We also did some basic experimenting of our own and talked with maintenance shops, aircraft owners and engine shops. We didn’t perform laboratory testing, given the costs, but instead collected manufacturers’ performance data, based on its claimed lab testing. We sampled one of each (approved replacements for Cessna part number 120009, used on the 172-series) to look at design, build quality and each manufacturers performance claims. There are only three brands of FAA-approved air filters-Brackett Aero Filters, Challenger Aviation and Donaldson Filtration. According to Lycoming, dust or some form of dirt is frequently the principal factor in premature piston ring and cylinder wear. Clearly, air filter maintenance is an easy way to help protect the inside of an engine. Incidentally, that engine needed overhaul long before its new owner planned.

It’s a required component to check during annual inspection, but we once spotted a paper air filter on a Cessna 210 that was so dirty and deteriorated we wondered if it was ever replaced. It’s one of those service items that many rely on the maintenance shop to look after.īut we think it’s critical enough to at least know what type of filter is on your engine and that it’s being properly maintained. Ask a typical owner what type of inlet air filter he has and you’ll likely get a shoulder shrug.

Airflow performance orings aircraft