Hartzell Propeller Teams Up with Matt Hall Racing
New partnership and video series showcases inspiring Australian aviation stories
Matt Hall Racing (MHR) is pleased to announce a new corporate partnership with Hartzell Propeller, the global leader in advanced aircraft propeller design and manufacturing technology.
Matt Hall, chief executive officer at Matt Hall Racing, says he has been flying Hartzell props on several of his planes for over 20 years, including his Edge, which won him the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in 2019.
“Nothing beats a Hartzell prop,” said Hall. “They’re super smooth with lots of power and thrust. They’re just so reliable. We’re proud to partner with people who offer so much knowledge and pride in their product.”
The alignment with MHR supports Hartzell Propeller’s strategic plans to increase the company’s presence in Australia, offering two through to six-bladed propellers for general aviation through turboprop class aircraft.
“Australians love aviation, which is why we’re also proud to capture and share Australian aviation stories across a new short video series, Up Above, Down Under,” said Hartzell Propeller president JJ Frigge.
The first episode of the series features Matt Hall’s inspiring and quintessentially Australian story, from his humble beginnings to becoming a military hero and world champion.
“Not only is Matt an incredible pilot, but he’s an incredible person. His sincerity and honesty make him a great partner and advocate for Hartzell Propeller,” added Frigge.
Back in 2003, Hall entered competitive aerobatics in America while on exchange serving with the U.S. Air Force. It was then he bought his first ever Hartzell propeller: a rare two-blade Claw on his Giles 202.
F/A-18 Hornet versus Giles 202. Hall’s first Hartzell propeller, the two-blade Claw. Photo taken Williamtown 2005 (source Matt Hall)
Hall later resigned from the Royal Australian Air Force as a wing commander to pursue competitive racing in 2009.
“When I started competing in the Red Bull Air Race, we had a choice of propellers. I instantly went to the Hartzell Claw because I knew the reliability and safety were there. Its strength is amazing,” said Hall.
Hall placed third in his world championship racing debut in 2009 and has since accumulated seven wins and 25 podiums, including three times world series runner-up and ultimately world champion, making him the most successful air racing pilot in the modern era.
Matt Hall with his world championship winning Hartzell propeller and Edge plane. Photo 2019 (source Matt Hall)
Hall also currently runs an Extra 300L aircraft for aerobatic displays and Red Bull Air Race experiences out of Lake Macquarie Airport. When looking to enhance performance for his 300L, Hall reached out to Hartzell Propeller.
“It’s been a pleasure to partner with Matt and find the right propeller for his specific aerobatic performance goals,” said Kristin Bendickson, manager of specialized propeller sales at Hartzell Propeller. “We recommended our three-blade, high-performance carbon fibre Talon propeller, which was recently STC-approved for the two-seat Extra 300L.
Since installing the Talon propeller, Hall says the performance boost to his 300L is becoming comparable to his single-seat race planes.
“Ever since we put the Talon on, we’ve really noticed the increased performance,” Hall said. “It’s smoother, it’s faster, it’s got a better upline and improved take-off performance — it just goes forever. It’s a fantastic prop to be hanging off our 300L.”
The Talon propeller is available from prop shops, FBOs, or direct from Hartzell’s Top Prop propeller conversion program.
“The decision to partner with Hartzell is not just about the propellers; it’s the company itself,” explained Hall. “I resonated with their motto of ‘Built on Honor.’ I joined the Air Force as a teenager and have had honour in my life that entire time. It’s part of the core of me. I truly believe Hartzell Propeller is Built on Honor, because they stand behind their product and customers one hundred percent,” he said.