Originally Posted by
ClarenceOver
Many engines have the potential to go past TBO if they are babied: no flights under an hour, cruised at 60%, flown frequently, reduced power take-offs, meticulous maintenance, etc.
things break. planes are not cheap. trying to save money in aviation is usually a load of crap. if you think you are coming out ahead you are insane. if you are really deadset on being cheap in aviation. if there even is such a thing. go join a flying club. comparing renting an airplane to buying one you are not going to come out ahead on either. aviation is already a rich mans game. if you are thinking you will save a buck here and there at what cost will it be at? the airplane? a passenger? your life?!?!? suck it up and spend the money. if you dont you will pay later. can an engine go past tbo? sure! if you fly it like 12 hours a year and are doing it for fun. ive put athousand hours on a cherokee in a year and this airplane is a workhorse. airline pilots ask me why dont you take pride in your airplane and wash it? i tell them do you wash the md80 when you go to work? its meant to be FLOWN. i fly more than anybody at my airport. i have sank 10k in this airplane in a year to keep it up to par. if you think you are giong to save a buck you are completely nuts. you WILL spend money. this is aviation. trying to cut corners in this business someone will get hurt.
Flying an airplane only 12 hours a year is a sure fire way of an engine never reaching it's TBO. Besides, most engine manufacturers list two different TBO's, one is based on engine hours and the other is based on years of service. A mid time engine could easily be past TBO.
In regards to washing an airplane, that most certainly should be something you take seriously. It's considered general maintenance, and goes along way in fighting corrosion.