[SkyKing]

After inquiring about this "nice" propeller, we find there are no yellow tags, no 8130's, in fact, no paper work whatsoever... and that included no logbook either! SUre, it may look "nice" on the outside, and we were also sent the pictures... but know this: anyone who would attempt to 'sell' you a part for an aircraft that has NO known history, other than some story or other that the good doctor who owned it, who is now deceased, had it for a spare (what for, was the good doctor planning on doing a gear-up?), you can be assured that things are not what they appear.

The moral of the story is this: We offered $1,500... the seller kept saying it was worth $5,000 based on what some high-priced prop shop told him (NOT!!), and in the end he said he'd take $2,000. Wouldn't you think the seller, if he was completely on the up and up, simply say, okay, I'll split the difference, or at the least tell you up front what he wanted for it? Not in this case. It's the old story of a fool and his money soon parteth company. No way! NO PAPERWORK... NO MONEY... IT'S THAT SIMPLE!

Since this guy bought it from the deceased doctor's wife who was in mourning at the time, we can almost imagine what the deal was... and so can you. You know the thinking, "buy cheap and sell high". Again, without any paperwork on something like this, it's best to take a walk and cool off, lest you fork over some hard-earned bucks and later find out who the fool really is. It's best to work with what you've got, that you know the history on, and when the time ever comes that you need a new prop or blades, contact McCauley or a reputable prop shop.

BTW, a very reputable prop shop we talked with said the most they'd pay for a serviceable de-iced prop with logs is $2K. And they will sell an overhauled de-iced prop, zero-timed, with logs and a fresh 8130 for around $4,500.

Just like with women, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Only in this case, a "nice" prop might not have the beauty you think it does.

SkyKing