Get The Lead Out

There is a fundamental reason we perform preflight run-ups and engine checks before takeoff: It is a whole lot better to find problems at 1G, 0 feet agl and 0 knots airspeed than it is while airborne. Making sure a powerplant will work as we intend before taking off is just good airmanship. A good run-up doesnt mean everything is perfect, however, and we train for airborne engine problems, including full use of its controls and instruments.

Mike Hart

Tuesday, March 07, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Even with thorough preflight checks, engine problems like a fouled spark plug can manifest in flight, requiring urgent diagnosis and decision-making.
The pilots successfully diagnosed a fouled spark plug in-flight through careful observation, carb heat application, mixture adjustments, and magneto checks with an engine monitor.
When faced with an uncertain in-flight engine issue, prioritizing safety and not hesitating to declare an emergency provides critical operational flexibility and enhances safe resolution.
Preventing lead-fouled spark plugs involves specific engine management techniques, such as avoiding prolonged low-power operation, aggressive leaning on the ground, and periodic high-RPM run-ups.

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There is a fundamental reason we perform preflight run-ups and engine checks before takeoff: It is a whole lot better to find problems at 1G, 0 feet agl and 0 knots airspeed than it is while airborne. Making sure a powerplant will work as we intend before taking off is just good airmanship. A good run-up doesn’t mean everything is perfect, however, and we train for airborne engine problems, including full use of its controls and instruments.

Sometimes, though, the problems we’re looking for don’t reveal themselves when it is convenient for us, and we have to diagnose engine issues in the air. Urgently. And fly the airplane at the same time. It is not a comfortable experience. I was recently reminded of this while flying with a fellow pilot, whom I’ll call Roger, who simply needed some instrument dual in his Cessna 182.