Dayton Powered Paragliding Propellers
Our propellers are constructed of high quality hard maple and are subjected to inspection at each stage of production. Diameters are available from 46" up to 48". Specialty fixed pitch propellers can be made on request.

Why Choose Wood?
Wooden propellers have the best balance of weight, stiffness and, in case of impact, shearing attributes. If there is a fall on an errant landing or take-off, the likelihood is that the propeller will strike the ground or the prop guard. On impact, harder non-wood materials can transfer significantly more of the force down the propeller shaft. When there is a propeller strike, the best case scenario is for the prop to break. The energy absorbed by the shearing propeller will spare damage to the cage, pulley or crankshaft - components which are more costly and more difficult to replace than a propeller.

Our wooden props are strong enough to take some hits without failing during normal use, but soft enough to absorb energy while breaking in a severe impact.

Construction by Craftsman
A propeller master is placed on a carving machine. The carving machine duplicates the profile of the master template as it shapes the new propeller from the maple wood stock. Once the blades are cut to the proper outline, the propeller is moved to a CNC programmed router for refining. The computer controlled router shapes both blades to precisely the same profile and pitch. The propellers are then hand sanded to remove any machine marks. Once smooth, an initial balance test if performed.

After initial balancing, the propellers are then sanded again to finish quality, and a final balance is performed. The props are sealed to prepare for finish, one more round of sanding is done and then the props are ready for final coating.

For final coating we use a two-part automotive polyurethane with added U.V. protection. This coating is extremely durable in harsh environments and yet is flexible enough to absorb the movement to which a propeller is subjected. The clear coat finish enhances the beauty of the maple wood while providing superior protection.

Fixed Pitch Advantage
Fixed-pitch propellers are ideal for flyers that wish to be able to attach their propellers and be immediately ready to fly. There is no valuable time lost in adjusting pitch, and generally a fixed-pitch propeller is a less expensive option than a ground adjustable propeller.

Another advantage to a fixed-pitch wooden propeller is strength. Construction is such that the wood fibers in the laminations run the entire length of the propeller, allowing it to absorb considerable harmonic vibrations from the engine or crankshaft. Because of this superior strength, Dayton Powered Paragliding will suggest that a fixed-pitch propeller be used on any direct drive engine (such as Cors-air, MZ 100, and MZ34).