Tom,
Re: Polished Propeller..
After reading your post last night concerning the legality of a polished propeller, I Googled the subject and as close as I can determine, only the tips need to be painted in "Yellow, Red, Orange Lacquer." The back is flat black and the front is polished aluminum. If the new owner wishes, I will have the prop tipped in whatever color is desired..and pay for the procedure.
That is not true, and IS cause for an FAA inspector to "tag" your plane in the course of a ramp inspection.
I know having a polished propeller looks cool, but it is probably not legal for most propellers...certainly the two most common found on our 150/152's. ( McCaulley / Sensenich)
CFR A35.3 explains the manufacturer has to provide data to the extent necessary for maintenance or preventative maintenance of the product. For aircraft with a Part 23 or a CAR-3 (Airworthiness Standards), Part 23 section 23.609 states each part of the structure must be suitably protected against deterioration or loss of strength in service due to weathering, corrosion and abrasion. The rule also states that the manufacturer must provide data to inspect and maintain the propeller, and removing the protective coating (paint) on either the back or face of the propeller is contrary to manufacturers data (think "continued airworthiness"). Of course, polishing the propeller removes the protective coating (paint),anodized layer, and encourages corrosion.
For example, in the McCauley propeller Standard Practices Manual SPM100-1, it clearly states to paint hubs to prevent corrosion, and calls out for Sherwin Williams products per table 602 (meaning the auto store rattle can is not approved)- and if the hubs/blades have been alodined [ they are aluminum and yes, they are ALL alodined at the factory] they must be painted. The instructions even state specific painting methods pertaining to tack and wet coats, layers, etc...
So, your propeller must be painted unless there is specific authorization from the manufacturer to remove or omit the coatings.
That's why the FAA ramp inspectors zero in on you-
They're not picking on you, they can just see the shiny prop clear across the field.
