FAA Advisory Circular 43.13-1B
Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices
Aircraft Inspection and Repair
AC 43.13-1B | 8. Engines, Fuel, Exhaust, and Propellers | 5. Inspection of Propellers | 8-93. Metal Propellers and Blades
AC 43.13-1B
9/8/98
TABLE 8-2. Sample manufacturer’s propeller inspection checklist.
Nature of Inspection
PROPELLER GROUP
1. Inspect spinner and back plate for cracks....................................................................................
2. Inspect blades for nicks and cracks.............................................................................................
3. Check for grease and oil leaks.....................................................................................................
4. Lubricate propeller per Lubrication Chart.....................................................................................
5. Check spinner mounting Brackets for cracks...............................................................................
6. Check propeller mounting bolts and safety (Check torque if safety is broken).............................
7. Inspect hub parts for cracks and corrosion..................................................................................
8. Rotate blades of constant speed propeller and check for tightness in hub pilot tube....................
9. Remove constant speed propeller; remove sludge from propeller and crankshaft........................
10. Inspect complete propeller and spinner assembly for security, chafing, cracks, deterioration,
wear and correct installation........................................................................................................
11. Check propeller air pressure (at least once a month)...................................................................
12. Overhaul propeller.......................................................................................................................
Engine Operating Hours
50 100 500 1000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
to heat from the engine, a certain amount of
propeller hub shrinkage takes place, and the
wood no longer completely fills the space be-
tween the two hub flanges. Consequently, the
hub bolts become loose.
c. In-flight tip failures may be avoided
by frequent inspections of the metal cap, lead-
ing edge strip, and surrounding areas. Inspect
for such defects as looseness or slipping, sepa-
ration of soldered joints, loose screws, loose
rivets, breaks, cracks, eroded sections, and cor-
rosion. Inspect for separation between the
metal leading edge and the cap, which would
indicate the cap is moving outward in the di-
rection of centrifugal force. This condition is
often accompanied by discoloration and loose
rivets. Inspect the tip for cracks by grasping it
with the hand and slightly twisting about the
longitudinal blade centerline and by slightly
bending the tip backward and forward. If the
leading edge and the cap have separated, care-
fully inspect for cracks at this point. Cracks
usually start at the leading edge of the blade.
A fine line appearing in the fabric or plastic
may indicate a crack in the wood. Check the
trailing edge of the propeller blades for bond-
ing, separation, or damage.
d. Examine the wood close to the metal
sleeve of wood blades for cracks extending
outward on the blade. These cracks sometimes
occur at the threaded ends of the lag screws
and may be an indication of internal cracking
of the wood. Check the tightness of the lag
screws, which attach the metal sleeve to the
wood blade, in accordance with the manufac-
turer’s instructions. Inspect and protect the
shank areas of composition blades next to the
metal sleeve in the same manner as that used
for wood blades.
8-93. METAL PROPELLERS AND
BLADES. These propellers and blades are
generally susceptible to fatigue failure result-
ing from the concentration of stresses at the
bottoms of sharp nicks, cuts, and scratches. It
is necessary, therefore, to frequently and care-
fully inspect them for such injuries. Propeller
manufacturers publish SB’s and instructions
which prescribe the manner in which these in-
spections are to be accomplished. Additional
information is also available in AC 20-37D,
Aircraft Metal Propeller Maintenance.
a. Steel Blade Inspection. The inspection
of steel blades may be accomplished by either
visual, fluorescent penetrant (see chapter 5), or
magnetic particle inspection. The visual in-
spection is easier if the steel blades are covered
with engine oil or rust-preventive compound.
The full length of the leading edge, especially
near the tip, the full length of the trailing edge,
the grooves and shoulders on the shank, and all
Page 8-38
Par 8-92