Owner Assisted Dynamcl Engine Prop Balancing

Alvarez Aviation

Products for Experimental Aircraft

Owner Assisted Dynamic Engine/Prop Balancing

Dynamic balancing of rotors and propellers has been around for many years on helicopters and high performance aircraft. Recent technology advances have allowed the common person to be able to enjoy the benefits obtained from dynamically balancing your engine/prop.   Some of those benefits are listed below:
   - Increased longevity of the propeller
   - Increased longevity of the power plant and power plant accessories
   - Increased longevity of engine mounts
   - Increased longevity of instruments
   - Potential increase in RPM and horse power
   - Reduced harmonic vibrations on the airframe
   - Reduced pilot and passenger fatigue

-What is the goal of dynamically balancing my engine/prop?
   The goal of dynamically balancing your engine/prop is to reduce the unbalanced rotational inertia
   created by your particular engine/prop combination. The industry standard is to reduce the
   amplitude of the unbalance force to less than 0.20 Inches Per Second (IPS).

-How do you dynamically balance my engine/prop?
Step 1. The customer must remove the upper, the lower cowling and the air plenum (if installed).

Step 2. I will mount an accelerometer and optical pickup on the engine. I will have to
remove an engine-case bolt and use that location for the bracket.

Step 3. I will adhere reflective tape to the back of your propeller. The tape will be removed
after the test has been completed.

Step 4. I will secure all the cabling with zip ties as required.

Step 5. I will attach the dynamic balancer to the cables and find a safe location to stand.

Step 6. Once the area has been cleared and found to be safe, you will start your engine and set your
desired RPM.

Step 7. I will collect test data. The test data consists of RPM, amplitude and phase angle.

Step 8. Once the test data has been collected, you will perform your shut down procedures.

Step 9. I will clock the prop and add weight (AN hardware) to your fly wheel.

   Step 10. Repeat steps 6-9 until the amplitude (IPS) is acceptable.

-How long does this process take?
   The process of dynamically balancing your engine/prop is not difficult however; it does require
   time. The length of time will depend on the number of engine runs required. Plan on one to two
   hours for the instrumentation installation, engine test runs and instrumentation removal.

-Do you travel to other locations?
Yes I do. Please contact me via phone or email.

      -How much does it cost?
   One engine                             $175
   Two or more engines           $150 (each engine)