MT-Propeller Earns FAA STC for Maule MX-7 Composite Propeller

MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH has secured a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) allowing United States operators of Lycoming-powered Maule MX-7 series aircraft to install the company’s two-blade natural composite propeller.

Announced in a press release on September 24, 2026, the approval (STC SA12472IB) enables the retrofit of the MTV-15-B/203-58 propeller on specific Maule models equipped with the Lycoming O-360-C1F engine. The certification follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) STC 10028096, which was originally issued for the same installation in December 2009.

Performance and weight benefits

The transition to MT-Propeller’s natural composite blades offers measurable performance changes for the Maule MX-7. According to the manufacturer, the installation reduces the aircraft’s weight by up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds) compared to the original factory propeller.

The composite construction features a bonded stainless steel leading edge designed to protect against water and foreign object damage. MT-Propeller Vice President Martin Albrecht stated the design provides the “best vibration damping characteristics for almost vibration free propeller operations” and noted the upgrade delivers “unbeatable esthetic ramp appeal.”

Applicability and fleet context

The FAA STC applies to several variants within the Maule MX-7 family. Approved models include the MX-7-180, MX-7-180B, MX-7-180C, MXT-7-180, MX-7-180A, and MXT-7-180A. The composite blades have no life limitation and are repairable in the event of damage.

The Maule certification adds to MT-Propeller’s extensive portfolio of global approvals. The German manufacturer currently holds 230 STCs worldwide and produces 30 certified propeller models. The company reports having more than 36,500 propeller systems and 145,000 blades in active operation, accumulating over 200 million flight hours across its 45-year history.

The FAA approval follows a series of international certifications granted to MT-Propeller in August 2026. These include a Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) STC for the Beechcraft King Air 300 series and an ANAC Brazil STC for Piper PA-46 turboprops.

AirPro News analysis

We view this FAA certification as a logical extension of MT-Propeller’s existing European approvals for the Maule MX-7. With the EASA STC in place since 2009, the US validation opens a significant market-analysis of backcountry and utility operators who prioritize weight reduction and vibration control. The 22-pound weight savings is particularly relevant for the Maule airframe, directly increasing useful load for an aircraft frequently utilized in remote, payload-sensitive operations.

Sources: MT-Propeller