Hartzell Propeller Inc. has received an STC from the FAA for a Top Prop propeller conversion kit developed for the Piper Malibu. “Although the STC probably hasn’t been validated in any European countries yet, we can certainly introduce it when and if customers want the propeller,” said Mike Disbrow, senior vice president of marketing.

“We will certify each country as customer demand dictates. If someone in the UK wanted to buy one, we would simply go ahead and make arrangements with the CAA there to validate that STC in the UK.”

The kit enables owners to upgrade their aircraft to the same type propeller Piper has been installing on the new Malibu Mirage aircraft at the factory since 1998. According to Hartzell, the system significantly reduces noise and vibration, compared to the standard two-bladed metal propeller.

“I believe there are a number of Malibus around Europe, including several in the UK. We certainly could certify this year, but it depends on the customer. There is an expense to validation as the CAA charges

you for it, so we won’t spend that money until we actually have a customer,” said Disbrow.