I’m confused about the rocker arm differences on the O-360-A4K parallel valve cylinders because I know about the extreme heat that the exhaust valves endure. My question is why does the intake rocker arm #69444 have the extra oil hole that leads to the intake valve shaft to cool and lubricate it while the exhaust […]
Are multi-grade oils bad?
In my last column, “”Multi-grade vs. single-grade oils: The debate continues”” (Feb. 16 issue), I recommend single-grade engine oil over multi-grade oils for use in large radial engines (over 1,800 cubic inches displacement). I am hoping that you all did not read that and conclude that if multi-grades are not as good in large radials, […]
February 2005 Accident Reports
The mechanic’s improper installation of the oil filter canister base gasket, which resulted in an oil leak and the separation of the connecting rod due to oil starvation.
Iowa City Airport’s historic hangar preserved in the virtual world
If you can’t save a piece of history in the real world, save it in the virtual world. That’s what was done to the Boeing/United Airlines Hangar that for the past 77 years has graced Iowa City Municipal Airport (IOW) in Iowa. The hangar is slated for demolition to make room for a runway safety […]
Teens vandalize airplanes at Northern Caliornia airport
Four teenage girls in Garberville, Calif., are facing criminal charges and several hours of community service after allegedly trespassing onto a general aviation airport and vandalizing at least five aircraft. “Exactly when the damage happened isn’t clear,” said Brenda Godsey, public information officer for the Humboldt County Sheriff’s office. “We were made aware of it […]
Direct-To Avionics closes
Chelton Flight Systems of Boise, Idaho, has come to the rescue of customers who were left in a lurch by the sudden closure of Direct-To Avionics. The Bend, Ore.-based company abruptly closed its doors in December. Direct-To Avionics was a distributor of systems for kit-built aircraft. Among the components supplied were those for Chelton Flight […]
Houston Executive Airport officially opens
There’s a new airport in the Houston area. Houston Executive Airport (78T) commenced operations earlier this month. Businessman and avid pilot Ron Henriksen built the airport with private funds. It is on the west side of the city and designed to give the business aviation community an alternative to the area’s crowded commercial airports. “This […]
Ready for takeoff again: Louisisana Fly-In Series recovers from hurricanes Katrina and Rita
The one thing you can’t control when you plan a fly-in is the weather. The Experimental Aircraft Association chapters in Louisiana know this well after the hurricane season of 2005. Communities and airports throughout the state were devastated by hurricanes Katrina and Rita but, as the state has recovered, so has the Louisiana EAA Fly-In […]
Getting the most out of a demo flight
One of the reasons people attend airshows and fly-ins is to shop for airplanes. Because so many aircraft manufacturers and distributors attend these events, airshows provide prime opportunities to comparison shop. Of course the shopping experience isn’t complete without test flying the aircraft, but you need to be prepared to get the best experience. THE […]