Gemfan Hobby Hurricane 3016-3

The Gemfan Hurricane 3016-3 is a three-blade polycarbonate propeller from Gemfan Hobby for toothpick FPV quadcopters, that is, slim, light builds with 3 in propellers. The type code 3016 stands for 3 in diameter and 1.6 in pitch, and the appended 3 for the number of blades.

The disc diameter is given as 76.49 mm. The 1.6 in pitch is only a little over half the diameter and very flat: the propeller delivers plenty of thrust at low current and favours static thrust and flight time over speed. Three blades supply the thrust that two blades cannot reach at this diameter, and cost efficiency. The weight is 1.18 g, the bore 1.5 mm, and the propeller does not fold. It fits motors with a 1.5 mm shaft, as used in toothpick builds.

An aircraft carries a class from C0 to C6 only if its manufacturer places it on the market and marks it under the EU regulation. A self-assembled toothpick therefore has no class label; take-off mass and equipment remain decisive. Under 250 g without a camera there is no registration duty, with a camera there is, unless the aircraft is a toy. A pilot flying with video goggles needs an observer in the open category.

At 1.18 g wear shows early: nicks on the tips, bent blades or an enlarged centre hole make the propeller unusable, and a repair is not worthwhile. The fit on the 1.5 mm shaft must be free of play. A build needs four propellers, two per direction of rotation, and they are replaced as a set so that all four are worn equally.