CHAPTER 7-PROPELLER STORAGE AND PRESERVATION

1)What should be performed during propeller storage and preservation?

 In general the storage status of an aircraft listed in three categories flyable,
temporary and indefinite. And the long term storage means any propeller not in
service or new propeller not flown, or overhauled and waiting for installation, or
propeller removed from the aircraft
 The following should be done during propeller storage and preservation
1. When the propeller aircraft is in flyable storage the aircraft should fly at least
once in a month for 30 minutes
2. Aircraft should be greased every 6months or every 100hrs and when aircraft is
operated in unfavorable condition
3. Temporary storage is when propeller aircraft is not used for 3 months. During
this period propeller governor, accumulator, plugs, cylinders etc should be
protected and periodic checks for corrosion should be performed
4. The internal parts of a variable-pitch propeller will be protected by exercising
the propeller during weekly engine runs where these are possible, but, if the
engine cannot be run, the propeller should be feathered and unfeathered
using the feathering pump
5. If the engine is likely to be out of use for more than three months, the
propeller mechanism should be flushed with inhibiting oil, and all external
parts of the propeller should be treated with lanolin or an approved rust
preventative.
6. The propeller operating mechanism should be covered with waxed paper, and
all visible parts should be regularly inspected for corrosion.
7. Two-bladed propellers are usually stored in racks to permit free circulation of
air, but propellers with more than two blades may be stored vertically, on
stands, to minimise the amount of floor space they occupy.
8. When a variable-pitch propeller is disassembled for storage, individual
mechanical parts should be immersed in inhibiting oil, then allowed to drain,
bearings should be coated with mineral jelly, and electrical connections should
be smeared with petroleum jelly.
9. When assembled propeUers or pre-loaded blade· assemblies are held in
storage, the bearings must be exercised after six months and nine months. At
the end of twelve months in storage the bearings must be removed and
examined for brinelling and corrosion, and, if they are found to be satisfactory,
they should be cleaned, greased, and reassembled on the blade. They will then
be satisfactory for a further six months storage.
10.Under indefinite storage regular engine is replaced with MIL-C-6529 type 2 and
then aircraft is flown for 30minutes for circulation of oil. This oil is blended
with engine oil (75% engine oil and 25% preservation oil)
11.Thin protective film of MIL-C-16173 should be applied on metal propeller. This
coating should not be applied on rubber components like de-icing overshoes,
boots etc.
12.A wooden propeller should be placed horizontally for the moisture balance in
the blades
13.Components during long storage can be protected by plating, coating and
warping. The warping substance should be non-hygroscopic and varies in terms
of material ranging from coated paper products, plastic to sturdy vinyl
14.Storage bags, vacuum container or container filled with dry nitrogen should be
used for storage of components. The desiccants are used in such container to
absorb moisture
15.If the propeller, or individual components, are not' retained in the original
packing, they will normally require re-inhibiting every twelve months, a over-
hauling after three years.
16.Propeller should not be stored by resting on their blade tips
17.The propeller hub is sealed with appropriate plug
18.Governor should be oiled while in storage to prevent moisture and mechanical
damage
19.After 3yr storage of propeller must be inspected for external corrosion and
damage
20.Controllable-pitch propellers that are in storage for periods exceeding 5 years
may require the replacement of rubber parts and an internal inspection for
corrosion before returning the propeller to service.
21.inspect the components of the propeller anti-icing or de-icing system for
defects. Repair or replace parts as necessary.
22.Ensure that the O-ring, if used, is properly installed in the hub or on the
propeller shaft. Align the propeller so that the blades will be at the specified
clock angle.
23.Loose rubber components should t,e stored in the dark in an unstressed
condition, and retained in the manufacturer's packing until required for use.
24.Properly install the propeller bolts and torque as directed. Often the torque is
rechecked after 25 hours of operation.
25.After the propeller has been installed, remove any preservative film placed on
the exterior of the propeller and propeller blades.
26.Connect de-icing wires or anti-icing plumbing, if used. Align the index marks
between the spinner and spinner bulkhead and fasten the spinner to the
spinner bulkhead using the appropriate hardware.
27.During testing the propeller, the technician should perform a static rpm test to
verify power output
 IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER