constant speed propellers

[Dan]

Recently i was doing some engine baffle repair on a Cessna 206 that happens to be used as a jump plane, as I was buttoning up the cowling following the repair I noticed that the propeller blades could be moved fore and aft with noticeable play in the hub. The manufacurer allows 1/8" play at the tip. WOW!
I for one would not feel too comfortable flying an aircraft under these circumstances.
This prop did not have 1/8" play yet, but it would seem to me that once play is found, that it would'nt take long for it to get worse. Comments welcome.

[djschaut]

Dan,
You can contact McCauley propellers through their website: www.mccauley.textron.com/ and ask them about the problem. Sensenich probably has a technical contact, too. Let us know what they tell you.

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DJSchaut

[Dan]

I contacted McCauley on the problem, and they say that up to 1/8" movement is allowable, and the only way to eliminate this problem is to reshim the blades, and as all A+P mechanics know, this is a major repair and we are not allowed to do this.
He also noted that this play isnt as harmful as I thaught it would be, because when the prop is spun-up, centrifical force takes it all out. Thats all she wrote!

[djschaut]

Thanks, Dan. Important information.
I guess if the prop is balanced play in the hub may not pose a serious threat to flight. Certainly a blade won't come off! If the prop was out of balance, the plane would shake. I'm surprised propellers take the abuse that they do and don't fail that often.

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DJSchaut