100 hours and then you've got to test it again. That's the recurring part but the prices you're getting are about right. The prop shop in Marianna, FL said the test only takes about 20 minutes, but taking the spinner off and on plus paper work will take about an hour. The cost is about $150.00.
If it fails, then you've got the choices I mention at the beginning of this thread. The Hartzell authorized shop in Opa-Locka, FL quoted me $3,700 plus shipping to replace the hub and overhaul it to zero time with a new log book. There is the option of changing to a three bladed prop, but from what I've read at this Forum, the judges are still out the advantages of this.
As for me, I've got a trip comming up that would put me over the fifty hour limit so Chris at Air Prop Specialists in Mariana can do mine this Wednesday. Since I am at ten years in service, I'll have them overhaul and do a hub change when I get back.
Oh yes, Hartzell says there is no composite prop for the Arrow. ??
Cheers!
Dave M.
The repetitive Eddie current inspection cost about a 1$ per hour, the inspection is good for 150hrs cost about 150.$ unless the shop does not want to fool with it then they will quote 400 to 500. Its 15 min with just spinner off, another 20 min for paper work. Very rarely prop shops tell me have they ever found cracks or failures. Other then inconvenience of having to fly somewhere to have it done its still cheaper then 6000, to replave and overhaul. Alot of 150 for 150 hours flying. someone said 100hr thats wrong read the AD. At that rate $150 for 150 hours 150 into 6000 leave 40 X 150 flt hrs= 6000 hrs. to break even on cost of a new one.