Composites are available for many (but not all) airframe/engine combinations. They’re worth considering if you need a replacement prop.

By Joseph E. Burnside

Composite materials are not news in general aviation applications. Their traditional advantages—less weight, often-greater strength and relative ease in forming complex shapes—are well-known. Those characteristics, coupled with reduced need for skilled labor to, say, build a wing or fuselage when compared to traditional manufacturing methods make them ideal for aviation applications. And, thanks to Cirrus, Diamond and Lancair/Columbia, along with hordes of experimental designers and LSA manufacturers, it’s the exception these days

MT, top photo, has STCs for a number of aircraft, including the Mooney M20K. Hartzell’s muscular five-blade composite is designed for the Pilatus PC-2.

for a new aircraft design to be constructed entirely from metal. …