Germany's Regional Air Express has completed flight-testing of MT-Propeller's five-bladed prop for the Fairchild Metro and expects to receive European Aviation Safety Agency approval for the upgrade in February 2009. The Münster/Osnabrück-based airline says the tests verified that the propeller lowers internal cabin noise to 88dbA and significantly reduces vibration. It adds that the composite design, which replaces the Metro's existing four-bladed propeller, will also reduce maintenance costs compared with an aluminium propeller. Regional Air Express intends to retrofit its fleet of four Metros early next year, following certification.
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Source: Flight International
