Our expert offers tips on everything from the best way to extend the storage life of aviation grease to how to store wheel bearings to the best way to wash your plane to prevent rust.
Visser's Voice
Still no answer on unleaded avgas 30 years on
The push for unleaded avgas began in the 1980s. It seems we’re still no closer to an answer today than we were then.
How long can aviation oil sit on the shelf?
The answer is fairly easy from a legal standpoint because the specifications state that the supplier must guarantee that the oil stay within spec for at least three years. But what’s the “technically safe” shelf life of aviation oil?
Aren’t all engine oils mineral oils?
Only — and I do mean only — use oils that meet the Mil/SAE specs recommended.
Tips to improve fuel efficiency in your airplane
The principals for improving gas mileage in an aircraft are optimizing engine operation, minimizing weight, reducing aerodynamic drag, and improving operation parameters.
Multigrade vs. single grade oil: Which is better for your engine?
Changing the oil at least three times a year or every 50 hours (if you have an oil filter) is one of the two most important things you can do to protect your engine.
A better way to change oil
Oil pans and drain plugs are often “perfectly” located so that it is almost impossible to get to them without burning your hands, as well as spilling oil everywhere.
Engine Break-in 101
Follow these tips to break-in your engine the right way.
Not all greases are created equal
Most of the problems stem from a belief that all grease is created equal and as long as a bearing has some sort of grease in it, it will be fine.