Dynamic Propeller Balancing is the process whereby a computerized
balancer is used to measure the vibration produced by the aircraft
power plant. Small trim balance weights are added to the propeller
spinner or bulkhead assembly to correct for errors in mass distribution
and to reduce power plant vibration to the lowest level practical.
Vibration
is a waste of energy and a major cause of premature component
failure. It can create noise, generate cracks in airframes and
engine accessories and cause problems with avionics.
We
use FAA-approved procedures and the latest, state-of-the-art,
computerized equipment (ACES Systems) to diagnose and solve
your propeller balancing problems. Our equipment is inspected
and calibrated by the factory every twelve months to insure
quality and accuracy.
Vibration
analysis should be done when local winds are under 10 knots
and not gusting. The entire procedure can usually be completed
within two hours.
Balancing
can be performed at your location or ours. There is no extra
charge to travel to your airport if you are within a 20 mile
driving radius. That would include Meacham, Denton, Hillcrest,
Hicks, NW Regional, Propwash and others. For locations beyond
a 20 mile radius, a mileage charge of $1.00/mile will be incurred.
If
your aircraft meets acceptable vibration levels without the
addition of weights, you pay only the analysis fee. A complete
Report, including a Spectrum
Survey, is provided to the owner at the completion of the
job. View a sample Balance Report and Vibration Survey here.
Vibration Analysis Only...........................................$
99.00 and up
Vibration Analysis and Diagnosis.............................$
175.00 and up
(includes weight installation and paperwork)
Discounts
are available if two or more aircraft are balanced at the same
airport on the same day.
Note:
Fees vary depending on the the labor required to remove the
engine cowling. A small transducer must be securely mounted
on the front of the engine case. Contact us for more information
and specific pricing.
Not
all propeller balancers are the same. Before you hire someone
to balance your prop...
- Ask
them how long they have been balancing props. We've been
in the prop-balancing business for 7 years. We have experience
with RVs, Lancairs, Pipers, Cessnas, Beechcrafts, Navions,
etc...
- Ask
them what kind of equipment they are using. We use the
ACES
ProBalancer, recognized around the world as the finest
prop balancer on the market. Some of the cheaper balancers
make the technician "guess" what size weight and
to put where it. A real hit-and-miss method. The ACES computer
automatically determines the amount of weight and where to
put it. Most balance jobs are completed in 3 runs.
- Ask
them when they last had their equipment calibrated. Unless
it has been calibrated by a lab with standards traceable to
NIST, their readings are probably inaccurate and that .02
figure they tell you about might really be a .08. Our equipment
is calibrated annually by the factory.
- Ask
them if their equipment provides a detailed Analysis
Result and a Spectrum Survey
printout. We provide complete documentation to be included
with the aircraft records.
- Ask
them if they are permitted by the FAA to balance the props
on production aircraft, such as Piper and Cessna, and legally
return the aircraft to service.
Personnel at North Texas Avionics are A&P IA rated and
have that capability.
