16 January 2025
Can a propeller be a sexy beast? Consensus in the FLYER office is that it can and Hartzell’s new light weight three-blade Carbon Voyager is the object of our desire.
What’s more the composite Carbon Voyager (clue is in the name) has just received Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for the Cessna Skywagon fleet. The Skywagon, also known as the 185, is still a highly popular aircraft for backcountry flying with more than 4,000 built from 1961 to 1985.
That means the Carbon Voyager prop is now available for Cessna 180, 182, 185, 206, and T206 single-engine aircraft equipped with Continental 470-50, 520, and 550 engines. Propeller diameters range from 80 to 86 inches, depending on the application.
Weighing 24.5kg (54 lb), the Carbon Voyager is the lightest option on the market — 9.4kg (20.8 lb) lighter than its metal counterpart. As with all of Hartzell’s carbon fiber composite propellers, the blades are certified for unlimited life, providing significant long-term value.
“The original aluminum Voyager has earned its place as a popular propeller upgrade among the Cessna Skywagon community,” said Hartzell Propeller President JJ Frigge.
“Our new Carbon Voyager takes it to the next level of performance and durability, delivering three to four percent improvement in takeoff distances and climb performance, all with a significant weight reduction.”
Hartzell says the Carbon Voyager is specifically engineered to withstand the rigours of backcountry, off-airport operations, providing superior durability against foreign object damage and improved erosion resistance against environmental conditions. It comes with a 2,400-hour or six-year Time Between Overhaul (TBO).
What’s the price? We have asked Hartzell directly but they’re being a bit coy and not listing a price at the moment. We’ll add it here when we find out!
