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A Lycoming O-235-C2C engine mounted in an American Aviation AA-1 Yankee light aircraft. (From Wikipedia.org)
March 4, 2016
What is the highest recommended TBO number of operating hours for Continental or Lycoming engines… and which model is it?
TBO times… are they a requirement or not? Listen to today’s episode to find out.
When discussing “Hot Topics” like this, just remember, have a lively discussion, but also be kind to your fellow aviators.
In today’s episode, we talk about:
What is TBO, anyway?
Continental Motors SIL 98-9c (TBO times.)
Lycoming SI 1009 (TBO times.)
Some possible scenarios.
IF you are considering running past TBO, here are some things you might do well to consider:
- Perform meticulous maintenance. (Listen to find out more.)
- Use a different shop or inspector every few years (better chance of catching squawks.)
- Talk to your insurance company. (It IS legal to fly past TBO under Part 91.)
- Educate yourself and keep on learning!
Finally, I give 5 true statements regarding running past TBO.
So… which engine model has the highest recommended TBO hours? And the winner is… Lycoming O-235 series (except for the F, G, and J models; these are 2000 hours due to not having the higher strength pistons, like the other 0-235 models.
Let me know if you have any good TBO stories to share with the rest of us
Have a great week!
A decision that I’ve made, based on several of your podcasts, is to start having a sample of oil collected for testing at the oil changes. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
I have a little more than 1,600 hours on the engine (O-200-A) and was wondering about the possibility of taking it past overhaul with careful maintenance, but based on this podcast it sounds as though it is most prudent to take it one inspection at a time, that it varies from aircraft to aircraft based on a variety of factors. I appreciate your point about communicating with the insurance company.
Enjoy the Bonanza Maintenance Academy! I hope that you have nice weather and are able to enjoy some delicious food. Please report back to us on your experience.