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Module 17 PROPELLER
Sub Module 17.7 Propeller Storage and Preservation

MODULE 17
Sub Module 17.7

PROPELLER STORAGE AND PRESERVATION

ISO 9001 - 2008 Certified

PTC/CM/B1.1 Basic/M17/01
17.7

For Training Purpose Only

Rev. 00
Mar 2014

PIA Training Centre (PTC)

Category A/B1

Module 17 PROPELLER
Sub Module 17. 7 Propeller Storage and Preservation

Contents

PROPELLERPRESERVATION1
PROPELLERDEPRESERVATION4

ISO 9001 - 2008 Certified

PTC/CM/B1.1 Basic/M17/01
17.7 - i

For Training Purpose Only

Rev. 00
Mar 2014

PIA Training Centre (PTC)

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ISO 9001 - 2008 Certified

PTC/CM/B1.1 Basic/M17/01
17.7 - ii

Module 17 PROPELLER
Sub Module 17. 7 Propeller Storage and Preservation

Page Intentionally Left Blank

For Training Purpose Only

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Module 17 PROPELLER
Sub Module 17. 7 Propeller Storage and Preservation

PROPELLER PRESERVATION
Propellers and their accessories contain various parts made
from different materials. If they are inappropriately stored they
can deteriorate to a stage where they are incapable to perform
their function efficiently, or can cause untimely failure due to the
erosion or corrosion of the component parts. The existing state
of the propeller will dictate the method of storage required, for
example a propeller installed on a stored aircraft and a propeller
disassembled and stored in its component parts in a crate, will
require for different treatment.

ISO 9001 - 2008 Certified

PTC/CM/B1.1 Basic/M17/01
17.7 - 1

For Training Purpose Only

Rev. 00
Mar 2014

PIA Training Centre (PTC)

Category A/B1

Module 17 PROPELLER
Sub Module 17. 7 Propeller Storage and Preservation

Installed Propellers
While propellers are to remain installed but out of service for
more than three months, the engine should be run and the
propeller and its pitch change mechanism is exercised to
ensure the circulation of oil. If the engine cannot be run the
propeller should be feathered and followed by unfeathered by
feathering pump, this exercise should be carried out weekly (if
possible).
For periods of greater than three months, the pitch change
mechanism and its associated parts should be removed,
draining off all the oil. The assembly should be flushed with
approved inhibiting oil and refitted.

Treat all detachable or exposed parts, i.e., screw threads

etc., with rust preventative compound.

Frequently inspect all the components for corrosion and

deterioration, paying specific attention to the blades and
spinner.

The following procedures should be adopted in over 3 months

storage:

Coat the surface of the blades with lanolin.

Coat the spinner with lanolin.

Spread exposed oil seals with silicone grease.

Cover the propeller hub and operating mechanisms with

waxed paper and tie into position.

ISO 9001 - 2008 Certified

PTC/CM/B1.1 Basic/M17/01
17.7 - 2

For Training Purpose Only

Rev. 00
Mar 2014

PIA Training Centre (PTC)

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Uninstalled Propellers
Propellers if stored assembled should be kept in conditions that
are warm, dry and dust free. Small two bladed propellers are
generally stored in racks above ground level to allow for air
circulation. Three or more bladed propellers can be stored
vertically on stands supported by a mandrel passing through the
centre of the hub. For better protection from the elements the
propeller can be dismantled, protected and stored in a specially
prepared crate. Wooden propellers should be stored horizontal
in a dark room.
Under three months term storage of an uninstalled propeller, the
pitch change mechanism should be carried out prior to removal
from the aircraft.
Longer term storage of an assembled propeller involves
methods which are similar to those used for long term storage
whilst installed on the aircraft, except that any attachment
fittings removed are to be treated with rust preventative
compound and individually wrapped in waxed paper.
Disassembled propellers, prior to packing, should be prepared
for long term storage installed with following safety measures:

Dip the pitch change cylinder in inhibiting oil; allow draining

then wrapping in waxed paper.
All exposed surfaces such as eye bolts, bolt heads, should
be smeared with rust preventative.

ISO 9001 - 2008 Certified

PTC/CM/B1.1 Basic/M17/01
17.7 - 3

Module 17 PROPELLER
Sub Module 17. 7 Propeller Storage and Preservation

Rust preventative should be applied to the exposed bore

and hub splines.

Dip the pitch change piston complete with oil seals, oil
tubes, hub retaining nut, cones and all other loose parts in
mineral jelly, and wrap individually in waxed paper or
moisture vapor proof bags.

Electrical connections should be thoroughly cleaned and

coated with petroleum jelly.

Fit all blanking caps and covers.

Blades should be coated with lanolin then wrapped in

grease proof paper.

Rubber components should be stored in the dark.

All exposed surfaces of the blade root bearings should be

coated with mineral jelly and wrapped in waxed paper.

An uninstalled variable pitch propeller that is in long-term

storage and is not in its manufacturers packing should be
re-inhibited annually.

The packing crate should be labeled with:

1. Part number
2. Date put into store
3. Exercise date of bearings
4. Modification standard

For Training Purpose Only

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Module 17 PROPELLER
Sub Module 17. 7 Propeller Storage and Preservation

PROPELLER DE-PRESERVATION

Wooden Propeller Pre-installation Checks

If we have preserved a component, we may sometime need to

use it. When a component is brought out of storage, its shelf life
must be checked to ascertain that it is in life and is
accompanied by a Certificate of Release to Service

Wooden propellers be inspected prior to installation after

storage, it is important to check that the propeller is of the
correct type and that it is within its correct storage period and
that it has usable operational life remaining. The Propeller Log
Book should be scrutinized to ensure that the modification state
is correct and that all mandatory inspections and Service
Bulletins have been recorded. The Aircraft Maintenance Manual
procedures for propeller installation should be complied with.
These include all related checks and inspections to be carried
out prior to installation.

Components should be de-inhibited and inspected prior to

fitment.

Assuming the propeller was serviceable when it went into

storage, the main defects to look out for would be uneven or
excessive moisture absorption, war in and rot. Any metal
fixtures, the hub and faceplates for example, will have to be
cleaned of preservative and inspected for corrosion.
The propeller should be inspected for signs of damage incurred
during storage. The fit of the propeller onto the shaft will need to
be checked by blueing check.
Any Vibration felt during the initial post installation engine run
may be due to uneven moisture absorption. This should correct
itself if the propeller is placed into a horizontal position for a few
days, if it does not, there may be another cause. Another
problem is that of shrinkage. As the propeller loses moisture,
the boss may shrink, loosening the retaining nuts. Care must be
taken to re-check for tightness after the post installation engine
ground run and the first few flights.

ISO 9001 - 2008 Certified

PTC/CM/B1.1 Basic/M17/01
17.7 - 4

For Training Purpose Only

Rev. 00
Mar 2014

PIA Training Centre (PTC)

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Module 17 PROPELLER
Sub Module 17. 7 Propeller Storage and Preservation

Variable Pitch Metal Propellers - Pre-installation Checks

Again, you would check for the correct type of propeller and that
the conditions for storage had been followed. The Propeller Log
Book is checked for modification state and for the record of any
mandatory inspections and Service Bulletins. The requirements
of respective regulatory document should be met. The record of
blade exercise and blade bearing inspections during storage
should be checked.
All protective wrappings, transport blanks and plugs should be
removed. All parts covered in protective coatings should be
cleaned. The hub splines should be de-greased - methylated
spirits may typically be given as the approved solvent for this.
The oil transfer tubes and propeller attachment parts may be
coated in a wax preservative; this may be removed using white
spirit or non-leaded gasoline.

All electrical connections and slip rings should be cleaned.

The propeller pitch change mechanism should be drained of
inhibiting oil prior to installation. Following installation, the
mechanism would then be primed with engine oil through use of
the feathering pump and a bleed screw on the dome.
Prior to fitting the pitch change mechanism, the blades should
be turned through their range of movement to check for
roughness. If the checks prove satisfactory, the blades would be
set to feather in preparation for the fitment of the pitch change
mechanism.

All attachment parts should be inspected for signs of damage

during storage.
The location cones and the hub internal cone seatings should
be thoroughly de-greased. The contact seating area will have to
be checked prior to final installation. This, as you know, is
carried out using Prussian Blue and an 80 % contact area
should be achieved.
The blades should be cleaned to remove lanolin preservative.
White spirit is a solvent for lanolin. Care should be taken to
avoid contaminating the overshoes.

ISO 9001 - 2008 Certified

PTC/CM/B1.1 Basic/M17/01
17.7 - 5

For Training Purpose Only

Rev. 00
Mar 2014