Breaking in a new engine requires heightened focus, along with some parameters for the first few hours of flight: Stay below 5,500 MSL to assure the engine can run at 65% power or better. Only conduct cross-country flights of an hour or more in duration. Full stop landings. No touch-n-go pattern work. No stalls and recoveries. Limit use of idle power to start up, taxi, and landing. And of course, use mineral oil exclusively for this break-in period.
A clean sweep
When you can’t fly, what’s the next best thing? Coming together to help your community.
Garmin introduces D2 Mach 1 pilot watch
The D2 Mach 1 includes preflight, in-flight and post-flight features and tools to assist pilots in navigation and enhance situational awareness, along with multi-band frequency and multi-GNSS support for better and more accurate GPS positioning, Garmin officials said.
Live daily weather brief for pilots launches
“The goal of the Daily EZ Weather Brief program is to provide general aviation pilots with a 10- to 15-minute synopsis of today’s aviation weather impacts across the conterminous U.S. and southern Canada using high-resolution weather guidance,” meteorologist and CFI Dr. Scott Dennstaedt explained.
Near miss in the pattern
As we accelerated for takeoff, we see the Caravan coming straight towards us from the departure end of the runway. Right as we lift off, I make a left turn to side step the runway and we see the Caravan pass by right underneath us.
Picture of the Day: This was my someday
Don Schwanke submitted this photo and note: “This day, March 28, 2021, was my ‘someday’.”
Ask Paul: Replacing a lost data plate
What is the best way to find an engine serial number without using the data plate?
Young Eagles return to the skies
The first Young Eagles day for EAA Chapter 534 in Leesburg, Florida, saw 15 kids take their first flights on March 19, 2022. For some, this might have been a life-changing day.
Let’s talk about aviation culture
The WINGS Industry Network’s next WIN Insights Live broadcast features Bob Rockmaker, president and CEO of the Flight School Association of America. His presentation, “Let’s Talk About Aviation Culture,” begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, March 30, 2022.