Life cycle of OEM props?

[BeeRAD56]

I recently noticed some slight, but visible blade distortion on a set of OEM props that had aprox. 16 hours of flight time. I put a fresh set of OEMs on and seemly got better rate of climb and roughly 2 mph higher top end in calm conditions, arguably simular to conditions from before.

Not that I care much about the perceived difference in those two parameters, but it got me thinking about the flexing that occurs with an ABS prop at high rpm with constantly changing attitudes and the ultimate structural fatigue that must occur at some point in the life cycle.

So far I haven't found anything published on this issue so I'm curious about thoughts from those with far more experience than me.

 

[Steve Carr]

I see wear on the props are many hours of use as well. I presume it comes for tiny particles of dust and insects in the air that would only cause abrasion on something moving very fast like a propeller. It's safer to simply replace them than wait for the "end" of the life cycle.

 

[FlushVision]

I'm still using the original props I put on my H back at the beginning of June last year and they still look in pristine condition. The 4 spares that came with it have never been used. I bought a couple of sets of props in anticipation of having to use them some months ago and they are still in their packaging.

 

[Steve Carr]

I'm still using the original props I put on my H back at the beginning of June last year and they still look in pristine condition. The 4 spares that came with it have never been used. I bought a couple of sets of props in anticipation of having to use them some months ago and they are still in their packaging.

You must fly in pristine conditions. I have some evening flights when the props looked like the windshield of the car. Full of bug guts.

 

[PatR]

Perhaps fit a spray can of Raid and an auto dispenser to your H? From a flight safety perspective maybe a set of new props every 6 months or so if use is frequent might not be a bad thing.

 

[ArnhemAnt]

I'm still using the original props I put on my H back at the beginning of June last year and they still look in pristine condition.

Same with me. I did swap out one of the props as I noticed a noise coming from the motor - prior to powering up, I always spin each motor/prop and noticed a noise. I thought there may be some wear in the prop hub. After a short time I realised that the noise was actually coming from the quick release mechanism and I have replaced all six of them. Not bad for a 12 month period when I fly very regularly. Short answer, I am still on the original set of props.

 

[Photo]

I recently noticed some slight, but visible blade distortion on a set of OEM props that had aprox. 16 hours of flight time. I put a fresh set of OEMs on and seemly got better rate of climb and roughly 2 mph higher top end in calm conditions, arguably simular to conditions from before.

Not that I care much about the perceived difference in those two parameters, but it got me thinking about the flexing that occurs with an ABS prop at high rpm with constantly changing attitudes and the ultimate structural fatigue that must occur at some point in the life cycle.

So far I haven't found anything published on this issue so I'm curious about thoughts from those with far more experience than me.

I have flewn about 200hrs over a year and can't see any prop wear or scratches whatever. The whole "H" works perfect - so far. I fly in Sweden where the air is quite clean.
Yeasterday I tried my new GiFi 8050mA battery - about 21-23min flight time until 14.3V, with cam recording.

 

[BeeRAD56]

Thanks all;

I'm wondering now if I just got a hold a bad set. It's not a matter of scratches or pitting but visible distortion in the pitch of some of the blades. The old set is not uniform like the new set.

At any rate, I'm glad this is not a common issue, but I think I'll go with PatR's thoughts of a new set every 6 months or so, just to be safe.

 

[BeeRAD56]

I have flewn about 200hrs over a year and can't see any prop wear or scratches whatever. The whole "H" works perfect - so far. I fly in Sweden where the air is quite clean.
Yeasterday I tried my new GiFi 8050mA battery - about 21-23min flight time until 14.3V, with cam recording.

That's great flight time with the new battery. My 4 OEM batteries have roughly 50 cycles each and I'm down to 10-12 minutes a flight on average depending on conditions. All but one get fairly hot and are starting to puff up a bit at the end of the flight. Time for new batteries, so I think the GiFI 8050mA may be in my future.

 

[Intelien]

I still have my original ones. I have about 200 hours of flight time. One blade broke after colliding with the back of my car. The rest of the blades are in very good shape. Some slight wear and a very slight fade but no real issues with them.

 

[Photo]

I still have my original ones. I have about 200 hours of flight time. One blade broke after colliding with the back of my car. The rest of the blades are in very good shape. Some slight wear and a very slight fade but no real issues with them.

Hi Inteliem, How do you reco
n "slight fade"?

 

[Intelien]

Hi Inteliem, How do you reco
n "slight fade"?

I think you are asking me how I recognized "slight fade". I recently purchased some newer ones and side by side you can see a shade difference in color. Most likely caused by sun bleach.

 

[PatR]

We should bear in mind that plastic degrades in direct sunlight so over time they will become more brittle and deform if permitted to get hot. Black absorbs and retains BTU's so they can get hot just sitting in the sun. A light weight, light colored cloth draped over the H when sitting out does wonderful things. Works the same for a slew of batteries sitting in an open trunk or pick up bed too.

 

[FePhoenix]

That's great flight time with the new battery. My 4 OEM batteries have roughly 50 cycles each and I'm down to 10-12 minutes a flight on average depending on conditions. All but one get fairly hot and are starting to puff up a bit at the end of the flight. Time for new batteries, so I think the GiFI 8050mA may be in my future.

Only downside I can see offhand to the GiFi is the watt-hours. 8.05x14.4 = 115.92. if you fly commercial with your H (as I often do), this is over the 100 w/h limit, and you must seek airline permission before boarding. I've not gone over 6300 (90.82wh), so I've no experience with the ... degree of cooperation that airlines exhibit. Anyone have experience?

 

[PatR]

If it's a EU carrier they won't fly.

 

[FePhoenix]

If it's a EU carrier they won't fly.

I guess I should have been more specific. I fly domestic USA. Anyone have experience there with over 100 wh?

 

[FlushVision]

You must fly in pristine conditions. I have some evening flights when the props looked like the windshield of the car. Full of bug guts.

Oh you should see the props from my Phantom. Over the time I've had it I've replaced the props several times and the ones I'm currently using are full of bug guts. Maybe it's the colour...I dunno.

 

[Steve Carr]

I guess I should have been more specific. I fly domestic USA. Anyone have experience there with over 100 wh?

The information below is from Traveling With LiPo Batteries and Your Drone - Dronethusiast

Quantities
The quantity permitted is based on watt-hours (Wh). Wh establishes the lithium content by multiplying voltage with the ampere-hours (Ah). For example, 14.40V x 5Ah battery = 72Wh.

The current IATA dangerous goods regulations and your rights as passenger to carry the LiPos with you in carry-on luggage but not in your checked luggage. There are 3 classes of LiPo batteries. Below 100Wh there are no quantity restrictions as to the amount of batteries you can carry. Between 100Wh and 160Wh you are limited to two battery packs total per passenger. Above 160Wh you are not permitted to carry the packs as carry-on.

Avoiding short circuit
As another safety precaution, though this might not be mandatory according to flight safety regulations is to avoid short circuiting the batteries thus increasing the chance of fire hazard. This is fairly simple, all you need to do is to place each battery into an individual plastic bag. This will come in handy when labeling also, see below. You can also shrink wrap the battery connectors with saran wrap. This process only takes a few seconds and reduces the possibility of electrical arcing and moisture getting to the battery connectors.

Labeling
It also maximizes your chance of your carry-on batteries not being declined by safety personnel if you stick a “Lithium Ion/Polymer Rechargeable Batteries Inside” label on each plastic bag. You can order a set of 500 pieces (will last you quite some time) via Amazon for about $26. Of course it should probably be ok for you to print your own labels, but these professional looking labels will suggest to the TSA agent that you know what you are doing.


Lithium Ion/Polymer Rechargeable Batteries Inside Label

No Old Batteries
Old batteries with lots of cycles on them are more dangerous to transport because the advancement of chemical reactions inside them. Never transport any batteries showing the signs of swelling or ones that are punctured in any way. Also do not transport batteries that should be retired soon. As a general rule, when your battery no longer holds more than 80% of its original capacity, it’s time to retire your pack and certainly if there is excessive puffing.

LiPo Bags
Placing your batteries in LiPo safe bags is an absolute necessity, if you don’t have them, do not even attempt to carry them on board an aircraft. This is also for your safety. Of course you do not need to have a separate LiPo safe bag for each battery as you have also placed them in separate plastic bags as suggested above. But depending on the number and size of your batteries, be sure to have a bag with enough space for them all, or use multiple bags. This one is a good option, but you can buy larger ones also:

 

[FePhoenix]

I already knew that, Steve. I fly with my H regularly. But there's apparently some ... inconsistencies. No surprise. TSA says that 100-160 wh needs airline approval ( Lithium batteries with more than 100 watt hours ). It's this "airline approval" that I'm wondering if anyone has experience with...

Also, the bags linked in your reply are not big enough. Have you found a bag that's 13x12x3? If you're wondering about that specific size, look here: Yuneec Typhoon H Battery Case | GPC, Inc.

 

[Steve Carr]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FQ8O35...t=&hvlocphy=9017745&hvtargid=pla-349444342720