Peter R. wrote:
With my Bonanza about to roll out of maintenance with its new
(overhauled) engine, I have been considering ways to preserve that
investment.

Recently, I came across an article discussing speedbrakes and was
wondering if anyone here has experience with speedbrakes in a small
aircraft.

I see the main advantage being the ability to slow and/or descend
without having to significantly drop power, which keeps the engine warm.
If true, this would be an excellent way to maintain engine health.

Looking for any comments, either pro or con, about this modification.
Thanks.

I have the Precise Flight speed brakes on my Mooney. I've never flown a Bo, so I
can't comment on that. On the Mooney, I'd say they're "nice to have" but
certainly not a necessity. I don't use them for high power descents, but I do
use them occasionally when I misplan a descent and need to hurry up the descent,
or when ATC asks for an expedited descent.

They've been relatively maintenance free, but there has been the occasional
"hang" when they fail to retract, usually asymmetrically. The resulting roll is
easily overpowered by ailerons. The hang is corrected with cleaning and lubrication.

I wouldn't look for speedbrakes if I were buying an airplane. I wouldn't install
them if they weren't already on the plane. Since I do have them, I'm happy
they're there.

I'm not convinced shock cooling is an important issue, but that depends on your
particular religious inclination, I suppose.

Dave