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Referring to the engines we use as not being subject to weaknesses that
might have been the norm in "the distant past" is a little ingenuous - the
O-235 I use was originally certified (certificated? - I can never remember)
around the late 1930's. The 320's and 360's are most likely (basically) of
the same vintage. Now, I'm sure there have been some modernizations and
material upgrades since then, but they're clearly from the stone age in
engine design. I use the term "stone age" because these four banger boxer's
are about as modern as a stone axe. Probably about as reliable too, though.

Because they are so simple, I don't have too many problems following one
over some pretty rough country here in the west because there ain't a lot to
go wrong. However, I didn't get to be 66 years old wihtout subscribing to
the old maxim "where there's smoke, there's fire". If somebody who's been
around flying since I was a teenager tells me to leave the throttle alone
until I've reached a safe "return to base" altitude, I'll do it, whether
he's passing on an old wives tale or not.

I haven't seen all that many crashes in my life, but the ones that stick in
my mind are those that happened during the takeoff phase. Sure, that's
probably because I was at the airport when they happened so I got a
ring-side seat. Just the same, they happened - so I'll push the throttle in
gently on initial power-up, and leave the thing alone till I can make a safe
landing.

Again, "You pays your money and you takes your chances".

Dan Schaefer

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