I am NOT a mechanic of any type and must not play one on the Internet!
I've noticed that series, too. Thanks for doing the lookup and analysis.
Below is my non-expert, pilot-level advice.
Considering the soft statistic* that 90% plus of engine failures are caused
by something else, not the engine itself, I'd urge you to:
1. Take good care of all the auxiliary systems, fuel, wires, fuel lines,
spark plugs, oil, air filter, amount of fuel, make sure there's no sloshing
compound in the fuel tanks, etc. (For example, my one "engine" failure was
gas line ice.)
2. Of course, watch for any sign of actual engine problems
3. If you detect an engine problem, solve it BEFORE taking off to go fly
again. Don't just make a guess and replace something then go flying to test
it.**
4. Follow the age old wisdom of flying: ALWAYS have a landing spot in
gliding distance. This changes an accident into an incident and that makes
all the difference! (It did to me. My one "engine" failure was a minor
incident with no damage, no FAA report*** and no 6 o'clock news.)
Ed
*A "soft statistic" is, like all statistics, made up on the spot as the best
guess of the speaker or writer.
**Advice from a skilled engine mechanic who said he has watched too many
accidents caused by poor problem resolution and going flying to 'see if it's
OK now.'
*** I suppose that technically, an FAA report should have been made but no
one was interested in doing so, least of all me.
