Plane Sense 2 March_FinanceNov 19/02/2013 12:20 Page 1
Plane Sense on Engines
Recognizing Aircraft Engine Value It’s not in the eye of the beholder! by Steve Watkins
WORLD AIRCRAFT SALES MAGAZINE – March 2013
www.AvBuyer.com
little puffs of blue smoke that came out of the tail pipes, and the engine roar was music to my ears. I had found my dream car and instantly plopped down the $1,700 asking price and drove off the lot wearing a big smile. That was the last time I smiled when thinking about that car. Within a week, the car had developed a clicking sound, and those little puffs of blue smoke were becoming less little by the mile. Within the year, I had torn down the engine (due to the massive amount of 19 cent quart bulk oil that the Aircraft Index see Page 4
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ne of my first cars was a 1964 Impala SS with the 327 hi-performance small block engine. When I went onto the car lot, I saw this black beauty – complete with black interior and fell in love. I walked around the outside of the car admiring my reflection in the flawless paintwork. Being a diligent aircraft mechanic, I naturally had to pop the hood to see the hidden powerhouse. It opened to uncover the big chrome air filter cover and the engine looked factory-new. I started it, ignoring the