I do believe this thread proves the old Usenet adage that "anyone will
argue anything". For you to be questioning the rather obvious fact
that high-power/low-power engine operations are harder on an aircraft
than steady-state engine operations illustrates a remarkable, um,
quality.

Jay, this simply isn't an "obvious fact" and I'm not convinced it is a
fact at all. You have provided one mechanic who thinks your way and
several of us have provided mechanics who disagree. This is hardly the
scenario that would surround an "obvious" fact.

I am apparently speaking a foreign language here, because I'm having a
hard time comprehending how normally intelligent people can argue this
point. Let's see if I can 'splain myself.

1. High power operation of an engine puts increased strain on
EVERYTHING. Seals, rods, gears, accessories. You name it, high power
operation is harder on your engine than low power operation.

2. Going from low to high power abruptly (and that, remember, is the
crux of this issue; I don't think anyone is arguing that gradual/
gentle application is terrible for your engine -- although it WILL
wear it out faster) puts sudden, abrupt pressue on those
aforementioned seals, rods, gears, pistons, cylinders, accessories.
This is what is known as "BAD", in my world.

3. Your engine has a certain number of revolutions in it before it
reaches TBO. Might be a million, might be a billion -- I don't know.
Whatever that number, if you run at higher RPMs, you will reach that
finite limit sooner. Stuff run at high RPM wears out quicker.

And, most importantly to this thread, engines rammed from 900 RPM to
full power, and back, over and over, are going to wear out sooner.
Same with props, automobiles, lawn mowers, motorcycles, blenders,
chain saws, snow blowers, and virtually any other mechanical device
you can name.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"