At Texas Aircraft Propeller & Accessories, we understand that you may have questions about our services, warranties, and technical details. Below are answers to some of the most common inquiries we receive. If you don’t find the information you’re looking for, feel free to contact us directly.

General Questions

1. What services do you offer?

We offer a wide range of services for propellers and related components, including overhauls, repairs, dynamic balancing, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), reseals, and more. We are certified service centers for McCauley, MT Propellers, and Hartzell, providing top-notch repairs and warranty services. These are all per the manufacturers manual, and approved by the FAA.

2. Do you offer any warranties on the work you perform?

Yes, we provide a One Year or 1000 Hour Warranty (whichever comes first) on every overhauled propeller we service. This warranty includes free pick-up and delivery within 50 miles of our location. If you’re outside that radius, we offer pick-up & delivery for a nominal fee.

3. How long does it take to get my propeller serviced?

We understand the importance of keeping your aircraft flying, so we aim for quick turnaround times without compromising the quality of work. The exact time depends on the service needed, but we always strive to complete repairs and overhauls as efficiently as possible.

4. What is the process for sending my propeller in for service?

To get started, simply contact us by phone or email. We will provide you with instructions on how to send in your propeller or arrange for pick-up if you’re within our service area.

Selecting a Propeller Repair Facility

5. What should I look for when choosing a propeller repair facility?

Not all propeller shops are alike. When selecting a propeller repair facility, it’s important to ensure they are qualified and capable of providing the best service for your propeller or governor. Here are some key questions to ask:

Are the technicians properly trained?

Your propeller and governor are vital to the safety and performance of your aircraft. Make sure the technicians at the facility have received training certificates specific to the type of propeller you have. At TXAPA, we provide certificates for our technicians who have completed training in propeller and governor repairs and overhauls.

What does the overhaul process entail?

The overhaul process should be comprehensive and meticulous. First, the technician will completely disassemble and visually inspect the prop/gov for damage and corrosion. Then, the components are cleaned and serviced according to the manufacturer’s overhaul manual. For propellers, the blades will be inspected, measured, and refurbished before reassembly and balancing. If needed, extra services or repairs may be recommended depending on the condition of the prop or governor.

When are blade dimensional inspections performed?

Some shops only measure the blades before grinding, but we at TXAPA perform dimensional inspections both before and after the grinding process to ensure the blade meets manufacturer specifications.

What’s included in the price of the overhaul service?

We provide a complete summary of the estimated price for the base service, including any replacement parts or additional services that might require extra charges. We want to make sure you’re never surprised by the final invoice.

Is the propeller repair station a member of the manufacturer’s network of recommended service facilities?

TXAPA is a Hartzell Recommended Service Facility (one of only 12 in the U.S.), an Authorized Service Facility for McCauley, a Certified Service Center for MT-Propeller, and a Metal Propeller Repair Facility for Sensenich.

What procedures does the prop shop use to perform shot peening?

At TXAPA, we have our own shot-peening cabinet for blades, meaning you won’t have to wait for a third-party vendor to complete this step in the overhaul process.

Technical Support

6. Do you offer on-site services?

Yes, for certain services like Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and estimates, we can come to your location within the Houston area. Our President, who is also a pilot, can fly out to your site if necessary, for an added fee.

7. What is Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)?

NDT is a process used to detect hidden cracks, flaws, or weaknesses in propellers and related components without causing any damage to the parts. We use fluorescent liquid penetrant and UV-A lighting to analyze your parts thoroughly.

8. How do I know if my propeller needs an overhaul or repair?

If your propeller has shown signs of wear, damage, or performance issues, an inspection will determine whether it requires an overhaul or repair. We offer troubleshooting and diagnosis services to help assess the condition of your propeller.

9. How often should I have my propeller looked at?

Your mechanic should inspect your propeller during each regular inspection. Additionally, you should also inspect it during your pre-flight checks. As for overhaul frequency, each manufacturer has specific guidelines based on model and usage.

10. Why do I need to overhaul my propeller?

Propellers are the hardest working and most stressed parts of your aircraft. Regular overhauls ensure the integrity and airworthiness of your aircraft. Also, most aircraft insurance policies require that maintenance is performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations; failure to do so could void your policy and

any claims made.

11. I only fly my airplane about 100 hours a year. Do I still need to overhaul my propeller?

Yes, the most detrimental factor to a propeller is not flight hours, but rather calendar time. Corrosion doesn’t care about flight hours—it’s about time. For example, if your propeller has a 2400-hour Time Between Overhaul (TBO) and you fly 100 hours a year, it would take you 24 years to reach the TBO, but you’d be flying behind a 24-year-old propeller that has never been overhauled, which could compromise safety.

12. Are your technicians trained?

Yes! Our team has over 100 years of combined experience, and we undergo factory training on an annual basis. We also provide in-house training to stay up to date with new procedures and inspections. All of our technical staff are certified Level II in penetrant and magnetic particle inspection, and we have three Level II Eddy Current Inspectors on staff.

Product-Specific Questions

13. Do you service McCauley, MT, and Hartzell propellers?

Yes, we are certified service centers for McCauley, Sensenich, MT, and Hartzell propellers. We offer repairs, overhauls, and warranty services for all four brands.

14. What is the difference between a reseal and an overhaul?

A reseal involves disassembling the propeller to replace seals, O-rings, gaskets, and one-time use hardware, while an overhaul is a more comprehensive process that includes complete disassembly, inspections, repairs, and reassembly.

15. Can you repair a damaged blade?

We can repair certain types of damage, such as nicks, cracks, or surface corrosion, depending on the extent of the damage. If the damage is severe, an overhaul may be required.

16. Are your technicians trained?

Yes! Our team has over 100 years of combined experience, and we undergo factory training on an annual basis. We also provide in-house training to stay up to date with new procedures and inspections. All of our technical staff are certified Level II in penetrant and magnetic particle inspection, and we have three Level II Eddy Current Inspectors on staff.

Pricing and Delivery

17. Do you offer free pick-up and delivery?

We provide free pick-up and delivery within 50-miles of our service center. If you’re located farther away, we can either arrange for you to fly your plane in or charge a nominal fee for delivery per mile.

18. How can I find out how much my service will cost?

The cost depends on the type of service required. For an accurate estimate, please contact us with the details of your propeller and the work needed, and we’ll provide a quote.

Emergency Services

19. Do you offer emergency repair services?

Yes, we offer emergency services for situations where your aircraft needs immediate attention. Our phones are forwarded to a dedicated emergency line outside regular business hours, and we will make every effort to help you as quickly as possible.

20. How can I get urgent help if my propeller or aircraft has a problem while I’m away from your location?

You can call us anytime for emergency assistance. We’ll guide you through troubleshooting steps or help arrange for expedited service to resolve the issue.