Safety Message

The propeller is one of the most under appreciated components by the average general aviation pilot.

From the very early days of our training we are taught how to protect ourselves and our passengers from getting hurt by a propeller, but very little time is spent on how to protect the propeller itself.

The propeller bears more stress in its lifespan than virtually any other component of the aircraft, all while being eroded by the elements.

Good propeller care starts with the pre-flight. Gently run your fingers over the leading edges of each blade, looking for dents, nicks or scratches. Any significant damage is the perfect site for corrosion to begin and weaken the blade with catastrophic consequences.

Prior to starting up, ensure that the area in front of and below the prop is clear. At idle and slow taxi speeds, the prop does a good job at vacuuming up any rocks or debris up to 2 metres in front of it. It is for this reason that you must taxi with the yoke aft of neutral when not on a sealed surface, as this helps keep the prop from any potential debris.

Avoid doing your run up over gravel or unprepared surfaces and ensure you cross between different surfaces at 45° angles were possible to protect your prop.

Due to the current degraded surface condition, when possible avoid vacating the runway at A2 to avoid the risk of prop strike. If you must vacate at A2, do so at an angle and taxi slowly.

Likewise, for run-ups avoid the grass area immediately north of the Aero Club apron. The surface has degraded and there is an increased risk of prop strike. Use the grass area to the south of the apron or reach the northern grass area taxiing via the gap of the white tyres on taxiway E.