Owning, Regular Maintenance, Engines - (03 Mar 2026 update)
Monitoring/logging Engine condition/performance is going to pay off in confidence and at Permit renewal time. External components, fluids and hoses can easily be inspected, but it is also important to watch for signs of internal deterioration, record measurements and take images supporting the following – especially if your engine is outside its Manufacturers Time Before Overhaul age or hours limits (UK Owners: LAA TL 2.23 detailed requirements - Overhaul Life & operating ‘on-condition’)
• Keep a running oil consumption record, inspect the magnetic plug and cut open your oil filter at every oil change - looking for anything more than a sprinkling of tiny metal specks.
• Record hot engine idle and full power oil pressures – and max engine speed achieved during a tied-down static engine run at the same prop pitch setting.
• Perform a climb rate test at the same TO weight (ideally +90% of MTOM), every year.
• Measure and record cylinder compression pressures at cranking speed on a hot engine (one Cyl at a time, all ign leads disconnected). Investigate any falling below required minimums.
• Annually insert a borescope into each cylinder at BDC and look for bore-scoring, piston-top condition and valve-head colouration – as well as valve seat appearance. A link to the Mike Busch YouTube movie below, provides understand on what you are looking for.
EAA 2024 Webinar by Mike Busch renowned Engines Guru: “Borescope Initiative, 1 year later”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGbgnA3R06g
Rotax Troubleshooting – an existing EC website article https://www.theeuropaclub.org/document/574
Ex-Rotax Engineers notes
https://www.theeuropaclub.org/building/engine-and-fuel-system/rotax-912-and-914-engines
For those using the Jabiru Engine type
https://jabiru.aero/
Clive Sutton
Responsibilities:
a) Progressing Committee-selected builder Modifications to Standard MOD level with the UK LAA,
b) Ensuring website information about Europa Modifications for both marques are as accurate as possible and accessible to the Worldwide Membership through the website
c) Holding/managing the Clubs’ Loaned Tool Cache
Flying & Europa experience to date
Clive has >500hrs in his UK SEP PPL(A) logbook now, of which 135 are Mono and 170 are TriGear – this in addition to experience in PA28 and PA28R, Bulldog, C172, C152, Islander, Caravan (Uganda) and PA18 Cub including floats – and has a night rating. Clive has gone solo in winch-launched K13 and K8 Gliders.
Flying ambitions
Touring that visits offshore islands - and (when funds allow) uprating his Classic XS FFwd to a set of MG wings, is also of interest.
Relevant skills & experience
After a 7-year stint in the RAF in ground Engineering from 1978, Clive worked in a number of Consulting companies specialising in Noise and Vibration troubleshooting, before working in a Senior Mgt role in Corus Automotive (now Tata Steel). He retired in 2018 but subsequently returned to work 2D/week at a Part-145/Part-CAO and BCAR A8-23 & 25 Aircraft maintenance facility - in support of his BMAA and LAA Inspector applications. These authorisations were awarded in 2023 and 2024 - including amongst other types, for Composite Airframe types.
Clive has considerable experience in navigating the LAA system that regulates Modifications – indeed has created a number of Europa-specific Modifications (14179 Alternative positioned Mono brake Master Cylinder, 14467 Tunnel-top fuel tap, 14588 Mono 135-degree enclosed Mudguard, 15339 Coolant Radiator Fan + Inspection door vent & 13072 Forward-facing Conspicuity light). In his Modifications Secretary role, Clive meets regularly with Andy Draper at the LAA to help progress the transition of existing Prototype MODs to Standard MOD status (Mono Gear lock spring [10755] & Rotary Vents [12871], are examples).
Locality
Having lived, travelled or worked in most of the World (Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the USA), Clive now lives in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, UK: about an hour’s drive from the LAA’s HQ at Turweston in the UK Midlands.
Contact: CliveSutton@theeuropaclub.org
