The Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter is the newest beneficiary of a Hartzell Top Prop performance conversion certification. Turned by either a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-20 or PT6A-27 gas turbine engine, Hartzell’s 4-blade propeller measures 96 inches in diameter for reduced noise and improved runway clearance, over the original 3-blade propeller, according to company officials.
The STC kit (SA3377CH) includes an aluminum hub, a polished-aluminum spinner, de-ice boots where applicable, and documentation for certification in USA, Canada, China, EASA countries (France), Brazil and Indonesia, with pending certification validation in Japan and Russia.
The new propeller boasts a time before overhaul (TBO) of 6 years/4,000 hours, according to company officials. Top Prop Plus 3 warranty extends to three years/1,000 hours.
The new Top Prop is also available as optional equipment on new production aircraft at the Pilatus factory in Stans, Switzerland.
Mike Trudeau, Top Prop general manager, says, “The iconic Turbo Porter is a spectacular airplane. It can take off in less than 1,500 feet with several skydivers on board, climb at more than 1,000 feet per minute to jump altitudes, and land in less than 1,500 feet. Our newly-revived 4-blade conversion propeller will generate less aerodynamic noise and improve ground clearance to minimize foreign object damage.”
Price of the PC-6 Top Prop is $30,200, or $32,800 with de-ice equipment installed.
The Top Prop Program at Hartzell started in 1991 with the purchase of three, three blade, prop-only STCs. These conversions were for the Mooney M20, the Piper Arrow, and the Cessna Cardinal. These three conversions are still in the catalog today. The current catalog offers more than 65 company owned STCs, and more than 170 unique conversion kits.
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