WELLINGTON, KS (Jan. 4, 2021) – Air Plains Services, a world leader in general aviation engine and avionics upgrades, announced today it has gained a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to offer the Hartzell Trailblazer composite propeller on all its 300hp XP Extreme Performance engine upgrades for Cessna 180 and 182 aircraft.
“We’re very excited to be starting off the year with a new propeller STC, adding another option for our customers flying the upgraded 300 horsepower engine,” said Katie Church, head of marketing. “The Trailblazer enhances performance, really looks great on the airplane, and it’s the ultimate backcountry prop.
“We’ve been flying it on N180AP, our own Cessna 180 with the 300-horsepower upgrade and we’re very happy with the performance we’ve seen,” Church said.
Hartzell says its Trailblazer propellers all have unlimited blade life and are approximately 20 percent lighter than comparable propellers with aluminum blades.
“Our STC is unique in that it also uses Hartzell’s lightweight hub design, which means our conversion is 10 pounds lighter than any other available Trailblazer STC for these aircraft,” Church said. “We are sure that 180 and 182 owners looking at their options will appreciate the added useful load.”
The swept-tip, scimitar-shaped airfoil is designed for optimal take-off acceleration and climb performance and offers improved low-speed thrust as well as cruise speed improvement when compared with wood core props. The Hartzell Trailblazer’s carbon fiber construction features an innovative mesh erosion shield and field-replaceable, nickel-cobalt leading edge, ensuring it can withstand demanding backcountry and bush flying. The Trailblazer is approved for use with wheels, floats, and skis.
For more information about Hartzell propeller options or any of Air Plains other products or services, call 1-800-752-8481 or +1-620-326-8904, visit www.airplains.com. For online shopping, visit the new Air Plains web store at https://shopairplains.com.