Hartzell Propeller has expanded its preheating capabilities to offer a complete suite of engine preheat options to general aviation consumers. The entire preheat product line contributes to aircraft longevity, safety and ability to fly in colder weather.

Its Tanis Aircraft Products brand utilises heated bolts and silicone pads to provide engine preheat, while its newly acquired Reiff Preheat Systems brand utilises heated coils and aluminium pads to heat engine cylinders and oil sumps.

Both product lines are available across a wide variety of four and six-cylinder Lycoming, Continental and Rotax engines, while Tanis preheat systems are also available for helicopter and turboprop applications. The distinct brand designs from Tanis and Reiff now provide customers with the ability to choose the heating element technology and installation method that they prefer.

The benefits of aircraft preheat include:

- Reduced engine wear during cold starts, resulting in increased engine life

- Reduced chance of frosting spark plugs, making engine starts easier

- Reduced run-up time during cold weather operations, saving fuel

- Reduced cylinder scoring

- Promotion of proper oil flow

- Increased safety

- Compliance with engine manufacturer manuals that mandate preheating.

Guidance on when to preheat:

- Refer to aircraft and engine manufacturer instructions and guidance for cold weather operation

- When temperatures are forecast to drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit

- When frosted spark plugs are suspected based on diminished engine firing strength or multiple failed starts

- When operating turbine aircraft, helicopters and diesel engines to reduce the likelihood of torque oscillation.