August 2023
If your aircraft has the Shower of Sparks Ignition system and the aircraft engine is not starting easily, then ensure the starting vibrator is creating a vibrating sound when the starter switch is positioned to start. If you do not hear this, then perform a thorough inspection of the starting vibrator and corresponding circuit.
July 2023
When connecting P-leads to the magneto ensure the following criteria is met:
- Don’t use lock washers.
- Never use P-lead filters.
- When torquing the AN315-3R nut, hold the P-lead ring terminal.
- Use pal-nut atop the AN315-3R nut.
Note: Studs other than the P-lead may or may not use lock washers.
June 2023
Airworthiness Directives apply to both certified and experimental aircraft.
May 2023
Before purchasing an aircraft, perform a pre-buy inspection and ensure a list is compiled listing life limited parts.
April 2023
If an aircraft’s engine logbooks are lost and airworthiness directives require the engine to be completely disassembled, consider shipping the aircraft to the manufacturer to rebuild and zero-time the engine. This will significantly reduce the chances of another airworthiness directive forcing an engine to tear down. To explain, a zero-time engine provides new logbooks and eliminates the engine’s past. Thus, a zero-time engine is similar to a new engine.
March 2023
Ensure static wicks and all bonding cables are maintained to improve the life of electrical equipment and communication. To explain, as air flows around the aircraft during flight, static electricity increases on the aircraft. If this charge is not dissipated into the air, it will continue to increase until sufficient charge is obtained to return from the aircraft to the air. The moment it jumps into the air, a popping sound is generated in the aircraft radios which degrades communication. Moreover, static electricity will jump between different components of an aircraft in a similar way this electricity jumps from our bodies to a door handle. However, this charge degrades or destroys electrical components.
February 2023
Turbine Engines- maintain performance of your powerplant with engine cleanings. These are essential to preserve your engines and experienced commercial operators have confirmed their importance by including these rinses in their maintenance operations.
January 2023
Ensure all mandatory service bulletins (Require Replacement Service Bulletins) for your aircraft are completed to ensure your next flight is safe and to possibly prevent your insurance company from refusing to cover expenses for an incident/accident because one of these bulletins was not completed.
December 2022
Maintain performance of your turbine engine by performing engine cleanings. These are essential to preserve your engine and reduce maintenance costs. Corrosive compounds are washed away to preserve your powerplant. A turbine engine which has scheduled and regular cleaning can reach TBO without any serious maintenance and produce near maximum rated power the moment before the engine is sent for overhaul (The proper cleaning solution is important) . However, an unclean engine will cease to produce rated power well before it reaches TBO.
November 2022
Mandatory service bulletins (Require Replacement Service Bulletins) are not required by law to be completed for common general aviation aircraft. However, these should be completed to ensure your next flight is safe and to possibly prevent your insurance company from refusing to pay after an incident/accident.
October 2022
If an aircraft is missing major repair or alteration 337s, request aircraft records from the FAA. Personnel who complete a major repair or alteration are required by law to insure the FAA receives documentation explaining the details of this work. Requests for aircraft records may be made by visiting the URL address <https://aircraft.faa.gov/e.gov/nd/> and completing the electronic form.
September 2022
Aircraft logbooks are very important documents and missing documents can severely diminish the value of the aircraft. Store these important documents in a safe location and ensure other family members know its location.
Aircraft owners often lend the logbooks to their mechanics. For the initial annual inspection the mechanic needs all documentation to determine the airworthiness of the aircraft. Upon completion of the annual, immediately obtain the logbooks from him or her. At this point there is no significant reason for this mechanic to hold onto all of the records for routine maintenance. If you fly a lot and wish to simplify documentation, allow the mechanic to keep a portion of the logbooks (the most recent airframe, engine, and propeller logs). This allows him or her to maintain a running log. Then periodically make copies of these entries in case these books are lost.
August 2022
Dielectric grease lubricates electrical connectors and terminals to allow for ease of assembly. It also protects the components from corrosion, dirt, and salt. Other advantages include the following:
- prevents voltage leakage
- extends the life of bulb sockets
- prevents spark plug boots from fusing to the spark plugs
Warning: Do not use any other type of grease as a replacement for dielectric grease because most other greases are conductive for electricity and will short circuits. The carbon in these greases conduct electricity.
July 2022
Fuel bladders need a full tank of fuel to prolong its life. The fuel helps retain the plasticizers and cools the walls of the bladder which prevent it from cracking and leaking, so keep as much fuel in the tank as possible.
June 2022
Marvel Schebler Carburetors
To prevent engine failure or a reduction in power, all float carburetors manufactured by Volare Carburetors, LLC are subject to a required replacement of foam and hallow floats per service bulletin SB-2 revision B. Brass and plastic floats could leak causing a complete loss in power. To prevent this scenario, the manufacturer has developed a solid blue epoxy float which is impervious to fuel and additives used in the aviation industry. The warning signs for a failing float:
- hard starting
2. flooding
3. fuel leaking from carburetor
4. poor idle performance
5. a need for excessive leaning
6. excessive fuel consumption
7. poor idle performance
8. difficulty stopping the engine by using the mixture cut-off control
Please Note: Volare Carburetors predecessors are Precision Airmotive Corporation, Facet Aerospace Products Company, and Marvel-Schebler
May 2022
When making repairs to seams of aircraft upholstery, use a double stitched seam instead of one. In many applications one seam will not provide sufficient strength to hold material together.
April 2022
While timing a Bendix magneto to an engine, do not use distributor gear lock tools. These place stress on the plastic gears which may lead to engine failure. Teledyne Continental published a mandatory service bulletin which says, “Do not use distributor gear lock devices. Use of such devices may result in gear tooth damage.” Instead, I recommend finding magnetic neutral: feel where magneto gear does not turn. This neutral position is helpful so that the gear will not move while installing.
(Reference Teledyne Continental Ignition Systems Mandatory Service Bulletin MSB645)
March 2022
Resistors in spark plugs reduce spark plug erosion, which extends spark plug life, and improve radio performance by reducing noise. This reduction in noise also improves performance for other avionics equipment.
February 2022
New Resistor type spark plugs have an internal resistance of approximately 1,000 ohms. This internal resistance increases in at least some spark plugs with age. As a result, the accumulated internal resistance might increase above 5,000 ohms of resistance before the spark plugs show physical signs of wear from use such as spark plug erosion. This high internal resistance can damage magnetos and ignition wires. The spark plug industry has not agreed on a specific value of high internal resistance such as 5,000 ohms, but all spark plug manufactures agree that a rough running engine could be a sign of spark plug high internal resistance. For longevity of the ignition system and better performance, replace the spark plugs when they have high internal resistance.
January 2022
When performing a preflight inspection at night, use a white light with no filters so that aircraft details stand out. To explain, the purpose of a preflight is to identify discrepancies with the aircraft. Light filters such as red filters will decrease visibility of items like red hydraulic fluid. Finally, before take off allow your eyes to adjust to the dark by removing all artificial light and waiting twenty to forty minutes.
December 2021
While backcountry flying, many aircraft owners prefer large tires. To determine tire size options available, review the manufacturer’s manuals or type certificate data sheet. If the desired size is not permitted by the manufacturer, discuss other possibilities with an aircraft mechanic: field approvals are typically granted by the FAA for oversized tires.
November 2021
If a pilot notices difficulty communicating with ATC or the performance of navigational equipment has diminished inspect the ignition wires. Engine ignition wire braided shielding improves radio performance by reducing radio frequency interference (RFI). This interference reduces performance of communication and navigational equipment. During preflight inspect the ignition wires if the braided shielding is compromised ask a mechanic to replace the defective ignition wires.
October 2021
When purchasing an aircraft, inspect the air filter. If it is a pleated paper filter and the age cannot be determined, replace it. Old paper filters will disintegrate and be consumed by the engine. This may lead to a loss or reduction in power.
September 2021
During preflight or when the engine cowls are removed inspect the fasteners which secure the cylinders to the engines. These will loosen. If they are found to be loose, ask a powerplant mechanic to tighten them. Loose cylinder base fasteners are a leading cause of engine failure. Finally, pal nuts are used to help prevent the nuts from loosening.
August 2021
Zippers which are typically found in the interior of aircraft sometimes become difficult to move. This ultimately may damage the zipper which will require an unneeded repair. To prevent this lubricate the zipper with beeswax.
July 2021
Aircraft manufactures many times require the use nitrogen and in some cases dry air to inflate tires. This is to prevent ice from forming inside the tire at altitude or at the airport. Ice in the aircraft wheel may rupture the tire.
June 2021
Caution: Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses provide enhance vision by reducing glare. The lenses have a filter which only allows vertical light to pass. This improves clarity and reduces eye strain on bright sunny days. However, polarized sunglasses interfere with the ability to read certain electronic devices.
May 2021
Active Noise Reduction (ANR) headsets protect aircrew and passengers hearing by cancelling low frequency noise which penetrates inside the earmuff. Most general aviation noise is low frequency. However, jet engines produce high frequency noise: ANR systems do not protect hearing from this noise. The earmuffs themselves provide some protection from high frequency noise. Before flying the aircraft insure the active noise reduction system is operational. If it will not turn on, try replacing the batteries.
April 2021
Polyurethane is useful in wooden aircraft and was used in the Eagle DW1 agricultural biplane to coat the wood inside the wings. This helps seal the wood and prevents decay. Talk to your mechanic to determine if this coating is approved for your aircraft.
March 2021
Propeller dynamic balancing reduces stress on the engine and airframe components by reducing the vibration magnitude of the rotating engine crankshaft and propeller.
February 2021
Instrument panels typically use brass screws to secure items. These screws are important because they are nonferrous which means they will never become magnetized and do not contain iron which could interfere with instrument panel compass and other avionics devices. Refer to the current manufactures illustrated parts catalog (IPC) for the proper replacement screws. If the IPC lists brass screws, then insure this screw is installed.
January 2021
Many aircraft owners are attracted to stainless steel fasteners because of the corrosion protection: the fasteners always looks new. However, stainless steel is not as strong as a steel fastener. In some applications this is not important, but beware stainless steel will not protect steel or aluminum parts from corrosion as well as a steel fastener. It will actually accelerate the corrosion of aluminum and steel parts because of a process named galvanic corrosion. For more information see FAA Advisory Circular 43-4B: Table 4-1. Galvanic Series of Metals and Alloys. I recommend installing the fastener the manufacture depicts in the illustrated parts catalog.
December 2020
When starting the engine in cold temperatures below freezing, preheat the engine to prevent accelerated engine wear. Ideally store the aircraft in a heated hangar the evening before departure to allow the oil and engine to warm. Hot oil optimally lubricates the engine, and warm engine parts insure proper clearances between engine components which reduces engine wear. To explain, during cold temperatures different metals expand and shrink at different rates. This difference causes changes between the clearances of engine components which may accelerate wear.
November 2020
The Garmin GDU 620 has an upper and lower card reader. If the top card reader for the navigation data updates fails, use the lower card reader to install the navigation data updates: Garmin recently reconfigured the lower card reader to accept data from the navigation SD cards. This enhancement extends the life of the GDU 620 by allowing the user to defer an unneeded repair. Please email me for any questions.
October 2020
Thread sealant tape (Teflon tape) is not normally legal to use for attaching fuel lines and fittings. The concern is the tape could be dislodged in the fuel system and clog fuel delivery to the engine which could lead to a loss of engine power.
September 2020
If your engine is running hot during the summer months, the solution might be a simple repair such as replacing or repairing the cylinder baffling. Please visit for a free baffling inspection.
August 2020
The ideal gas to fill the tires with is nitrogen. This helps prevent moisture and ice from developing inside the tires which could lead to the tire rupturing. Moreover, nitrogen leaks through rubber at a slower rate than air, so tires will maintain pressure longer if they are filled with nitrogen. Some aircraft manufacturers allow shop air but it must be dry and free of moisture. Please follow the aircraft manufacturer’s recommendations.
July 2020
Improperly installed seat belts can cause spinal damage in the event of a small accident. “Spinal compression can generally be avoided if the upper attachment point of the shoulder harness is selected to provide a geometry where the trailing length behind the occupant does not fall below an angle of 5 degrees below the longitudinal
tangent to the occupant’s shoulder.” (FAA Advisory Circular 21-34 page 25, 1993)
