Sensenich Propeller Company, a leading manufacturer of aircraft propellers for certified, experimental, and light sport aircraft, has officially received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for its 76″ ground-adjustable composite propeller system on Cessna 170, P172D, and 175 series aircraft.
The newly approved STC brings modern carbon composite blade technology to legacy Cessna airframes, allowing owners to configure blade pitch between dedicated backcountry and cross-country settings without needing an expensive, heavy constant-speed conversion. Dual-Mission Flexibility: Backcountry Climb to Cross-Country Speed
Conventional fixed-pitch aluminum propellers force owners to compromise on either climb authority or cruise efficiency. Sensenich’s ground-adjustable 76″ system eliminates this trade-off:
• Backcountry Pitch Setting: Delivers maximum static thrust, reduced takeoff roll, and aggressive climb rates ideal for short fields, soft strips, and high-density-altitude operations.
• Cross-Country Pitch Setting: Rapidly reconfigures to a coarser pitch angle for increased true airspeed, lower cruise RPM, and improved fuel economy on long-distance flights.
Pitch adjustments take only minutes on the ramp or flight line using Sensenich’s precision hub pitch-setting system, requiring no protractor or specialized measuring tools.
Key Technical Features & Performance Advantages:
• 76-Inch Carbon Composite Blades: Engineered with a durable internal foam core and high-strength composite layup, trimmed from 76″ down to 74.5″ as required by specific installation limits.
• Significant Weight Reduction: Weighs substantially less than legacy metal propellers, removing critical weight from the nose, increasing useful load, and improving forward center-of-gravity margins.
• Rugged Leading-Edge Protection: Features a co-cured stainless-steel leading edge to defend against stone pecking, dirt, and water spray common in off-airport operations.
• Reduced Vibration: The composite structure absorbs engine firing pulses, yielding smoother operation, lower cabin noise, and less airframe fatigue.
Approved Airframes & Availability
The STC (Approved Model List) includes eligible Cessna 170 series, Cessna P172D Powermatic, and Cessna 175 series aircraft equipped with Lycoming 180 HP O-360 powerplants.
Complete propeller conversion packages include the 76″ carbon composite blades, CNC-machined aluminum hub, 11″ composite spinner assembly, required spacer, mounting hardware, pitch-setting gages, and complete FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual Supplements (AFMS) and Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA).
Orders are currently being accepted directly from the factory and through authorized Sensenich distributors. For ordering details, lead times, and documentation, visit www.sensenich.com or call (813) 752-3711.
