New propeller a “major Change”?
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2015 3:59 pm
by kmwoody
Hi all,
I am wondering about my compliance since I changed my prop from a Sensenich to a Prince. Would this be a “major change” on a Sonex since it is the same length and pitch, and at the time of registration, recommended on the Sonex website, but not at the time I changed it. Could someone please clarify this for me.
Thanks
Ken W
Sonex 959
Aerovee 282 hrs.
Re: New propeller a “major Change”?
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2015 5:10 pm
by Fastcapy
Re: New propeller a “major Change”?
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2015 6:23 pm
by kmwoody
Thanks, that’s the explanation I was looking for. I appreciate the indepth answer.
Ken W
Sonex 959
Aerovee 282 hr
Re: New propeller a “major Change”?
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2015 6:33 pm
by mike.smith
kmwoody wrote:Thanks, that’s the explanation I was looking for. I appreciate the indepth answer.
Ken W
Sonex 959
Aerovee 282 hr
I have likewise always read and been told the same thing. If you replace with the same propeller, no problem. Anything else then you go back into Phase 1 for a short time. If you were inspected by a DAR and not an FAA inspector, you notify the FSDO and not your DAR. Often it just takes a letter of notification, and from some reports some FSDOs will barely even respond back, while others are more precise about the requirements.
Re: New propeller a “major Change”?
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2015 9:51 pm
by Fastcapy
Re: New propeller a “major Change”?
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2015 9:52 pm
by Fastcapy
Re: New propeller a “major Change”?
Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2015 12:34 am
by radfordc
Legality aside, how would anyone know if you had changed props or not? According to the EAA webinar on registering an experimental plane a prop logbook isn’t required for a plain fixed pitch wood prop. Is there a requirement to have the prop identified in any other document?
Re: New propeller a “major Change”?
Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2015 12:49 am
by mike.smith
radfordc wrote:Legality aside, how would anyone know if you had changed props or not? According to the EAA webinar on registering an experimental plane a prop logbook isn’t required for a plain fixed pitch wood prop. Is there a requirement to have the prop identified in any other document?
Like most of these kinds of things nobody finds out until you have an incident. Then you risk the possibility of scrutiny. The whole reason for the new Phase 1 is just to make sure it works as intended, and proves safe. Not bad advice whether it’s required or not. 
Re: New propeller a “major Change”?
Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2015 2:31 am
by daleandee
radfordc wrote:Legality aside, how would anyone know if you had changed props or not? According to the EAA webinar on registering an experimental plane a prop logbook isn’t required for a plain fixed pitch wood prop. Is there a requirement to have the prop identified in any other document?
My DAR took the prop information from me (in our over the phone conversation before he came out) but I have no idea what form that information was processed on. He wanted info on the manufacturer, type, pitch, and the serial number. I’m one of those guys that keep separate logs for the engine, airframe, and prop. I agree with Mike that playing by the rules on this is a great idea especially if there were ever an accident and the FAA and insurance companies start looking for a reason to make your life miserable.
Dale
N319WF
81.7 Hours
Re: New propeller a “major Change”?
Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2015 2:34 pm
by Fastcapy
Re: New propeller a “major Change”?
Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2015 4:35 pm
by MichaelFarley56
It’s been a while since I’ve read them over, but if you’re interested in changing the prop (or any other major alteration) read over your Operating Limitations. In there you will find the requirements for putting the airplane back into a test phase, as well as the logbook endorsement to put in the log once testing is complete.
Unfortunately, every FSDO is different and most don’t have any idea what they’re doing, but by the words written on the Operating Limitations I believe all you need from the FSDO is consent for the test phase operating area. This can be accomplished by contacting them via phone, email, or fax. Regardless, it SHOULD be an easy thing to accomplish.
Of course my FSDO would probably want to perform another couple of airworthiness inspections, submit my last 10 years tax returns, background checks, flight physicals, etc… :shock: