Operation and Maintenance Manual No. E 540A: Constant Speed Propeller
Operation and Maintenance Manual No. E 540A: Constant Speed Propeller
Operation and Maintenance Manual No. E 540A: Constant Speed Propeller
No. E 540A
HO-V 352 () ()
Constant Speed Propeller
HO-V 352 () - S1
Constant Speed Propeller
with mechanical feathering
Chapter Page
1 General 1–1
2 Designation 2–1
4 Construction 4–1
5 Operation 5–1
7 Inspection 7–1
List of Illustrations
Fig. 5-3 Governor function “Oil pressure to increase pitch” Chapter 5 Page 5-4
Fig. 5-4 Governor function “Oil pressure to decrease pitch” Chapter 5 Page 5-5
Fig. 7-2 Blade root No cracks in the silicone Chapter 7 Page 7-2
Fig. 8-1 Low- and high pitch stop Chapter 8 Page 8-2
1 General
The propeller HO-V 352 () is a two bladed single acting fully hydraulically controlled
constant speed propeller.
The pre-selected propeller RPM will be kept constant in the normal operating range by
a propeller governor. This propeller uses oil pressure to increase pitch. The travel of the
propeller blades is limited by mechanical stops.
In the event of an oil pressure failure the propeller blades automatically return to the low
pitch stop and the propeller can be used as a fixed pitch unit. The propeller RPM has to
be adjusted and controlled by the throttle only but the flight may be continued.
The propeller HO-V 352 () - S1 works exactly as the propeller HO-V 352 () in the
normal operating range but has an additional mechanical feathering device to feather
the propeller. To actuate the feathering mechanism the engine has to be shut down but
the propeller may be still windmilling.
For special applications the propeller uses oil pressure to decrease pitch. In this case
counterweights have to be used to turn the propeller blades towards coarse pitch. In the
event of oil pressure failure the propeller blades automatically go to the high pitch stop.
2 Designation
Designation, Serial-No. and year of construction are stamped into the hub.
() () 170 FQ -() () () ± ( )
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
9: Sense of rotation:
Blank: right-hand, tractor
D: right-hand, pusher
L: left-hand, tractor
LD: left-hand, pusher
V: changed position of the pitch change pin for
oil pressure to decrease pitch
S: pitch change pin for feathering
10: Minor modification
11: Basic diameter in cm
12: Designation of blade design
13: Designation of blade twist
14: B: electrical de-icing
15: Material of blade:
blank: compreg scarfed with lighter wood
P: compreg
16: Decrease (-) or increase (+) of basic diameter in cm
The model designation, the serial-no., the date and number of the inspection of the
propeller are written on a decal on each blade shank. The serial-no. of the blade is also
stamped into the blade butt face (not visible from outside) and the blade retention ring.
The complete designation of a variable pitch propeller is a combination of the
designation of the hub assembly and the blade assembly. Both designations are
separated by a slash mark.
The serial-no. of the hub is considered to be the serial-no. of the propeller assembly.
Translation:
3 Design data
Following data are only standard values. For installation purposes only the data given in
the applicable Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) No. 32.130 / 88 of the German
Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) are valid.
P max 90 kW
Number of blades: 2
4 Construction
- Hub assembly
- Blade assembly
- Spinner assembly
The hub is made of aluminium alloy and mounted to the engine flange with bolts. The
hub extension on the flange side is designed as a cylinder, in which the piston moves.
Axial movement of the piston is transferred to the pitch change pin by a fork and pitch
change block, whereby the blade angle is changed. The pitch change range is limited
by mechanical stops. The mechanical stops can be adjusted even if the propeller is
installed on the aircraft.
The HOFFMANN composite blade is a joint construction. The blade root is made of
highly compressed hardwood and the blade part is made of light wood (spruce). Blades
may also be manufactured of compressed wood only. Special lag screws connect the
compressed wood of the blade to a metal ferrule.
For erosion protection of the blade leading edge three different types of Hoffmann
proved leading edge protection can be used.
Type A is a brass metal strip soft soldered to a bronze fabric and glued to the blade
FRP cover. This design will not be used with this propeller.
Blade tipping Type B is a special aluminium strip glued directly to the wooden core of
the blade.
Blade tipping Type C is a special PU-strip (Polyurethane) blade tipping and also glued
directly to the wooden core. Due to the material the leading edge is not painted.
To increase torsional stiffness the blade is covered with fibre reinforced epoxy (FRP).
Fatigue failures due to vibration are unlikely with such blades because the internal
damping of the material is considerably higher than that of duraluminium.
Several layers of special polyurethane paint (PU- paint) are sprayed onto the fibre
reinforced epoxy covering and the erosion tipping (with the exception of the Type C
erosion tipping), this assures a high resistance to atmospheric conditions. This
polyurethane paint shows also high resistance against erosion and mechanical
damage. Coloured paint is required to protect the wood against UV-rays. The thrust
side is painted dull black to avoid reflection of sunlight. For safety reasons the tips are
painted with a different colour to make the transparent propeller disc visible when the
propeller is running.
An axial needle bearing absorbs the centrifugal force of the blade. The bearing races
are made of steel. The needle cage is split into two halves to allow exchange of the
cage without removing the blade ferrule.
The blade ferrules are made of aluminium alloy which is shot-peened to prevent fatigue
cracks. The blades are installed into the hub by a retention ring (blade nut), made of
aluminium alloy. The necessary pre-load of the blade bearing is adjusted by the torque
of the retention ring. The blade retention rings are sealed with silicone rubber to prevent
penetration of moisture into the blade bearings. The blade shaft is sealed with a lip
seal.
The spinner dome is one piece and made of aluminium alloy. It is screwed to the
spinner bulkhead with Philips screws. The spinner bulkhead is made of an aluminium
sheet and mounted to the hub. An additional front spinner support can be used to
support the spinner dome.
4.5 Counterweights
5 Operation
5.1 The pitch change force of HOFFMANN composite blades is much lower than that of
metal blades. That means a lower pitch change force is required to change the blade
angles and the pitch changes much faster than with metal blades.
CAUTION
Move propeller and / or power lever slowly and
smoothly. Do not operate the levers abruptly!
Rapid movement of the levers may cause over- speeding until the governor stabilises.
5.2 Governor
A gear type oil pump in the governor uses engine oil to produce the necessary oil
pressure. The pilot valve in the governor will be operated by the rotating flyweights and
a spring. According to the situation oil is directed to or from the propeller. The governor
is single acting and produces oil pressure in only one direction (either increasing or
decreasing pitch). Movement of the propeller blades in the opposite direction will be
achieved in different ways.
To increase pitch the oil pressure works against the natural centrifugal moment of the
blades and a compression spring. On -F models small counterweights are installed on
the blade to reduce the natural centrifugal twisting moment of the blades. During idle or
on ground with the propeller not rotating, the pitch change mechanism reaches the low
pitch stop. The return spring holds the blades against the outside stop. The max. high
pitch is limited by a hard stop on the hub.
To decrease pitch the oil pressure works in the same direction as the natural centrifugal
twisting moment of the blades and a compression spring. Counterweights are mounted
to the blades to overcompensate the natural centrifugal twisting moment of the blades,
through which a centrifugal twisting moment towards high pitch will be achieved.
The behaviour of this propeller in the normal operating range (constant speed range) is
described in para. 5.2.1.
The maximum attainable pitch is the feathering position of the propeller blades. The
feathering position will be attained by a mechanical device. (Fig. 5.1).
CAUTION
In order to change the propeller pitch to the feathering position an actuating system with
two ball bearings has to be installed on the engine. When operating the feathering lever
in the cockpit the two ball bearings contact the thrust plate of the propeller. The force of
the lever acts against the force of a return spring. The centre rod is connected with the
pitch change rods to the thrust plate. The blade angle for feathering is determined by
the length of the connecting cable. The feathering lever in the cockpit will be locked.
This keeps the propeller in the feathering position.
To return the propeller blade to the low pitch position the feathering lever has to be
released. Through that a "windmillstart" of the engine is possible. The "windmillstart" is
repeatable.
The gap between the ball bearings and the thrust plate with the propeller blades at the
low pitch stop must be at least 1 mm (0.04 inch).
5.3.2 Over-speed
This condition occurs when the air speed and/or engine power is increased and the
engine exceeds the speed for which the control lever is set. The force of the rotating
flyweights is pulling outward while their increased centrifugal force overcomes the force
of the speeder spring. The flyweight toes raise the pilot valve plunger, uncovering ports
in the drive gear shaft that permit pressured oil to flow to the propeller pitch change
mechanism. As the propeller blades increase pitch, the load on the engine is increased
and engine rpm is reduced.
This, in turn, reduces the centrifugal force of the flyweights. The speeder spring returns
the flyweights to a vertical position and the pilot valve plunger once more covers the
ports in the drive gear shaft, blocking flow of pressured oil to the pitch change
mechanism of the propeller. The system is in the On Speed Condition.
5.3.3 Under-speed
An under-speed condition occurs when the air speed and/or engine power is decreased
and engine rpm drops below the speed for which the control lever is set. The decrease
in the centrifugal force of the rotating flyweights causes them to pivot inward under the
force of the speeder spring. The pilot valve plunger is forced downwards, uncovering
the ports in the drive gear shaft, allowing oil to flow from the pitch change mechanism of
the propeller to the engine sump. This permits the natural twisting moment of the
blades to decrease propeller pitch. This reduces the load on the engine, thereby the
engine speed increases and the centrifugal force develops by the rotating flyweights.
As the flyweights return to the vertical position, the flyweight toes lift the pilot valve
plunger to cover the control ports. The system is in the On Speed Condition.
5.3.4 Governor model "oil pressure to decrease pitch" works similarly with following
exceptions:
5.4 Nearly all propeller systems for acrobatic flight use governor model "oil pressure to
decrease pitch" to prevent over-speed of the propeller if the oil supply from the engine
is interrupted for a short time.
WARNING
CAUTION
6.1 Clean the propeller and engine flange with solvent. Engine torque is mainly transferred
by friction, therefore the surfaces have to be smooth and clean.
6.2 Check if both o-rings are installed in the centre ring. Place centre ring in the hub, if not
yet installed.
CAUTION
6.3.1 Apply a thin coat of oil to the o-ring. Slide propeller carefully onto the engine flange.
Take care not to damage the o-ring in the centre ring.
6.3.2 Slide washers onto the bolts. Torque stop nuts equally crosswise.
6.5 Check the track of the propeller blades on the trailing edge about 10 cm inboard from
the blade tip. Maximum permissible track is 3 mm. While checking the propeller track
turn the propeller against the direction of rotation to avoid possible ignition of the
engine.
WARNING
WARNING
Make sure the distance between the ball bearings and the
thrust plate is at least 1mm (0.04 inch) (HO-V352F S1only)
WARNING
CAUTION
6.6.1 Engine and propeller manufacturers do not recommend high rpm during ground
operation because the engine can be overheated and the propeller be damaged by
foreign objects.
6.6.2 Start engine according to the flight manual and warm it up (oil temperature in the
green). Use the power lever to adjust about 1800 rpm. Pull the governor control in the
cockpit to obtain an rpm decrease of at least 300 rpm. Slowly push governor control
forward and observe rpm increase. The time required for pitch change should be about
the same in both directions (rpm increase and decrease). Repeat this procedure at
least three times. The flight manual may contain additional information.
CAUTION
6.6.4 The mechanical pitch stops have been set at the factory to meet the aircraft/ engine
specifications. The high and low pitch stops can be readjusted in the field without
disassembling the propeller. Maximum static rpm shall be limited by the low pitch stop
to 80 - 120 1/min below the maximum propeller take off rpm. In flight the max propeller
rpm has to be limited by the governor.
Section 8 "Trouble shooting" describes how to find out whether the propeller or
governor limits the static rpm.
6.6.5 After the static run inspect the propeller for oil leaks and the blade retention for grease
leaks.
Apply a thin coat of oil to the o-rings in the front spinner support (if applicable) and slide
it onto the High Pitch Stop Bracket.
Apply a coat of oil to the o-ring mating surface of the spinner dome and install the dome
according to the markings.
Use plastic washers and torque the screws to 2.5 - 3.0 Nm (22 - 27 in lb).
Hoffmann strongly recommends that the propeller is not left outside the hangar with the
propeller blades in the horizontal position to avoid water accumulation in the spinner
dome. The water, or ice in the winter time, may cause vibrations and corrosion
CAUTION
6.7.1 The removal of the propeller has to be done in the opposite sequence than installation.
7 Inspection
WARNING
CAUTION
Check blade installation. No blade shake is allowed. Blade angle play up to one degree
is permitted. Check the propeller for loose screws and safety wires, the propeller blades
and the propeller spinner for cracks and damage. Turn blades by hand to check for
smooth pitch change. Check the correct position of counterweights, if installed.
HO-V352F-S1 only, check the condition of the actuating mechanism, the ball bearings
and the thrust plate. There must be a minimum distance between the ball bearings and
the thrust plate of at least 1mm (0.04 inch) with the propeller at the low pitch stop.
7.2.1 Remove spinner dome. Perform daily inspection. Check flange bolts for correct torque
by applying the required torque only (Do not loosen the bolts before). Check for oil and
grease leakage. Check sealing of the blade retention nuts. If damaged, repair with
silicone rubber.
Clean the blades. Inspection of wooden composite blades is easy and gives reliable
results. Critical condition will show up early as surface cracks in the paint. Therefore
correct judgement of such cracks is very important.
7.2.2.1 Erosion on the leading edge of the blades is normal and not critical. Metal propellers
erode too. On a composite propeller the erosion sheet (Type B) becomes visible under
the paint.
7.2.2.2 The area around the blade root between blade body and metal ferrule is sealed with
silicone rubber. No cracks in the silicone rubber and No separation from the metal
ferrule or the blade body is permitted. A crack might indicate that the blade got loose
in the ferrule.
The propeller has to be removed from service Immediately
7.2.2.3 The erosion tipping (Type B and C) ends in the inner third of the blade. Fine cracks in
the paint along the tipping are no reason for concern. Cracks in the tipping
perpendicular to the blade axis are not dangerous as long as the tipping does not lift
off from the blade body. Slide your fingernail along the leading edge from the hub to
the tip. If the tipping lifts off from a crack, remove propeller for repair.
7.2.2.4 Fine cracks in the paint or the tipping across the blade axis, especially in the outer
third of the blade, are indications of bending vibration. In an advanced stage the
tipping may break or come off piece by piece. Notches in the tipping support this
procedure. If such cracks occur, contact the factory or a service station which is
authorised by Hoffmann.
7.2.2.5 Cracks in the paint or in the blade, starting from the blade tip and extending parallel to
the blade axis, are indications for torsional vibration. Such cracks occur very seldom,
but if they do, contact the manufacturer or a HOFFMANN approved repair shop.
7.2.2.6 Hair- cracks in the paint of the blade, starting from the blade tip and / or in the blade
root area and extending in any direction are indications of vibrations or overload of the
propeller blade. They are unimportant as long as they will be paint cracks only. If they
start growing quickly and penetrating into the fibre cover contact the factory or a
service station authorised by Hoffmann.
7.4 Overhaul
The TBO (time between overhaul) is normally the same as for the engine, but should
not exceed the figures of HOFFMANN Service Bulletin No. E 1(), latest edition.
Overhaul must be carried out by HOFFMANN or by a propeller repair station authorised
by HOFFMANN.
7.5.1 Special inspection is required if the max. rated propeller speed according the "TCDS"
(LBA - Kennblatt) has been exceeded by more than 10%. If the over - speed was above
20% of the max rated propeller - speed, the propeller has to be removed from service.
Repair is not possible. These propellers have to be marked as
The high and low pitch stops of the propeller and propeller governor have been set at
the factory to meet the aircraft / engine specifications. Therefore a readjustment of
more than ± 100 rpm should not be necessary.
WARNING
CAUTION
ATTENTION
With the propeller and governor adjusted correctly, the maximum static rpm (without
wind or at right angles to the wind) should be 80 - 120 rpm below max. take off rpm of
the propeller. The static rpm has to be limited by the mechanical low pitch stop of the
propeller and NOT by the governor.
CAUTION
- Remove the six screws No. 10-24 and pull off the High Pitch Stop Bracket
- Hold the piston rod in place using a screw driver, change low pitch with stop nut
M8.
Turning clockwise (facing the nut) increases low pitch (rpm decrease).
Turning counter-clockwise (facing the nut) decreases low pitch (rpm increase).
Turning the low pitch stop about 120 degrees changes the low pitch stop about 1
deg. or about 100 rpm
- check static rpm
- readjust low pitch stop again if required
- install high pitch stop bracket with six screws No. 10-24 torque: 3.0- 3.2 Nm (22 -
27 in lbs) (self-locking inserts). Install front spinner support and spinner- dome
CAUTION
If the maximum static rpm decreases immediately when pulling the governor control
lever, the static rpm is limited by the governor. Readjust the stop of the propeller as
described in paragraph 8.1.1.
CAUTION
CAUTION
8.2.2 Maximum rpm is adjusted by the stop screw of the governor. Turning the stop screw
of the governor one turn changes the propeller rpm about 25 rpm. If maximum rpm
can not be obtained after the stop screw has been turned out completely, the governor
has to be readjusted in an approved propeller repair station. Check for correct rigging
of the linkage to the speed adjusting control lever.
8.2.3 Increasing rpm during descent at high speed indicates that the high pitch is too low.
High pitch can be adjusted with the high pitch stop (cylinder screw M8) (self-locking
insert).
Turning clockwise (facing the screw) decreases high pitch.
CAUTION
8.4 Sluggish pitch change on 1. Cold oil 1. Run engine until a sufficient oil temperature is
ground reached.
2. Friction of the pitch change 2. Move pitch change mechanism by turning the
mechanism blades by hand. If excessive friction is revealed,
contact HOFFMANN.
3. Oil sludge 3. Cleaning of the oil lines, the governor or the
propeller. Contact HOFFMANN!
8.5 Surging rpm 1. Trapped air in the propeller 1. Move the propeller control several times over the
system complete pitch change range to release air
2. Oil sludge in the system 2. Contact repair station to clean oil pipes in engine,
propeller cylinder and governor.
3. Wrong governor 3. Check governor designation according to aircraft
TCDS.
4. Wrong pitch setting of propeller 4. Check pitch setting according to aircraft TCDS.
Check static RPM.
5. Abrupt movement of propeller 5. Move lever slowly and smoothly.
control lever
6. Wrong carburettor setting 6. Adjust setting per applicable instructions.
8.7 RPM increase during 1. Oil leakage, visible from 1. Replace seals
normal operation without outside
moving the governor 2. Leakage in internal oil system 2. Contact engine repair station (oil transfer to
control lever on HO-V352()- between governor and propeller shaft may be faulty or supply of engine oil
F or RPM decrease with propeller causes blade pitch to governor is insufficient)
propeller models change
HO-V 352()-V 3. Internal leakage in the 3. Contact HOFFMANN
propeller
4. Malfunction of governor drive 4. Contact HOFFMANN, exchange governor
or relief valve CAUTION: If oil leakage appears suddenly during
flight, take care to minimise oil pressure for pitch
change. Accomplish as follows:
a) Oil pressure to increase pitch HO-V352()-(F):
- set governor control lever at max. rpm
- move power lever back to decrease rpm by at
least 100 rpm
b) Oil pressure to decrease pitch HO-V352()-(V):
- pull governor control lever completely back
- reduce power as much as possible to
continue flight to the next airfield.
8.9 Extremely sluggish pitch 1. Oil lines between governor and 1. Contact engine repair station to clean the pipes.
change after moving the propeller are closed.
governor control lever.
(RPM changes with flight 2. Oil sludge in the prop cylinder 2. Clean cylinder. Contact HOFFMANN!
speed like a fixed pitch to 1. and 2.: Malfunction does not appear abruptly.
propeller) Function worsens slowly. This condition should be
found during pre-flight inspect.
3. Failure of pitch change 3. Contact HOFFMANN. Failure may occur suddenly.
mechanism of propeller
8.11 Vibration or rough 1. Propeller unbalance 1. Remove propeller from engine, turn 180 degree and
running engine reinstall or rebalance.
2. Propeller remains in high pitch. 2. Check pitch change mechanism.
Indicated by high manifold
pressure and/or low rpm
9.1 The paint of the HOFFMANN composite blades is resistant against fuel, oil and nearly
all solvents. The propeller should be cleaned periodically using gentle detergent or
equivalent and be protected with car polish, that does not contain silicone. The surface
protection (paint and epoxy fibre glass) should be completely sealed to prevent
penetration of moisture into the wooden core. In special case contact an licensed
inspector to prove the safe operation of the propeller.
9.2 Minor damage (small scratches, etc.) can be repaired easily. Prior to repair check that
the fibre glass covering and the wooden core are not damaged. The materials required
for repair can be obtained from HOFFMANN. Proceed as follows:
9.2.1 Clean damaged area using solvent and smooth it out using emery cloth # 220.
9.2.2 If required, apply epoxy resin filler to fill the bulges. Do not apply too much filler.
9.2.3 Allow filler to dry. Trim the surface using emery cloth # 220 again.
9.2.4 Apply paint (white, grey, black or yellow). It is recommended to use original lacquer,
because resistance and bonding of other paints cannot be guaranteed. Observe drying
times if several coats are painted.
9.3 Presently repair of HOFFMANN composite blades can only be carried out at
HOFFMANN works or at Hoffmann authorised repair facilities. Blade tips can be
repaired if 90% of the blade remain free of cracks. Trailing edges can be repaired, the
fibre reinforced epoxy covering and the erosion leading edge protection can be
replaced.
9.4 If the leading edge Type B or C shows sharp nicks or becomes jagged then it should be
blended using a fine file or sand paper. Should the leading edge become eroded close
to the wooden core or it starts cracking and small pieces come off the propeller should
be returned for repair.
9.5 Any damage in the paint in the area behind the metal- or PU- blade tipping has to be
repainted immediately after occurrence. There must not be a joint between metal- or
PU- leading edge and the blade body.
10.1 Shipping
Careful packing is the best protection to avoid damage during shipping. Therefore
HOFFMANN provides special wooden or cardboard boxes which are re-useable if they
will be treated carefully. The blade tips, leading and trailing edges have to be protected
sufficiently.
10.2 Storage
No propeller should be stored standing on the blade tips. The best is to store the
propeller in the original packing.
Special preservation of HOFFMANN composite blades is not necessary, the existing
surface protection is sufficient. Also the hub does not need preservation if the propeller
is stored in a dry room. The propeller should not be stored near heating systems or in
rooms with extreme temperature changes.
Fig.10-1 PropellerHO-V352F
Fig.10-2 PropellerHO-V352F-S1