[f-AA] Dynamic propeller balancing.

[aer...@indy.rr.com]

What is “Dynamic Propeller balancing”?

 

I recently ask Bill Pancake to explain dynamically balancing a propeller. Here is his explanation.

Thank you Bill Pancake!

 

I have recently been asked to discuss the pro and cons of dynamic propeller balancing. There are two types of propeller balancing. 1- Static and 2- Dynamic.

Static balancing is performed when the propeller is in a stationary position and the center of gravity is on the axis of the rotation of the propeller. This process

can be performed with the propeller on a level surface. This is the recommended for wood props and are static balanced by the manufacturer. It is recommended

that the prop be checked after an engine overhaul or accident.

 

Dynamic balancing is the measuring of vibration when the prop is in motion by using accelerometer sensors. The benefit of having the prop in balance will lessen

the chances of the back plate, cowling, and airframe from cracking. A much smoother flight is another reason to always make sure that your propeller is balanced.

It always will affect the flight instruments due to the vibration.

 

The 11AC with the large spinner and backing plate provides space to install weights. Aircraft that does not have the backing plate are almost impossible to dynamic

balance since there is no room to install the weights.The bottom line is any time the propeller has been removed from the aircraft it should be reinstalled with the same

bolt patterns as close as possible using the same hardware.

 

Bill Pancake A&P/IA 2228906

--
fearless Aeronca Aviators mailing list
---
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to aeronca+u...@westmont.edu.

['Botijo G' via aeronca]

Very cool! Thanks 

Sent from an NDB

On Jul 15, 2023, at 11:18 AM, aer...@indy.rr.com wrote:



<Aeronca Chief - RJ.jpg>

['Ken McClelland' via aeronca]

I watched the process being done on a Cessna 175. I thought it seemed a bit smoother after but I had only ridden in it a few times before it was done. The owner of the plane said it was a decent improvement at the low power setting he used on landing to prevent the geared engine from lashing the gears (he always kept enough throttle in to cause positive gear pressure). I’m sure it has to be a great thing for reducing stresses from vibrations.

Ken

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 15, 2023, at 2:18 PM, aer...@indy.rr.com wrote:



<Aeronca Chief - RJ.jpg>

[aer...@indy.rr.com]

I know it made a huge difference on my airplane. Helps prevent the hairline

cracks we often see on nose bowls, spinners & back plates. Here is some

more information on Dynamic “Propeller Balancing.” More than just a

balanced propeller.  Ask you’re A&P/IA if they think it is a good idea

for your Aeronca.  What are your experiences having this done?

 

I recently ask Bill Pancake to explain dynamically balancing a propeller. Here is his explanation.

Thank you Bill Pancake!

 

I have recently been asked to discuss the pro and cons of dynamic propeller balancing. There are two types of propeller balancing. 1- Static and 2- Dynamic.

Static balancing is performed when the propeller is in a stationary position and the center of gravity is on the axis of the rotation of the propeller. This process

can be performed with the propeller on a level surface. This is the recommended for wood props and are static balanced by the manufacturer. It is recommended

that the prop be checked after an engine overhaul or accident.

 

Dynamic balancing is the measuring of vibration when the prop is in motion by using accelerometer sensors. The benefit of having the prop in balance will lessen

the chances of the back plate, cowling, and airframe from cracking. A much smoother flight is another reason to always make sure that your propeller is balanced.

It always will affect the flight instruments due to the vibration.

 

The 11AC with the large spinner and backing plate provides space to install weights. Aircraft that does not have the backing plate are almost impossible to dynamic

balance since there is no room to install the weights.The bottom line is any time the propeller has been removed from the aircraft it should be reinstalled with the same

bolt patterns as close as possible using the same hardware.

 

Bill Pancake A&P/IA 2228906

 

 

Ray Johnson

Spinners & backplates

11 series Aeronca Chiefs

765-669-3544

[aer...@indy.rr.com]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I recently ask Bill Pancake to explain dynamically balancing a propeller. Here is his explanation.

Thank you Bill Pancake!

 

I have recently been asked to discuss the pro and cons of dynamic propeller balancing. There are two types of propeller balancing. 1- Static and 2- Dynamic.

Static balancing is performed when the propeller is in a stationary position and the center of gravity is on the axis of the rotation of the propeller. This process

can be performed with the propeller on a level surface. This is the recommended for wood props and are static balanced by the manufacturer. It is recommended

that the prop be checked after an engine overhaul or accident.

 

Dynamic balancing is the measuring of vibration when the prop is in motion by using accelerometer sensors. The benefit of having the prop in balance will lessen

the chances of the back plate, cowling, and airframe from cracking. A much smoother flight is another reason to always make sure that your propeller is balanced.

It always will affect the flight instruments due to the vibration.

 

The 11AC with the large spinner and backing plate provides space to install weights. Aircraft that does not have the backing plate are almost impossible to dynamic

balance since there is no room to install the weights.The bottom line is any time the propeller has been removed from the aircraft it should be reinstalled with the same

bolt patterns as close as possible using the same hardware.

 

Bill Pancake A&P/IA 2228906

--

fearless Aeronca Aviators mailing list

['Botijo G' via aeronca]

Very cool! Thanks!!!

Sent from an NDB

On Apr 20, 2024, at 6:32 PM, aer...@indy.rr.com wrote:



<Aeronca Chief - RJ.jpg>

[aer...@indy.rr.com]

[Brian Matz ~ Aerial Aspect Photo]

Just had the prop on my 11AC Chief dynamically balanced and it made a
very noticeable difference!

--
Brian

Owner, Aerial Aspect Photography
Serving Cleveland, Akron and surrounding communities in Northeast Ohio
216.337.5643
http://www.aerialaspectphoto.com
Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/aerialaspect

[Richard Murray]

Brian how long does it take?

What does it cost?

How often does it need to be done?

Richard in OH wondering if he should invest in a dyna-vibe

['Ken McClelland' via aeronca]

Time depends on how chatty everyone is :)

Watched the entire process on a 175 and it was about 2 hours even with the chatter. I was not privy to the cost.

Ken

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 28, 2025, at 2:04 PM, Richard Murray <murra...@gmail.com> wrote:



[Brian Matz ~ Aerial Aspect Photo]

Using a DynaVibe unit, about an hour or so.

Depends on the A&P...$150-ish

I would imagine any time you change anything with the prop
configuration.

[Brian Matz ~ Aerial Aspect Photo]

I will add that the 1 hour time estimate only includes the balancing and
addition of temporary weights on the spinner. Once you find where to
add the temp weights, they need to be permanently mounted to the
backplate, which takes additional time.

[alan miller]

Could they add washers to one of the prop bolts on a Champ with no spinner?

[Brian Matz ~ Aerial Aspect Photo]

Someone who's tried it will have to speak to that.

[Rich Dugger]

I had my metal prop balanced years ago on a c-172.

Made world of difference.

No more instrument needles dancing around.

Rich

['Botijo G' via aeronca]

A friend of mine has a Ercoupe and they just added washers to the prop bolts

Sent from an NDB

On Oct 29, 2025, at 3:58 AM, Rich Dugger <richd...@gmail.com> wrote:



[aer...@indy.rr.com]