The general aviation industry faces safety and legal hurdles during the transition to 100-octane unleaded fuel. Understanding the discrepancy between test-engine octane ratings and real-world engine performance is vital for maintaining safety and protecting manufacturers from liability.
aircraft engines
New Electric Motor for GA Introduced
The company is integrating the new motor into a Van’s Aircraft RV-10. The engine is expected to be on the market by 2027.
Moving Into the Future with 1930s Engine Technology
Are we stuck with ashless oils and poor performance forever in aviation piston engines or is there a way out?
Picture of the Day: When Your Engine Has Eyes
Will Vergonet submitted this photo and note: “Just a shot I noticed when reinstalling magnetos after an overhaul on a G58 Baron.”
How Can I Keep Flying While I Get My Engine Overhauled?
William’s Question: I want to get my engine overhauled. Not because of any operating problems, but because it has been 35 years since overhaul. After contacting overhaul shops I find that due to the work force shortage, overhaul times are now in the six to eight month or more time frame. I don’t want to stop flying to overhaul an engine that the only problem is 35 years since it was last overhauled.
Picture of the Day: As Seen From Below
Will Vergonet submitted this photo and note: “As seen from below: A Continental W670-6N engine during its installation on to a 1933 Waco.”
What’s The Difference Between Narrow Deck And Wide Deck Engines?
Question for Paul McBride, the General Aviation News engine expert: In your recent column, “The fall-out from not doing due diligence,” you mentioned narrow deck and wide deck. My question: “Is a narrow deck an angle valve 540 and a wide deck a parallel valve 540? “
Would our expert add Marvel Mystery Oil to his engine?
Question for Paul McBride, the General Aviation News engines expert: Does adding Marvel Mystery Oil to the fuel and/or engine oil help valves from sticking?
Ask Paul: The fall-out from not doing due diligence
Question for Paul McBride, the General Aviation News engines expert: I purchased a 1971 PA-32 Cherokee 260 about 18 months ago. I did not do my due diligence in a pre-buy and did not consider the effects on an airplane engine with only 300 hours since rebuilt in 2012 that spent a lot of time in a hangar in New Jersey.