QUESTION: A friend has an O-320 in his hangar. I have only the following data, and am wondering how or where I can use these data to determine exactly which engine this is. Data plate says: O-320, eng #2689-27. The case is cast with the number L-17001-27A. I tried using the Lycoming website, hoping for […]
Opinion
What are financial paybacks to flight data monitoring
In the Sept, 7 issue of GAN, Meg Godlewski’s article on Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) for general aviation (Can a GA “black box” prevent accidents?) does a nice job of covering the subject. I’m the source of the “don’t call it a black box” inset, and I would like to add one more paragraph on […]
The “Greenies” are coming and we’d better watch out
I don’t want to seem like an alarmist, but the new environmental religion has become a threat to aviation, and the threat is very real. Ten protesters at London’s Biggin Hill were arrested last month while blocking access to private aircraft, which make up most of the traffic at that historic airfield. They were protesting […]
Can I use a yellow tagged camshaft in my Wittman Tailwind?
I have a Lycoming O-320-D2A that will be going into a Wittman Tailwind. The crankcase and crankshaft are yellow tagged. The camshaft is really pitted and will need to be replaced. I imagine the followers will need replacing also unless refurbishing them isn’t a big deal. My question is this: There’s a possibility that I […]
A LESSON LEARNED
On a bright, Saturday morning not too long ago, my wife Kathy and I drove to our hangar at the Frederick Municipal Airport in Maryland. Since we were pressed for time, we decided just to make several takeoffs and landings in our Mooney Ovation 2000. During my pre-flight, I noticed that I had about two […]
QUIT WHINING ABOUT ETHANOL
There’s the problem with ethanol-based fuel! It may consume more energy in its production that it itself will produce. It may cost more than petroleum-based fuels it replaces. Taxpayers may have to continue subsidizing it until the public comes to its senses. However, until that happens politicians and newspaper editors, particularly here in the Corn […]
FAA administrator moves on: Successor will jumpinto the user fee debate
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Marion Blakey’s term as FAA administrator expires Sept. 13. She will become president of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), the lobbying trade group of companies involved primarily with military and commercial aerospace. At one time, nine companies that produced general aviation aircraft and engines were a part of AIA. They were called […]
Do you have the Right Stuff? If not, can it be learned?
Everyone knows at least one pilot who has “the right stuff.” “These are the people we trust, whom we look up to — and not just for their stick and rudder skills,” says Bill Rhodes, owner of Aerworthy Consulting, who is kicking off a first-of-its-kind study of what makes a pilot a superior pilot. Dubbed […]
What’s causing popping noises at low RPM?
I have a high-wing homebuilt aircraft into which I have installed an IO-360-A1B 200-hp Lycoming salvaged from a Lake Amphiban, with 660 TT. My problem is that it makes loud popping noises at low RPM, such as when landing or taxiing. I have a cross-over type exhaust, and have had a mechanic check both the […]