Owners Say Three-Blade Prop Offers Improved Performance

Hartzell Propeller Inc. now offers a three-bladed Top Prop propeller for new Beechcraft Bonanza G36 piston single aircraft. The new Supplemental Type Certificate applies to all F33A, V35B, A36 and G36 Bonanzas powered by factory original TCM IO-520 and IO-550 engines, including aircraft equipped with 28 volt electrothermal propeller de-ice systems.

The propeller is one of Hartzell's latest blended airfoil designs made possible by employing advanced CNC milling technology to maintain the outstanding structural characteristics of the original Hartzell Bonanza blades, while incorporating aerodynamic improvements and efficiencies in the new tip section. The scimitar-shaped, swept tip Top Prop blades are free of life-limiting Airworthiness Directives (AD) and come with the longest TBO available for a Bonanza propeller system (6 years / 2400 hours).

"Our objective was to offer a reasonably-priced, larger diameter propeller for improved performance without increasing the noise signature," said Mike Trudeau, Top Prop Program Manager "At 82 inches in diameter the propeller is two inches larger than the original Bonanza prop, which provides an increase in take-off and climb performance. Bonanza owners have also reported a 2-4 knot improvement in cruise speed.  With more than 15,000 units in service across 60 different STC kits, our Top Prop line has proven to be very popular with owners of hundreds of different models of General Aviation aircraft," he added.

Like the previous Top Prop for Bonanzas, the new STC propeller conversion comes with a 2400 hour/6 year TBO and the exclusive Hartzell Plus Three™ warranty which provides a full three years or 1000 hours of coverage.

Cost for the complete kits are $9,995 without de-ice and between $10,495-$11,495 with electrothermal de-ice, depending upon the system it replaces. Prices include the PHC-C3YF-1RF/F8068(K) model propeller, a polished spinner, and STC paperwork.

FMI: www.hartzellprop.com