What affects a propeller overhaul quote?
A fixed-pitch propeller, a constant-speed unit and a feathering turbine propeller do not involve the same work. Even two propellers of the same model can need different repairs or replacement parts. That is why an advertised starting price needs to be read alongside what it includes.
| Cost item | What to check |
|---|---|
| Workshop scope | Disassembly, cleaning, inspection, applicable repair processes, assembly and the required checks. Confirm which tasks are included. |
| Parts and findings | Which routine replacement parts are allowed for, and how additional blade, hub or component findings will be quoted. |
| Equipment sent with the unit | Whether the spinner, de-ice equipment or other accessories are included in the work. Identify them in the enquiry. |
| Governor or CSU | A propeller quote does not automatically cover its governor. Request the relevant scope separately or as part of a coordinated job. |
| Removal and installation | Confirm the work and price with the maintenance organisation handling the aircraft. |
| Packing, freight and GST | Check both freight legs, suitable packaging, any freight insurance arrangements and whether quoted prices include GST. |
Compare the scope before the price
Ask each workshop to quote against the same model, records and work requirement. A price that includes a different parts allowance, accessory scope or freight arrangement is not directly comparable.
Hartzell’s questions to ask your prop shop include checking what parts are included and how the workshop carries out the required processes. Those are useful questions when reviewing a quotation.
- What work and parts are included in the initial price?
- What remains subject to inspection, and when will I receive the findings?
- How will additional work be quoted and approved?
- What documentation, warranty terms and return arrangements are included?
Why can the price change after inspection?
Records and photographs help establish an initial scope, but they cannot show every internal condition. Inspection may identify corrosion, wear, damage or a component outside the applicable limits. Repairable parts, replacement parts and their availability can change both the quotation and the schedule.
Ask how the workshop handles a unit that needs more work than expected. If a major component needs replacement, discuss the available options and the total cost before deciding how to proceed. The applicable maintenance data determines what can return to service.
Fixed-pitch, constant-speed and turbine propellers
| Propeller type | Useful detail for the enquiry |
|---|---|
| Fixed pitch | Full propeller model, service history, reason for removal and any known damage or previous repair. |
| Constant speed | Hub and blade models, serial number, operating history, reported symptoms and governor details if it also needs work. |
| Feathering or reversing | Exact configuration, aircraft application, de-ice equipment, work required and operational deadline. |
A manufacturer name alone is not enough to price the job. Send a clear photograph of the identification details if you are unsure which model information is required.
Budget for the complete aircraft downtime
The workshop invoice is one part of the input. Allow for removal and installation, freight, records, and any governor or associated component work. Coordinate these activities with the maintenance organisation looking after the aircraft.
A workshop completion date and an aircraft return-to-service date are different milestones. Ask when the unit is expected to be ready for dispatch, then allow for transport, installation and the required checks. Our propeller overhaul planning guide sets out the sequence.
Get a useful quote from Sigma
- Aircraft type and location.
- Propeller, hub and blade models, plus serial number.
- Hours and calendar history, with available maintenance records.
- Reason for removal, known issues and photographs where helpful.
- Accessories included, the work required and your target date.
Our Caloundra team will confirm capability and discuss the scope, likely quotation stages and workshop arrangements. If you are arranging an interstate input, speak to us before sending the propeller.
Explore our McCauley, Hartzell, MT-Propeller service information, or view all propeller repair and overhaul capabilities.
