Dynamic Prop Balancing
We had a local A&P, Bob Maddox, perform a dynamic balance of our prop today. He did a wonderful job and was great to work with. Highly recommended for the task. The prop started out pretty good as it was, .08 ips, and he got it down to .04 ips. That small adjustment made a world of difference! The improvement was completely apparent as soon as we started our taxi back to the hangar. Of course, we then had to go spend an hour in the air and put it through the paces. The plane is smoother and quieter at all RPMs.
The process in a nutshell: An accelerometer was attached securely to the top of the engine, and an optical tachometer was placed on the cowl. The instrumentation measured from these data points and calculated the amount of weight and location of where to place it. Where does it get placed? As a nut and bolt in one of the holes on the flywheel. (If you crave more details and technicalities, you’ll have to ask Scott.)
For me to get excited about a maintenance item is unheard of. If you are in doubt about spending the time and money, don’t think twice. Go get your prop balanced.