Key points for post-flight inspection of aviation piston engines

The key points of inspection for aviation piston engines after flight mainly include the following aspects:

First, appearance and initial inspection

Visual inspection

Check whether there is any obvious damage, oil leakage, air leakage or water leakage on the exterior of the engine.

Observe whether there is any abnormal vibration or noise in the engine.

Preliminary inspection

Check if there are any debris or foreign objects in the engine compartment.

Confirm whether all connecting parts and pipelines are fastened tightly and without any looseness.

Second, inspection of the lubricating oil system

Lubricating oil level check

Check the amount of lubricating oil in the oil tank to ensure it is within the specified range.

If the consumption of lubricating oil increases abnormally, the cause needs to be further investigated.

Lubricating oil leakage inspection

Check whether there is any leakage in components such as the lubricating oil pipeline, lubricating oil filter, and lubricating oil radiator.

If there is any leakage, it should be dealt with promptly.

Lubricating oil quality inspection

Observe the color and texture of the lubricating oil to determine if there is any contamination or deterioration.

If necessary, a lubricating oil spectral analysis can be conducted to monitor the wear condition inside the engine.

Third, fuel system inspection

Fuel level check

Check the fuel level in the fuel tank to ensure there is sufficient fuel before the next flight.

Fuel leakage inspection

Check whether there is any leakage in components such as the fuel pipeline, fuel pump and fuel filter.

If leakage is found, it should be dealt with promptly.

Fuel system cleanliness inspection

Drain water and sediment from the fuel system to keep it clean.

Fourth, inspection of the cooling system

Coolant inspection

Check if the coolant level is normal and there is no leakage.

Observe the color and texture of the coolant to determine if there is any contamination or deterioration.

Radiator inspection

Check whether the radiator is clean and free of blockages.

If necessary, the radiator can be cleaned.

Fifth, inspection of the ignition system and electrical system

Spark plug inspection

Check whether there is carbon deposit on the spark plugs and whether the electrode gap is normal.

Depending on the usage, consider replacing the spark plugs.

Ignition coil inspection

Check whether the ignition coil is damaged, short-circuited or open-circuited.

Make sure the ignition system is working properly.

Electrical system inspection

Check whether the engine control computer, sensors and other electrical equipment are working properly.

Observe whether there are any abnormal alarms or fault indicator lights in the electrical system.

Sixth, inspection of mechanical components

Inspection of key components

Check whether there is any wear, deformation or damage on key components such as the crankshaft, connecting rod, piston and valves.

Observe whether the engine has abnormal vibration or noise and determine whether the mechanical components are working properly.

Fastener inspection

Check whether the fasteners on the engine are tight and not loose.

If it is loose, it should be tightened in time.

Seventh, other system checks

Intake and exhaust system inspection

Check whether the intake and exhaust ducts are unobstructed and free of foreign objects blocking them.

Observe whether there is any abnormal vibration or noise in the intake and exhaust systems.

Attachment inspection

Check whether all the accessories on the engine, such as the generator, starter, turbocharger, etc., are working properly.

Observe whether there is any abnormal vibration or noise in the attachment.

Eighth, Recording and Feedback

Maintenance record

Record the process and results of the post-flight inspection, including the inspection items, problems found and handling measures, etc.

To provide reference and basis for subsequent maintenance work.

Problem feedback

If any abnormal phenomenon or malfunction of the engine is found, it should be promptly reported to the relevant department or personnel.

Take corresponding measures to deal with the problem according to its severity.

Through the above key points of post-flight inspection, problems that may occur with the aviation piston engine during flight can be detected and resolved in a timely manner, ensuring that the engine is in good working condition and well-prepared for the next flight.