Question 1

Is my cowl modified on my 172 for the 180HP engine upgrade?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the model of 172: 
172 B, C, D, E, F, G, H: Oil door is relocated to the right side of top cowl, and the dual exhaust holes are filled and replaced with a hole for the single exhaust. 
172 I, K, L, M, P:  No Cowling modification required.
172 N: Oil door is relocated to the right side of the top cowl, no modification necessary on bottom cowl.
172 R: No cowl modification required.

Question 2

What accessories and/or hardware do I keep from my existing engine to reuse on my new installation?

Accepted Answer

It depends what engine is being replaced and for that reason it is best for the installing mechanic to keep the cores until the installation is complete.

Question 3

Where can I find performance data for my 172-180HP?

Accepted Answer

We have prepared performance data to be used as reference only. This data is to be used for reference purposes only and reflects performance for aircraft at 2550 Lbs. 
Download it here.

Question 4

Why are the flaps restricted to 35 degrees for the 182-300HP engine upgrade?

Accepted Answer

Cessna 182, when equipped with Air Plains 300HP, has a flap limitation of 35 degrees to allow enough rudder authority when in a full power stall. The extra power of our upgrade enables your aicraft to stall at a greater angle of attack.

Question 5

Where can I find the most recently updated Flight Manual Supplement?

Accepted Answer

Right here on our website! Here is a direct link: https://www.airplains.com/file-share

Question 6

Why is my Cessna 188 not getting full redline with the prop STC for the Blackmac?

Accepted Answer

Is your tachometer accurate? Check propeller blade angle per the STC SA00409WI. Propeller governor for the 88 inch propeller must be adjusted correctly. Typically maximum RPM will be achieved at 40-50 MPH.

Question 7

Why are the flaps restricted to 30 degrees on my 172-180HP engine upgrade?

Accepted Answer

The flaps are not restricted because of the 180HP engine upgrade. To clarify, there are two STCs: 
1. STC SA4428SW is the engine upgrade approved for 172B-P and R models and 
2. STC SA2196CE is the gross weight increase approved for 172D thru P and R models. 
The flaps are restricted when STC SA2196CE is applied. During a go around with full (40 degrees) flaps, the aircraft must be able to achieve a minimum rate of climb at gross weight. At 2500 to 2550 lbs of gross weight the aircraft will not be able to achieve the required rate of climb with full flaps. 
Note: 172P flaps came from the factory with 30 degree flaps.

Question 8

Why is there an option to add an airbox for the 172R Upgrade to 180HP?

Accepted Answer

For the installation using STC SA4428SW, the engine air induction system receives ram air through an intake on the lower front portion of the engine cowling. The intake is covered by an airfilter which removes dust and other foreign matter from the induction air. Airflow passing through the air control unit which is under the engine, and then is ducted to the engine cylinders through intake manifold tubes.

In the event induction ice is encountered, or the intake air filter becomes blocked, an alternate heated air can be obtained from a shroud around an exhaust riser through a duct to a valve, in the air box, operated by the alternator air control located on the instrument panel. Unfiltered heated air is drawn from the lower cowl area around an exhaust riser through the shroud into a duct on the air box. Use of full alternate air will result in a loss of approximately 75 to 150 RPM.

Read more on our technical support section.

Question 9

What are the tire pressures on my 172-180HP Skyhawk?

Accepted Answer

To operate at the higher gross weight, the aircraft must be equipped with minimum of 6 ply tires on both the main wheels and nose wheels on all models. 
Tire pressure should be:
NOSE GEAR.....................45 PSI
MAIN GEAR.......................38 PSI

Question 10

Why are some performance charts not available?

Accepted Answer

According to the CFR 21.5 any airplane less than 6000 lbs delivered before March 1979 was not required to have an Aircraft Flight Manual.  After that, it was.  Therefore, if an airplane did not have an AFM, an STC applicant would provide a Supplemental AFM.  If an airplane did have an AFM, the STC applicant would provide an AFM Supplement. Because of the certification basis (CAR 3), takeoff and landing performance was not required to be provided for those aircraft.  Thus, a SAFM was not required to have that performance.
Unless otherwise addressed in the Flight Manual Supplement the performance numbers covered in the FAA approved Flight Manual are considered to be equal to or better than the listed numbers and they can be used for performance calculations.

Question 11

What spark plugs are on my Lycoming O-360-A4M?

Accepted Answer

Champion spark plugs come stock on all Air Plains 180HP engine upgrades. Part number 1182-E7. Contact Air Plains for current price and availability.

Question 12

Can the Power Flow Exhaust System be used with the 172-180HP STC Kit?

Accepted Answer

As with any STC it is up to the installing mechanic to determine the compatibility of combining STCs.

If you already have Power Flow exhaust on your stock 172 it can be re-used with the new engine with the replacement of a few parts from Power Flow Exhaust Systems to accommodate the O-360 engine.

Air Plains is a preferred Power Flow Systems Dealer.

Question 13

149NL Starter is going to be used on 24v aircraft, what is to be done with the jumper?

Accepted Answer

Many, not all, but many of Air Plains engine upgrades come with a new starter. The Skytec starter used is the NL model. Refer to Hartzell Engine Technologies Drawing ST25001, latest rev for instructions. Clickable link here.

Question 14

Why are there two options for the 172R upgrade?

Accepted Answer

There are two options for the 172R upgrade, but both offer the same performance. 
Two STCs SA4428SW(Air Plains STC) and SA10406SC(owned by Air Plains since 2018 formerly owned by Alamo Aerospace). The main differences between the two is SA4428SW was approved and uses a new heated induction airbox duct and control cable compared to SA10406SC does not use an alternate airbox installation.

See our technical support page for further description and comparison of the two.

Question 15

If I purchase an engine through Air Plains is there a core charge?

Accepted Answer

There is a core exchange that takes place, yes. Air Plains must receive an engine core in exchange for the purchase of a new. The core exchange program is different depending on which aircraft and engine combination. Contact Air Plains for questions specific to your aircraft.

Question 16

Where can I find required placards?

Accepted Answer

Required placards can be found in the Flight Manual Supplement. 
Supplements to the original POH can be downloaded directly from our website.

Question 17

What is the TBO on my Lycoming Engine?

Accepted Answer

It depends which model you have and what the serial number is.  For the O-360-A4M it could be 2,000, 2,200 or 2,400 depending on the usage.  Be sure check Lycoming's most recent Service Instruction 1009, click here for direct link for your specific application.

Question 18

Is there a troubleshooting guide for my Lycoming O-360?

Accepted Answer

Lycoming published a Reciprocating Engine Trouble Shooting Guide. 
The file can be downloaded here.

Question 19

Does Air Plains Services have to do the engine upgrade install or can my local A&P do the job?

Accepted Answer

Air Plains does not have to do the engine upgrade installation at our facility. Visit with your local shop or have them contact us directly at sales@airplains.com

At this time the R182-300HP installation can only be installed at our location. Please contact us for additional information.

Question 20

Can I get Flint Aero Tanks with my engine upgrade?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it can be done simultaneously to minimize down time. Call Air Plains for current pricing and lead times.

Question 21

What fuel can I use?

Accepted Answer

The question of which fuels are approved for our popular Lycoming 180hp and 300hp engines is one of our most asked. The answer: It’s complicated. Keeping up with advances in engine and fuel technology can be daunting so we thought it would be handy to republish the updated Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1070 AB that includes an easy-to-read chart matching engine model numbers to approved fuels.

Question 22

What is the TBO on my Continental engine?

Accepted Answer

In 2012, Continental Motors introduced its Gold Standard Factory Rebuilt and New Engines. These engines incorporate improvements in technology and manufacturing processes that have allowed Continental to increase the TBO. 
The increased TBO is affective on nearly all Continental Motors Factory produced engines beginning in February 2012 as designated by serial number 1006000 and higher. Nearly all models will receive the benefit of a 200 hour increase over the existing TBO. Aircraft owners that fly 40 hour per month will receive up to 400 hours. Contact Continental direct for further inquiries.

Question 23

What oil filter is used for the 172-180HP engine upgrade?

Accepted Answer

The O-360 uses Champion CH48110-1 or Tempest AA48110-2 oil filters.

Question 24

Does my Lycoming Electronic Ignition System need the power conditioner?

Accepted Answer

On 4 cylinder models as long as the EIS data sticker indicates the unit being Rev M or N there is no need for a power conditioner.  SureFly states, "The SureFly PC17V Power Conditioner is used to eliminate noise spikes from the airframe input power that may, in some aircraft with a 28V charging system, be large enough to trip a SIM’s internal overvoltage protection causing a system reset. Resets of this nature may appear as engine “stumbles” or “rough running”. The PC17V Power Conditioner is installed in series between the SIM battery fuse and the SIM power terminal."

For latest information check Surefly's website for latest revision of SF2001 Installation Instructions and Service Instruction SI-920: https://www.surefly.aero/

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