Q)    Why do you only mention "full throttle" settings when you mention power increases with K&Ns?  Will I not see greater power at  partial or cruise power settings as well?  
A)    Normally if your engine is "throttled back" in partial throttle plate (butterfly) settings such as when at lower density altitudes and when at cruise, your gains in better efficiency will evidence themselves in better fuel efficiency because your engine is breathing easier and sucks more air vs fuel to deliver the same power.  Think of it like this;  when your engine breathes better (less restriction) it creates more power easier on less fuel.  Since many of us fly at higher density altitudes much of the time at full or wide-open throttle (even though the engine isn't developing full power), that is when advantages of less restrictive air cleaners like this are most evident in greater effective power.    

Q)    Have you documented a fuel savings and will I save money on gas?
A)    Yes. Pilots report a .3 to .5 gallon per hour savings. At 100 hours that is a savings of up to 50 gallons of fuel or more than the price of most K&N filters.  Figures like this carry through to turbos as well (see below)

Q)    How about turbos? 
A)    Less restrictive intake systems mean the turbo doesn't have to works as hard and result is in better fuel efficiency as well as cooler intake temps.  There is also the thought that the critical altitude will be increased-but we haven't proven this as of yet.   However, paper elements have certain intrinsic drawbacks such as being susceptible to disintegration when dirty (or wet) which allow bits of paper and grit to actually be sucked into the engine and this is especially problematic in turbos.   K&Ns oil impregnated cotton do not suffer these problems and are highly recommended for turbos as turbos are known to actually suck in bits of the filter media and the associated dirt and grit more readily than normally aspirated engines.  

Q)    You advertise your filters are re-usable and can be cleaned.  How many times can I re-clean the cotton air filter element?
A)    K&N filters can be cleaned up to 25 times or about 2,500 flying hours+/- depending on operation conditions.

Q)    How often and how do I know when to clean the K&N air filter element?
A    The filter element should be inspected if not actually cleaned once every calendar year, every 100 hours, or sooner in dusty conditions.  However, we find many don't need to be cleaned this often depending on environmental conditions.  Use your eyes and inspect the filter.  Some users hold it up to a light and see if they can still see though it easily.

Q)    When I clean the element or wash it, won't I wash out the oil?  And if so, how is it replaced?
A)    Simple, most users buy a K&N Recharge Kit which is sufficient supply of oil and cleaner to last for about 5+ cleaning cycles.  Follow the recharge/cleaning instructions enclosed in the Recharge Kit which primarily say that you should wash the cotton element with the cleaning solution, rinse it with warm water, let it dry, and then recharge/re-oil it sparingly as per the enclosed instructions.  It is vital you do not add too much oil as this is a case where too much is bad and can do damage to both the engine and the element itself.   Generally, you drip a few bubbles of oil on the element and let it "wick around" so as to give it a reddish hue as when new.   Add oil as necessary to fill in the dry areas but do not soak or over oil the element under any circumstances.  

Q)    How many "charges" do I get out of the Recharge Kit, or (to put it another way), how much oil is included in the Recharge Kit to replenish the oil washed out when I wash the filter?
A)    Normally, the cotton filter material itself will tolerate up to 20 to 25 washes and recharges depending on your technique etc. If used properly, there is enough cleaner and oil in a Recharge Kit to last for 5+/- clean/recharge duty cycles.

Q)    What about the AD in paper filters-does it apply to K&N elements?
A)    Challenger filters are not subject to the OEM stock paper filter AD referring to filters made by Donaldson

Q)    What type of warranty does Challenger Aviation have?
A)    First off, warranty claims are extremely rare if non-existent on this type of product.  But with that said, the filter is warranted to be free of defects for a period of 1 year.  If for any reason you are unhappy with the unit within the first 90 days, return the unit to us in its original shipping container and with all associated paperwork etc., and we will gladly refund your purchase price less shipping and handing.  As a rule, these units are designed to last a minimum of 10 years providing they are serviced in accordance with the instructions. Challenger Aviation Inc's. obligation is limited to the replacement of, or (at Challenger's option), return of the purchase price of any product which is returned to Challenger or Magna Labs.  Neither Challenger nor Magna Labs will be responsible for labor, shipping, or installing a replacement product or any damage to your engine/airframe.  For more information, see the warranty material furnished in every air filter box or call Challenger directly at (937-667-0510).   Magna Labs does not manufacture these units and does not warranty them.

Q)    What type of airflow testing has been done to verify your claims?
A)    While numerous high performance users have verified K&N claims on their own independent dynos over the years, K&N performs most tests on a SuperFlow Corp. SF-1020 flow bench which is a computerized flow bench capable of measuring up to 1020 cu ft. per min. at test pressures up to 50 inches of water.

Q)    Since "low restriction" can mean "low filtration", what is the micron filtration rating of K&N air filters?
A)    Good question.  Air filters are not rated by micron size on an absolute basis. (See technical service bulletin 89-5R from the Filter Manufacturer's Council)  The proper rating system for air filters is a testing procedure developed to measure the efficiency of the filtration media at varying micron sizes. K&N reports that they routinely subject a sample of our air filters to this testing procedure conducted by independent laboratories.  The primary purpose of this testing is to ensure that our air filter designs meet or exceed automotive industry standards.  These filtration tests are performed in accordance with the Society of Automotive Engineer's (SAE) J726 testing procedure.  The content of the test dust used in accordance with the testing procedure follows:

Thus the manufacturers testing has demonstrated that on average, K&N air filters have an overall efficiency rating of between 97 and 99%.   With proper cleaning K&N air filters will protect your engine for the life of your vehicle. 

Q)    How long does it take to install the typical K&N air cleaner on most Mooneys and can I do it myself?
A)    On some models like the M20C and 200 hp M20E/F where the filter element is on the outside of the cowl and you do not have to remove the cowl, it can be done in a few minutes with minimal hand tools.  On M20Js,Ks, and so on (see M20J pic to right),  you have to remove the cowl so it takes longer; or about 20-30 minutes on the average.  Generally, it couldn't be simpler and the common thought is that not unlike replacing the oil filter, most sources we checked with indicate this is a maintenance procedure the owner is allowed to do under the FARs.  However, check with your shop or the your local FAA to make sure.  

Q)    I have told others around the airport about my K& N.  Do you sell and stock filters for other brands of aircraft?
A)    Yes, we normally stock many popular Bonanza, Cessna 182/172 filters as well as some Piper elements.  These users report similar gains as well.  Check our Application Page  for more details and installation tips.
 

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