WELLINGTON, Kansas — Air Plains Services has gained a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to offer the Hartzell Trailblazer composite propeller on all its 300-hp XP Extreme Performance engine upgrades for Cessna 180 and 182 aircraft.
“We’re very excited to be starting off the year with a new propeller STC, adding another option for our customers flying the upgraded 300 horsepower engine,” said Katie Church, head of marketing. “The Trailblazer enhances performance, really looks great on the airplane, and it’s the ultimate backcountry prop.”
“We’ve been flying it on N180AP, our own Cessna 180 with the 300-horsepower upgrade, and we’re very happy with the performance we’ve seen,” Church said.
According to Hartzell officials, the Trailblazer propellers have unlimited blade life and are approximately 20% lighter than comparable propellers with aluminum blades.
“Our STC is unique in that it also uses Hartzell’s lightweight hub design, which means our conversion is 10 pounds lighter than any other available Trailblazer STC for these aircraft,” Church said. “We are sure that Cessna 180 and 182 owners looking at their options will appreciate the added useful load.”
The swept-tip, scimitar shaped airfoil is designed for optimal takeoff acceleration and climb performance and offers improved low-speed thrust, as well as cruise speed improvement when compared with wood core props, according to Air Plains officials. The carbon fiber construction features a mesh erosion shield and field-replaceable, nickel-cobalt leading edge, ensuring it can withstand demanding backcountry and bush flying, officials add. The Trailblazer is approved for use with wheels, floats, and skis.
Air Plains Services specializes in high performance engine upgrades for most Cessna 172, 180, and 182/182RG piston aircraft, avionics systems and components, as well as custom avionics panels, spare parts and enhanced performance systems, and aircraft modification and maintenance.