Small Jet Charter

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has released “Ten Critical Strategies for Long-Term Fuel Savings,” a new white paper that provides a variety of steps for saving on aircraft fuel bills, both in the short-term and long-term.

“NBAA continually seeks ways to help its members minimize costs, and fuel is one of the largest variable costs of operating an aircraft today,” says Mike Nichols, NBAA’s vice president of education, operations & economics. “However, while the price of fuel may be out of your control, there are still tangible steps you can take to keep expenses down.”

Included in the white paper are strategies to compare fuel prices at alternative destination airports and FBOs, calculate aircraft weight for maximum efficiency, determine if you qualify for a fuel discount and more.

For more information: NBAA.org

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Q: We’re building an RV-6A using an O-360 narrow deck engine. There are six studs that hold this engine together. The center studs are wider at the base than the outer four studs. The case has an indentation where the seals fit. All six are counterbored. The size of the center studs at the base is slightly larger but the seal fits over the stud and rests into the counterbore OK. Should my gasket set have contained a slightly larger seal for these center studs or does this look OK?

BARRY DiSIMONE, Tucson

A: Thanks for your inquiry regarding the use of “O” ring seals on your O-360 narrow deck engine. After looking at the photos, it appears your crankcase is in compliance with Lycoming Service Instruction 1123D, which covers the “Installation of Dowels and Rubber O-Ring Seals at the Crankcase Thru-Stud Locations.”

While it was difficult to actually determine from your photos, the information you provided would lead me to believe your crankcase does incorporate the counterbores. I’d suggest you review a copy of the Service Instruction in order to actually confirm it. You should find this SI in your Avantext library. Also, any FAA approved repair station should have a copy of this publication if it maintains Lycoming engines. I think you’ll find after reviewing this publication the seal fit you spoke of is correct and no larger seals are required.

The RV6A is a very nice aircraft and I know you’ll enjoy owning and flying it.

Paul McBride, an expert on engines, retired after almost 40 years with Lycoming. Send your questions to: AskPaul@GeneralAviationNews.com.

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Three days after appearing before a Senate Committee regarding his nomination to lead the Transportation Security Administration, Maj. Gen. Robert Harding withdrew his name from consideration, citing questions about his background as a defense contractor. Harding was the second nominee for the position to withdraw because of concerns that background questions would not be good for the administration or the Department of Homeland Security.

… read the rest of story (189 words)

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