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Propeller  protection for ultralights and ultralight aircraft.

With over 2 decades of flying ultralights under my belt I have been able to place a number of  clocks made from propellers on my wall!

While I sit here joking about it NOW, several of these could have lead to conclusions which someone else would have had to write about - because I would have had my own customized set of wings and halo! 

If you are flying an ultralight, trike, or powered parachute especially in a pusher configuration the following may aid you in NOT having to invest in wall clocks! 

Here's How:

1. Check exhaust springs are safety wired by lock wire passed loosely through the middle of the center of the coils, and then fill them spring from one end to the other full of silicone.
2. Check your exhaust system for cracks, which could lead to pieces breaking free and entering the prop, check the clips that hold the exhaust springs at the attachment welds.
3. On the Rotax air cooled engines put a dab of silicone on the screws holding the two top cooling shrouds in together.
4. Check the two top shrouds for cracks especially around the exhaust manifold and intake manifolds if you have aluminium shrouds.
5. Ensure nylock nuts or castellated nuts with cotter pins  are used on all fasteners.
6. If you have just refueled your plane check to make sure you have replaced the gas cap, where possible attach a retain strap to the cap.
7. If you are flying on a 532/582/618 Rotax engine use safety wire to secure the rotary valve oil tank cap, and the oil reservoir tank.
8. Inspect pilot compartment before entering the cockpit for anything loose or lying around, cleaning rags, hats, scarfs, maps.
9. Do not fly wearing sunglasses, or glasses, unless secured.
10. It is also a good idea NOT to fly wearing scarf, especially while wearing it around your neck!
11. Check your recoil handle for proper retraction back up into the housing. A securing mechanism for the handle is a wise investment. Also when starting the engine, release the rope slowly, do not just let it go when the engine starts. If the recoil handle does not retract properly, and requires you to pull on it several times before it goes back up in, REPLACE the recoil spring immediately.
12. Secure the airfilters to the carburetor.
13. Secure  the ends of flaps using velcro to attach fabric to wing components such as between the two wings.
14. Check helmets and visors are securely fastened - if your visor can fly OFF if you turn your head in the airstream, take it off before you fly.
15. Make sure all pockets are securely zipped or velcroed up.
16. Ensure all baggage is safely stowed, if carrying extra fuel in a tank in the rear seat remember 5 gallons of fuel weighs nearly 50 lbs! A bungee cord is not likely to hold that kind of weight especially in turbulence! Also note that anything that can move in the second seat could effect the and hinder control system movement.
17. Make sure all doors are latched properly and securely!
18. Make sure all batton ends are secured, and not able to move backwards into the prop during flight.
19. Check seatbelts shoulder harnesses, intercom cables etc. that could get into the propeller arc, especially when flying solo in a 2-seater.
20. If the runway surface is loose (e.g. gravel) do not apply full power until you reach about 10mph.
21. Inspect your propeller carefully for cracks or damage before every flight. Check your prop bolts for shearing, improper torque, or looseness. ESPECIALLY if your prop has a wooden hub. A wooden hub, or prop tends to expand and contract with moisture, heat, and cold, which of course effects the torque on your prop bolts.
22. In winter NEVER start your engine until all of the snow and ice is cleared from the wings, fuselage, and area AROUND the craft.
23. When the runway is wet, muddy, snow covered be careful that water, mud, doesn't enter the propeller arc.
24. On floats make sure you have leading edge protection on the your prop, a prop hitting water is just like throwing stones through it.

Tips:

1. Be prepared to switch the engine off quickly if severe vibration occurs after a prop strike.
2. Repairing a prop is something you should do ONLY if your know what your doing! Any repair or modification can effect the strength, durability, and reliability of your propeller. Consult the prop manufacturer whenever you need to repair a prop!

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