Might be of interest to read the following:
http://www.notplanejane.com/images/AeroMatic/Aeromatic%20prop%20SB%202001-001.pdf http://www.napanet.net/~arbeau/swift/props4.htm Bill To: s...@bellsouth.net; ercoupe-tech@yahoogroups.com From: e...@edburkhead.com Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 15:57:41 -0500 Subject: RE: [ercoupe-tech] Aeromatic propeller Jim Stasny correctly points out that the Aeromatic prop is approved for the Ercoupe including the 415-C. And, as corroboration, this is from the Aircraft Specification A-718 which governs the 415-C and CD: 4. Propeller - Koppers Aeromatic F200 hub with 00-73E or 00-73F blades. 28 lb. (-32.5) No change in parts list assembly may be permitted without FAA engineering approval. (a) With Continental C-75-12 engine Diameter: not over 73 in., not under 71.5 in. Pitch setting at 24 in. sta.: low 13°, high 20.3° Parts list assembly No. 4305 (b) With Continental C-85-12 engine Diameter: not over 73 in., not under 71.5 in. Pitch settings at 24 in. sta.: low 11°, high 20° min. Parts list assembly No. 4305A The problem lies in the definition of LSA. The 415-C must meet all the applicable criteria to qualify as an LSA if it is to be flown by a Sport Pilot or by a Private Pilot flying under privileges of a Sport Pilot (i.e. without a third class medical). From the Sport Pilot regulation: §1.1 General definitions. Light-sport aircraft means an aircraft, other than a helicopter or powered-lift that, since its original certification, has continued to meet the following: (1) A maximum takeoff weight of not more than–– (i) 660 pounds (300 kilograms) for lighter-than-air aircraft; (ii) 1,320 pounds (600 kilograms) for aircraft not intended for operation on water; or (iii) 1,430 pounds (650 kilograms) for an aircraft intended for operation on water. (2) A maximum airspeed in level flight with maximum continuous power (VH) of not more than 120 knots CAS under standard atmospheric conditions at sea level. (3) A maximum never-exceed speed (VNE) of not more than 120 knots CAS for a glider. (4) A maximum stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed without the use of lift-enhancing devices (VS1) of not more than 45 knots CAS at the aircraft’s maximum certificated takeoff weight and most critical center of gravity. (5) A maximum seating capacity of no more than two persons, including the pilot. (6) A single, reciprocating engine, if powered. (7) A fixed or ground-adjustable propeller if a powered aircraft other than a powered glider. (8) A fixed or autofeathering propeller system if a powered glider. (9) A fixed-pitch, semi-rigid, teetering, two-blade rotor system, if a gyroplane. (10) A nonpressurized cabin, if equipped with a cabin. (11) Fixed landing gear, except for an aircraft intended for operation on water or a glider. (12) Fixed or repositionable landing gear, or a hull, for an aircraft intended for operation on water. (13) Fixed or retractable landing gear for a glider. So, while the 415-C or 415-CD airplane is legal to be flown with the Aeromatic propeller, the Sport Pilot (or a PP with expired medical) is not legal to fly with that propeller. Which, I think is a shame as the propeller takes care of all adjustments itself and does not “overload” the abilities of a “poor, lowly Sport Pilot.” Perhaps a “barracks lawyer” could make a case that the Aeromatic prop is only ground adjustable as there are no adjustments a pilot can make after engine start. However, I’m afraid that “The FAA disagrees.” Would be the official response as they say a few hundred times in the published LSA/Sport Pilot regulation document. Ed _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live™: Keep your life in sync. http://windowslive.com/explore?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_BR_life_in_synch_062009
