Question.... I have a new Hanger 9 Alpha 40 with the Evolution Trainer Power System on it with the 3 blade prop... I'm just learning to fly with the club instructors.... I know it's a long way off, but when I get enough experance with the plane can I change out the prop for better preformance of will I have to change the motor and all? Just thouhgt I'd ask, Seems to me I might be able to put a different 2 blade prop on and get better sped and proformance on the trainer...
Thanks for your responces...
Mac.

Stick an APC 11x6 2 blade prop on that engine, and you'll transform that plane.

You'll be quite pleased.

try to use master airscrew 11x5 , 11x6, 10x6 props, they are cheap enough when you learn and doing the trick.
try also dubro spinners as they come with metal nuts - very practical.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXZ970&P=ML
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXE129&P=ML
or similar to these.

Alex

Ordinarily I'd advise the heavier APC props on trainers over say the wood props, or initially over lighter MA props.
( Wood props can be used later once the pilot has experience & the MA's once the engine has been broken in well. )

- They help keep the engine idling
- There is less chance of broken wood shearing off into the novice's face, etc.

However the Evolution has a flywheel weight in it, so if that is left on, the MA prop does just fine.

Optimum performance seems to be achieved on that plane with the 11x6 2 blade configuration.

That's what I have on the Alpha 40 that I keep around to train people on, and occasionally haul out for relaxed flying or night flying.

Even without the flywheel a Master Airscrew does just fine on that engine. I found that an 11x6 and 11x7 work great.

Yeah once the engine is worn in a bit there is no problem.

But the lighter weight of the MA prop, coupled with the removal of the flywheel, which is there to smooth out idle and deal with newbie mistuning, can be quite problematic for a novice with a brand new PTS engine... the claims of it already being "broken in" ( yeah, right ) not-with-standing.

I find that the PTS needs a gallon or more run through it, before it settles down. Usually the 'Grey goo' also disappears at this point.

The Hobbico NextStar prop (11 X 5 with red tips) works great on the Alpha, its about the least expensive prop out there, and one very tough prop. Most hobby shops I know of carry them.

Hogflyer

Fastest trainer I've seen (that hadn't been totally rebuilt), An Alpha 40 with an APC 10x7 and a 2.75" spinner (I think, a spinner big enough to almost reach the fuse sides, it really helps smooth out the airflow and increase airspeed). Anyway, the Alpha is pretty sporty with that setup.

I have an APC 11x5 on the Evolution TPS engine I have in my LT-40 beater plane. I also took the baffle out of the muffler for some extra power at the cost of some noise. (I got the engine from an ex-student who was going all big stuff. The engine had already been seroiusly abused before I got it. Still runs great)

I run an APC 11x6 from day one on my PTS P-51 and she really has alot of thrust to get you out of trouble.

Our club trainer is the predecessor to the Alpha, an Xtra Easy2. It's powered by the same engine, with an 11 X 7 MAS prop (on a worn engine), and has tracked on radar at 76 mph in level flight. The Alpha 40 flies at a similar speed with the same set-up.

Hogflyer

My prop choice for the alpha is a 10 x 6 apc

Steven

Remove the flywheel and use a 12x5. Drill some holes in the baffle in the muffler.

I'm learning here as well.
Would removing the flywheel affect C/G ? To a degree that would cause any handling probs.?
Bob

I moved the battery to just behind the fuel tank. I also made one of mine a taildragger at the same time. It flies great, very controllable. Most importantly, it still flies slowly when you want it to. I try to see how long I can keep just 1 landing gear wheel on the ground on a touch and go.

Taking the flywheel off will move the CG back. But most trainers, including the Alpha, will often fly better with the CG moved back a little anyway. ("better" for someone who's soloed, comfortable with the plane, and looking for a bit more performance out of it). There are a bunch of things you can do to a trainer to make it a lot more sporty. Finding a prop you like, moving the CG back, increasing control throw, and reflexing the ailerons (raising both ailerons slightly) all together can really transform an Alpha or other trainer.

You could also simply replace the Evolution TPS 3-blade prop with a Master Airscrew 10x7 3-blade prop and see a substantial performance increase without having to buy a new spinner. There isn't anything wrong with 3-blade props in general, the Evolution training props in particular are simply very ineffecient by design.

and when you get bored with that , you can get yourself something like this. take the flywheel off and put a 12x4 apc and it will go through the clouds. but i have to say it is very easy to fly . a possible second plane with the rates turned down of course. have fun !.