In response to a previous column in which I expounded on the problem of exhaust valve recession with unleaded fuels, I received a note from Ron Newberg, which reminded me of work done by the oil companies back in the early 1970s. I actually ran some of these tests, in which we demonstrated that Tri-Cresyl Phosphorous (TCP) added to an unleaded fuel reduces the amount of exhaust valve recession. It worked well. Since TCP is approved for almost all aircraft piston engines, it is an immediate approved solution for the exhaust valve recession problem. But, alas, nothing is that simple. TCP will work, but it has some health concerns.
Angel Flight Southeast to host Texas Hold’em tournament at Sun ’n Fun
March 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Angel Flight Southeast, which coordinates free air transportation for children and adults with medical or compelling humanitarian needs, will host a charity Texas Hold’em Tournament March 31 during the Sun ’n Fun airshow in Lakeland, Florida.
Ever-increasing prices make fuel planning more important
March 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment
The price of oil has risen nearly 20% in the last six months, to well over $100 a barrel, pushing up aviation fuel costs and forcing pilots to do redouble their focus on fuel planning, according to a report at NBAA.org, which offers several tips on how to deal with the increased costs.
Stock Flight Systems introduces EMU for Rotax 912iS
March 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Stock Flight Systems has introduced an Engine Management Unit for BRP’s new Rotax 912iS aero engine.
Preorder the new Rotax 912 iS
March 20, 2012 by 1 Comment
California Power Systems is now taking preorders for the new Rotax 912iS engine.
Sporty’s founder to speak at Wichita Aero Club
March 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment
General aviation icon Hal Shevers, founder of Sporty’s, will be the featured speaker at this week’s Wichita Aero Club luncheon. [Read more...]
Worthington appointed Dallas Airmotive regional manager
March 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Kevin Worthington has joined Dallas Airmotive, a BBA Aviation Engine Repair and Overhaul (ERO) company, as a Regional Engine Manager covering several Midwestern states. Worthington will be responsible for selling repair and overhaul services on Pratt & Whitney Canada engines.
Failure to go around bends firewall
March 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment
This March 2010 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Cessna 172. Injuries: None. Location: Lawrence, Kan. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The student pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings. During the first approach she felt that her approach was too high, so she pitched down slightly, leveled off, and landed on the main landing gear. After landing, the plane porpoised twice and then landed flat and hard.
Visiting family
March 19, 2012 by 1 Comment
It’s no exaggeration — Atlanta traffic is bad. Even though we live 60 miles north of the city, my family lives three hours south. There’s no way around it. If I want to visit them, I must travel through a sprawling congested mess. The interstate straight through the city is often snarled and the loop around it is just as bad.
So when I learned to fly years ago, it was a relief to my Old Man that I finally had a safer mode of transportation to use when I wanted to see my family. He didn’t worry as much when I flew down in my C-172C than when I traveled by car. [Read more...]
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