Savvy Aviator has introduced FEVA — Failing Exhaust Valve Analytics — which provides advance warning of failing exhaust valves in piston aircraft engines equipped with a digital engine monitor. A decade ago, Savvy’s founder and CEO Mike Busch said he discovered a characteristic pattern in exhaust gas temperature (EGT) data that is predictive of a failing exhaust valve. […]
Engines
Is there a benefit to using fuel additives?
I have recently received several inquiries concerning the use of aviation fuel and lubricant additives. To start a discussion on additives, I’ve looked into any and all approved additives. In the ASTM D-910 spec for 100/130 low-lead avgas, there are only two fuel additives approved for aircraft owner addition to the fuel: Isopropyl Alcohol and […]
Ask Paul: Does my engine need an oil filter?
Q: I just purchased a 1978 Citabria 7ECA with a Lycoming O-235-C1. Just had my first oil change done — it has no oil filter! Just one, maybe two, screens. Are these screens just as effective if I change my oil every 25 hours? Should I add an oil filter? Is that even possible? I run Phillips X/C […]
Blackhawk hits milestone as company celebrates 15th anniversary
Blackhawk Modifications is celebrating two milestones — the company’s 15-year anniversary and the upcoming completion of its 500th aircraft upgrade. “Since May 1999, Blackhawk has been proudly helping turboprop aircraft owners and pilots upgrade their aircraft with new Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A engines,” said Blackhawk President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Allmon. “Blackhawk was born […]
Gross weight increases approved for Power90 conversion
SMYRNA, Tenn. — Just three months after completion of its second Power90 conversion to the GE H80 Engines, Smyrna Air Center reports the STC has been amended to allow for an increase of the Max Gross Takeoff Weight (MGTW) for the King Air C90 and E90 with the GE H80 engines installed. The amendment increases the King Air C90 […]
Ameritech names two new service centers in Alaska
Ameritech Industries, the parent company of Eagle Engines and American Propeller, has named Northland Aviation Services in Fairbanks and Seaplanes North in Anchorage are new sales and distribution centers in Alaska. Both Northland Aviation and Seaplanes North will have available the four and six cylinder Electroair Certified Electronic Ignition Systems for Continental and Lycoming engines. The […]
Dallas Airmotive to build six-cell test complex at DFW
Dallas Airmotive has chosen a site at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport as the location for its 30,000-square-foot advanced test facility. The proposed development is awaiting approval by the DFW Airport Board of Directors. The design of the facility includes three turbo shaft and three turbo fan test cells and the company plans to begin construction in […]
Engines find a home of their own
As a part of its new 175,000-square-foot hangar construction project in Lincoln, Nebraska, Duncan Aviation is dedicating 4,050 square feet just to engines. And according to James Prater, manager of turbine engine services, when you double shop space, good things happen. “We’ve only been in the new shop for a few months, but have already […]
Ask Paul: How should I handle chromed cylinder removal?
Q: When an engine with chromed cylinders comes into a shop with oil leaks and the source has been identified as thru bolts and cylinder base o-rings, how should the cylinder removal and reinstallation be handled? Also, is there any wisdom in turning the oil scraper ring upside down in chromed cylinder to help control oil […]