 
Technical Articles
The Savvy Aviator #50: Lessons From A Geriatric Jug
by Mike Busch
AVweb, October 25, 2007
After never missing a beat for more than 4,000
hours, a TCM cylinder offers some important and surprising insights.
The Savvy Aviator #49: Reliability-Centered Maintenance Q&A
by Mike Busch
AVweb, September 27, 2007
My two-part article about RCM elicited some interesting questions from
readers. Here are my answers to those questions.
The Savvy Aviator #48: Reliability-Centered Maintenance (Part 2)
by Mike Busch
AVweb, August 30, 2007
Let's how RCM might be applied to our small
airplanes and especially to our piston aircraft engines.
The Savvy Aviator #47: Reliability-Centered Maintenance (Part 1)
by Mike Busch
AVweb, August 2, 2007
A strategy known as Reliability-Centered
Maintenance has drastically reduced the cost of maintaining transport and
military aircraft, while simultaneously improving dispatch reliability.
Isn't it time we applied this approach to piston GA?
The Savvy Aviator #46: Double Trouble
by Mike Busch
AVweb, July 5, 2007
When a cylinder head suffers a fatigue failure,
it can really get your attention. Aluminum cylinder heads have a finite
fatigue life, and several factors can reduce that life.
The Savvy Aviator #45: How Risky Is Going Past TBO?
by Mike Busch
AVweb, June 7, 2007
Although it's legal to operate engines past TBO,
many owners and mechanics consider it risky. Let's examine the risks.
The Savvy Aviator #44: Making Metal
by Mike Busch
AVweb, May 10, 2007
Uh oh! You've discovered some ferrous metal in
your oil filter, and the oil analysis lab reports a big spike in iron. Is it
time to panic?
The Savvy Aviator #43: High-Altitude Misfire
by Mike Busch
AVweb, April 11, 2007
If your turbocharged engine runs fine down low
but gets real rough up high, the problem is usually ignition-related.
The
Savvy Aviator #42: Don't Worry -- They All Do That
by Mike Busch
AVweb, March 14, 2007
Owners often bring some aircraft squawk to the
attention of their A&P mechanic, only to be told that it's nothing to worry
about because "they all do that" or "it's the nature of the beast." If you
hear those phrases, seek an expert second opinion.
The
Savvy Aviator #41: Is Your Equipment List Up-To-Date?
by Mike Busch
AVweb, February 14, 2007
The manufacturer provided an equipment list for
your aircraft when it was delivered from the factory. Whenever equipment is
added or removed from the aircraft, the FAA requires that list to be
revised. Is yours up-to-date?
The
Savvy Aviator #40: Checking the Dipstick
by Mike Busch
AVweb, January 17, 2007
There's a lot more to doing it right than noting how many quarts are in
the sump.
The
Savvy Aviator #39: Temperamental Ignition
by Mike Busch
AVweb, December 20, 2006
My digital engine monitor told me that I had an ignition problem, but it
took me awhile before I was able to nail the culprit.
The
Savvy Aviator #38: Aircraft Owners, Keep Out!
by Mike Busch
AVweb, November 22, 2006
Many maintenance shops do not permit owner-assisted annuals. That tells
you a lot about the shop.
The
Savvy Aviator #37: Scope That Jug!
by Mike Busch
AVweb, October 25, 2006
If your mechanic isn't doing regular borescope inspections of your
cylinders, he's not doing you any favors.
The
Savvy Aviator #36: Temperature, Temperature, Temperature
by Mike Busch
AVweb, September 27, 2006
The key to ensuring that your engine is reliable and lasts a long time
can be found in three words.
The
Savvy Aviator #35: Teardown Dilemma
by Mike Busch
AVweb, August 30, 2006
If you have a prop strike and it just curls the prop tips a little, is it
really necessary to tear down the engine?
The
Savvy Aviator #34: Is This Engine Airworthy?
by Mike Busch
AVweb, August 2, 2006
In assessing the airworthiness of your piston aircraft engine, you can
learn a lot from what engine guru Bob Moseley has to say about his old
lawnmower.
The
Savvy Aviator #33: Hangnails and Hand Transplants
by Mike Busch
AVweb, July 5, 2006
Your engine is not too far from TBO when it develops a cylinder-related
problem. Your mechanic suggests you might as well ''bite the bullet'' and
overhaul the engine now, rather than pour any more money into it. Is he
giving you sound advice?
The
Savvy Aviator #32: 2006 Aging GA Aircraft Summit
by Mike Busch
AVweb, June 7, 2006
The average GA airplane is now more than 35 years old. The FAA believes this
represents a significant threat to safety, but most owner associations and
type clubs disagree.
The
Savvy Aviator #31: Know Your Oleo
by Mike Busch
AVweb, May 10, 2006
Oleopneumatic shock struts -- commonly known as ''oleos'' -- use hydraulic
fluid, compressed gas and clever engineering to absorb the impact of those
occasional less-than-grease-job landings. If your airplane uses one (or
three), you need to understand how they work and what maintenance they
require.
The
Savvy Aviator #30: The Mechanic's Signature
by Mike Busch
AVweb, April 12, 2006
It's illegal to fly after maintenance until a mechanic signs a
maintenance-record entry approving the aircraft for return to service. So
what do you do if the mechanic says, ''I can't sign it off''?
The
Savvy Aviator #29: Fix It Now!
by Mike Busch
AVweb, March 15, 2006
If something isn't quite right with your aircraft, don't just live with it;
fix it now. Deferred maintenance often winds up being more expensive, and
sometimes it's downright dangerous.
The
Savvy Aviator #28: Be Prepared
by Mike Busch
AVweb, February 15, 2006
The most exasperating aircraft mechanicals invariably occur between Friday
night and Sunday afternoon when you're hundreds of miles from home. The
difference between a minor annoyance and major trauma often hinges on
whether you're prepared.
The
Savvy Aviator #27: Battery TLC
by Mike Busch
AVweb, January 18, 2006
Aircraft batteries are sensitive and fragile creatures, especially compared
to their automotive brethren. Treat them with care and respect and they'll
be there when you need them.
The
Savvy Aviator #26: Interpreting Your Engine Monitor
by Mike Busch
AVweb, December 21, 2005
The modern probe-per-cylinder digital engine monitor is a marvelous tool for
keeping tabs on your engine's health and troubleshooting its maladies. Here
are some tips for figuring out what those bars and digits mean.
The
Savvy Aviator #25: Buying The Right Airplane
by Mike Busch
AVweb, November 23, 2005
You're in the
market to buy a used airplane. You look in Trade-A-Plane and find a lot from
which to choose. Here are some thoughts about which to consider, and which
to pass by.
The
Savvy Aviator #24: Making Metal Behave
by Mike Busch
AVweb, October 26, 2005
Metal aircraft parts must satisfy a mind-boggling variety of physical
properties: weight, strength, hardness, toughness, springiness, temperature
and corrosion resistance, just to name a few. Here's a glimpse at how it's
done.
The Savvy
Aviator #23: Maintenance Records
by Mike Busch
AVweb, September 28, 2005
Maintenance records are a pivotal element of your aircraft's maintainability
and resale value. Are yours in good shape? FAA regulations may not be
thorough enough when the time comes to sell the plane.
Savvy
Owner Notebook #19: Right Engine, Wrong Cylinders
by Mike Busch
Savvy Aviator Newsletter,
October 2005
The new owner of an older Cessna 182 was delighted that his airplane has
such exceptional performance ... until the first annual inspection, when he
discovered why.
Savvy
Owner Notebook #18: What To Do If Shafted By A Shop
by Mike Busch
Savvy Aviator Newsletter,
September 2005
When a maintenance shop does incompetent work or charges for work not
performed, the aircraft owner's first impulse is often to complain to the
FAA. That's understandable, but it's usually not a wise thing to do.
The
Savvy Aviator #22: The Art of Troubleshooting
by Mike Busch
AVweb,
September 2005
Fixing a problem is the usually the easy part of aircraft maintenance. The
hard part is figuring out what's wrong. A little troubleshooting can often
save you a small fortune in unneeded parts and labor.
Savvy
Owner Notebook #17: Why Didn't I Listen?
by Mike Busch
Savvy Aviator Newsletter,
August 2005
Airplanes have a way of telling you when something’s wrong, and
usually
they give you plenty of warning. Ignore such warnings and bad things can
happen...as I found out the hard way.
The
Savvy Aviator #21: Checking The Oil
by Mike Busch
AVweb,
August 2005
The oil in your engine lubricates, cleans and cools. If you pay attention,
it also provides some of the best tools available for monitoring the health
of your powerplant.
Savvy
Owner Notebook #16: Car Parts For Spam Cans?
by Mike Busch
Savvy Aviator Newsletter,
July 2005
Is it legal to install a Ford alternator in
a Cessna? What about a Ford door handle? Can you legally have your
Cessna alternator repaired by the local automotive alternator shop?
And even if it's legal, would it be smart? The answers aren't as
black-and-white as you might think.
The
Savvy Aviator #20: The Most Dangerous Thing In Aviation?
by Mike Busch
AVweb,
July 2005
Aircraft owners are increasingly involved in the maintenance of their aircraft these days, and many participate hands-on.
Is such owner-performed maintenance safe, or should maintenance be left strictly to the pros?
Savvy
Owner Notebook #15: When To Fire Your A&P
by Mike Busch
Savvy Aviator Newsletter,
June 2005
If the A&P who maintains your aircraft turns out to be anything less than
competent, knowledgeable and professional, you'd be wise to fire him and
find another mechanic..
The
Savvy Aviator #19: Thwarting Corrosion
by Mike Busch
AVweb,
June 2005
Many of our GA aircraft were not very well corrosion-proofed during
manufacture, so it's up to us as owners to keep our airframes
corrosion-free. Regular application of corrosion preventive compounds can
protect the parts of our airframes that the factory didn't.
The
Savvy Aviator #18: Avoid An Annual Calamity
by Mike Busch
AVweb,
June 2005
There are many things that can go wrong during an annual inspection, but the
most critical start with an uninformed and uninvolved owner. This column
takes us through the things we could do to mess it up, and how to avoid
being messed up by others.
Savvy
Owner Notebook #14: Trust But Verify
by Mike Busch
Savvy Aviator Newsletter,
May 2005
Steve Garner has been an aircraft owner for
just four weeks. Last weekend, he attended my Savvy Owner Seminar in
Dallas. Steve's investment in training is already paying off.
Savvy
Owner Notebook #13: Clueless Aircraft Owners
by Mike Busch
Savvy Aviator Newsletter,
April 2005
To become a pilot, mechanic, flight
instructor, air traffic controller, flight engineer, navigator,
dispatcher or parachute rigger, you must first undergo training and
testing and obtain an FAA airman certificate. To become an aircraft
owner, however, all you need is a checkbook. Perhaps that needs to
change.
The
Savvy Aviator #17: But It Just Came Out Of Annual!
by Mike Busch
AVweb,
April 2005
When an IA signs off an annual inspection, most owners assume the
aircraft is airworthy and safe to fly. That's usually true, but not always.
Here's a particularly egregious example.
The
Savvy Aviator #16: Who Is Responsible For What?
by Mike Busch
AVweb,
March 2005
Who is responsible for the various aspects of maintaining an aircraft in airworthy condition? The aircraft owner, the authorized inspector (IA), and the certificated mechanic (A&P) all have well-defined roles and responsibilities.
Savvy
Owner Notebook #12: It's The Law...Or Is It?
by Mike Busch
Savvy Aviator Newsletter,
February 2005
The FAA places restrictions on what parts may be installed on a certificated aircraft. Sometimes, liability-conscious A&Ps make those restrictions sound more restrictive (and expensive) than the FAA intends.
The
Savvy Aviator #15: The Annual Inspection Trap
by Mike Busch
AVweb,
February 2005
Your airplane is undergoing its annual inspection, and the shop tells you the aircraft needs some costly repair work. You disagree, but the IA says he's unwilling to sign off the annual until the work is done. What are your options?
The
Savvy Aviator #14: Engine Cooling -- Less Is More
by Mike Busch
AVweb,
January 2005
If your CHTs are running warmer than you'd like, odds are that you've got
leaky cooling baffles under your cowling. Fixing those leaks is usually
simple -- and the less air leaks, the more is available to cool the
cylinders.
Savvy
Owner Notebook #11: Another Out-Of-Control Annual
by Mike Busch
Savvy Aviator Newsletter,
January 2005
When Lee put his recently-purchased piston
twin in the shop for annual, he was told it should cost "around
$2,500 barring any major problems." Months later, he was floored
when the shop presented him with a $46,000 invoice. We can all learn
from Lee's experience.
The
Savvy Aviator #13: Putting Compression In Context
by Mike Busch
AVweb,
December 2004
The differential compression check is one of the most useful tools we
have for measuring the top-end health of a piston aircraft engine. Yet many
owners and mechanics seem confused about how to perform the test and
interpret the results. It's not rocket science.
Savvy
Owner Notebook #10: Just Say No To Overpriced Parts
by Mike Busch
Savvy Aviator Newsletter,
December 2004
Every aircraft owner complains about the high price of aircraft
parts. With a little effort and ingenuity you can avoid paying extortionate
parts prices by finding lower-cost alternatives.
The
Savvy Aviator #12: Tire TLC
by Mike Busch
AVweb, November 2004
Tires are the Rodney Dangerfields of aviation: They get no respect.
Proper tire care isn't rocket science, and can pay hefty dividends in
economy and safety.
Savvy
Owner Notebook #9: Fatigued Cylinders, Part 2
by Mike Busch
Savvy Aviator Newsletter,
November 2004
Last time, we discussed the importance of avoiding high-time
cylinder heads because of the risk of fatigue failure. This time, we
have some spectacular photos of what can happen if you don't heed
this advice.
The
Savvy Aviator #11: Ignition TLC
by Mike Busch
AVweb,
October 2004
Mags and spark plugs don't need a lot of maintenance, but they do require
some and it's often neglected. You may get away with such neglect for a while,
but eventually it'll bite you.
Savvy
Owner Notebook #8: Fatigued Cylinders
by Mike Busch
Savvy Aviator Newsletter, October 2004
The use of reconditioned or continued-time cylinders is a
terrific way to save big money on engine maintenance -- provided you
know what you're doing. If you don't, it's a good way to get into
trouble.
The
Savvy Aviator #10: Mechanicals On The Road
by Mike Busch
AVweb, October 2004
Nothing is more exasperating to an aircraft owner than encountering a
mechanical problem while far from home base. Here are some tips for dealing
with such problems, and preparing for them ahead of time.
Savvy
Owner Notebook #7: Troubleshooting From The Cockpit
by Mike Busch
Savvy Aviator Newsletter, September 2004
Before an aircraft problem can be fixed, it has to be diagnosed … but a lot of problems are impossible to reproduce in the maintenance hangar. If you want to minimize expense, downtime and frustration, you need to learn to troubleshoot such problems from the cockpit.
The
Savvy Aviator #9: Don't Go Overboard
by Mike Busch
AVweb, September 2004
Engine problems are serious and need to be fixed promptly. But
don't overreact. If one cylinder goes south, there's seldom a need to
replace the other five, or to 'major' the engine before its time.
Savvy
Owner Notebook #6: Get Real About Engine Warranty
by Mike Busch
Savvy Aviator Newsletter, August 2004
Whether your engine is new, factory rebuilt or field overhauled,
whoever built it should stand behind their work. But owners need to have
reasonable expectations about what will and won't be covered under warranty.
Unless a problem is due to an obvious manufacturing defect, don't expect it
to be covered.
The
Savvy Aviator #8: Overhaul Overdone
by Mike Busch
AVweb, August 2004
When an instrument, accessory or other appliance stops working on our
airplanes, we generally get it overhauled or exchange it for an overhauled
exchange unit, right? Wrong, says Mike Busch, who argues that overhaul is
often unnecessary and a big waste of money, and offers several illustrative
cases-in-point.
Savvy
Owner Notebook #5: An Out-Of-Control Annual
by Mike Busch
Savvy Aviator Newsletter, July 2004
Bob usually did owner-assisted annuals on his Cessna 210, but this
year he was too busy at work and so decided to have his annual done by a new
shop. The resulting experience was painful and costly.
The
Savvy Aviator #7: Owner In Command
by Mike Busch
AVweb, July 2004
Every pilot understands the concept of "pilot in command,"
which places absolute responsibility and final authority for aircraft
operation squarely on the pilot's shoulders. But what about when the
aircraft isn't flying? Mike Busch argues that aircraft owners need to accept
absolute responsibility and final authority for the maintenance and
airworthiness of their aircraft -- a concept he calls "owner in
command."
The
Savvy Aviator #6: Trusting Saboteurs
by Mike Busch
AVweb, June 2004
An alarming number of today's piston GA aircraft are in poor
mechanical shape, and their owners are partly to blame. Mike Busch describes
how owners encourage poor maintenance -- sometimes through misplaced trust
and sometimes through inadvertent sabotage -- and explains how you can avoid
doing so.
Savvy
Owner Notebook #4: The Zero-Time Engine Myth
by Mike Busch
Savvy Aviator Newsletter, May 2004
When you exchange your worn-out engine for a factory rebuilt one, you
get a fresh new "zero-time" logbook to go with it. When you have
your engine field overhauled to new limits, you don't. Does this mean that
the factory rebuilt is somehow a better engine than the field overhaul?
Don't count on it!
The
Savvy Aviator #5: Owner-Assisted Annuals
by Mike Busch
AVweb, May 2004
There's no better way for an owner to get savvy about his aircraft
than to assist with an annual inspection. In fact, Mike Busch strongly urges
every aircraft owner to go through the process at least once, preferably
early in his ownership tenure. Mike explains what's involved, and offers
some alternatives for owners who simply can't spare the time.
Savvy
Owner Notebook #3: Mechanicals On The Road
by Mike Busch
Savvy Aviator Newsletter, April 2004
Nothing is more exasperating to an aircraft owner than encountering a
mechanical problem while far from home base. Here are some tips for dealing
with such problems, and preparing for them ahead of time.
The
Savvy Aviator #4: Debunking TBO
by Mike Busch
AVweb, April 2004
Engine TBO (time between overhauls) seems to be one of the most
misunderstood concepts in aviation maintenance. There are lots of TBO-related
old wives tales that are widely believed by owners and mechanic alike, and
they can cost owners a great deal of money. Mike Busch endeavors to clear up
these misconceptions, and explain what TBO really means.
Savvy
Owner Notebook #2: Over A Barrel At Annual
by Mike Busch
Savvy Aviator Newsletter, March 2004
While your aircraft is in the shop for an annual, you and your IA get
into a disagreement over some costly repair. The IA insists it must be done
before he'll sign off the annual, but you don't think it's necessary. What
are your options?
The
Savvy Aviator #3: Whom Can You Trust?
by Mike Busch
AVweb, March 2004
As aviators, we often find ourselves in the position of having to
trust other people with our lives, our safety, and our financial well-being.
We trust air traffic controllers to keep us from hitting anything, mechanics
to keep our aircraft airworthy, engine manufacturers and overhaul shops to
build engines that won't quit, salesmen and brokers to help us find an
aircraft to buy, insurance agents to help us protect against contingencies,
and so forth. But whom can you really trust? Mike Busch offers some thoughts
on that subject.
Savvy
Owner Notebook #1: A Costly Lesson About Corrosion
by Mike Busch
Savvy Aviator Newsletter, February 2004
Sam tried to do everything right when he purchased a Cessna 340, but
wound up having to major both engines just 30 hours later, at a cost of
nearly $70,000.
The
Savvy Aviator #2: In Quest Of The Ideal Mechanic
by Mike Busch
AVweb, February 2004
There are a dozen crucial attributes that you should look for when
choosing an A&P to maintain your aircraft. Realistically, however,
you'll never find any one mechanic who possesses them all. Mike Busch
explains how to size up your mechanic's strengths and weaknesses, and offers
a case study of how to take advantage of the strengths and overcome the
weaknesses.
The
Savvy Aviator #1: From Appliance Operator to Maintenance-Savvy
by Mike Busch
AVweb, January 2004
There's a lot more to aircraft ownership than knowing how to fly. Mike
Busch recounts his gradual transformation from a classic "appliance
operator" to maintenance-involved owner, and finally to A&P
mechanic.
Maintenance:
Don't Get Mad, Get Educated?
AVweb News, January 2004
Carbon
Monoxide Detectors
by Mike Busch
AVweb, November 2003
Some
Great, Cheap Electronics for Pilots
by Mike Busch
AVweb, October 2003
Putting
Compressions in Context
by Mike Busch
Cessna Pilots Association Magazine, September 2001
Continental's
Cram Course: TCM's Aviation Technician Advanced Training Program
by Mike Busch
AVweb, December 2000
Dealing
With Mechanicals On-The-Road
by Mike Busch
AVweb, April 2000
Personal
Respiratory Protective Devices (Smoke Hoods)
by Mike Busch
AVweb, March 2000
When
Metal Lets Us Down
by Mike Busch
Cessna Pilots Association Magazine, December 1999
Respiration:
What Pilots Need To Know (But Aren't Taught)
by Mike Busch and Brent Blue MD
AVweb, December 1999
Nonin
Pulse Oximeter
by Mike Busch and Brent Blue MD
AVweb, December 1999
Overcoming
P-Factor
by Mike Busch
AVweb, December 1999
Mag
Check
by Mike Busch
Cessna Pilots Association Magazine, May 1999
The
Whys And Hows Of Preheating
by Mike Busch
Cessna Pilots Association Magazine, January 1999
Troubleshooting
The Turbo-System
by Mike Busch
Cessna Pilots Association Magazine, December 1998
The
Tale Of An Alternator
by Mike Busch
Cessna Pilots Association Magazine, July 1998
The
Ten Biggest Lies About Piston Engines
by Mike Busch
Cessna PIlots Association Magazine, March 1998
Coping
With High Parts Prices
by Mike Busch
Cessna PIlots Association Magazine, December 1997
Turbocharging
And Pressurization: An Analysis Of The Benefits, Costs, and Disadvantages
by Mike Busch
Cessna PIlots Association Magazine, August 1996
Which
Oil Should I Use?
by Mike Busch
Cessna PIlots Association Magazine, July 1995
The
Traveling Toolkit
by Mike Busch
The Aviation Consumer, July 1995
Why
Vacuum Pumps Fail
by Mike Busch
The Aviation Consumer, July 1995
Getting
Decent Aircraft Maintenance
by Mike Busch
The Aviation Consumer, July 1995
When
Your Aircraft Speaks, Listen!
by Mike Busch
The Aviation Consumer, July 1995
The
Jug Jungle
by Mike Busch
The Aviation Consumer, July 1995
Training
at FlightSafety
by Mike Busch
AVweb, July 1995
The
Gyro With An Attitude
by Mike Busch
IFR Magazine, July 1995
Ode
To The Needle-And-Ball
by Mike Busch
IFR Magazine, July 1995
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