|
Proper Preflight
-
Use the correct amount and grade of aviation gasoline. Never use auto gas or
jet fuel in aircraft piston engines.
-
Use the correct grade and amount of oil in your engine. Generally, engines use
SAE 50 above 40 degrees Fahrenheit; and SAE 30 or 10W30 below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
-
In cold weather make sure that the engine oil is sufficiently warm before
starting the engine. Below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, use a heated hangar or preheat.
-
Drain the fuel sumps to assure there is no water or foreign matter in the fuel system.
-
Make certain cooling air inlets are open and free of foreign objects (bird's nests, etc.)
-
Ensure that the oil cap and dipstick are properly secured.
Check for obvious oil and fuel leaks.
Starting and Warm-Up
In normal and hot weather:
-
Little or no priming is necessary.
-
Make runups thorough, but as brief as possible. To minimize spark plug fouling,
idle engine at 1000 to 1200 rpm.
-
Avoid overheating by keeping ground operations to a minimum. Park and complete
runup into the wind.
-
Cowl flaps should be open for all ground operations.
In cold weather:
-
Make sure magnetos and master switch are "off," then rotate propeller by
hand about six revolutions before attempting to start engine.
-
Prime engine as recommended in the Pilot's Operating Handbook. Avoid over priming.
-
Oil pressure should be in the green arc range within 60 seconds. If it is not,
shut down and investigate.
-
Operate engine at 1000 rpm until oil pressure is in the green arc range and steady.
Fluctuating oil pressure means that cavitation is occurring. Shut down and use
additional preheat.
-
If equipped with a constant speed propeller, cycle it several times to fill the
propeller hub with warm oil. (Refer to your Pilot's Operating Handbook
for specifics.)
Take-off and Climb
-
Follow your checklist.
-
Use full throttle (with few exceptions).
-
Mixture full rich, except at high density altitude airports where you should lean
as appropriate. (Refer to your Pilot's Operating Handbook for specifics.)
-
Use 75 percent power for climb.
-
Climb at higher than normal airspeeds on hot days to improve engine cooling.
-
Lean the mixture during climb to the specified fuel flow or for smooth operation
above a density altitude of 5000 feet.
Cruise
-
Set 65 to 75 percent power for best performance.
-
Set 55 percent power for best economy and range.
-
Lean the engine in accordance with the instructions in the
Pilot's Operating Handbook for your specific aircraft.
Descent and Landing
-
Avoid overcooling. Maintain sufficient power to keep engine temperatures in the
green arc range.
-
Gradually enrichen the mixture for smooth engine operations as you descend.
-
Keep cowl flaps closed.
-
Set mixture to full rich before landing, unless you are landing at a high density altitude
airport. For operation into and out of high altitude airports, consult the
Pilot's Operating Handbook for your specific aircraft.
Use of Carburetor Heat
-
Carburetor heat should be used whenever atmospheric conditions indicate that icing is a
possibility, and when the engine is operated at or below 75 percent power.
-
When using carburetor heat, always use full heat.
-
After applying carburetor heat, lean the mixture for smooth operation.
The warm intake air is less dense, and produces a richer mixture.
Summary
-
Follow the Pilot's Operating Handbook procedures for your specific aircraft, and
"know'em cold."
-
Comply with all engine and airframe manufacturer service bulletins, letters, etc.
-
Use your checklist.
|
