Many parts of the country have experienced record heat this summer, and August and September can bring their share of scorching days as well. If you haven’t done so already, you may need to make some adjustments to the way you operate your airplane to keep the engine happy.
During your preflight inspection, make sure you have plenty of oil. Yeah, this is a given, but it’s particularly important to keep the oil topped at the recommended level when it’s hot since it helps keep the engine cool. Also check that the air intakes are clear of debris and that the baffles are in good condition as they help direct the airflow to the areas of the engine that need it most. Also, on the ground and during the climb, keep the cowl flaps open (if your airplane is equipped with them) to help the airflow through the engine cowl.
