Prop balanced to within the weight of a Dollar Bill! - Hartzell Factory All Access!

Behind the scenes at Hartzell Learning WAY more than expected about props! Proudly associated with ForeFlight: www.foreflight...
This episode covers both Static and Dynamic balancing the #propeller, as well as a solid all access tour of the 3 main manufacturing facilities at Hartzell.
The episode covering the #IFR #flight here is coming soon.
For more info about Hartzell products, and the services they offer, visit:
Hartzell Propeller, Inc. www.hartzellprop.com
Hartzell Engine Technologies www.hartzell.aero
Tanis Aircraft www.tanisaircraft.com
Aerospace Welding and Manufacturing www.awi-ami.com
Quality Aircraft Accessories www.qaa.com
Acorn Welding www.acornwelding.com
Huge thanks to all the Supporters on Patreon! Two raw / uncut scenes from this one are already available to supporters here:
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/ had-no-idea-how-66937541
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FLIGHT CHOPS DISCLAIMER:
I am a "weekend warrior" private pilot, I fly for fun with no intentions of going commercial. I have had my PPL for over 15 years, but still consider each flight a learning experience - I generally take detailed notes after each flight to remind myself what went well or what I could do to improve.... Having GoPro cameras to record flights like this is invaluable. I find these self analysis videos very helpful in my constant quest to improve, and am happy to share. Feedback is invited; however, please keep it positive.
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[@BrianReindel]

That's my big brother, Steve! Love you and I'm so proud of you man -- I'm going to have to call you Mr. Hollywood now! I better get your autograph next time you are home :)

[@gustavgothberg1518]

The Hartzell factory is a five minute drive from where I grew up. It is cool to finally see the inside

[@KCdurt]

Haven't seen your vids for a while, so I've been catching up. Since the last time I've watched, I got my PPL, A&P, and now I'm literally living the dream working at a FBO in my hometown and just started building my own experimental! Glad to see you still doing the thing, Steve! Videos are great!

[@bernardc2553]

Way up their or lower 48?

[@DanS-dc5vu]

Be careful

[@bernardc2553]

@@DanS-dc5vu especially from those zip ties or safety wire that tails ARNT turned in

[@KCdurt]

​@@bernardc2553 Kansas City area

[@KCdurt]

@@bernardc2553 The struggle is real on that front 🤣

[@SmittySmithsonite]

FANTASTIC video, Steve! Apologies for being late - I've been super busy and have missed a ton of your vids. This was amazing! I own an electronic tire balancer, and it doesn't get anywhere near that level of precision - normally within 1/4 oz. is good with wheels. A little less if racing. A prop is spinning MANY times faster, and has very mission critical job to perform, so I can understand the need for that precision! Amazing equipment they have there to balance it right on your aircraft! That is great! Must've made a big difference I'd imagine. Definitely smarter people than I engineering the blades on those things. I can't even imagine how many hours of labor it takes to design one from scratch with the correct pitch and angles, diameter, etc., all playing together. I've been out of the loop for a bit, so I just wanted to mention your RV looks FANTASTIC! CONGRATS on getting her finished! I think I left off at you building the necessary flight time before your first trip - was a while ago! Dan Gryder's vid reminded me to get my butt back over here, lol. Glad to see you're still at it, Steve - top-notch production as usual! 👍

[@aviobrain]

That is great PR for Hartzell. As a former aircraft engineer, Iam very impressed

[@FlightChops]

Awesome - I really appreciated this feedback. I tried to strike an authentic balance as this really is some impressive stuff they are doing - it is legit PR

[@SimonHollandfilms]

loved every second of your film....great to see where my prop was made

[@FlightChops]

I always appreciate your kind comments Simon.

[@billr8667]

You've posted a lot of interesting and informative videos. This is one of your best. Thanks for doing this!

[@FlightChops]

Thanks Bill. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@foesfly3047]

This is excellent technical subject material.

[@paulcarstens2601]

I love the format of flying your own aircraft, IFR, to a fascinating aviation learning experience. The channel just reached a new level!

[@FlightChops]

Glad you enjoy it! I'm hoping to do a lot more of this!

[@peterellison2220]

One time I helped with balancing an RV's prop, and it's incredible how a balanced propeller can make the engine run buttery smooth

[@francisschweitzer8431]

And add Mega Hours to the engine and airframe’s overall life

[@geddon436]

@@francisschweitzer8431 interesting. i never knew that.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Been a while since I viewed a couple channel videos. Anything in manufacturing and engineering, I'm in here to learn. I'm always impressed with companies that have a very tight knit set of operating principles and people who are very dedicated and motivated, making businesses and careers both satisfying and stagnation-proof. Great job on the documentary of Hartzell! Your filming talent is very clean and professional.

[@75Seneca2]

Fascinating stuff Steve! Really enjoyed this one…it’s amazing how sensitive that test gear is. Just makes the whole powertrain so much smoother and will help reduce engine wear to boot. Cheers!

[@thatstinsongirl]

It’s really cool to see the balancing process. We got the prop dynamically balanced on the Stinson last summer and it made a huge difference. It wasn’t noticeably smoother but was noticeably quietly and it solved all of the problems we were having from the imbalance (cowling and fairings cracking, loose/missing exhaust studs).

[@patrickheavirland3599]

Hello from Minnesota USA!! Really fantastic video!!

[@FlightChops]

Thanks and hello back atcha Patrick

[@i.r.wayright1457]

I had a video from Hartzell (or Sensenich) when I was an A&P, I.A. that showed a prop in an overspeed condition. They had a high speed camera make the video, then slowed it down so you could see the ripples in the aluminum blades. That is a real eye opener. It was as scary as the Piper video of a stabilator dancing in a similar way, when the Twin Comanche was over redline. OMG!

[@MelanieMoxon]

As ever a great video Steve, fab insight into how propellers are balanced and setup.

[@triumph1669]

I wish I knew you was headed there! It’s not to far from me, I woulda bought your lunch and a beer! Awesome video as always man!

[@FlightChops]

It was a pretty quick turn and burn trip that time, so I kept it fairly quiet. Will you be at AirVenture?

[@bruschi8148]

That was incredibly fascinating! Thanks for sharing Steve

[@davidwookey3792]

Thanks Steve. That was fascinating!

[@FlightChops]

Very welcome - glad you enjoyed it.

[@SkyhawkSteve]

cool! I hope you had a few hours to pop down to Dayton and visit the Museum of the USAF. It's amazing and overwhelming!

[@FlightChops]

Yeah I didn’t actually - it was a quick turn and burn trip that time.

[@gtr1952]

That is just amazing!! I did see them using the same safety wire pliers that I bought over 50 years ago, and I still use today. Made in the USA. Props are really interesting!! JMHO --gary

[@wannafly34]

Super super interesting! Great stuff!!!

[@ProfsrXav8r]

That was really interesting to see. I've never watched that being done before.

[@TheBarzook]

Very interesting video, I'd like to see more of these kinds of videos for different parts, engines, brakes, avionics, etc

[@FlightChops]

Cool yeah - We've done a pretty good one so far on the engine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJuwoIufhpZkeM0 And several related to the avionics: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYa2i3SCo62qaJI kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKbSm6p-q9OGbq8 kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3WXfIdupbmji8U And of course the first one about the Prop: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHvTqIqnZZ5gfac

[@goatflieg]

Seeing the finished version of this episode increased my wish that I had chosen Hartzell. Can't wait for the cross-country coverage. Also looking forward to seeing the RV-14 after paint! Taking my fourth solo flight tomorrow; still sorting out a few minor issues. I'll be testing the fourth sanding of the nose bowl to eliminate the rubbing. It was very slight after the previous flight but only none is acceptable. Showed up on Van's First Flight list today, which is pretty cool. Next: EAA Sport Aviation, I hope.

[@FlightChops]

Awesome stuff! I’m so happy to hear about your progression!

[@ozziepilot2899]

That was so fascinating , totally resonated with me :)

[@bobninemire5154]

Great content here !!

[@ChrisB257]

Wow Steve - that is an impressive company. Obviously massive investment, particularly having expanded into composites. Said before but - just love that RV :)

[@DDubois91]

The rv-14 looks so good!

[@mxcollin95]

Awesome video!!! 👍

[@scotttoomey7347]

I pack your Prop for shipment 😄. Truly an amazing company

[@FlightChops]

Well I really enjoyed destroying your work Scott :)

[@martinmatola688]

It's funny to see diferent limits for dynamic propeller balancing form diferent manufacturers. I've been able to balance some piston engines to 0.01 IPS, but on some PT6 engines the vibration can be as high as 0.4 IPS (limit per maintenance manuals).

[@bryan.meijer]

Great stuff!

[@nothingtoseehere4026]

I noticed you used an American dollar as opposed to one of those oversized Canadian bills. Good to see you're back.

[@FlightChops]

We were in the U.S., so yeah we used American cash :)

[@K0S0s]

Here is some fun info in this cross section of flying and filmmaking. My Steadi cam ops do multiple static and dynamic balances an hour for their Steadi cams, all by feeling and experience. You’d be shocked how important a dynamic balance is for a Steadi cam to get smooth shots and a prior static balance helps you get there quicker!

[@FlightChops]

Very cool. I actually got steadicam certified back in the early 2000’s - (mostly good memories expect for the long back breaking days.)

[@K0S0s]

@@FlightChops Im not above making the 1st AD hold a 35lbs sandbag on their shoulder while the steadi is up. That way they'll be wanting to let the Op rest too ;)

[@OlexandrS]

I used to build my own drone camera gimbals in the early drone photography days, around 2012-14, before most off-the-shelf equipment was readily available. Balancing those was a pain, but absolutely necessary, and the difference in footage quality between an okay-ish and a really well balanced gimbal was massive. Some things span across industries :)

[@kudrifm]

I flew on all types of propellers, but I like carbon ones the most, on my channel there are most planes with them

[@facebook2k7]

For the dynamic balancing would the equipment be mainly measuring other engine components that vibrates because the prop had gone through static balancing and it's so precise that it's basically perfectly balanced (a dollar bill will throw it off balance). I mean for dynamic balancing you were basically compensating vibrations from other sources by adding counterweight to the spinner? The precision of Hartzell factory blew my mind. Thank you for the video.

[@FlightChops]

I think you're understanding it correctly... but this is way outside my pay-grade. :P

[@ryancrazy1]

I really hope to get an RV one day.

[@joelbosshoss9029]

Very cool.

[@GaryLaaks1]

Very interesting.

[@WyllSurfAir]

Very cool, were you able to actually feel a difference in vibration in flight after the dynamic balancing?

[@FlightChops]

I'd like to think I could, but honestly, it was already pretty smooth - especially with the Thunderbolt engine. This is really about component longevity, more so than a noticeable ride difference.

[@geddon436]

@@FlightChops how much longer will it increase the lifespan by balancing the prop?

[@andrewj5736]

ohhh the micro vibe II and i will use this every day when i can it's great....but i also do rotor craft and tail rotors not so much airplanes. but Micro Vibe is a great product just dont lie to it and under stand how it works.

[@richskater]

I'm reminded of the Mythbusters episode where they tested if a postage stamp could bring down a helicopter.

[@FlightChops]

Did it? ;P

[@richskater]

@@FlightChops So it's been over a decade since I seen it, but if I remember right they weren't able to replicate the myth. No one was willing to let them try it on a real helicopter. So they tried it with a RC one and a scale stamp. It took more than that to see any significant imbalance in the rotor. That said, during research, a mechanic did tell them that he 100% believed it, as mere dust is enough to throw the rotor system out of balance. Whether their results were conclusive or not, I'm not gonna try it.

[@DennyBass]

The bare aluminum looks so good on that plane.

[@francisschweitzer8431]

I agree… I love the bare Aluminum look too. I think it has to be clear coated (??) for corrosion control… which is why they should be painted.. either way it’s a sharp looking aircraft

[@FlightChops]

Thanks guys, but yeah - up close it ain't so pretty :P. We only polished it once, before the application of all that vinyl last July. A year and ~120 hours of flying later, it is in need of some love... Polishing at best is a ton of work, but around all that vinyl, it is basically impossible. So... she's currently in Alabama, at the paint shop at Evoke Aviation :)

[@francisschweitzer8431]

@@FlightChops Ohh excellent. I know what it took to polish the bare aluminum ring cowl on my KC -135A ( J57/59W motors) and it was a never ending ordeal. Can’t wait to see the finished plane.

[@ryancrazy1]

FLIGHT CHOOOOOOPPPS

[@916medic]

Dam thats really complicated. I can see the sell a quality product. That's why they have such a good reputation.

[@clarencewiles963]

Balance, = good stuff all around! Being a new to the air, good timing ⏱. Thanks again for your posting.

[@FlightChops]

You bet!

[@DavidReese2ndA]

You flew Right by my house on your trip here! Did you get gas at KDUH or TOL.... I've been at Hartzell once, as a kid with my Father, for a re-pitch on a Cessna 150, on FLOAT's

[@FlightChops]

I was only at the factory for a day and a half before I had to fly back - will spend more time in the area when I get there next.

[@exparrot9074]

Great video Steve! Is balancing a standard offering that Hartzell offers for fly-in customers? Curious what they typically charge. After 15 annuals worth of knick removals, it's probably time for a balance

[@FlightChops]

This service is available to any customer, yes. Best to contact them for specific pricing for your specific application (and to set up an appointment :). See links in the description.

[@Tiwow]

Such an impressive tuning! Did you feel any difference during the trip back? Now many bills do a bunch of dead insects weigh? :D

[@FlightChops]

Honestly it was not a noticeable difference. This more about preventing the harmonic resonances that are nit detectible to a human, but can damage and wear components.

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

Are you going to include vacuuming the runway as part of your pre flight procedure?

[@FlightChops]

Wuh?

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

@@FlightChops I'm having a bit of a laugh. I am referring to removing any debris from the runway that might cause abrasion to your recently serviced prop. I worked as a hanger rat years ago. The environment in which a plane typically operates in can make a fair bit of difference to the leading edges of props, wings and spars etc. By the way, love the RV and thanks for the content.

[@CaptainCharlieBravo]

Still trucking along on my 14. How’s your landings coming?

[@FlightChops]

Currently editing the first night flying episode - and some of those landings were as good or better than day landings!

[@yzaw4411]

Does exchange value change the weight????

[@yzaw4411]

One question: are the main and tail rotor blades for a helicopter made to the same limits of a hartzell prrops????

[@FlightChops]

I'm not a helicopter guy, but I'd imagine so...?

[@jasonrogers143]

How much did that all cost to do

[@c123bthunderpig]

Very sophisticated outfit In the old wooden propeller days they would balance with cigarette paper. " REAL AIRPLANES ARE PROPELLER DRIVEN"

[@sircrapalot9954]

If a dollar bill is enough to throw off the balance, imagine what a bunch of dead bugs might do!

[@FlightChops]

Exactly. Gotta keep the prop clean

[@clapanse]

Wait, why on earth did he say cold starts mean *low* oil pressure? Cold starts mean extremely high oil pressure, since you're trying to pump extremely thick oil. (That's still undesirable though, and a block heater is a great idea in cold climates)

[@markor2476]

So can insects throw a prop out of balance then?

[@FlightChops]

Seems so. Keeping the prop clean is pretty important!

[@FlightChops]

for whatever reason, I NOW see the notification of your comment with the FAA link in my emails, but it seems it STILL didn't make it past the KZbin filers... Anyway - to save you typing it again, here it is below - maybe put it in with out the link - or spell "DOT" in where the dots would be in the link likeI have done? "PANPAN IS an emergency. It's an urgency call vs MAYDAY which is a distress call. But both are emergency calls declaring an emergency. And while these procedures were formulated by ICAO, the FAA contrary to popular misconception (by mainly people from the States) doesn't disagree and has adopted the same procedures: faa DOT gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap6_section_3 DOT html"

[@markor2476]

@@FlightChops Yeah it's fine.. Don't worry about it, I give up and bow down to the almighty algo. We are soon going to be its peasants anyway so I better get used to it getting its way. 😂

[@markor2476]

@@FlightChops Have a good one and sorry for wasting your time!

[@christiant8908]

Can you call me? Would love to discuss flying, I'm still a scared student pilot

[@DavidFerree54]

No, not .25” per second to .030” per second. 🙄 .25 inches per second peak velocity perpendicular to axial movement to .030 inches per second peak velocity perpendicular to axial movement. Or for anyone who actually knows vibration and balancing as opposed to just knowing how to run a machine: “ips/pk.”

[@alanmacification]

A dollar bill weighs 1 gram.

[@FlightChops]

But it's a fun illustration :)

[@yzaw4411]

@@FlightChops No its 76.8

[@jamesbruzgis9476]

balanced within one dollar, that’s not impressive since the dollar Ain’t worth nothing these days! 😝