Thanks to everyone who answered my original post, there was a lot of information
there. My end conclusion was much as when I posted, that the Woodcomp prop
blades are really good, but the combination of poor quality control and lack of
US support makes the Airmaster a better bet for me. I dismissed the MT prop
option as being expensive, and I know from previous experience that MT are not
always responsive and they are not troubled by excessive humility!
So I phoned Martin at Airmaster yesterday and we discussed the options for 20
minutes.
He gets his blades from various suppliers, and basically agrees that
it would be much better if he had blades with more twist in them. He is looking
into a number of options. This includes using Whirlwind blades; although they
are a competitor, they are now willing to supply him. Another option is blades
---From either Helix or Neuform in Germany. Finally he can use any of the
Sensenich blades. He suggested that I phone the various blade manufacturers to
see what they have for my application.
The other question we discussed was the prop diameter. I will fly 98% of the
time
off hard runways, and cannot see that a 68" diameter prop would be impractical
even allowing for flat nosewheel tires (tyres? I am a Brit living in the
US) and my bad landings. That would open up the number of blade options. I
know that Frans has increased his clearance using some form of nose gear spacer,
but I would rather keep it simple if I can. In addition using a 3 blade prop
may make the use of smaller diameter blades equivalent to larger 2 blades.
My end result is that I will delay the blade selection as long as possible, but
will go with the Airmaster prop, probably with 3 blades, and possibly with
Whirlwind
blades. They appear from their website to be well shaped with adequate
blade twist.
Any reactions to the use of a larger diameter prop would be appreciated. Thanks
again for the interest and inputs.
Jerry
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