The Most Nervous I Have Ever Been to Fly - Major Engine Repair

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I've had to break in 2 engines on my previous PA28-181 Archer II after they developed problems. My second engine only made it to 1,200 hours because I wasn't using it enough. My home airport is class D. At the hold short line I told them I was breaking in an engine and I would be spiraling up and be doing patterns just above the class D at 3000 for an hour or two (can't remember the total time). They were really cool about it. They knew I was there the whole time and even gave me traffic alerts even though I was technically outside their airspace. They even checked in with me to see how it was going. I was sure to stay within gliding distance of the favored runway. In the end, I had no problems.

Glad it all went well! I’ve made several circuits above my home airport following maintenance work as well. Always remember the quote from MzeroA, “We never have to be anywhere in general aviation”!!

I replaced the O-360 in my Skyhawk many years ago. I know what you went though. Although I did not have a big city to worry about on that first takeoff. Just a big lake. Private airport on the lake. During that first hour made several power changes. All was good. My new engine felt, sounded and performed great.

When I was getting my license, my CFI told me the most dangerous plane was one that just came back from the shop!

Same problem just happened to my truck. Far less expensive, obviously, but still frustrating! Quite a timely video

Excellent approach to post maintenance testing

Super excited for you! 🎉. 5 months isn’t bad at all nowadays for an IRAN. Can’t wait for some new content, love watching your videos! You really should consider doing a Bahamas trip! I know it’s a lot more flying for you than Mexico but I promise you will be absolutely amazed by flying in the Bahamas. I fly there every year from Michigan and it’s always epic! Super happy for you for getting the plane back!

I feel you Eric. I've been through that. Glad it all went well. Vamos!

I waved at you during the run-up area at KEMT right before you took off! Great video, glad all is well with you and the plane 🙏

Amazing to hear what's going on inside your head. It sounds the exact same as me when I fly my 170. Hyper aware and nervous at times. Keep up the great content

Glad it all went well. Look forward to more flying videos.

Good job! 1BW flew perfect last Tuesday! 👌🏻

Hey Eric. Great video. Happy you made the Mexico trip. 😊

I’m an 18 year old private pilot at KRIR. I would love to get a chance to learn from a pilot like you! Thank you for your great videos.

I am going through the exact same thing. My Cherokee went in for annual Dec. 11th and I’m hoping everything is back together this week so I can fly a ton and then go see the eclipse. We had to replace 2 cylinders, the engine motor mount due to cracked joint welds and the other miscellaneous cables, hoses, etc. to put it all back together. I’m going up with a CFI since I haven’t flown in over 90 days.

Awesome. That’s good to see. I had an engine failure in my Lance last week and it’s headed to Don for overhaul now. Finding cylinders is going to be a delay but hopefully not too bad.

That's one quiet 6 cylinder, at least compared to a noisy cirrus that I fly 😂

This is the kind of video I like.

Great to hear you are back in the air.. Don should be done with mine but I wanted him to fly my new engine. :)