Aircraft Engine Book Topics

Ted

Ted

The pilot formerly known as Twin Engine Ted
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Several people have made the comment to me that I should write a book on aircraft engines, focusing especially on engine operation.

I've wanted to write a book for some time, and find the idea to be an attractive one. I have a basic outline to start out, but a book is not written for the author, it's written for the readers.

So my question to you all: What subjects would you like to see covered? Both specifics and general.
 
Cap'n Jack said:
Why does LOP kill engines? :)
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That's in there along with "Why does ROP kill engines?" under the "OWT/myths" section.

Note: For some of the ones I have listed, the answer will be "True" some "False" some "True AND false..." :)
 
Proper installation of automobile engines in aircraft.
How about a section on proper use of MMO? :)

Ted- just playing with you!
 
I've always wondered what *really* kills engines. I mean there's plenty of OWTs out there, but it seems like there's got to be real/hard data somewhere. Alternatively, stories of *exactly* how an engine or two that went significantly over TBO, got there.

Another side topic, anyone who operates over TBO does it with a specific set of criteria that will determine when the engine is pulled. Compiling those thoughts should be interesting.
 
Topic three: What condition are typical rental aircraft engines in when they're torn down? Is "rental speed" damage common?
 
Nate, great questions. Added to the list.

Jack, I have a section on automotive engines already planned. ;)
 
Ted DuPuis said:
Nate, great questions. Added to the list.

Jack, I have a section on automotive engines already planned. ;)
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Don't even think of using my deathrap in the auto engine chapter.:nonod::nonod::nonod::D.....


Ben ( half crazy) Haas.
 
The whys and wherefores on "oversquared".

A metallurgical examination on detonation and shock cooling.


Will this be something equal to Sac Sky Ranch?
 
Oil additives, do they work or just a myth?
What should be done if your engine will remain dormant for extended periods of time and why.
 
Chapters that provide "what every aircraft owner should know" and presented in terms and format that promote retention. As a new pilot, a good, comprehensive, but easy to digest primer on engines would be a welcome addition to my library.

This appears to be one area of GA books that doesn't have that many offerings.

Another area to consider would be a roster of the different engines out there and their known good and bad points. Frequently I see folks discussing an airframe and its engine choices but don't know why they are saying that is or isn't a good pairing. If not included in the printed pages, this might be a good addition to the accompanying web site.
 
The idea is to present a book that will be useful for both owners and renters, and that will have some technical explanations for people interested in the nitty gritty, but also be something that someone who doesn't have as great of a technical background to be able to pick it up and understand it. Basically be a good all-around reference manual for pilots, be they owners or renters.

Excellent suggestions, keep them coming!

And Ben, as far as your engine in the book... we'll talk. ;)
 
Put me on the preorder list for that book, Ted!
 
Ted DuPuis said:
So my question to you all: What subjects would you like to see covered? Both specifics and general.
Click to expand...

Chapter ideas:

Engine parts
How an internal combustion engine works
Engine operation
-sub chapter: normal ops
-sub chapter: turbo ops
-sub chapter: special ops (LOP, storage, preheat)
Engine maintenance
What does this sound mean? A troubleshooting guide for non-maintenance people


How is that for some suggestions?

And before anyone poopoos on the how and engine works suggestion, keep in mind there are people who have never had to touch a mechanical device in their life learning to fly. I hated anything to do with engines when I started. The most I had ever done was change my oil. My dad was an auto-petrol head and in typical rebellious child mode I wanted nothing to do with that. Instead I was a science geek.
 
+1 for a section on maintenance. I know how to do the preventatives on my truck engine, but don't know near enough on the details of an aircraft engine to feel safe with the finished product.

Various how-to's with photos would be valuable to me. Videos on the companion site would be nice accompaniment.
 
denverpilot said:
I've always wondered what *really* kills engines. I mean there's plenty of OWTs out there, but it seems like there's got to be real/hard data somewhere. Alternatively, stories of *exactly* how an engine or two that went significantly over TBO, got there.
Click to expand...

Sitting, doing nothing, except slowly corroding away.

Flight school engines seem to make it to TBO on a regular basis.

Howze about a discussion of blowby and just how much water really ends up inside the engine and how it doesn't make one bit of difference how dry it is outside the engine (or what the ambient dew point is) - you have saturated water vapor inside purd near all the time...

How about a chart of corrosion rates as a function of temperature?
 
I want to avoid "how-tos" of maintenance. This isn't intended to be a do-it-yourself maintenance book, especially since the specifics from one engine to another will be different. The idea is to educate pilots on how and why these engines work (physics), discuss a number of OWTs and things that a pilot can do to extend the life of his or her engine. Pictures of various engine parts will definitely be included, etc.

Yes, there will be a discussion of LOP vs. ROP, geared engines, diesels, Jet-A as a piston fuel, and other hot topics.
 
So long as it starts VERY simple so those who don't even know how the engine works can learn something then gets VERY detailed so that those of us who have a good understanding of what's going on can learn even more.

I'm also on your preorder list!
 
Add me to the pre order list too.:yesnod::yesnod::yesnod:

May I suggest a few titles for the book.

1- Airplane engines for dummies...

2- Everything you wanted to know about aircraft engines but were afraid to ask on the POA internet board.... :D:)

Ben.
 
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Ted DuPuis said:
I want to avoid "how-tos" of maintenance. This isn't intended to be a do-it-yourself maintenance book, especially since the specifics from one engine to another will be different. The idea is to educate pilots on how and why these engines work (physics), discuss a number of OWTs and things that a pilot can do to extend the life of his or her engine. Pictures of various engine parts will definitely be included, etc.

Yes, there will be a discussion of LOP vs. ROP, geared engines, diesels, Jet-A as a piston fuel, and other hot topics.
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Sounds like a great resource and very much needed.

Anecdote from training flight last year:
Instructor: NO NO NO NO NO, never run oversquare!
Me: We're full rich here...
Instructor: ~fumes~ (and has no explanation of why not run oversquare)

Hey, maybe I was wrong but it seemed to me we should have plenty of margin from detonation.
 
I had an instructor ask when I was going to reduce power to 25 squared for the climb, I tapped my tach and said never (O-470U, 2400RPM redline)
 
Skylane81E said:
I had an instructor ask when I was going to reduce power to 25 squared for the climb, I tapped my tach and said never (O-470U, 2400RPM redline)
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No chance of being over square on my Rotax. Idle is about 2000 RPM, cruise 5000...
 
Ben, good ideas! :yes:

Clark1961 said:
Sounds like a great resource and very much needed.

Anecdote from training flight last year:
Instructor: NO NO NO NO NO, never run oversquare!
Me: We're full rich here...
Instructor: ~fumes~ (and has no explanation of why not run oversquare)

Hey, maybe I was wrong but it seemed to me we should have plenty of margin from detonation.
Click to expand...

Well, as I'll go into in the book, the plot is a bit thicker than that. There are conditions when MP/RPM combinations (under and over-square) can be bad. But a few things to consider:

1) Takeoff power is oversquare
2) Engines with turbos pretty much always operate oversquare. My standard cruise power on the Navajo is 2300 RPM, 31".
 
CountryAir mentioned detonation. That's a really good topic to research, and you'll have a hard time finding the information on the chemistry of detonation and the causes, and why octane ratings matter. There isn't much understanding of it in the pilot community.

Geoff Thorpe mentioned corrosion. Cover that, and tell us what compounds are produced when oil and water mix, and what they do to the the inside of the engine, and why moisture is in there in the first place and how to get rid of it.

Talk about carburetor ice and the conditions conducive to its formation and what it will do to the unwary or incompetent.

Devote a chapter to the pros and cons of ketchup on hot dogs.

Dan
 
Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe said:
No chance of being over square on my Rotax. Idle is about 2000 RPM, cruise 5000...
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One thing to note - I'll discuss the Rotax, Thielert, and other non-standard engines briefly, but the majority of the book will be focusing on the traditional aircraft engines produced by Chinesental and Lycosaur.
 
Dan Thomas said:
CountryAir mentioned detonation. That's a really good topic to research, and you'll have a hard time finding the information on the chemistry of detonation and the causes, and why octane ratings matter. There isn't much understanding of it in the pilot community.
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I've got, oh, a whole ton of experience with that subject.

Geoff Thorpe mentioned corrosion. Cover that, and tell us what compounds are produced when oil and water mix, and what they do to the the inside of the engine, and why moisture is in there in the first place and how to get rid of it.

Talk about carburetor ice and the conditions conducive to its formation and what it will do to the unwary or incompetent.
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Duly noted.

Devote a chapter to the pros and cons of ketchup on hot dogs.
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I believe Scott would be best suited for that. Perhaps I'll let him write the intro to the book.
 
Dan Thomas said:
CountryAir mentioned detonation. That's a really good topic to research, and you'll have a hard time finding the information on the chemistry of detonation and the causes, and why octane ratings matter. There isn't much understanding of it in the pilot community.
Click to expand...

Still a lot of room for papers on that subject in the industry.

Geoff Thorpe mentioned corrosion. Cover that, and tell us what compounds are produced when oil and water mix, and what they do to the the inside of the engine, and why moisture is in there in the first place and how to get rid of it.
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Put a PCV valve on it. :wink2:

Get an air pump for an aquarium and stuff it in the breather or dipstick hole when you leave the airplane parked. (Won't work on my Rotax 912 because the crankcase is sealed and it uses blow by to push the oil back to the tank.:sad:)

Talk about carburetor ice and the conditions conducive to its formation and what it will do to the unwary or incompetent.
Click to expand...

Why are you disrespecting me?

Again.

Devote a chapter to the pros and cons of ketchup on hot dogs.

Dan
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:rofl:
Is one chapter enough?
 
Ted DuPuis said:
Ben, good ideas! :yes:



Well, as I'll go into in the book, the plot is a bit thicker than that. There are conditions when MP/RPM combinations (under and over-square) can be bad. But a few things to consider:

1) Takeoff power is oversquare
2) Engines with turbos pretty much always operate oversquare. My standard cruise power on the Navajo is 2300 RPM, 31".
Click to expand...

I understand that it's complicated. Definitely need more resources to develop understanding rather than rote operation.

The training flight was in a Mooney. I'm nearly always oversquare in the Frankenkota but then again the fuel pump is set up by the book and I try to set mixture appropriate for the desired power. It does get a little squirrely at times with the "self adjusting" mainfold pressure on the TSIO-360-FB w/Merlyn
 
Skylane81E said:
Mention lead and what it's really in there for!
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Along with a discussion of plug fouling and suggested ways to "un-foul" a plug. I've got my own process but curious about how hot, how long, etc to run the engine before giving up on "unfouling" during a run-up.
 
The difference between aircraft and auto engines would be a good addition. Especially how aircraft engines achieve maximum rated power at low RPMs.

You'll want an artist to supply plenty of graphics, unless you think you can. Not photos, those are way too busy to show anything. While some photos are a must, you'll want diagrams and such to show the points you are trying to make.

Your audience will not be engineers, thus if you write in the dry formulaic fashion favored by engineers, you'll cut yourself off from the larger part of your audience. Distilling complex and jargon-laden scientific material down into something light and readable by everyone is a difficult task mastered by only a few.

Do grow a thick skin when you start shopping it around to publishers. You'll need it.
 
I have the Sacramento Sky Ranch engine and magneto books.

Both are full of information and I understand about 30%.

I'd start with the engine book as a guide to what needs to be explained to pilots in pilot terms.
 
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