PODCAST · leisure
Ask the A&Ps
by AOPA
Experts Mike Busch, Paul New, and Colleen Sterling answer your toughest aviation maintenance questions. Submit questions to [email protected]. New episodes are released the first and fifteenth of every month.
Episodes
-
"You need to tackle your mechanic"
What happens when you shut off the mags in flight? Mike, Paul, and Colleen answer this question, plus Cirrus cylinder woes, lapping technique, and more. Email [email protected] for a chance to be on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full notes below: Jeff is...
-
"They will find you"
The right oil temp, inop and new equipment, and oily turbos are on tap for this episode. Email [email protected] for a chance to be on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full episode notes below: Grace’s engine runs rough above about 2,000 rpm. She currently…
more -
"Be careful what you ask for"
A caller wants to know what they don't teach you in A&P school. Plus AD compliance, a scary engine failure, and putting the lean in lean of peak. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join KC wonders why ADs appear on some...
-
Live from AirVenture 2026, Session 2
Join Mike, Paul, and Colleen for a second live session from EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh 2026 as they are try to answer the audience's most pressing maintenance questions. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join
-
Live from AirVenture 2026
Join Mike, Paul, and Colleen as they take questions live from the audience at the AOPA tent at EAA AirVenture 2026.
-
"We're in the twenty-first century here folks"
Which oil is best, where is the oil going, running lean of peak with a carb, and how to fly a turbo are on tap for this episode. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full episode notes below: Chris' American Champion...
-
"Your mechanic feels worse than you do"
A fidgety fuel problem, octane ratings, and water in the oil are on tap for this episode. Email [email protected] for a chance to be on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full notes below: Gareth has a turbo Arrow and he's been fighting a problem with…
more -
"It's in your head"
Very cold cylinders, sort of warm cylinders, turbochargers, and pressurized mags are on tap for this episode. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full episode notes below: Bill has a Cessna 182S with the Lycoming...
-
"I always try to buy high and sell low"
Carbon monoxide, kickbacks, avionics upgrades, and leaning radials are on tap. Email [email protected] for a chance to be on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full notes below: Bill has a Cessna 210 and in climb he gets 50-100 ppm on his CO gauge. When he…
more -
"Too much data is a bad thing"
Worn intake valves, pitted camshafts, shock cooling, and AD compliance are on the docket. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full notes below: Norm wonders whether condition-based maintenance and inspections failed...
-
"TBO is not a reason to do anything to an engine"
Rising temperatures, unnecessary overhauls, unusual rigging, and ancient cloth in the wheel well are featured. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join
-
"If you lose a cylinder in your Cessna 150 you are down on a road somewhere"
Sticky valves, sleepy valves, and valves destined for the trash are on tap this episode. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full episode notes below: Mac is trying to get a cylinder to wake up on his Piper Lance.…
more -
"Am I doing anything evil?"
Avoiding maintenance can be a good thing when what's recommended is unnecessary. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full notes below: Dominick is questioning his mechanic's advice on prop overhauls. He has a Cessna...
-
"That installation is fraught with peril"
How much should a mechanic tell a client during an annual? Mike, Paul, and Colleen handle this question and more. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full notes below: Justin flies a Twin Bonanza and cylinder 5 on…
more -
"I'm an old mechanic and really like the idea of priming and painting"
Quick corrosion, long-lasting engines, and mobility mods are on tap for this episode. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full episode notes below: Patrick is looking for the right fit on a potential aircraft...
-
"That's an oft-reported myth"
Is going past TBO more expensive? Plus fuel vents and turbocharger temps. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full episode notes below: Mike wonders if running past TBO actually costs more. He has a Mooney and has...
-
“Is this like pulling a mattress tag off?”
What exactly should we be looking for in our cylinders? Plus torque tales, making TBO, and overzealous manufacturers. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full show notes below: Jared asks what he should be looking…
more -
"The owner can't do maintenance because the owner doesn't have arms"
The definitive guide to owner maintenance, slipping starter adapters, and close CHT tolerances. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join
-
"You're going to give him nightmares"
Creative leaning techniques, rusty cylinders, and odd manifold pressure indications are on tap this time. Send your questions to [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join
-
"He has a piston with a smiley face on it that's not very happy"
Old engines, rusty airplanes, and a strange valve incident are the puzzlers for Mike, Paul, and Colleen this episode. Send your questions to [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full episode notes below: John has a Beech...
-
"Just be sure you lube it with something"
Pre-emptive engine overhauls, upgrading an old electrical system, spark plug anti-seize, and old wood wing concerns are on tap for this episode. Send your questions to [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full episode…
more -
"If you go to 76 percent, the wings will fall off"
A creative modification, lean of peak with turbocharging, electronic ignition, and oil leaks are on tap. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full notes below: Tom has a turbocharged Mooney and he's wondering how to...
-
"It's one of the few accidents where you get to choose where it happens"
Mike, Paul, and Colleen dig deep for some detailed troubleshooting on digital fuel indicators, oil temperature, gear problems, and more this episode. Send your questions to [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full notes...
-
"Being an aircraft owner is the hardest job in aviation"
From maintaining aircraft records to dealing with bad advice and sub-standard parts, Mike, Paul, and Colleen say being an aircraft owner is one of the hardest jobs in aviation. Email your questions to [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community…
more -
"That's an urban legend"
What's in our oil, how to keep cool (and warm), and lean of peak are on tap for this episode. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full episode notes below: Mark flies a 182 and he read on a forum that the reason…
more -
"More time to fly, less time to turn wrenches"
In this episode, Mike, Paul, and Colleen discuss unnecessary maintenance, lean of peak, and flaming exhausts! Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full episode notes below: Mitchell has a Cessna 185 and he's…
more -
"You have a lot of splaining to do"
Gotchas and head-scratchers are the theme this episode, as Mike, Paul, and Colleen help an owner with a pitted camshaft, an inop instrument, a faulty vacuum line, and ops procedures. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at...
-
"Mechanics can be ornery sometimes"
How do you fix a fix? Mike, Paul, and Colleen explore STC challenges, including parts, wrong installations, and ADS-B that isn't working. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org Full notes below: Barat has a Cirrus SR22 with...
-
Live from Airventure 2025
Mike, Paul, and Colleen are in the hot seat as they answer live audience questions from Airventure 2025. We'll be back with our regular show next time. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join
-
"That'd be like putting grease on the road"
How to tell the difference between greases? Mike, Paul, and Collen break it down, plus high lean of peak temps, breaking in an engine on an experimental, and composite airframe cracks. Email [email protected] for a chance to be on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at...
-
"That's one way to flat spot a tire"
Mike, Paul, and Colleen explain why they almost never set their parking brakes. Plus, valve guide concerns and gotchas on preflight. Email [email protected] for a chance to be on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full notes below: William wants to know how…
more -
"An airplane with no engine is worth nothing"
Oil is everywhere this time, with consumption and temperatures problems for three of our owners. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full notes below: Mark has a Twin Comanche and is loving his new electronic...
-
"You have to cart mogas around like a homeless person"
A Cirrus with fluctuating fuel flow, de-injecting an engine, and fear of overhaul are on tap for this episode. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full notes below: Joe has a Maule with a 540 engine in it. The…
more -
"You have license to go zorching around"
An owner wants to fly his engine after it sat for 7 years. Plus, prop strike at the shop, lean of peak, and break-in trouble. Email [email protected] for a chance to be on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full episode notes below: Rupert is having trouble...
-
"Continentals burn valves and Lycomings stick valves"
Valves are sticking all over as the hosts give advice on how to avoid pulling cylinders. Send your questions to [email protected] for a chance to be on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full notes below: Rick has a 182 with a new Pponk engine and he’s burning...
-
"My airplane is a flying experiment"
It's all engines all the time this episode. Rusty ones, sticky ones, and one that doesn't burn oil. Email [email protected] for a chance to be on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full episode notes below: Ralph had to throw away his relatively new engine. His...
-
"They put all their maintenance records on napkins"
Chris is trying to make sense of his logbooks. He has a Cessna 172 RG and he and his partners had a few electrical issues recently. Some of the logbook entries went in the airframe book and some went in the engine logbook, and he’s wondering about the decision-making process involved in picking…
more -
"Keep torturing those airplanes...and students"
John is a maintenance officer in a club, and he is wondering about tire ply ratings. The manual calls for 4 ply, but they often install 6 ply and he’s wondering if that’s ok. The hosts all agree that they have subbed in higher ply ratings when supply dictates. Paul’s rule of thumb is that he…
more -
"Shame on you for even thinking about it"
Should you trade your aging airplane in anticipation of higher repair costs on your current bird? Mike, Paul, and Colleen have a strong opinion on this. Plus, sticky valves, taking good care of turbos, and engine monitor set-up frustrations. Email [email protected] for a chance to be on the show....
-
"If that doesn't work you've got the flame thrower option"
Ever wonder how the flap system in a Cessna works? This episode Mike, Paul, and Colleen take a deep dive on the system, plus engine vibrations, leaning for high altitude takeoffs and go arounds, and getting bees out of a restoration. Email [email protected] for a chance to be on the show. Join…
more -
"Your airplane is on a full-time IV drip"
Can one high oil pressure reading forever alter your engine? Mike, Paul, and Colleen answer this question, plus the quirks of the O-470, compression test redemption, and repairman certificates. Email [email protected] for a chance to be on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at...
-
"You don’t know if he’s going to hit you with a wrench or a lawsuit"
Should you overhaul an engine based on oil analysis? The hosts answer this question, plus fuel pumps, valve grinding, and a pesky hot cylinder. Email [email protected] for a chance to be on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full notes below: David is worried...
-
"There's a serious brain drain in aviation maintenance"
A 182 mysteriously losses power and the hosts struggle to explain why. Plus, basic engine temperature theory, confusing ADs, and why it's so hard to find good help these days. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join…
more -
"Check it, log it, and then relax"
Can you have a prop strike without a prop? This is one of the more unusual questions the hosts have faced. They also track down a carbon monoxide leak, advise on Continental rpm settings, and help an owner who likely had a pre-ignition event. Email [email protected] for a chance to be on the…
more -
"There’s a reason they call these amateur built"
How to identify CamGuard in an oil analysis, erratic idles, how to check the oil, and what the wrong prop does to an engine are on tap for the latest episode. Email [email protected] for a chance to be on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full notes below: Tan...
-
"Don't open up the fuel system if you don't have to"
Clogged injectors, how to care for an engine while training, avoiding costly altimeter checks, and engine design considerations are on tap for this episode. Email [email protected] for a chance to be on the show. Join AOPA to become a member of the world's largest aviation community at...
-
"The engine didn't explode"
Mike, Paul, and Colleen sludge through oil pumps that lose prime, skipping an oil filter change, and using the right oil in this Texas tea-themed episode. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org Full notes below: Mike has a...
-
"When they go bad the engine is toast"
Lean of peak is causing odd vibrations in a Commander, and the hosts discuss proper troubleshooting. Plus carb heat on the ground, dehydrators, and parts no longer manufactured. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Full notes below. Chip said his mechanic is concerned about…
more -
"It goes through cylinders like flapjacks"
Rough idle, electronic ignition basics, airplanes to avoid (or not), and the difference between detonation and pre-ignition are on tap for this episode. Email us at [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full notes below:...
-
"When it starts to talk to you it's time to replace it"
How do you know when to replace certain parts? They begin to talk to you. Find out what, why, how, and when when Mike, Paul, and Colleen tackle this and other questions. Email [email protected] for a chance to be on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full notes...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Experts Mike Busch, Paul New, and Colleen Sterling answer your toughest aviation maintenance questions. Submit questions to [email protected]. New episodes are released the first and fifteenth of every month.
HOSTED BY
AOPA
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Ask the A&Ps have?
Ask the A&Ps currently has 115 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Ask the A&Ps about?
Experts Mike Busch, Paul New, and Colleen Sterling answer your toughest aviation maintenance questions. Submit questions to [email protected]. New episodes are released the first and fifteenth of every month.
How often does Ask the A&Ps release new episodes?
Ask the A&Ps publishes regularly with 115 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Ask the A&Ps?
You can listen to Ask the A&Ps on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Ask the A&Ps?
Ask the A&Ps is created and hosted by AOPA.
URL copied to clipboard!