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Backcountry flying is booming, and it’s no surprise why. Aviators everywhere are flocking to the freedom of off-airport grass and gravel runways, mountain flying, and seaplane adventures. Backcountry flying is also a gateway to other outdoor activities, from camping and hiking to hunting, fishing, skiing, and exploring some of the world’s most beautiful and hard-to-reach areas.
With that freedom comes a unique set of demands on your aircraft. In the backcountry, you want total confidence in your aircraft’s performance and reliability. Among the most impactful upgrades you can make is to install a backcountry propeller designed specifically with STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) capabilities.
When you’re navigating the remote backcountry, you need an aircraft propeller you can depend on for responsive, reliable performance. This is especially true in the takeoff and climb phases, when clearing trees, mountain ridges, water, and other natural obstacles is critical.
Durability and repairability are other key factors when flying in a backcountry environment, especially when operating on unforgiving or challenging terrain. You want a rugged propeller that can withstand harsh conditions on unimproved strips such as grass, gravel, sand, or snow. At the same time, many backcountry pilots want to reduce their aircraft’s weight, which can enable them to carry more supplies, fuel, or passengers.
With these considerations in mind, the best backcountry propellers are lightweight, durable, and optimized to improve short takeoffs and landing performance.
Hartzell has invested in developing state-of-the-art aircraft propellers engineered, tested, and proven for backcountry performance and reliability. We actively collaborate with pilots, builders, and aircraft manufacturers, listening to the needs of the backcountry flying community and developing high-performance solutions for specific aircraft models and missions.
Today, Hartzell is proud to offer an impressive lineup of lightweight composite and durable metal backcountry propellers that not only improve performance in the sky but also turn heads on the runway.
Best of all, Hartzell offers a $1,000 discount on new backcountry aircraft propellers for members of the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) through the end of 2025.
Hartzell’s backcountry aircraft propellers eligible for the discount include:
The Trailblazer
Since it was introduced in 2014, Hartzell’s Trailblazer propeller has become a favorite among backcountry and bush pilots around the world. The swept-tip carbon fiber composite propeller is proven for backcountry performance in the most demanding environments, featuring Hartzell’s signature field-replaceable nickel-cobalt leading edge, which protects carbon fiber blades from erosion and wear. The two-blade Trailblazer is available for the Aviat Husky, American Champion Scout, Maule M-7-235, and a host of homebuilt and experimental aircraft.
The Pathfinder
At just 46 pounds, the Pathfinder is a lightweight three-blade carbon fiber composite propeller available on the Carbon XCub, Carbon Cub FX, and several experimental aircraft. Recently, the Pathfinder was approved as an STC option for the Aviat Husky, delivering a 15% shorter takeoff roll and a 20% increase in climb rate compared to the two-blade baseline prop.
The Voyager
Custom-designed based on direct feedback from Cessna Skywagon pilots, Hartzell’s three-blade Voyager propeller was built to meet the real-world demands of the Skywagon mission profile. The original aluminum Voyager prop was wildly popular, and the new Carbon Voyager takes it to the next level of performance and durability. With full carbon fiber composite construction (not carbon fiber over wood core), the Carbon Voyager delivers a 3-4% improvement in takeoff distances and climb performance, all with a significant reduction in weight at just 54 pounds. Not to mention, it offers serious ramp appeal.
Every Hartzell propeller is Built On Honor. That means no matter which of our backcountry props you choose, you can count on industry-leading quality, performance, and support backed by over a century of propeller engineering and manufacturing expertise.
For the highest level of service, overhauls, and repairs on Hartzell products, turn to the world-class Hartzell Service Center. And, no matter where your backcountry adventures may lead, our network of Hartzell-owned MROs and Recommended Service Facilities located around the globe is ready to support you.
Ready to get started? Our team of propeller experts is here to help you find the best-fit propeller for your aircraft, mission profile, and performance goals. Use our Top Prop propeller STC search tool to explore your options, then contact us to learn more and get an estimate.
