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In a message dated 4/28/2001 10:45:42 PM Pacific Daylight Time, lancair.list@olsusa.com writes:

<< Someone did a test to determine if pilots were prematurely getting overhauls "to regain power" because of cylinder pressures below 60 (seems to be a magic number).

I just had a cylinder repaired in my Cessna 150 ($400 for the contract work and probably $300 for my A&P to remove and install) for the sole reason that the pressure was 55/80.  The engine ran fine and displayed all the normal zest and pep that we associate with a Cessna 150.  I didn't want to have the work done at all.

Three years ago I had a cylinder replaced since the pressure was 26/80.  Big surprise to all of us since the engine ran very smoothly.  However, I had no problems authorizing that repair.

I was told in no uncertain terms that the aircraft is considered unairworthy by the FAA if the cylinder pressure was under 60.  I'm afraid that it's more than just a magic number -- it's the law.  At least according to my A&P for a Cessna 150.

Any A&P's out there care to comment?  Was my guy right?

- Rob Wolf

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