Propeller  protection for ultralights and ultralight aircraft. Many ultralight aircraft designs use dacron sail cloth for covering. Many have a center section that uses velcro to join the two wing halves together. With time, UV and the fastening and unfastening of the velcro will loose it’s stickiness. It is suggested this be an area of inspection and that tie wraps be used on the corners to help secure the cover. Use a soldering iron to burn a small hole in the fabric and cover, this will seal the hole and prevent it from tearing. Another problem area is with the battons used to give the wing its shape. Make sure that any batton that in a direct line with the propeller is secured. We have a number of reports of battons working their way out of the pocket and back into the propeller. During winter operations NEVER start your pusher mounted ultralight aircraft up if there is any snow or ice on the wings. Take time out to clear the wings, and ailerons right out to the end of the wing. Anything you leave on the wing WILL find its way into the prop! Do not start your engine on a gravel or stone covered surface. As soon as you do the gravel with be sucked up into the propeller. If the runway surface is loose (e.g. gravel) do not apply full power until you reach about 10mph. When the runway is wet, muddy, snow covered be careful that water, mud, doesn't enter the propeller arc. Ultralight Aircraft Propeller Safety Tips: Be prepared to switch the engine off quickly if severe vibration occurs after a prop strike or failure. We have seen engines torn off their aircraft in flight after a prop failure! Repairing a prop is something you should do ONLY if your know what your doing! Any repair or modification can effect the strength, durability, and reliability of your propeller. Consult the prop manufacturer whenever you need to repair a prop!          

        

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