What's your comfort level.......

[Kaye]

in the number of hours a rebuilt engine has before flying in IMC. It currently has 5 hours (I flew 2 of those hrs and noted nothing unusual). I planned on flying Sunday and now the wx's forecasting 50% chance rain. I don't have a lot of actual time, so I'm thinking about grabbing my CFI and go play in the clouds and rain.

Would you be uncomfortable at this point?

 

[woodstock]

in the number of hours a rebuilt engine has before flying in IMC. It currently has 5 hours (I flew 2 of those hrs and noted nothing unusual). I planned on flying Sunday and now the wx's forecasting 50% chance rain. I don't have a lot of actual time, so I'm thinking about grabbing my CFI and go play in the clouds and rain.

Would you be uncomfortable at this point?

are you going to steal Ray from me this Sunday???

either way, he'll get to fly.

 

[wsuffa]

in the number of hours a rebuilt engine has before flying in IMC. It currently has 5 hours (I flew 2 of those hrs and noted nothing unusual). I planned on flying Sunday and now the wx's forecasting 50% chance rain. I don't have a lot of actual time, so I'm thinking about grabbing my CFI and go play in the clouds and rain.

Would you be uncomfortable at this point?

If everything is normal and the mechanics have inspected the engine after the first flight or two for leaks and other problems, I'd be OK with light IMC.

If the engine is not broken-in, however, flying approaches, holds, and so forth is not a good idea. For good break-in, you want to run the engine hard.

 

[Kaye]

are you going to steal Ray from me this Sunday???

either way, he'll get to fly.

I look at it this way, if it's IMC, you're not flying

 

[Kaye]

If everything is normal and the mechanics have inspected the engine after the first flight or two for leaks and other problems, I'd be OK with light IMC.

If the engine is not broken-in, however, flying approaches, holds, and so forth is not a good idea. For good break-in, you want to run the engine hard.

The "required" break-in was complete with the first 2.5hr. After that, the instructions are "cruise at 65% to 75% power for first 50 hrs". Owner says we're good to go with approaches, etc.

 

[grattonja]

The "required" break-in was complete with the first 2.5hr. After that, the instructions are "cruise at 65% to 75% power for first 50 hrs". Owner says we're good to go with approaches, etc.

I haven't been in this position yet, so YMMV and I am no expert. With that said. I'd look at the plane first. If it was the skyhawk I rent more than anyone else and fly often, and it was that same engine, only rebuilt, that would be a first consideration in it's favor. Then, I'd preflight it within an inch of it's life, and talk to our local mechanic (who likely reinstalled it). No squaks, that's another mark in it's favor. Then there is gut feeling. If my head or stomach told me no, it would be no go. If I didn't have a bad feeling or doubts, it would probably be yes.

Basically though, do what you feel comfortable with. If you are not comfortable with it, you probably shouldn't do it. That little buzz in the back of your head can be a life=saver (or maybe that's just my meds wearing off )

Jim G

 

[poadeleted20]

After a short initial leak check flight, and a couple more hours and another leak check, I'm good for as much IMC as I would ever do.

 

[Kaye]

After a short initial leak check flight, and a couple more hours and another leak check, I'm good for as much IMC as I would ever do.

Thanks, Ron. I'm new to "sorta but not quite" owning an airplane (fractional lease with 3 other guys) and I keep coming across these type of issues I never confronted as a renter. I tend to be conservative, so I like getting some input as to what's a reasonable risk in these "unknown to me" areas.

 

[gismo]

After a short initial leak check flight, and a couple more hours and another leak check, I'm good for as much IMC as I would ever do.

I've gotta agree. I don't know the statistics for sure, but I suspect that once you get past the first few hours, the reliability of a properly overhauled engine is probably higher during the first hundred hours than at any later time in it's run to the next overhaul.