Performance boost
The difference a propeller upgrade makes
As any aircraft owner knows, there’s something deeply satisfying about making an upgrade you can feel from the first flight. For decades, Hartzell Propeller’s Top Prop propeller conversion program has offered just that: proven performance, modern design, and long-term value.
What is Top Prop?
The idea behind the Top Prop program is simple: to provide a way for pilots to upgrade from their aircraft’s legacy prop to one of Hartzell’s innovative new designs featuring scimitar blades, blended airfoils, and advanced materials, including high-strength aluminum alloys or durable carbon fiber composite.
Hartzell’s Top Prop catalog includes hundreds of supplemental type certificates (STCs) and type certificates (TCs) globally and continues to expand across a wide range of piston and turbine engine aircraft.
In many cases, the results are immediately noticeable, such as shorter take-off distances, reduced vibration, lower noise levels, better ground clearance, reduced tip erosion, increased climb rates, increased cruise speeds, and smoother operation—not to mention a more attractive ramp appeal.
Mission-optimized propeller performance
Hartzell takes customer feedback into consideration to develop new Top Prop upgrades with specific aircraft models and missions in mind. For example, the newly STC’d Carbon Voyager builds on the success of the three-blade aluminum Voyager upgrade for the Cessna Skywagon series, featuring rugged carbon fiber composite blades made to withstand the harsh backcountry environment.
When developing and certifying new props, Hartzell maintains the highest quality and safety standards throughout the entire design, engineering, manufacturing, and testing processes, which includes both ground and flight testing. Hartzell’s engineering department even holds its own FAA STC-ODA, (Organizational Delegation Authority), allowing the company to work directly with FAA designees to certify new designs and launch multiple new STCs each year.
Bottom line value
Beyond performance, a Top Prop propeller upgrade can offer long-term value in terms of maintenance and serviceability over the life of the prop. All Top Prop conversions are backed by Hartzell’s industry-leading warranty, all the way through the first overhaul. Additionally, Hartzell’s on-site factory Service Center and global network of Recommended Service Facilities ensure customers are never far from the best maintenance, repair, and overhaul services to keep them flying with confidence.
Built On Honor. Trusted around the world.
Hartzell was founded on the principle of “Built on Honor”—a tradition that continues today. Every blade is produced in the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Piqua, Ohio, and proudly bears a decal with Hartzell’s Built On Honor promise.
Top Prop conversion kits are available directly from Hartzell, and for a limited time, the company is offering AOPA members a $1,000 discount on carbon fiber propeller upgrades.
Watch: Redline Airshows Puts Hartzell Props to the Test
