Training Centre

Module 17 - PROPELLER

Category Aerospace

Sub Module 17.7 - Propeller Storage and Preservation

MODULE 17
Sub Module 17.7

PROPELLER STORAGE AND PRESERVATION

For Training Purpose Only

ISO 9001:2008 Certified

17.7

CAA Approval No: HQCAA/2231/44/AW Dated: 11th Sept, 09

Rev. 00
Nov 2009

Training Centre

Module 17 - PROPELLER

Category Aerospace

Sub Module 17.7 - Propeller Storage and Preservation

Contents
STORAGE PROCEDURES ----------------------------------------------------------- 1
INSTALLED PROPELLERS----------------------------------------------------------- 1
UNINSTALLED PROPELLERS ------------------------------------------------------ 1
PROPELLER BRAKE------------------------------------------------------------------ 2

For Training Purpose Only

ISO 9001:2008 Certified

17.7 - i

CAA Approval No: HQCAA/2231/44/AW Dated: 11th Sept, 09

Rev. 00
Nov 2009

Training Centre

Module 17 - PROPELLER

Category Aerospace

Sub Module 17.7 - Propeller Storage and Preservation

STORAGE PROCEDURES

- Cover the propeller hub and operating mechanisms with

waxed paper and tie into position,

Propellers and their accessories contain various parts made

from different materials. If they are inappropriately stored they
can deteriorate to a stage where they are incapable to perform
their function efficiently, or can cause untimely failure due to the
erosion or corrosion of the component parts. The existing state
of the propeller will dictate the method of storage required, for
example a propeller installed on a stored aircraft and a propeller
disassembled and stored in its component parts in a crate, will
require for different treatment.
INSTALLED PROPELLERS
While propellers are to remain installed but out of service for
more than three months, the engine should be run and the
propeller and its pitch change mechanism is exercised to
ensure a circulation of oil. If the engine cannot be run the
propeller should be feathered and followed by unfeathered by
feathering pump, this exercise should be carried out weekly (if
possible).
For periods of greater than three months, the pitch change
mechanism and its associated parts should be removed,
draining off all the oil. The assembly should be flushed with
approved inhibiting oil and refitted. The following procedures \
should be adopted in over 3 months storage:- Coat the surface of the blades with lanolin,
- Coat the spinner with lanolin,

- Treat all detachable or exposed parts, i.e., screw threads

etc., with rust preventative compound,
- Frequently inspect all the components for corrosion and
deterioration, paying specific attention to the blades and
spinner.
UNINSTALLED PROPELLERS
Propellers if stored assembled should be kept in conditions that
are warm, dry and dust free. Small two bladed propellers can
be stored in racks above ground level to allow for air circulation.
Three or more bladed propellers can be stored vertically on
stands supported by a mandrel passing through the centre of
the hub. For better protection from the elements the propeller
can be dismantled, protected and stored in a specially prepared
crate.
Under three months term storage of an uninstalled propeller, the
pitch change mechanism should be carried out prior to removal
from the aircraft. Longer term storage of an assembled propeller
involves methods which are similar to those used for long term
storage whilst installed on the aircraft, except that any
attachment fittings removed are to be treated with rust
preventative compound and individually wrapped in waxed
paper.
Disassembled propellers, prior to packing, should be prepared
for long term storage installed with following safety measures:-

- Spread exposed oil seals with silicone grease,

For Training Purpose Only

ISO 9001:2008 Certified

17.7 - 1

CAA Approval No: HQCAA/2231/44/AW Dated: 11th Sept, 09

Rev. 00
Nov 2009

Training Centre

Module 17 - PROPELLER

Category Aerospace

Sub Module 17.7 - Propeller Storage and Preservation

- Dip the pitch change cylinder in inhibiting oil, allow draining

then wrapping in waxed paper.
- All exposed surfaces such as eye bolts, bolt heads, should
be smeared with rust preventative.
- Rust preventative should be applied to the exposed bore and
hub splines.
- Dip the pitch change piston complete with oil seals, oil tubes,
hub retaining nut, cones and all other loose parts in mineral
jelly, and wrap individually in waxed paper or moisture vapor
proof bags.
- Electrical connections should be thoroughly cleaned and
coated with petroleum jelly.
- Fit all blanking caps and covers.
- Blades should be coated with lanolin then wrapped in grease
proof paper.
- All exposed surfaces of the blade root bearings should be
coated with mineral jelly and wrapped in waxed paper.
The packing crate should be labeled with:1.
2.
3.
4.

Part number
Date put into store
Exercise date of bearings
Modification standard

PROPELLER BRAKE
When parked, the propeller can revolve at some speed even in
Moderate wind. It happens because of the free wheeling
characteristics of turbine engines (free turbine type), Due to
inertia stored in a propeller at engine shut down it will continue
to rotate for a while. The propellers on the passenger access
side of the aircraft can be a risk to disembark passengers. A
propeller brake is fitted to drop the free wheel run of the engine.
The brake (Figure 17.115) is hydraulic and is fed from the
aircraft's hydraulic system. When the brake is applied, the
friction pads ' held in the caliper by pistons, are squeezed
against the disc which is bolted to the drive shaft of the engine.
The friction produced slows down the rotation of the drive shaft
and consequently causing the propeller to a halt. The propeller
brake lever is generally fitted into the centre console of the flight
deck. It is usually interconnected with the propeller brake lever
with the high pressure fuel cock, so that to ensure the fuel cock
is selected OFF before the brake lever can be selected ON. It
means that the brake cannot be applied while the engine is
running.
RH engine of some aircraft such as the ATR allow to be run as
an APU. This is called Hotel Mode and while in this mode the
propeller brake is applied to prevent the propeller and its free
power turbine from rotating. Power restriction in this mode apply
to prevent damage to the turbine.
Fusible plugs are incorporated in the body of the brake unit,
because of the heat produced by friction of the pads contacting
For Training Purpose Only

ISO 9001:2008 Certified

17.7 - 2

CAA Approval No: HQCAA/2231/44/AW Dated: 11th Sept, 09

Rev. 00
Nov 2009

Training Centre

Module 17 - PROPELLER

Category Aerospace

Sub Module 17.7 - Propeller Storage and Preservation

the rotating disc. These plugs melt in case of extreme, releasing

the hydraulic pressure and turn brake into ineffective.
To prevent overheating condition of the brake, manufacturers
lay down maximum engine speeds at which the brake can be
applied. Brakes should never be applied at higher speeds than
mentioned.

Fig 17.115

For Training Purpose Only

ISO 9001:2008 Certified

17.7 - 3

CAA Approval No: HQCAA/2231/44/AW Dated: 11th Sept, 09

Rev. 00
Nov 2009