Press Releases

Perimeter Airlines based in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, has converted its entire fleet of Metro IIs to the new Hartzell 4-bladed propeller system.

PIQUA, OHIO – September 11, 2002 – Hartzell Propeller Inc. announced today the availability of a new 4-bladed propeller conversion for the Fairchild Metro II Airliner. The new prop is certified for all Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226-TC Metro II aircraft, except those with serial numbers S/N TC-398 through TC-418. The new 4-bladed propeller system replaces aging original equipment 3-bladed propellers and is part of Hartzell’s Top Prop™ Performance Propeller Conversion program.

The primary goal of the new Hartzell system was reduction in overall noise levels. Hartzell engineers were able to reduce the overall diameter of the prop by 5 inches while improving or maintaining performance levels. This diameter reduction, along with careful application of advanced new airfoil configurations along the length of the blades, has achieved a very significant 10-12 dB(A) reduction in noise. Airlines operating the new conversion in Canada and in South Africa report elimination of the need for supplemental passenger ear protection that has been typical of Metro II operations. In addition, airport authorities report significant improvement and satisfaction with the reduction in flyover noise which has been a potential environmental issue for the Metro II especially in European operation. Perimeter Airlines based in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, has converted its entire fleet of Metro Iis and is pleased with the results. “We no longer have to provide passengers with ear protection … the airports we operate out of tell us the noise improvement is very noticeable … and we’re also expecting to lower our maintenance costs.” Mark Wehrle, President Perimiter Airlines.

The new propeller system is expected to improve maintenance and operating costs through the reduction in propeller blade erosion with the smaller diameter and subsequently greater ground clearance. In addition, the new wide-chord blade design was specifically developed and tested to provide more generous blade repair limits than the standard 3-blade prop. The new system also eliminates compliance costs associated with AD 96-18-14.

The Hartzell 4-bladed propeller conversion for the Metro II comes with two 97-inch diameter aluminum propellers complete with polished spinners, de-icing equipment, Hartzell’s Plus Three warranty which covers parts and labor for three years or 1,000 hours (whichever comes first), as well as appropriate STC paperwork. List price for the new system is $47,500 per aircraft, not including installation.

For more information about the Metro II conversion contact Hartzell Propeller Top Prop Sales by telephone at 800-942-7767 or 001-937-778-5726, by fax at 001-937-778-4215, by email at topprop@hartzellprop.com or visit the Hartzell Propeller web site at www.hartzellprop.com.

Hartzell’s Top Prop Performance Propeller Conversion program is the oldest and largest propeller conversion program in the world featuring performance enhancing kits for more than 50 popular aircraft. More than 8,000 aircraft around the world are currently flying behind a Hartzell Top Prop propeller conversion.

Hartzell Propeller Inc. is widely recognized as the leader in advanced propeller design and manufacturing technology. NASA has recognized Hartzell’s advanced design capability by naming it the exclusive propeller partner for its General Aviation Propulsion (GAP) program. The company has recently developed the next generation of propeller designs based upon innovative “blended airfoil” technology and is manufacturing these blades on revolutionary machining centers to provide mission optimized performance for its customers. Hartzell traces its beginnings in 1917 to a relationship with Orville Wright and was founded on the principle of Built On Honor – a tradition that continues to today. For more information visit the company on the web at www.hartzellprop.com or fax your request to Hartzell at (937) 778-4321.