Reader David Bennett recently wrote in, asking about oil temperature vs. oil grade. “When oil is rated for a certain temperature range, is that start-up temperature range or the range for most of the intended trip? My Super Cub handbook states SAE 40 is good from 30°F to 90°F, but on the Aeroshell site, it […]
Visser's Voice
How are planes affecting the environment?
Lately, I’ve received a lot of e-mails from readers asking about the environment and the effect of internal combustion engine exhaust on our climate. One factor is the effect of CO2 on the environment. My understanding is that CO2 is relatively harmless and naturally occurring. To try to better understand the latest concern about CO2, […]
Getting the lead out
I received an e-mail from a gentleman who is a “small investor” in Swift Fuels, a group associated with Purdue University working to produce an unleaded, high-octane aviation fuel that can be made from almost any sugar-containing plant matter. He asked that I update people on Swift’s progress, as well as took me to task […]
What oil should you use?
Many pilots want to know what oil to use and where to get it. To answer these questions accurately, I sent a questionnaire to the four main oil companies that supply lubricants to the general aviation industry. I received nice replies from Shell and Phillips, a note from BP that said the company was changing […]
Six tips to cut your flying expenses
Frugal flying may be some sort of oxymoron, but there are a number of things pilots can do to minimize expenses. The first and foremost is to maintain your engine and keep it on spec. A fouled spark plug or retarded mag timing can increase your fuel consumption significantly. Second is speed. I know we […]
MythBusters: Does lead have any effect on valve life?
So remember, it takes only two things to be an expert: gray hair and hemorrhoids. The gray hair makes you look distinguished. The hemorrhoids make you look concerned.
Liability raises its ugly head once again
I recently received a number of notes from people who asked the same two questions: Could aircraft engine manufacturers build engines that operate safely on autogas and autogas containing ethanol and, if so, why don’t they? I recently received a number of notes from people who asked the same two questions: Could aircraft engine manufacturers […]
A new fuel takes flight
On Dec. 17, 2007, the United States Air Force flew a C-17 Globemaster III from McChord Air Force Base in Washington to McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey on a 50/50 blend of synthetic fuel and JP-8, a traditional hydrocarbon jet fuel. On Dec. 17, 2007, the United States Air Force flew a C-17 […]
Herb Poitz : You may not know his name, but he changed the way we fly
I have been asked many times at air shows if I was the original developer of Aeroshell W oils. I have been asked many times at air shows if I was the original developer of Aeroshell W oils. I appreciate the honor, however I usually try to tell some version of the truth. Since I […]