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I have been a Prince propeller owner since I built my plane. Today I am convinced that they are the right choice for me. I had my center hinge pin from my cowl vibrate forward into the propeller and depart the aircraft which caused some damage to the prop. I sent an e-mail to Prince describing the damage and asking what to do to repair it. A few minutes after I sent my E-mail I got a phone call from Lonnie Prince wanting to talk about the issue. I have his opinion as to how to do a field repair without sending the prop in to the factory which means about a $10 cost and little down time. I think everyone should consider that Prince aircraft is working for our best interests. Even though Sonex doesn't list them as a viable company I will always think them to be superior to the other brand. High rpm static does not always equal fast blast off and climb!! My Prince P-Tip has always performed well.

It was great that Lonnie Prince took time to attend the American Sonex Association fly-in at Crossville last year, he gave a very informative presentation on prop carving. And he donated a brand-new prop to be raffled off to support the ASA. He's obviously a big supporter of Sonex builders, and a good guy. I know several people flying with Prince P-Tip props, and they like 'em.

Glad to hear your story Bill. I've been very happy with my P-Tip as well!

I am about ready to order my propeller and I am planning to go with the P-Tip. Lonnie was really pushing the carbon fiber prop vs wood. Please let me know your thoughts if the carbon is worth the extra cost.

Mine has the composite cover and today it probably saved the prop. The dings in the coating are repairable, I don't know about how well unprotected wood would have fared.

Personally, I like the looks of the carbon cover and I appreciate the optional leading edge protection you can add to the prop. I don't think cost is that different. If you're going to use your plane to actually travel some, the extra protection will probably pay for itself if you ever fly through any rain. Our engines turn fast enough that unprotected wood props can be damaged quickly in heavy rain.

wlarson861 wrote:Mine has the composite cover and today it probably saved the prop. The dings in the coating are repairable, I don't know about how well unprotected wood would have fared.

Bill,
Glad to hear that the prop is okay, that's a big deal. But, inquiring minds want to know: Were you able to find and repair the hinge pin? ;)
Mark

Didn't even look for the hinge pin. It should be in the grass somewhere on the approach. Bought new music wire at the hardware store and will fab a new one, this time with a restraint attached to the cowl.

Here's an easy way to secure the front hinge pin. Make a small "L" bend at the end then leave about two inches to float up and tuck under the cowl halves. It's a bit dufficult to see in the pic but it works for me!

I had a lower hinge pin slide forward and into the back of my Sensenich prop. I left a small scratch in the rear face of the prop but the damage wasn't significant. I now insert the lower pin from the rear of the cowl.