As a non-mechanical kind of guy (you won't see me tinkering with my car or the toaster) I found learning to deal with engines to be much harder than learning to fly. In fact, I can tear up the sky (well at least bend it a bit) but I'm still learning how to solve engine problems.

I remember when I first went out to the field I was amazed at the the dexterous movements of the "old hands" fingers and they brought my trainer's stubborn engine to life. They put their fingers over the muffler and carb, rubbed their fingers together to check for oil in the exhaust, pinched the fuel tube to stop the engine, tweaked the carb needle as they cocked their ear to one side. Sure some had tach meters but most just seems to know what an well-tuned engine should sound like. Almost 10 months later I'm also beginning to recognize that sound. But when my engine won't start I'm greatful for all the experienced help I can get.

And there ain't no amount of book learnin' that can replace that!