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Airplane Engine Operations

Proven techniques – explained and demonstrated

Engine operations get little attention during flight training, so most pilots try to figure it out on their own. The problem is, very few master this important aspect of flying.

This video course features practical techniques for engine operation in every phase of flight – from start up to shut down.

Aircraft engines vary in size and performance, but the tips covered here are applicable to most Lycoming and Continental engines. Engine monitors are featured extensively in this course, but there are many rule-of-thumb methods that can be used with basic engine gauges only.

Each technique is demonstrated (step by step) with accompanying charts and graphs that explain the concepts behind them.

Explore Power, Efficiency, and Stress

  • Understanding the operating envelope
  • Evaluating tradeoffs in performance and economy
  • Managing injected vs. carbureted engines
  • Making smart compromises between power and efficiency
  • Avoiding damaging combinations of power and mixture
  • Running lean of peak vs. rich of peak

Warm Up and Taxi

  • Things not to do during startup
  • Knowing when engine roughness is a serious problem
  • Leaning for ground operations
  • Preventing a common (and damaging) mistake

Do a Better Runup

  • Reading your engine monitor during runup
  • Using “Normalize” mode for simplicity and accuracy
  • Using EGTs for a more precise ignition check
  • Detecting/clearing fouled spark plugs
  • Cycling the propeller—three things to look for
  • Checking the prop governor is working
  • Catching problems with a better carb heat check

Lean for Every Takeoff

  • Leaning for high density altitude
  • Leaning at lower altitudes (there are benefits)
  • Leaning with a safe simple rule of thumb
  • Leaning with the more precise target EGT method
  • Monitoring and adjusting as you climb

Catch Problems on the Takeoff Roll

  • Developing an effective takeoff flow
  • Verifying that your engine is producing full power
  • Limiting full-power static runups
  • Validating fuel flow with a simple rule
  • Cross-checking your engine monitor
  • Predicting takeoff performance
  • Recognizing compromised performance
  • Knowing when to abort a takeoff

Don't Waste (Too Much) Fuel Climbing

  • Taking advantage of a cruise climb
  • Leaving the throttle in the best position
  • Using fuel flow to lean during climb
  • Operating “over square” (is it a bad idea?)
  • Interpreting POH guidance
  • Adjusting for high CHT readings during the climb

Use a Target EGT for Climb

  • Choosing and maintaining a target EGT
  • “Parking” the engine to avoid damage during climb
  • Understanding when lean-of-peak climbs are feasible

Cruise for Simplicity

  • Adapting an old-school technique to modern equipment
  • Knowing the causes of engine roughness
  • Avoiding abusive mixture settings
  • Understanding the drawback of using “Lean Assist”
  • Using carb heat to improve fuel distribution

Cruise for Speed

  • Choosing the best “percent power” setting to use
  • Knowing what’s useful in your POH, and what’s not
  • Testing different settings and altitudes in your airplane
  • Fine tuning your settings with percent power and TAS
  • Going fast while still maintaining some efficiency

Cruise for Efficiency

  • Using “Carson Speed” to find the best balance of speed and efficiency
  • Flying higher for better results
  • Adjusting speed with prop and mixture instead of throttle
  • Fine-tuning efficiency for wind and other factors

Do an Inflight Ignition Test

  • Understanding why this test is valuable
  • Knowing what you’re looking for and why
  • Understanding how it’s different than a run-up ignition test

Plan Engine-Friendly Descents

  • Understanding the facts and myths about shock cooling
  • Using easy rules to plan descents
  • Leveraging GPS for precise, efficient descent planning

Balance Efficiency and Simplicity in Descent

  • Setting throttle during the descent
  • Adjusting mixture on the way down
  • Waiting to push the prop forward
  • Timing the last mixture adjustment before landing
  • Knowing the pros and cons of initiating descent with throttle versus prop

Cruise all the Way Down

  • Avoiding problems with a high power, rich-of-peak descent
  • Keeping your engine in the safe operating zone
  • Adopting a lower CHT limit for descent
  • Managing throttle and mixture during high-speed descents

Check Ignition and Mixture at Shutdown

  • Checking the “Off” position on the ignition switch
  • Conducting an “Idle Mixture Test” before shutdown
  • Eliminating a common shutdown mistake

Meet the Instructor

Ryan Koch
CFII, Course Designer/Producer

Ryan is responsible for the design and development of our new online training courses and pilot-friendly manuals, and oversees the course development team. He is also an active flight instructor specializing in instrument flight, is a flight simulator expert, and has experience doing remote flight instruction via simulators.

Ryan was the driving force behind the development of many PilotWorkshops online courses, including Instrument Rating Accelerator, Private Pilot: The Missing Lessons, Garmin GTN: Next Level, and Advanced IFR. Ryan is also a contributing expert for PilotWorkshops’ IFR Mastery series and is a regular participant in the Instructor’s Roundtable. He teaches ground schools, runs ATC communications courses for both IFR and VFR pilots, and has developed curriculum for a variety of IFR proficiency programs, and a simulator-centered high school aviation program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which engines are covered in this course?
A: The tips and techniques are primarily focused on normally-aspirated (non-turbocharged) Lycoming and Continental engines. This represents a significant majority of the general aviation fleet.

Q: How do I access this course?
A: Your training is available online via a secure, password-protected website. You can watch it on any computer, tablet or phone.

Q: Can I download the videos?
A: Yes, with your online access you have the option to download the videos in the program.

Q: Will my online access to the program ever expire?
A: No. Once you register your login credentials, they never expire. You will always have access to the program.

Q: Can I access the videos from more than one computer or device?
A: Yes – with your login info, you can access the site from any device as often as you want for personal use.

90 Day Money-Back Guarantee!

If you aren’t completely satisfied we’ll give you a full refund. No questions asked! PilotWorkshops.com has been an A+ rated member of the Better Business Bureau since 2006.

WINGS Approved!

You can earn 4 WINGS credits for completing this program. It’s an easy way to stay current and advance within the WINGS program!

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Airplane Engine Operations

Online Access

– Get started now with instant online access
– Watch on any computer, tablet or phone

You can download any of the videos (optional) with your online access.

Your Price: $129

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