Builders:
Over the last 18 months, we have been doing a lot of behind the scenes prop testing on slower aircraft in the fleet of Corvair powered planes. With the help of five builder/ pilot data contributors, I have distilled another very good option to supplement the 66 and 68″ Warp Drives that have been my standard recommendation in this speed range for the last 25 years.
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The prop in this discussion is a Sensenich WZKL- 64 x 35. This is a modern prop in planform and airfoils, it has a helical pitch distribution optimized for these aircraft; It is a very good match to the Corvair’s higher RPM operation (compared to other direct drive engines). The prop has a wood core, but it is jacketed in fiberglass, and it has urethane leading edges.
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I have been a Sensenich dealer for almost 25 years. While I have tested and sold a number of their designs for different applications, This particular prop, in this pitch, is very well suited for Pietenpols, Zenith 750 STOL’s, many classics like my Wagabond and others. It is also applicable to Zenith Cruisers as a prop with strong climb characteristics.
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The design and Configuration has been around a long time, Our original testing with it was back in 2005 on the Wagabond. Back then the design was natural wood and varnished, but the aerodynamics were the same. In 2006 we tested the same prop on 2 Pietenpols. The results were good. We went on to test the same ZKL 64″ props in 41′, 43″, 45″, and 47″ pitches on my 601XL 2004-08. You can see pictures of this in my manuals. I sold a great number of the 41″-43″ pitch models to Zenith 601 builders. For builders who preferred wood, it was a very good option to compliment the ground adjustable Warp Drives.
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In the last 4 months I have ordered a number of the WZKL64-35’s, and they have all sold. On Friday afternoon, tomorrow, I’m placing another batch order. The will be done in 5 or 6 weeks. If you would like to get in on the order, you need only text or call me. When the props are close to done, I will invoice you $1,349 + the shipping cost. The props are drop shipped directly from Sensenich. The two colors I’m ordering are black with red tips and gray with white tips. Take your pick. These props have seen about a 20% rise in cost in the last year (Sensenich’s website is not yet updated to the new price) , I don’t expect it to change again, but if you order one now, you no longer have to be concerned about it. Besides, you can display it in your living room until your plane needs it, because they really are works of art.
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Above, a Gray with white tips that I ordered for my own personal plane. Im just checking it to order the correct length prop bolts.
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Above, same prop, Black with red tips. You can see the careful packaging job Sensenich does, they are very sturdy boxes, I have never had one damaged in shipping. Boxing and shipping costs run $50-70 depending where you are in the country.
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Above, Vinnie Maggiore’s Zenith 750 STOL. This is the aircraft that flew from NY to my hangaring Florida a year ago to get a 2,850cc engine transplant. Vinnie did the lions share of the flight testing for this project; He flew extensive tests with five different brands and models of props. The WZKL Sensenich, shown in this picture without a spinner, was the best climbing prop, and has the highest top speed. (the Warp Drive was a close second) Notably, the three other designs which proved to be less of a match and lower performers where all advanced hollow carbon fiber props with advanced shapes. When it comes to props, the only thing that counts is honest testing.
William.
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