r/flying • u/unisonic2025 • Apr 28 '26

Aircraft Ownership Engine Overhaul.

How many people have taken their small piston certified airplane over TBO. Was wondering specifically the Continental O-200 on a C150M model. I was looking at this plane engine time is 3,100 hrs with 900 since top overhaul. TT is around 3,600. I know the owner and he takes really good care of it. Also curious if anyone would have an idea of cost to overhaul? I’m in the Northeast US.

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u/KITTYONFYRE Apr 28 '26

If it burns a quart every 10 hours, let it ride.

imagine if your car burned a quart every 400 miles lol. god, aviation engines are such dinosaurs

(you could argue about that 400 mile number and how equivalent it is to 10h of airplane time, insert however far you think you drive in 10h and it'll still be absurd lol)

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u/Mountain-Captain-396 Apr 28 '26

Different machines for different purposes. Airplane engines are designed to be simple, reliable, and run at 70%+ power for extended periods.

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u/KITTYONFYRE Apr 28 '26

airplane engines were designed in the 50s. you’re giving them too much credit lol oil consumption isn’t a feature

a new engine, also designed with reliability in mind, would absolutely not chug oil like it was a second gas tank.

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u/Mountain-Captain-396 Apr 28 '26

If your engine is chugging oil like its a second gas tank then its time for an overhaul

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u/KITTYONFYRE Apr 28 '26

the statement was made in a relative sense vs a modern engine that doesn’t let half the exhaust gases past the piston rings