Sensenich’s Ground-Adjustable Props

[n2582d]

For those wondering about the prop blade length, it may be helpful to know that there exists regulation in that regard to prevent prop-stikes. Tricycle gear airplanes must be tested with flat nose tires and nose struts and still maintain a 7” ground clearance IIRC as do taildraggers with flat mains and most-nose-down/hard-landing demonstrations.

The Helio Courier prototype was called the Helioplane. It had a 9 foot diameter Aeromatic propeller driven by a C-85. The plane now hangs in the Smithsonian. Here's an interesting vignette related to this CAR 3 propeller clearance requirement and the certification of the Helio: "In spite of the lengthened landing gear, the ideal ground clearance for the prop, at least nine inches, was not achieved. In fact, it was a negative 1.5 inches! The C.A.A. pounced on this, and sent no less than four test pilots to Canton, with the stated intent of making the prop strike the ground. Try as they would, they were not able to do so. With the application of full throttle, the plane would rise up on its twelve-inch-travel oleos, and would be off the ground before they could even think about raising the tail. In fact, the tailwheel was always the last to depart. Likewise, touchdowns always occurred in either the three-point attitude, or tailwheel-first. Finally, the C.A.A. threw in the towel, and accepted the design, as-is."

[c170b53]

That’s amazing stuff Gary thks

[bjan11]

Bumping this thread to see if anyone has taken any step towards putting a ground-adjustable prop on a 170, with FAA approval.

Thinking of buying a 170B with a view to doing an O-360 + ground adjustable conversion. I'm aware that financially the logical thing to do is buy an aircraft with the O-360 already in it, but I'm looking to build experience towards an A&P cert.

[Utah-Jay]

Any update to approval for the Sensenich GA prop for the O-300 in the 170B?