August in the Appalachians means continued heat, long cross-countries, and busy training schedules. With high temperatures and extended flight time comes increased demand on your engine and fuel system. This month’s edition of The Highlands Safety Beacon focuses on how pilots can fly more efficiently, reduce mechanical stress, and ensure engine longevity during the dog days of summer.
⚙️ Smart Engine Management Starts on the Ground
🔥 Hot Starts & Vapor Lock: High temps can cause fuel vaporization, especially in carbureted or fuel-injected engines. To prevent vapor lock:
Use correct hot start procedures from your POH.
Open cowl flaps or keep doors open when idling.
Limit ground time and avoid long taxi delays in the heat.
🔧 Pre-Flight Engine Checks:
Confirm proper oil levels and inspect for signs of overheating or oil discoloration.
Check for fuel stains, loose fittings, or leaks around the engine compartment.
Verify cowl flaps (if installed) are operational.
✈️ Lean Smart, Fly Farther
Proper leaning not only improves fuel efficiency but also prevents engine fouling and overheating.
🛠️ During Taxi & Run-Up:
Lean aggressively during taxi to avoid fouling plugs.
Enrich before high-power operations unless otherwise specified by your POH.
🛫 In Climb:
For normally aspirated engines, full rich is typical—but monitor EGT/CHT if equipped.
🛬 In Cruise:
Lean according to POH guidance (Best Power vs. Best Economy).
Monitor EGT/CHT to avoid running too hot—especially on long summer legs.
Use fuel flow indicators if available to optimize economy.
⛽ Fuel Planning & Cross-Country Considerations
With high DA, longer legs, and more convective activity, your fuel planning needs to be rock solid.
🧭 Plan Conservatively:
Carry more than the legal minimum—consider 60–90 min reserves.
Know your burn rate and check it against POH numbers.
🧭 Know Your Range vs. Endurance:
Remember: distance and time are not the same! Your best endurance speed may be lower than your most efficient cruise.
🧭 Use Wind to Your Advantage:
Adjust cruise altitude and heading to minimize fuel burn and maximize GS.
🧭 Monitor Fuel In-Flight:
Check fuel remaining every 30 minutes and compare to the expected burn.
Don’t trust gauges alone—cross-check with time and fuel flow.
🛡️ Preserving Your Engine Over Time
Good engine management habits reduce wear, improve reliability, and extend time between overhauls.
🧩 Avoid Rapid Temp Changes: Let your engine cool down gradually after flight; avoid shock cooling. 🧩 Use Oil Analysis (if available): A long-term view of engine health helps identify problems early. 🧩 Stick to Regular Maintenance: Keep up with oil changes, spark plug cleaning/replacement, and AD compliance.
🚀 Fly Farther, Smoother, and Safer This August
Your engine is the heart of your aircraft—treat it well, and it will return the favor. Whether you're logging long cross-country time or staying sharp in the pattern, smart engine management and fuel planning are keys to safety, economy, and performance.
📖 Read more at: blog.highlandsaero.com
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🗨️ What’s your top tip for managing fuel or engine temps in the summer? Let us know below! ⬇️
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