6.3
Annual Inspection
PITCH MECHANISM: The blade pitch adjustment screw must
be cycled through full adjustment – full fine to full coarse.
Difficult or obstructed movement should be reported to Whirl
Wind Aviation.
BLADES: Inspect the propeller system blades for any nicks,
cracks, or chips. Inspect blades for cracks in the composite
skins and nickel leading edges. No cracks are allowed in either.
If cracks are present return the propeller for repair to a Whirl
Wind Aviation service center.
Inspect the cambered side of each blade for chord-wise cracks
and the entire blade for any delamination of the composite skin
or obvious discoloration. Small cracks parallel to and along the
nickel edge are allowed as long as the leading edge is not loose.
Scratches or chips should be sealed as soon as practicable.
BLADE FERRULES: Inspect each aluminum blade ferrule and
blade intersection (located at the root end of blade where the
silicone sealant is visible) for movement and/or signs of chafing.
Gently flex the blade at the tip to check for any movement
between the aluminum ferrule and blade root. No movement is
allowed. There should be no movement between the aluminum
ferrule and the blade. Notify Whirl Wind Aviation immediately if
movement is detected.
BLADE MOVEMENT: Gently shake each propeller blade to feel
for blade movement in the hub. Blade shake movement is
allowed up to 1/8 inch measured from the tip. Radial play of up
to 2 degrees is acceptable. If the check shows values above
these tolerances contact Whirl Wind Aviation immediately.
Movement is only allowed between the aluminum blade ferrule
and the propeller hub – not movement of the blade in the ferrule
as described above.
LEADING EDGE: Inspect the nickel leading edge erosion shield.
The nickel erosion shield should not be loose or have any
cracks. Small paint cracks parallel to and along the edge of the
shield where the nickel and paint meet are acceptable.
6-3
SPINNER: Remove the spinner and check for nicks, cracks or chips.
Check the spinner dome and the inner (fore) and outer (aft)
bulkheads for cracks or any looseness. Also inspect for any signs of
chafing. Ensure secure attachment to the hub. Check all of the AN3
bolts on aft bulkhead for tightness.
FLANGE BOLTS: Check propeller flange bolts for tightness. Refer
to the propeller data sheet for torque values (65 ft-lbs for ½”
hardware or 47 ft-lbs for 7/16” hardware).
6-4
