Cessna Voyager Propeller

Pilot John McKenna shares his first impressions of the purpose-built Voyager propeller

At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019, Hartzell Propeller debuted a propeller upgrade for the Cessna A185E/F Skywagon and AgCarryall aircraft, called the Voyager. The new swept-tip aluminium three-blade, 86-inch propeller was custom-designed for the backcountry aircraft, which is known for stellar bush performance in the most inhospitable terrain.

After the Voyager was introduced, Hartzell asked several pilots in the Skywagon community to install the propeller on their airplanes and provide feedback. Montana-based pilot John McKenna was eager to report back after flying behind the Voyager in a backcountry environment. John is the chairman and founder of the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF), a non-profit organisation with the mission to preserve, maintain and create public-use recreational airstrips for backcountry access throughout the United States. Since earning his private pilot license at the age of 16, John has accumulated over five thousand flight hours, many in his 1978 Cessna 185AF.

With an engine upgrade in John’s future, it also seemed like the right time to investigate propeller enhancements for his airplane. John’s 185 had been powered by the standard IO-520 engine and he planned to upgrade to the IO-550. He spoke with Hartzell Propeller Chairman Joe Brown (who also flies a 185) about this change and the need for a purpose-built propeller for Skywagon owners that could pair with the upgraded engine. Before long, the Hartzell team set to work designing a custom performance propeller specifically for the Cessna 185E/F Skywagon and AgCarryall.

“The Voyager is a real tribute to Hartzell Propeller’s commitment to backcountry pilots. It shows that they are paying attention to what the market is looking for, they hear what we are saying and they understand,”

John said, “Hartzell really hit the nail on the head with this one. I have had a number of different propellers on my 185 and the Voyager has outperformed them in all quadrants. Not to mention, it’s a great looking propeller! After flying behind the Voyager for 30 to 40 hours, I have not noticed any environment in which it underperforms,” he added. “Hartzell has met or exceeded my expectations for this propeller in every way. The company turned a passion for backcountry flying into a propeller that fulfils a very defined purpose.”

The Hartzell Voyager propeller is now available for immediate delivery and installation on A185E/F Skywagon and AgCarryall aircraft. Pricing includes a polished spinner and all STC documentation. The scimitar propeller can be worked down to 84 inches in diameter if needed. In addition, the propeller has a 2,400-hour, six-year TBO and the longest propeller warranty in the business, all the way through the first overhaul.

For further information, call the Hartzell Propeller team at +1 (937) 778-4200 or visit the website: www.hartzellprop.com/contact