Did you know you should wear rubber or latex gloves when changing your airplane’s oil? It’s important to protect yourself from the used oil and the harmful things that can accumulate in the oil from the combustion process.
A different kind of grounded
One of the biggest concerns for general aviation aircraft is where to connect the grounding or bonding cable when refueling.
What you need to know about oil analysis to protect your airplane
Oil analysis can be a very effective tool if used properly. What do you need to know to get the most out of an oil analysis?
When is the best time to take an oil sample from my aircraft engine?
I usually take my oil analysis samples when the engine is cold. The logic is that all the oil has drained, and the volume removed should be a bit better. Should I be doing something differently?
Octane ratings: Where did they come from, what do they mean, and why are there so many?
The difference between the RON and the MON is called the fuels sensitivity. Most typical fuels have a sensitivity of around eight numbers. But occasionally there will be a fuel with a 10 to 12 sensitivity, which does not perform as well in the field.
New math and the unleaded future of general aviation
The search for an unleaded avgas continues, with four fuels still in the running and being evaluated by the FAA. Will all four make it to market? Who will the FAA and the industry get behind as the future of general aviation?
More about winterizing general aviation airplanes
Winter brings special challenges for general aviation aircraft owners, so our oil expert offers more tips on how to winterize your airplane, as well as what guidelines to follow for winter oil changes.
Do multigrade oils increase valve sticking in piston airplane engines?
Recently an engine rebuilder called with a question I had not heard before. He asked if multigrade oils would increase the possibility of valve sticking in piston aircraft engines. My first response was “why would you think that?” Then I started to think through the mechanics of the problem.
Modern engines for a modern world
One of the reasons that GA has not grown is that flying today’s aircraft scares the hell out of young people.