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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.

Thanks for the clarification Brian..

I will check with the FAA.

If you are correct and the prop must be painted IAW FAA policy..it will be accomplished at my expense prior to the sale..

Regards,

Well, it's not really FAA "policy"
The FAA are the regulatory enforcers, if you like.
It's the manufacturers data that must be followed for continued airworthiness, as the propeller was originally type certificated/approved with a protective coating. Removing that coating is an alteration and no longer complies with the design spec's. Even if you didn't intentionally remove the coatings and it simply "wore off" over time, you would still have a propeller that was not airworthy due to CONDITION, and even if the FAA never saw it, your IA should bring it to your attention for correction during annual.

Good question,

My apologies..I certainly did not intend for this thread to turn into a townhall meeting..

This thread reminds me of the time I threw a party, and someone bitched about the flavor of the free ice cream.

It's still a beautiful plane, and clearly indicative of some awesome attention to detail and much pride in your work, Brad.

Welcome Brad, and sometimes the posts can bring on a flood of comments, and we all learn more than we knew before.

I never knew about the issue with the coatings on a prop, and now I know more. When you get down to it , our aircraft are old, and some A&Ps are used to working on newer aircraft, even getting their ratings well after the production of our 150s.

Now you would expect a certified A&P should be well versed in all the issues and updates, but it doesn't always happen.

So maybe the polished prop was "missed" on ther last annual, or considered a non-issue.

Good luck with a really nice airplane. What are your plans for the next aircraft?

John

Thank You Gary..appreciate the comments.

Good Afternoon John,

I have had annuals from four different highly respected A&P's over the years. The polished prop has never been mentioned. I have always believed it to be a non-issue, but if necessary, will comply with the manufacturer's requirements in order to make the airplane "whole" prior to sale.

At my age, my next airplane will be a golf cart..

Regards,

+30 w / Mr. Shreve!!! It's a awesome lookin' plane!!!

Goodonya, Mr. Delker!

Mr. Delkers airplane is very nice, and his asking price is pretty much the cost I invested to make mine look as nice, but in this case the airplane is included with it, in ready to go condition. I had to pay that much, AND include a "CrappyBat" dog of a plane to start with.

I'm sorry the discussion turned into a "town hall meeting" (with ice cream) and away from a very nice plane for sale, but since someone else commented about the propeller being polished, and some questions about legality of polishing a propeller were asked.....
I was simply posting some regulatory information pertaining to this practice. Tech Moderators sometimes do this.....what anyone does with the information is really up to them.