Hartzell Propeller, a Signia Aerospace company and global leader in propeller technology, has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for its Pathfinder 3-blade carbon fiber propeller for Aviat Husky aircraft.

By Jarryd Sinovich

The 80-inch diameter Pathfinder replaces existing 2-blade composite, aluminum and wood propellers on Husky models A-1, A-1A, A-1B, A-1C-180 and A-1C-200. It is certified for aircraft powered by Lycoming O-360-C1G (180 HP) and IO-360-A1D6 (200 HP) piston engines.

“Flight testing demonstrated significant performance improvements with the Pathfinder-equipped Husky,” said Jon Stoy, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Hartzell Propeller. “Compared to the baseline 2-blade Hartzell, the Pathfinder reduced takeoff roll by about 15% and increased climb rate by 20%. It also meets noise standards without RPM restrictions and delivers equal or improved cruise performance.”

Weighing only 46 pounds, the Pathfinder and spinner provide smoother idling, robust durability and the lowest life cycle cost in their class. The propeller offers a 2,400-hour/6-year TBO and allows continuous operation at full power (2,700 RPM) at all approved gross weights.

The certification expands Hartzell’s growing portfolio of advanced carbon fiber propellers for utility and backcountry aircraft.