Maintenance

Piper’s Twin Comanche–affectionately known as the Twinkie by many owners–is one of the most efficient twin-engine aircraft ever manufactured, eclipsed only Diamond’s diesel-powered DA42. The Twin Comanche is a popular refurb platform because the airframe performs well and is reasonably priced on the used market. For this month’s refurb of the month, we’ve picked Ron […]

The Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) Wednesday joined the NTSB, AOPA, EAA, the National Air Transportation Association and others in requesting that the FAA reconsider proposed rulemaking regarding ECi cylinders used in Continental engines. ARSA wrote in electronic comments submitted to the FAA that the agency disregarded the most basic requirements for promulgating a regulation, […]

Shells announcement of an unleaded replacement for 100LL last week has drawn lots of attention, deservedly. At this weeks ASTM meeting in Tampa, I spent time buttonholing the worlds fuel experts about what this means for the world of GA. The fuel guys are mostly curious-intensely so-about what formulation Shell has cooked up, but the […]

If you do your own airplane maintenance, that work will include checking spark plugs. Tempest says checks should include resistance measurements and they’ve developed a little gadget to do that. view on YouTube

There will be owners who say they have aircraft batteries that are five or more years old and it still cranks just fine. Chances are they live in a warm climate, dont ever worry about having an alternator failure and have some good luck. Some use proper aviation battery chargers, but probably not. Hopefully, these […]

In the admittedly dwindling universe of aircraft owners, there is some small percentage of people who are not ethically or morally qualified to own airplanes. Im probably deluding myself by saying it is a tiny fraction of owners, but it may very well be growing. Im referring to the deadbeats, the hustlers, the malcontents and […]

The fragile relationship between avionics shops and aircraft owners is sometimes stressed at the end of a project. Thats partly because some owners have unrealisticexpectations, assuming the aircraft will be released right after a flight test. On the other hand, shops create stress for themselves when they overpromiseand offer the impression that work on the […]

Anyone who flies out west understands the need for turbocharging and pressurization isnt a bad idea, either. An older Cessna P210 fits this requirement perfectly and this month, were featuring Steve Biggs P210N, which is based in Bozeman, Montana. I’m proud to submit my newly refurbished P210N for your consideration as Refurb of the Month. […]

While stepping up to a glass panel may appear to offer lower maintenance bills and downtime, its just as likely that when the all-in cost of ownership is added up-including data revisions-glass could cost more than a well-kept steam gauge panel. Glass ownership is fraught with unexpected costs that many owners seem unprepared for. Routine […]

A strong case to change your own oil can be made. You certainly can save a fair amount of money, especially if you get your oil by the case, but more importantly, it puts you in touch with your engines lifeblood. You can see how it looks and feels from change to change; smell any […]