104949-2 – Electrofilm FAA-PMA Heater Element
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
Overview
The 104949-2 is an FAA-PMA approved, high-performance propeller de-ice heater element, commonly referred to as a "prop boot." This flight-critical component is engineered to be bonded to the leading edge of a propeller blade, where it provides the thermal energy necessary to prevent or remove ice accretion during flight in icing conditions. Manufactured by leading PMA holders like Wencor Group, this heater element is built to meet or exceed the performance of the original OEM part. It utilizes an advanced etched foil heating element encapsulated within a durable, erosion-resistant neoprene boot, ensuring reliable and uniform heat distribution for safe flight operations.
Key Features
- Efficient Electro-Thermal De-Icing: Features a highly efficient etched foil resistive heating element. This design provides rapid, uniform heat distribution across the entire boot surface, ensuring effective ice shedding with minimal power consumption.
- Aerodynamic Profile: The boot is designed with a smooth, aerodynamic profile that minimizes its effect on propeller performance. The durable outer neoprene layer is resistant to erosion from rain, sand, and other airborne particulates.
- High-Durability Construction: Built as a multi-layer assembly with the heating element and electrical buss bars encapsulated in a flexible, high-strength neoprene rubber. This construction is designed to withstand the extreme centrifugal forces, vibration, and thermal cycling of propeller operation.
- Integrated Electrical Connection: Comes complete with an integral lead wire assembly for connecting the heater element to the propeller's slip ring and brush block assembly.
- FAA-PMA Certified: As a certified FAA-PMA part, it has been rigorously tested to meet the demanding performance and quality standards required for installation on Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI) certified aircraft, making it a fully airworthy replacement part.
Technical Specifications
- Part Number: 104949-2
- Component Type: Propeller De-Ice Heater Element (Prop Boot)
- Heating Technology: Etched Foil Resistive Element
- Boot Material: Erosion-Resistant Neoprene Rubber
- Primary Application: Propeller Leading Edge Ice Protection
- Certification: FAA-PMA
Aircraft Compatibility
The 104949-2 heater element is specified for use on specific models of Hartzell propellers, which are installed on a wide range of high-performance piston and turboprop twin-engine aircraft. It is imperative to consult the specific aircraft or propeller maintenance manual and parts catalog for final verification.
- Compatible Propeller Models (Examples):
- Various Hartzell Propeller assemblies.
- Common Aircraft Platforms:
- Beechcraft: King Air 90, 100, 200 Series; Baron 58P
- Piper: Cheyenne, Navajo
- Cessna: 414, 421, 425 Conquest I
Applications
The 104949-2 is a critical component of the aircraft's ice protection system:
- Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI): Its primary function is to enable safe flight during icing encounters by preventing ice from forming on the propeller blades. An asymmetric build-up of ice on a propeller can cause destructive vibration.
- Scheduled Maintenance & Replacement: Prop boots are wear items and must be inspected regularly for erosion, delamination, or electrical faults (e.g., opens or shorts). They are replaced when they no longer function correctly or have reached the end of their service life.
Why Choose 104949-2?
A functioning propeller de-ice system is mandatory for any FIKI-certified aircraft and is a critical safety system for all operators. A failed prop boot can lead to a dangerous flight condition. Using a high-quality, FAA-PMA approved 104949-2 heater element ensures that you are installing a component that has been tested to perform reliably under the extreme stresses of flight in icing conditions. It provides a cost-effective, airworthy solution for maintaining your aircraft's ice protection system at peak performance.
Order Your 104949-2 Heater Elements Now
Ensure your aircraft is prepared for flight in any weather with certified, high-performance ice protection components. Visit Airparts.aero to order your 104949-2 propeller de-ice heater elements today.
The 104949-2 electro-thermal de-ice boot operates as a resistive heater. Electrical current from the aircraft's de-ice timer/controller is passed through the etched foil element. Due to the material's electrical resistance, the electrical energy is converted into thermal energy (heat) according to the principle of Joule heating (P=I2R). This heat rapidly warms the surface of the boot to a temperature above freezing, breaking the bond between the propeller's leading edge and any accreted ice. The combination of centrifugal force and airflow then sheds the loosened ice harmlessly away from the aircraft. The system typically operates in cycles, heating inboard and outboard sections of the propeller blades alternately to manage electrical load and ensure effective shedding.
Note: This is a flight-critical component that requires specialized procedures for installation. The bonding of the boot to the propeller blade is a critical process that must be performed by a certified A&P mechanic or a certified propeller shop in strict accordance with the propeller manufacturer's maintenance manual and all applicable service documents. Improper installation can lead to boot delamination and catastrophic failure of the propeller.
