ORIGINAL: JPMacG
ORIGINAL: willig10
Jpmag: I have to disagree with you a little here. Here is why. The engine is not the instructors but the student's engine. It is the job of an instructor to lead the way, give advice but not to dictate what engine the student ultimately decides to purchase. In my humble opinion a reputable instructor will or should be able to dial an engine in and pass that knowledge to the student.
My 2 cents
Glenn
Glenn,
I understand your point, and I do agree with you to an extent. But some instructors have strong opinions for or against a certain brand. It would be wise for a new student to talk with his instructor before purchasing an engine. If they cannot come to a compromise then either the student will need to find a different instructor or accept the instructors wishes, rational or not. The instructor is donating his time, and typically many hours of his time. It is only considerate to include him in the decision.
Here is an example. Some Enya and Fox engines are iron piston-lapped steel liner engines. They are excellent engines but they require a long break-in period, require fuel with high castor content, and some Fox engines require very low nitro fuel and require a unique needle adjustment procedure. If an instructor did not have experience with these engines in the past then there might be a problem.
Another example: Some of the ''bargain'' 2-stroke engines manufacturers are known for poor quality control. If a student happens to get a good engine then everything is great. If he is unlucky and gets a dog, then hours of the instructors time may be wasted looking for air leaks and so on. I've been down this path and it was aggrevating. I wasted many days at the field on which I could have been flying myself so that my student could save $30 on the cost of his engine.
There are students who are very good with engines right from the start and don't need help. But this is the exception. Most students are clueless and don't even want or try to read the engine manual. They show up at the field with an engine that has never been run and expect the instructor to do everything. Breaking in one brand of engine may take just one or two tanks. Breaking in another type of engine may take an hour or two. Breaking in / troubleshooting a difficult engine may take many hours.
I'll get off my soapbox now. I apologize for the rant.
Regards
Jon