Mike Busch on Engines: What every aircraft owner needs to know about the design, operation, condition monitoring, maintenance and troubleshooting of piston aircraft engines

by Mike Busch

“The risk of engine failure is greatest when your engine is young, NOT when it’s old. You should worry more about pediatrics than geriatrics.” —Mike Busch A&P/IA

Mike Busch on Engines expands the iconoclastic philosophy of his groundbreaking first book Manifesto to the design, operation, condition monitoring, maintenance and troubleshooting of piston aircraft engines.

Busch begins with the history and theory of four-stroke spark-ignition engines. He describes the construction of both the “top end” (cylinders) and “bottom end” (inside the case), and functioning of key systems (lubrication, ignition, carburetion, fuel injection, turbocharging). He reviews modern engine leaning technique (which your POH probably has all wrong), and provides a detailed blueprint for maximizing the life of your engine.

The second half presents a 21st-century approach to health assessment, maintenance, overhaul and troubleshooting. Busch explains how modern condition monitoring tools—like borescopy, oil analysis and digital engine monitor data analysis—allow you to extend engine life and overhaul strictly on-condition rather at an arbitrary TBO. The section devoted to troubleshooting problems like rough running, high oil consumption, temperamental ignition and turbocharging issues is worth its weight in gold.

If you want your engine to live long and prosper, you need this book.

Genres: Aviation

508 pages, Paperback

Published May 12, 2018

Reviews

[Dan Croft · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a pilot and also a dork, then this is the book for you!

[Frank Minich · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book, I'm very happy that I'm a flying club member, and don't own my own airplane - it would become a chore to make sure I flew it sufficiently often.
But it does give me plenty of grist for questions to ask at our next club meeting, in regard to techniques other club members use (e.g., leaning) and how our maintenance is performed.

[Wayne R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on piston aircraft engines

This is a comprehensive, technical education on the care and repair of piston aircraft engines, demolishing not a few shibboleths and OWT on the way. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to get the maximum use and life from their engine.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike explains concepts in this book that you are not taught anywhere else. If you own an airplane, this book is a must read for you to grasp the knowledge you require to remain safe in the skies. It's unbelievable how many mechanics are not aware of the facts conveyed in this book.

[Rafi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tons of useful information regarding aircraft engines. Mike explained not just "what to do", but also "why do it". Four stars because part of the book was hard to follow due to the lack of context or good diagrams.

[KELLY · Rating 5 out of 5]

excelente

[Bri Un · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writing chalked full of decades worth of wisdom.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike's writing is incredibly clear, concise and easy to understand for a layman. I don't have to maintain my collection of saved articles from mags and now their all together and indexed. As I read through there are 11 items I need to change in my own behavior or management of my Cirrus. Started using Savvy a year ago and it's great to have that expertise leading the annual and issues i may face going forward. Planning to exceed TBO by following his advice. Fun to read and actually was a great beach read for me. Looking forward to Part 3!!
My copy is all marked up so I can come back and make sure I've implemented his ideas as much as possible. Manifesto: A Revolutionary Approach to General Aviation Maintenance