FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where are you located and can I fly my aircraft to you?
We are located on the Palo Alto Airport (PAO) just 12 miles north of San Jose Airport in the San Francisco Bay Area. You can taxi right up to our facilities on the airport.

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What does an engine overhaul cost, and can I order an exchange engine?
The prices for our engine overhauls and exchanges are quoted by individual request and will vary depending on aircraft model, engine specification and series of overhaul requested. Exchange engines for most popular models can be ordered in advance. Go to "Instant quote request" for an immediate quotation.

What kind of performance change could I expect?
We have outstanding responses from our customers on performance change. The most notable change reported is reduction in engine vibration and improved smoothness of operation. Engine vibration is monitored using a full frequency domain spectrum analyzer with piezoelectric accelerometers attached to the engine. With this information we can analyze the amplitude of vibration of individual parts that move internally at different speeds in the engine. By reducing an engine's internal out-of-balance condition, we can improve engine thrust output by reducing the energy loss associated with conflicting internal counterbalancing forces. The net result is more available energy to drive the propeller and improved performance. Test results have shown that we have been able to improve factory new six-cylinder engines up to 50% in vibration at various frequencies and pre-owned engines averaging up to 400-500% in many cases. Aircraft speed and climb performance improvements have also been routinely reported by our customers. This factor will change for each individual application, and we suggest that you contact some of our clients to gather this information. We have a referral list clients available.

Do you use a Dynamometer to test the engine for power?
We have a specially-designed thrust velocity load cell for testing our engines. The engine is installed into a hydraulically actuated engine mount that is attached to an electronic load cell that measures the "real time" pulling force in lbs of thrust using the aircraft propeller. The original design aircraft induction and exhaust system is utilized to best simulate real time operational conditions. This unit also monitors every available test parameter for an engine. This very sophisticated load cell is a one-of-a-kind, not to be confused with a "Dyno". We don't recommend running an aircraft engine in a Dyno, because the majority of these units were designed for automotive use where no propeller is attached. In most Dynos, a water brake unit is attached to the crankshaft without the propeller and there is no simulated thrust force generated from a propeller. This provides insufficient information to determine an aircraft engine's thrust force. In some installations, the use of a Dyno can even create internal problems for the engine being tested. Crankshaft transfer collar lubrication problems can develop as a result of testing an engine without a propeller governor or propeller installed.

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What does engine blueprinting mean?
Blueprinting is a term commonly used in the automotive industry to designate an engine that has been built to very high standards. The question is, to whose standards is someone referring? The manufacturers have published service limits and new limits for parts. In the overhaul industry, the FAA only requires that an engine be built to service limits to be legally signed off for an overhaul. The FAA has no definition for blueprinting, so you have nothing more to rely on than the reputation of the facility and the people you choose to do your overhaul. We recommend a one-on-one interview with the engine assembler that will be building your engine for you. We highly recommend that you come and visit our facility and interview the machinists who perform these high quality procedures.

Why do you powdercoat the engine?
Powdercoating is an extremely durable form of paint made up of specially designed pigments and resins. These special resins and pigments are cured in an oven at 400 degrees F and locked into the surface of external engine parts, providing for extreme corrosion protection of your engine. Other engines that haven't had oven curing of paint, such as spray paint or immersiion applications, are highly subject to surface corrosion. Most engine parts are made from aluminum, and when aluminum is exposed to oxygen, a substance called aluminum oxide appears. This is the grayish-white corrosion that you see when looking at many engine external parts such as crankcases. This weakens the aluminum material and makes a part such as a crankcase prone to surface fatigue which can become symptomatic of a crankcase crack. Powdercoating is one of the best processes to eliminate aluminum oxide corrosion of an engine crankcase, thereby reducing dramatically the chance of crankcase cracking.

Who actually builds the engines?
The industry's finest journeyman machinists build our engines. Some of our assemblers are ASE Certified Master Machinists and (CNC) Computer Numeric Control Machinists. Other technicians include high-performance engine building experts who have extensive experience in airflow management, engine balancing, crankshaft and camshaft machining. We have several licensed FAA aircraft inspectors and an FAA Designated Airworthiness Representative on staff and an Airframe and Powerplant Instructor.

Do you out-source your work?
The majority of all operations are controlled in house in our full-service machine shop. Some of the operations, including plating and crankcase machining, are contracted to an outside facility that meets our in-house established tolerances.

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How long does it take to get an engine overhauled?
Depending of the model of your engine, it can take an average of two to three weeks if there are no unusual circumstances. Delays can occur in the event of supplier parts shortages or special repairs. If the customer can give us repair authorization in advance, it decreases delays considerably. After an engine is disassembled and inspected, we contact the owner to report the internal condition. The customer's preferences on repairs after inspection will determine the time for any additional repairs. Often, customers like to come in and personally examine the condition of the engine at inspection stage. Exchange engines ordered in advance have no delay and can be shipped via truck or airline to anywhere in the world. For multiple orders of the same series engines, down time can be significantly decreased.

Can I get my own engine overhauled?
Most of our customers want to have their own engine overhauled. This way, you know the complete operating history of the engine.

Do you zero-time the engine?
The phrase zero-time engine is very misleading and implies that you are getting an engine with parts that don't have any hours on them. Most people would think if their engine was "zero-timed" by the engine manufacturer, the parts were never operated before. This is untrue. A factory "zero-time" engine with a new logbook can have an unknown operating history with thousands of hours on the majority of parts. Due to the FARs, the manufacturers are allowed to use parts that have unknown operating history, install them in a factory-remanufactured engine, and call it "zero-time". This only applies to the original engine manufacturer and may not be represented by field overhaulers. When we overhaul your engine, you know the exact time on the major components and you don't wind up with an unknown operating history engine. The total time is entered in the logbook and is signed off as "zero since major overhaul".

What parts are included with your overhaul?
We install the required mandatory replacement parts per the original manufacturer’s Service Bulletin #SB97-6 for TCM engines and Service Bulletin #SB240R for Lycoming engines in most cases. Black Edition IItm and Limited Edition IItm Engines come with New Cylinders that have been flow-balanced by our firm. For a detailed listing of parts included, see “Instant quote request” for further information.

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How does the cost of the overhaul impact the resale value of my aircraft?
It will significantly increase the resale value of your aircraft. "Power By Victor"™ engine overhauls have been specifically listed as an increased value compared to other rebuilt engines in the aircraft valuation book. See the Aircraft Blue Book Digest. Several lenders add the full retail cost of "Power By Victor"™ engines to the appraised value of your aircraft. This is a significant improvement in resale value as compared to factory engine installations.

Can I fly the aircraft to you for installation?
Yes, we have several FAA repair stations fully equipped to handle your entire fly-in aircraft servicing needs. Technicians are factory trained and can handle all levels of repairs or modifications including: engine changes, annual inspections, engine monitors, engine upgrades, interiors, sound proofing and major modifications. We can also arrange for international pick up and delivery.

What is your warranty, and does the engine come with a new logbook?
We have an exceptional Express Limited Warranty that covers our Workmanship provided. Please see Warranty. Express Limited Warranty Coverage can be executed by any licensed A&P Mechanic or FAA Approved Repair Station that has been previously approved by Victor Aviation. For approved facilities in your area please contact our Technical Services Department. All “Power by Victor” engines are delivered including a New Engine Logbook.

How long have you been in business?
Victor Sloan founded Victor Aviation in 1974 and has been the leader in piston engine overhaul quality ever since.

Can I buy the engine overhaul direct from you or do I have to go through my FBO?
You can buy the engine direct from us, or purchase can be arranged through your FBO.

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Can my own mechanic install the engine?
Yes, you can have your mechanic install the engine, but be sure that he is well briefed on the manufacturer's installation instructions and has all the proper equipment. Initial engine run-in is critical, and we recommend that your mechanic contact us prior to first-start of the engine.

Who can perform warranty work on the engine?
With prior authorization, any qualified maintenance technician can perform warranty work anywhere in the world. We recommend that customers take the aircraft to one of our many authorized "Power By Victor"™ engine service facilities. For location of the center nearest to you, please call our technical services department at (650) 354-1399 or look under approved service facilities.

Can you pick up and deliver the aircraft?
Yes, we can pick up and deliver all over the world. We have several available ATP rated pilots with thousands of hours of flight time. Bill Cox, editor with Plane&Pilot Magazine, performs our international ferry flights and routinely flies to Europe, Australia, South America and Africa. To obtain a quote for this service, call Bill Cox at 310-521-9596, or visit flybillcox@aol.com.

Do you provide customer references?
Yes, upon request for a quote, ask for a current binder of customer references that includes letters from a wide variety of our customer bases.

All specifications must be confirmed at time of order and are subject to change without notice

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