Prince Props

[Brian Jackson]

Does anyone know if Prince Props has a web site? I've searched Google and came up with little besides some very general info. If someone is familiar with these propellers (the P-tip) and/or has used them on a gyro, please post a short review.

A friend whom I've since lost touch with used a 2-blade Prince P-tip prop on a Mini-Max FW and people raved about the efficiency and about how QUIET it was. Do they make a 3-blade version? Lastly, I've misplaced my car keys... Does anyone know where they might be?

Thanks,
Brian Jackson

[robertstodaro]

prince props phone 419-877-5557

[KenSandyEggo]

I have a Prince prop that I flew for awhile. It's off now because I bought an IVO cockpit adjustable prop. You can't beat it for quality, performance and quietness. And they're also pretty. I think Lonnie is just too busy to get a website going. he seemingly has all the business that he can handle.

[gyromike]

Yep.

www.princeaircraft.com

[KenSandyEggo]

Guess he found time, but not enough time to make the photos work.

[Harry_S.]

Mike is always there with the info...never fails?!


Cheers

[Brian Jackson]

I just got off the phone from a half-hour conversation with Mr. Lonnie Prince. What an amazing and nice fellow. We discussed various prop configurations, and he has a formula based on cruise airspeed, prop RPM, redrive ratio and horsepower to determine the prop he will hand-make for me. Not sure yet if it's a 2-blade or a 3-blade, but he's designing it around the criteria of a GyroBee 447. It's a wood core/carbon fibre overlay with tip vortex gens. I gave him the specs.

What an amazingly nice guy Lonnie is! And extremely knowledgeable.

We talked for a while, and in closing we chit-chatted a bit about each other's expertise and experience. Turns out he's seeking a good photographer to showcase his props for display on their new web site. I didn't know they had one until then. He asked if I had a green-screen or background isolator, which I do.

In short, Prince HQ is only a moderate drive from me, and a little "horse trading" was not out of the question... in fact it was mentioned. So Queen Bee might just get a great prop while Prince Propellers gets some incredible marketing photos.

I'll keep everyone updated. Thanks to all whom have responded.

Respectfully,
Brian Jackson

[banaari]

Oh to live in the same hemisphere ... i've sent him an email along much the same lines... you going with a 447?

[gyromike]

Originally Posted by Harry_S.

Mike is always there with the info...never fails?!


Cheers

Thanks Harry.
I try to take care of my little chicks.

Ken J. too.

[Brian Jackson]

Originally Posted by banaari

Oh to live in the same hemisphere ... i've sent him an email along much the same lines... you going with a 447?

Yep. I know the 503 is a great engine, which if I remember correctly you are using on your ship. But I'm gonna stay with the 447 because it's a few pounds lighter and, being a rather small guy, should offer great performance. Ralph is a bigger guy than me and has found the 447 to be more than adequate. Couple that with the variable pitch blade physics of a Prince prop... I don't think power, performance or efficiency will be an issue.

This is good because I'd like to treat an experienced Gyro pilot (in type) and their family to a nice dinner if they'd test fly Queen Bee on her maiden voyage. Statistically speaking most people are larger than me, so I wouldn't consider an engine/prop configuration that couldn't perform well under a heavier load. But I'm still learning this stuff and asking a lot of questions. That's why I place such value in the opinions of those whom have flown with the equipment in question.

Love your web site, John! It's one of the bookmarks I check regularly. I hope to re-launch my construction diary soon, since my business partner turned out to be such a penis and closed RotoPix without telling me.

Your friend,
Brian Jackson

[banaari]

Hehe - I spent several weeks tossing the two up... came down to two issues... 1) a slightly larger-than-necessary engine, run *below* its design stress will theoretically last way longer than the converse situation... and 2) marketing: "And see honey, it's got dual ignition, just like a proper aeroplane" !!

I faithfully promise to pester you until your site is back up

cheers,
John
(Freshly minted PRA #40427)

[GyroRon]

Brian, get off the computer and get in the workshop. If you get it done in time for Bensen Days and bring it down, I will test fly it for you. I don't need a fancy dinner, a Double CheeseBurger meal - super sized of course - at McDonalds will do me!

[Brian Jackson]

Originally Posted by GyroRon

Brian, get off the computer and get in the workshop. If you get it done in time for Bensen Days and bring it down, I will test fly it for you. I don't need a fancy dinner, a Double CheeseBurger meal - super sized of course - at McDonalds will do me!

...And how did I know you would answer this post. Actually I was hoping you would, since you've tested other 'Bees before mine. I would greatly appreciate your input, and was thinking more of a Lobster dinner of sorts. I'm kind of a cheeseburger guy too, so we'll work something out.

All the best,
Brian Jackson

[gyromike]

Brian,

I'll beat Ron's offer and do it for a Wendys Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger and Medium Diet Coke!

$1.98 plus tax.

[Brian Jackson]

Originally Posted by gyromike

Brian,

I'll beat Ron's offer and do it for a Wendys Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger and Medium Diet Coke!

$1.98 plus tax.

Man, this is sounding like an eBay auction... Junior bacon CB eh? Sounds tempting, but think I'll hold out and see if someone will fly it for a small fry and a Frosty

Fortunately there's plenty of time before she's ready to take to the skies. (And why is "skies" plural when there's only one? Must be a TimeCube thing )

John, your reasoning is sound. There's actually a gentleman near here named Bill Wolverton whom has a low-hour 503 for sale... think he's asking around $1800 for it. It's a tempting offer, especially considering Mr. Taggart is using a 503 on the new machine he's currently building. If anyone's interested I can put you guys in touch.

Cheers,
Brian Jackson