| Q? |
Where are you located and can I fly my aircraft to you? |
| A |
We are located adjacent to the Palo Alto Airport (KPAO) just 12 miles north of San Jose Airport in the San Francisco Bay Area. You can fly into Palo Alto and walk right up to our facility. |
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| Q? |
What does an engine overhaul cost, and can I order an exchange engine? |
| A |
The prices for our engines are quoted by individual request and will vary depending on aircraft model, engine specification and series requested. Exchange engines for most popular models can be ordered in advance. Go to "Instant quote request" for an immediate quotation. |
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| Q? |
If my engine was involved in a propeller strike, sudden stoppage, overboost, overspeed or contamination incident, what special Victor Engine Processes are required to restore the Victor Engine to the original pre-incident condition that would be in addition to any manufacturer's engine inspection requirements? |
| A |
"Power-By-Victor" Black Edition V, Limited Edition VI and XR Black Edition VII engines are classified in the Aircraft Bluebook as Modified Engines. These engines include special proprietary processes that are required to be repeated in the event of a propeller strike, sudden stoppage, overboost, overspeed or contamination incident.
To comply with Lycoming’s required Service Bulletin SB533C, or Service Bulletin No. 592, or Continental Motors Inc. required Maintenance Manual M-0, the following special Victor Aviation Service, Inc. processes listed below are mandatory to be performed by Victor Aviation Service, Inc. in order to comply with the factory’s service bulletins. These special processes are in addition to any manufacturer’s engine inspection requirements and required to maintain the pre-incident status and configuration of the “Power-By-Victor” engine.
In the event that these special processes aren’t repeated by Victor Aviation Service, Inc. the engine will no longer be classified as a “Power-By-Victor” Black Edition V, Limited Edition VI or XR Black Edition VII modified engine. Engine warranty will be voided. The value of the aircraft will also be reduced as the Aircraft Price Digest will no longer recognize the added aircraft value of the “Power-By-Victor” engine overhaul series.
-Iron Manganese Phosphate Coating of Gears
-Thermal Emissive Electrostatic Powdercoating of External Surfaces
-Custom Color Electrostatic Powdercoating of External Surfaces
-High Temperature Ceramic Coatings
-Metal Surface Shot Peening of Gears
-Cryogenic Liquid Nitrogen Stress Relieving of Internal High Stressed parts
-Ultrasonic High-Speed Velocity Testing of Critical Parts
-Eddy Current Electromagnetic Induction Testing of Critical Parts
-Diamond Cut and Matched Piston Rings
-Extended Test Cell Thrust Velocity Testing
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| Q? |
Do you use a Dynamometer to test the engine for power? |
| A |
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 wafer that measures the "real time" pulling force in lbs of thrust using the aircraft propeller. This type of testing is similar to the technology used for testing turbine engines. This method of testing an engine is much more effective than a dynamometer and gives our technicians real-time information. 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 Dynamometer because the majority of these units were designed for automotive use where no propeller is attached. In most Dynamometer's 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 Dynamometer 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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| Q? |
What does engine blueprinting mean? |
| A |
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. |
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| Q? |
Why do you powdercoat the engine? |
| A |
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 immersion 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. Powder coating is one of the best processes to eliminate aluminum oxide corrosion of an engine crankcase, thereby reducing dramatically the chance of crankcase cracking. |
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| Q? |
Who actually builds the engines? |
| A |
The industry's finest journeyman machinists build our engines. Other technicians include high-performance engine building experts who have extensive experience in airflow management, engine balancing, crankshaft and camshaft machining. We have several repair station FAA inspectors and an FAA Designated Airworthiness Representative on staff and an Lifetime Certificated Airframe and Power Plant Instructor overseeing operations. |
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| Q? |
Do you out-source your work? |
| A |
The majority of all operations are controlled in house in our full-service machine shop. Some of the operations are contracted to outside facilities that meet our in-house established tolerances. |
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| Q? |
How long does it take to get an engine overhauled? |
| A |
Depending of the model and condition of your engine, it can take an average of three weeks. 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. |
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| Q? |
Can I get my own engine overhauled? |
| A |
Most of our customers want to have their own engine overhauled. This way, you know the complete operating history of the engine. |
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| Q? |
Can I Cancel an Engine or Accessory Work Order Agreement? |
| A |
All Engine and Accessory Work Order Agreements are non-cancellable once the work order has been initiated. Should the customer cancel a work order agreement any deposit made would be forfeited by the customer and any additional remaining balance due on the work order would be fully payable prior to return of any disassembled engine or accessory parts to owner. |
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| Q? |
Do you zero-time the engine? |
| A |
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". |
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| Q? |
What parts are included with your overhaul? |
| A |
Black Edition Vtm, Limited Edition VItm, XR Black Edition® VII and Gold Edition VIItm Engines come with "Power-By-Victor" Flowed Cylinders. For a detailed listing of parts included, see “Instant quote request” for further information. |
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| Q? |
How does the cost of the overhaul impact the resale value of my aircraft? |
| A |
It will significantly increase the resale value of your aircraft. "Power-By-Victor"™ Black Edition V, Limited Edition VI, and XR Black Edition VII engine upgrades are specifically listed as an increased value compared to factory rebuilt or field overhauled engines in the Aircraft Price Digest and VREF. See the modification section of Aircraft Price Digest. This is a significant improvement in resale value as compared to factory engine installations. |
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| Q? |
Can I fly the aircraft to you for installation? |
| A |
Yes, we have several high quality FAA repair stations fully equipped to handle your entire fly-in aircraft servicing needs at Palo Alto or neighboring airports. Technicians can handle all levels of repairs or modifications including: engine changes, annual inspections, engine monitors, engine upgrades, interiors, aircraft painting, sound proofing and major modifications. |
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| Q? |
What is your warranty, and does the engine come with a new logbook? |
| A |
We have an exceptional Express Limited Workmanship Warranty. Parts and accessories are warranted by the respective parts manufacturer. Please see Warranty. Express Limited Workmanship 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. |
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| Q? |
How long have you been in business? |
| A |
Victor Sloan founded Victor Aviation in 1974 and has been the leader in piston engine overhaul quality ever since. |
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| Q? |
Can I order an engine direct from you or do I have to go through my FBO? |
| A |
You can buy the engine direct from us, or purchase can be arranged through your FBO. |
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| Q? |
Can my own mechanic install the engine? |
| A |
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. |
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| Q? |
Who can perform warranty work on the engine? |
| A |
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 preferred "Power By Victor"™ engine installation 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. |
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| Q? |
Do you provide customer references? |
| A |
Yes, upon request for a quote, ask for a current list of customer references. |
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| Q? |
What kind of performance change could I expect? |
| A |
We have outstanding responses from our customers on performance changes. If you wish to read some of these we have a file with hundreds of customer letters that you are welcome to review at Victor Aviation. The most notable change reported is reduction in engine vibration and improved smoothness of operation. 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 of clients available. |
