August 29 2006

 

Mr. Bob Krueger

President

Tanis Aircraft Services

18781 County Road 22

PO Box 117

Glenwood, MN 56334

 

 

Mr. Krueger,

 

I would like to share my experience with engine preheating and why it is such important requirement for all pilots and aircraft owners to consider.

 

I had previously owned an aircraft without an permanent engine heater. Living in a cold weather climate (Minnesota) I was using a portable kerosene heating system with an air duct that directed warm air upward into the engine compartment. I would pre-heat for several hours with this portable system prior to starting the engine. I had used this heating procedure for 2 years (and SMOH) and thought I was fully warming my engine properly prior to engine start. On a cold February morning and just minutes after take-off, I experienced an unnerving engine vibration at 3000’ AGL that required an immediate shut down and a concurrent 180 degree turn back to the airport.

 

I was fortunate to have a strong tailwind that assisted me in reaching the airport with a non-event landing. My mechanic said the engine failure problem was caused by lack of lubricating oil due to improper pre-heating. This engine had just 380 hours since overhaul. During engine rebuild my mechanic insisted that I install a preheating system and recommended the Tanis brand. I followed his recommendation and have been extremely pleased with the Tanis heater.

 

This failure happened to me back in the mid 1980’s and I have installed Tanis heaters on each aircraft owned thereafter. I currently use the Tanis TAS 100 on my IO-360. I use this system from fall to spring, which is generally October to April. The Tanis heater is very economical to use, so I keep it plugged in 24/7. My electric bill cost to keep my engine properly heated in an unheated hangar is approximately just $12.60 month. I now have the piece of mind that my engine is properly heated and ready for operation.

 

I have over 20 years of experience with Tanis engine heaters and have had 100% reliability with your equipment. Furthermore, I have not experienced any problems associated with cold weather operation and I strongly recommend to all aircraft owners that they consider using your products.

 

Tailwinds,


Jerry Brown
Vice President Business Development and Midwest Manager
Aviation Safety Council, Inc. / Flying Adventures Magazine

612.280.3044

jbrown@FlyingAdventures.com
www.FlyingAdventures.com