Anyone own a Piper Apache?

[cougar6903]

Anyone own a Piper Apache with the AD props? I'm trying to find out how much the 250 hour inspections run in the NE.

 

[KeroseneSnorter]

I used to own a 58 Apache. I do not remember how much the inspection was, Sold it about 4 years ago.

However, if you make sure to pull the blades through to a horizontal position and always leave it parked that way you should have minimal trouble with it. The AD stems from water seeping past the seals in the prop hub thus causing corrosion. With the blades horizontal no water can collect and find its way in.

Make sure your mechanic knows to remove both grease fittings when he/she greases the hub also. Sounds like it should be a no brainer but I had a mechanic blow my seals by not using the proper procedure, needless to say he paid for the new ones.

I flew the airplane for 6 years through several hub inspections using this procedure and never had any corrosion. The inspections were pretty painless, take it apart, inspect, and put back together.

Hope this helps.

 

[SATCFI]

It really depends upon the Hartzell prop you have. Research the AD at FAA.GOV and call local prop shops. I have an Aztec and the prop AD compliance (every 500 hours) was $5K for the pair.

 

[brett]

The AD runs about $2,000 and the props generally fail and need parts: bearings, blades, clamps, etc. that cost huge bucks. The end price almost always seems to come out conveniently just about right to make you bite the bullet and get the new props.

If you're going to try to nurse the old ones I would be extremely careful who you take them to. Once they look at them and determine them, "unairworthy" you are stuck with red tags. I would ask around and find someone who has had success getting their Apache props signed off for the AD and then take them the same place.

If you're going to keep the plane for more than one cycle it's usually better to go ahead and get the new props because they increase the value by about $7,000 and the remaining $6,700 of the $13,700 you would have spent on AD compliance anyway.

Also make sure the prop hubs are NEVER presure washed!! A very good way to destroy them.

Good luck,

Brett