I thought long and hard about the choice of prop I spent years doing aerobatics in a Chipmunk behind a metal prop and entered UK Standard Class Aerobatic competitions in a CAP10B, which was powered by a Lycoming AEIO360 with a Hoffman 2 blade Fixed Pitch composite prop, so I don't see this as a problem and it is recommended by Vans (Manual Page 2-2). I feel that if a grass strip needs me to have an expensive CS prop when I've got 180 horses under the cowling I shouldn't be operating out of that strip!
The manual describes the advantages of each type of prop. Whilst the wood prop is much lighter (basic c of g for an RV-8 is better aft if you intend to do solo aerobtics) and smoother it's disadvantage is lack of protection from rain and not being as robust in the surface protection department.
Craig Catto has got round both these by covering the wood in fibreglass and carbon and in December 2010 he now offers a nickel leading edge option. As the first UK customer of these new leading edges he kindly offered me a discount.
I also requested some photos of my prop under cnstruction for this log and in his words....
"Here is a pic of the wood blank when it is setup on the CNC for cutting. Also a picture of the Nickel Leading edges being vacuumed onto the prop. The two nicks or dings on the leading edge are stainless screws that are also installed as a backup. They are then sanded down flush with the leading edge. So we use both stainless screws and epoxy adhesive"
I have a 68" diameter 76" pitch for my mission of long cross country flights and aerobatics. Craig has a great reputation in the RV community, I had great communication during the purchase process and I look forward to flying behind his prop. Be patient if you buy a prop from him he has a waiting list - always a good sign in my view.
