I am looking to buy an year 2007 manufactured aerobatic monoplane with Lycoming AEIO-540 engine with ~250 hours since new. It has been sitting in an (airconditioned) hangar in disassembled state for 5 years (last time flown was in 2017). The mechanic did borescope and it looks fine, and did run-up on the ground. I was wondering what else should one check before attempting to fly it the first time?
From my personal experience, I had to overhaul in 2016 when I bought a 2001 Mooney Ovation (Continental IO550) with 1800h since new. This is how I discovered that I needed overhaul:
- The engine would sometimes quit after landing when power is reduced to idle.
- Otherwise it was fine.
- Mechanic was trying to adjust the mixture setting, then discovered a hairline crack in cylinder where the spark plug goes in
- When replacing the cylinder, they discovered cam lobe has pitting, and grounded the airplane for overhaul.
- In addition to major overhaul (new cam, magneto, pistons, etc), oil cooler and alternator was replaced with new. Mechanic said old alternator can seize bring down the entire engine (guess this applies to both Continental and Lycoming?)
There are time limit to overhauling an engine, but for part 91 it is not strict. Obviously, when one starts to fly it one can discover various issues, but obviously risks involved. What would be recommended check AP can do on the ground before the first flight?
From my personal experience, I had to overhaul in 2016 when I bought a 2001 Mooney Ovation (Continental IO550) with 1800h since new. This is how I discovered that I needed overhaul:
- The engine would sometimes quit after landing when power is reduced to idle.
- Otherwise it was fine.
- Mechanic was trying to adjust the mixture setting, then discovered a hairline crack in cylinder where the spark plug goes in
- When replacing the cylinder, they discovered cam lobe has pitting, and grounded the airplane for overhaul.
- In addition to major overhaul (new cam, magneto, pistons, etc), oil cooler and alternator was replaced with new. Mechanic said old alternator can seize bring down the entire engine (guess this applies to both Continental and Lycoming?)
There are time limit to overhauling an engine, but for part 91 it is not strict. Obviously, when one starts to fly it one can discover various issues, but obviously risks involved. What would be recommended check AP can do on the ground before the first flight?